In this episode, Susan interviews Blair Stocker of Wise Craft Handmade, discussing Blair’s unique approach to color and value in quilt making, her journey as a crafter, and her revival of the vintage stitching technique called “chicken scratch.”

About Blair Stocker

Blair is known for her creative approach to scrappy quilts, focusing on value rather than strict color theory. She comes from a background in apparel design and fashion merchandising, bringing a unique perspective to quilt making.

Key Topics Discussed

Blair’s Journey into Quilting

• Grew up in a family of seamstresses, but not specifically quilt makers
• Studied apparel design and worked in the fashion industry
• Made her first quilt for her daughter (now 26) after moving to Seattle
• Started business Wise Craft Handmade in 2015, focusing more seriously on quilts

The Ruby Ruler

• A multi-purpose tool Blair created in 2017
• Functions as both a cutting ruler and a value viewer
• Uses red film technology similar to what landscape painters and photographers use
• Helps quilters see value contrast (the “sunshine and shadow”) in fabric selections
• Alternative to the black-and-white photo technique for assessing value

Chicken Scratch Embroidery

• A vintage stitching technique Blair has revived
• Always done on gingham fabric, using the grid as a guide
• Also known as Amish Lace, Snowflake Lace, or Depression Lace
• Meditative, relaxing handwork that’s easier than counted cross-stitch
• Blair offers Block of the Month programs to teach this technique

Blair’s Teaching Philosophy

• Loves opening students’ eyes to color value possibilities
• Enjoys bringing new perspectives to experienced quilters
• Appreciates the meditative benefits of hand stitching

Blair’s Gem of Wisdom

Don’t make decisions too early in the quilt-making process. What might look like a mistake when done once can become an intentional design decision when repeated multiple times throughout a quilt.

Resources Mentioned

• Wise Craft Handmade website
• Blair’s Block of the Month programs
• The Ruby Ruler for color value assessment
• Blair’s first book – Wise Craft: Turning Thrift Store Finds, Fabric Scraps, and Natural Objects into Stuff You Love

Sponsor

The episode is sponsored by Susan’s Free Motion Quilting Masterclass, an on-demand course for mastering freehand quilting skills and design decisions.