Measure Twice, Cut Once

Send a text In this episode, I share the story behind my Free Motion Quilting Masterclass, explaining how I discovered my passion for longarm quilting and developed techniques to help others master freehand quilting without patterns or templates. Resources Mentioned: Free Motion Quilting Masterclass: Available at stitchedbysusan.com under the "Learn" tab YouTube Channel: " Stitched...

Send a text 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 theo...

Send a text In this episode, I discuss how excellence and efficiency can coexist in creative entrepreneurship. Episode Highlights: Finding the balance between providing excellent service and maintaining profitability The difference between excellence and perfection Creating a "sweet spot" where excellence and efficiency intersect The importance of developing signature techniques and syst...

Send a text In this episode, I speak with Erynn Truexx, the creative force behind True Threads Quilting and The Panto Shop . The conversation explores Erynn's journey as a quilter and entrepreneur, focusing on her experience with longarm quilting and her recent acquisition of the Panto Shop, a digital pantograph marketplace. Key Topics Discussed Erynn's introduction to quilting through t...

Send a text 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, and confidence. This episode o...

Send a text 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. Sponsored By Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set - Use code MEAS...

Send a text In this episode, I welcome Amy Lollis, a quilt pattern writer, fabric designer, podcaster, crocheter, and Oklahoma homeschool mom.  About Amy Lollis Quilt pattern writer, fabric designer, podcaster, crocheter Oklahoma homeschool mom Creator behind Amy Lollis Creative Unofficial motto: "Make every day just a little bit more magical" Topics Discussed No-Spend Challenge : Amy di...

Send a text In 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, per...

Send a text In 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...

Send a text 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 business. ...

Send a text Join 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 Story Website - https://www.stringandstory.com/ Kristin of Laurastar Website - https://www.laurastar.com/ Lorelai Kueker of Pigs in a Blanket Quilting Website - https://www.pigsinablan...

Send a text In 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 bala...

Send a text 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, Wales, Japan, France...

Send a text In this episode, I emphasize the importance, as I see it, of collaboration over competition. It's a beautiful thing when our quilting community shares knowledge, celebrates others' successes, and seeks help without fear. I advocate for giving proper credit to original ideas and designs, ensuring a supportive and vibrant and sustainable creative industry.  Tune in to learn how...

Send a text 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...

Send a text In Season 5 of Measure Twice, Cut Once, the focus shifts to the business side of quilting and creative entrepreneurship. The season aims to share personal experiences and host guest discussions on building a thriving creative business.  The opening of the episode introduces Heather from PurpleHobbies.com , who designs custom 3D printed sewing tools.  My favorite is the binding third ha...

Send a text Creative Entrepreneurship and Pricing with guest 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 on prici...

Send a text 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 the dema...

Send a text Exploring Creative Entrepreneurship and Quilting with Tabatha Smith In this episode of 'Measure Twice, Cut Once,' I welcome Tabatha Smith, also known as the Quilt Retreat Queen.  Tabatha discusses her journey of building a successful quilting business and the upcoming Quilted! Summit, a virtual event featuring 25 speakers sharing insights about quilting and creative business...

Send a text The Power of the Not To-Do List in Creative Entrepreneurship In season five of Measure Twice, Cut Once, the focus shifts to the behind-the-scenes world of quilting and creative business building. I'll share personal experiences and strategies for turning a passion into a profession, emphasizing the importance of a 'not to-do list.' This approach prioritizes conscious dec...

Send a text #machinequilting #artquilting #grafitti  Over 10 years ago Karlee Porter invented and made wildly popular her signature style of quilting - Grafitti Quilting. Machine quilting has never looked so gorgeous! Basically, it's a mashup of all kinds of unexpected designs in the same quilted area. But that's not all. Oh no! It also involves breaking lots of quilting "rules&quot...

Send a text Amy Freyn is one of only TWO longarm quilters in the entire country of Equador! She's a professor by day, and an avid quilter by night. She credits quilting with saving her life - twice! Her story of change and pivot and taking chances is truly remarkable. Amy's also the #dancingquilter. Take up her challenge and post your own videos with the hashtag. Let your happiness show...

Send a text Carly Brush and Lydia Kao are representing WHATNOT, which is a community marketplace all wrapped up in an app. They are both so excited to be building the Quilting and Sewing category of WHATNOT, and it is growing at a tremendous rate. It has been designed to serve small business owners, with simplicity and convenience and, really, it's a virtual store front for small businesses a...

Send a text Adria Good has been quilting for a very long time! She's quilted through getting married...kids...homeshooling...basketball coaching...all the things. Her story is one of learning and growing. New idea?  Research and learn. New upgrade?  Practice, and expand capabilities. New challenge? Take it one step at a time. You CAN do the hard things. Listen to hear all these stories and mo...

Send a text Today I'm talking about a slightly uncomfortable topic - what to do when everything’s just going wrong. Just last week, I received a schooling in this! I regularly live stream quilting a project on YouTube and Facebook. I’ve dubbed it Live & Unscripted, and sometimes Quilting’s First Reality Show because it’s just that - real time process without any edits or “cleaning up”. I’...