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15 Quilting Tools Hiding in Your Hardware Store
Send us a textIn this episode, I explore unconventional and budget-friendly quilting tools that can be found at your local hardware store. As part of Season 5's focus on building a creative business, this episode offers practical tips for quilters looking to save money while enhancing their craft.Hardware Store Quilting Tools:Tools Section:Magnetic Bowls - Deeper than typical pin dishes, perfect for holding pins, especially heavy-duty long arm pinsMagnetic Bars - Used to secure quilt tops when floating them on a long arm machineTelescoping Magnetic Handles - Great for retrieving dropped pins or reaching into tight spacesScissor Sharpeners - For extending the life of all-purpose scissors (not recommended for high-quality sewing shears)Small Inspection Mirrors - Helpful for checking the bobbin area or viewing the back of a quilt without flipping itPaint Department: 6. Painter's Tape - Susan's "all-time winner" for marking boundaries, creating guides, securing loose seams, and making cutting jigs 7. Rubber Mallet - Perfect for flattening bulky seams that won't fit under machine feet, also useful for snaps and grommetsMeasuring Section: 8. Yardstick - Longer than typical quilting rulers, useful for holding side clamp straps at the long arm machineStorage & Organization: 9. S-Hooks - Great for hanging rulers on pegboards or temporarily displaying quilts 10. Wire Shelving with Wheels - Space-saving storage that can be rolled when needed 11. Snap-Together Storage Bins - Perfect for organizing small supplies like seam rippers and marking tools 12. Mesh Drawer Organizers - Good for visible storage of color-organized scraps 13. Closet Organization Hardware - For storing batting rolls using closet rails and PVC pipeLighting: 14. LED Stick-On Lights - For additional task lighting under machines - Tip: Use a floor lamp with adjustable neck for "quilting by shadow" on dark or busy printsBuilding Materials: 15. Plexiglass Sheets - For auditioning quilting designs Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.Support the show------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.Resources: ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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Engagement Magic: it Starts With a Story
Send us a textIn this episode, I explore the power of storytelling in newsletters and email marketing for creative entrepreneurs. She shares how incorporating personal stories can dramatically increase engagement, build connection with subscribers, and transform newsletters from dreaded tasks into effective business tools.Want to learn how to write story based emails for yourself? Bill Mueller has one of the best courses to learn how! For more information, visit his website. ****Note: Some links in this episode are affiliate links which means that if you use the link and purchase the product or service, it won't cost you more, and I'll earn a little commission. It's a great way to support the podcast!00:00 Welcome to Season Five: Behind the Scenes of Creative Entrepreneurship01:06 The Power of Stories in Newsletters02:21 Engaging Your Audience with Personal Stories06:16 The Art of Story Transition in Emails12:01 Practical Tips for Adding Stories to Your Newsletters14:16 Overcoming Common Objections to Storytelling16:20 The Benefits of Storytelling in Business17:22 Final Thoughts and EncouragementWant to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going.Support the show------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.Resources: ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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19:36
Carina Gardner: A Creative Dynamo
Send us a textIn this episode, Susan welcomes Carina Gardner, a renowned fabric designer and CEO of multiple companies. Carina, who has designed fabric for Riley Blake Designs, dies for Silhouette, host of the Make and Design Podcast, creater of Design Suite, and is the founder of the University of Arts and Design, shares her journey and strategies for building a thriving creative business. The episode covers Carina's latest exciting project, her new office 'the barn,' and its role in her content creation and family life balance. Carina also delves into the significance of niche marketing, follower engagement, and the real metrics of success. She discusses her approach to content creation and her notable achievement of founding the University of Arts and Design, offering comprehensive design and business education. Carina emphasizes listening to her community, pivoting based on needs, and the importance of impactful time management. Packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring creative entrepreneurs.01:04 Introducing Carina Gardner02:26 Balancing Family and Business07:29 Content Creation Strategies12:21 The Importance of Niche and SEO18:48 Design Suite and University Programs26:51 Building a Lasting Legacy30:10 Final Thoughts and FarewellWant to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going. Are you looking to ADVANCE your machine quilting skills?Machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It's just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend's house for the day, right? But it's important to have that community - that sharing of ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation.For more information and to sign up, visit our website. Support the show------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.Resources: ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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Snippets from QuiltCon 2025
Send us a textJoin me at QuiltCon 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona! I had the pleasure to speak with vendors, attendees and teachers, and recorded them to share with you. Find out more about them below:Hollyann of String and StoryWebsite - https://www.stringandstory.com/Kristin of LaurastarWebsite - https://www.laurastar.com/Lorelai Kueker of Pigs in a Blanket QuiltingWebsite - https://www.pigsinablanketquilting.com/Cheryl Koranda - Longarm LeagueWebsite - https://www.longarmleague.com/Natalie of OESDWebsite - https://oesd.com/Amy Chappell Website - https://amerooniedesigns.com/Karlee Porter Website - https://www.karleeporter.com/Elizabeth deMoo of Brown Bird Designs Website - https://brownbirddesigns.com/Enjoli Strait with BERNINAWebsite - https://www.doodlequiltingstudio.com/Sew Becca - Website - https://sewbecca.com/Melissa Renfrey of Storyteller StitcheryWebsite - https://storytellerstitchery.com/Chelsie of Pink Door Fabrics Website - https://www.pinkdoorfabrics.com/Blair Stocker Want to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going. Are you looking to ADVANCE your machine quilting skills?Machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It's just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend's house for the day, right? But it's important to have that community - that sharing of ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation.For more information and to sign up, visit our website. Support the show------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.Resources: ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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50:28
Navigating Creativity, Business, and Life with Amy Smart
Send us a textIn the latest season of 'Measure Twice, Cut Once,' we dive into the world of creative entrepreneurship and quilting. Join me as I welcome Amy Smart, of Diary of a Quilter, a well-established quilter and fabric designer for Riley Blake Designs. Amy and I discuss her journey from blogging to designing fabric, the evolution of her business, her strategies for maintaining balance, and insights on the quilting community's changes over the years. Learn practical tips for managing a creative business, the importance of taking breaks, and the benefits of outsourcing. Plus, hear about Amy's inspiring trip to Mexico City and her upcoming fabric line with Riley Blake Designs, 'Mary Catherine.' It's an episode packed with valuable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned creative entrepreneurs.Visit Amy at the following places:InstagramYouTubeFacebook00:00 Introduction to Season 501:03 Guest Introduction: Amy Smart02:19 Current Projects and Business Insights04:08 The Evolution of Blogging and Social Media09:33 Balancing Business and Personal Life20:30 Outsourcing and Delegation22:59 Becoming a Fabric Designer28:17 Inspiration from Mexico City34:46 Conclusion and FarewellWant to try free motion quilting but don't know where to start? Here's 3 simple steps to get going. Are you looking to ADVANCE your machine quilting skills?Machine quilting can be very solitary, especially on a longarm. It's just not that easy to pack up your machine and head to a friend's house for the day, right? But it's important to have that community - that sharing of ideas and tips, encouragement and motivation.For more information and to sign up, visit our website. Support the show------------------------If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.Resources: ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membershipFREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive courseALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class And here's where you can find more of my work: YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodesWebsite - for more information on classes and quilting servicesFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosPinterest - photo galleries and tutorials
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About Measure Twice, Cut Once

....and other life and business lessons learned from quilting. Makers have stories! And crafters have skills! In these casual chats and interviews, I (often with a guest) talk honestly about creativity. The joy, and hope, and even healing it can bring, and the businesses we can build doing the things we love.

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