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In this episode of Measure Twice, Cut Once, I explore the process of learning new skills and capabilities, both in quilting and in business. I share personal stories about taking on challenging projects—from creating a quilt from vintage blocks to building an online course business—and break down the four stages of growth: courage, commitment, capability, … Read more

In this episode, I welcome Sarah Becvar, a textile artist from England with over 20 years of experience creating machine embroidered textiles and greeting cards. Sarah shares her unique technique for creating beautiful machine embroidered cards and offers practical advice for listeners interested in trying this creative art form. About Sarah Becvar Current Projects Sarah’s … Read more

In this episode, I welcome Amy Lollis, a quilt pattern writer, fabric designer, podcaster, crocheter, and Oklahoma homeschool mom.  About Amy Lollis Topics Discussed Where to Find Amy  Sponsored By

In this episode, host 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: Paint Department: 6. … Read more

The chevron quilt is all sewn together, locked and loaded, ready for quilting! This project began with a process of sorting and choosing scraps, and auditioning them to fit my focus fabric. If you want to review that, here’s the first post. Have I mentioned I LOVE STRAIGHT LINE QUILTING!! There are just so many applications … Read more

In this episode, I explore the power of storytelling in newsletters and email marketing for creative entrepreneurs. I’ll share with you 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 … Read more

What happens when you gather 64 passionate quilters (and 46 of their wonderfully supportive husbands, sisters, and friends) on a cruise ship? Magic, that’s what! Mr. Producer and I recently returned from the most incredible quilting adventure on the high seas, and after having a chance to reflect on what a fantastic experience it was, … Read more

The scrappy strippy chevron is nearly complete.  I’ve raided the scrap bin, curated the colors, and got all the blocks made.  If you’ve missed those posts, here’s the first one to get started. All the blocks are made, it’s time to sew them together.  I began by sewing the lengthwise rows one at a time. When you … Read more

In 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 … Read more

This week I’m continuing to work on the scrappy chevron quilt. I’ve made variations of this quilt a number of times, and it is just so fun to see how different each one turns out! I start with only a very general idea of the look I want, choose a a background that I think … Read more

Join me at QuiltCon 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona! I had the pleasure to speak with vendors, attendees, and teachers, and I recorded them to share with you. Find out more about them below: Hollyann of String and Story Kristin of Laurastar Lorelai Kueker of Pigs in a Blanket Quilting Cheryl Koranda – Longarm League Natalie … Read more

Join me as I chat with 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 … Read more

In the past I showed you the quilt which currently lives on my couch. It’s super comfy and squishy and was my first foray into piecing with a linen blend.  I was immediately hooked.  The texture of the linen weave… and then the wash…it’s a winner for sure. So for my current project I’m again … Read more

In this episode, I welcome world traveler Kim Caskey to the podcast. You can find out more about her from her website at www.kimcaskey.ca and more about her world tours at www.kimcaskey.ca/tours as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Kim has the enviable job of coordinating and organizing textile tours around the world, including Ireland, Scotland, France, England, … Read more

In this episode, I emphasize the importance of collaboration over competition, urging the community to share knowledge, celebrate others’ successes, and seek help without fear. I advocate for giving proper credit to original ideas and designs, ensuring a supportive and vibrant creative industry. Tune in to learn how generosity can form a strong foundation for … Read more

In this episode, Susan introduces her listeners to Tracy Beavers, a business coach focused on helping her clients simplify their businesses and help them create successful launches and consistent income.   Some of the tenets of being visible include being visible on social media, being on the platform where your ideal clients are hanging out and … Read more

One frequent hangup with having a business, especially a service-based business like longarm quilting, is learning how to set a profitable price point that honors the amount of time you’re spending performing the service for your client. In this episode of Measure Twice, Cut Once, I’ll take the lessons learned in Episode 94 with Casey … Read more

Mastering Creative Entrepreneurship and Pricing with Casey Brown In this episode of Measure Twice, Cut Once, I introduce to you my special guest, Casey Brown, a pricing expert and author of ‘Fearless Pricing‘ and founder of Boost Pricing.  Casey’s TED Talk can be viewed here.  Casey talks about helping artisans command the prices they deserve and shares insights … Read more

Many of you have asked why I made the switch to a Bernina longarm machine after quilting over 1100 quilts on Lucy, my Gammill Vision. Here is the story!

In the new season of Measure Twice, Cut Once, I’ll be delving into the behind-the-scenes of building a creative business. The season features personal experiences and guest interviews about navigating creative entrepreneurship. I’ll shares my creative journey of turning a quilting hobby into a thriving business, sparked by the challenges of the 2020 pandemic. Despite … Read more

We tend to do reps quickly to compensate for the fact that we don’t have enough strength to complete them with control and grace.

My Free Motion Quilting Masterclass takes exactly that approach. Beginning with foundational shapes. Moving on to solid practice methods to increase machine control. And then opening up the world to dozens of creative designs and ideas.

This idea of tailoring what you’re doing “for the conditions” is a life lesson for all kind of things, even machine quilting.

What are some of the conditions we quilters need to slow down and pay attention to?

I’m so excited to announce we have a new website and a new logo! Don’t you love the thread making an S through the needle? I sure do. This is crazy exciting for me to finally roll out. Erin (my assistant) and I have been working and re-working everything in the website for months 😂 … Read more