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 ❤️You can find Amy and her dancing REELs on Instagram as @quitoquilts.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

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 and individuals. You'll hear some really creative ways that crafters are getting involved.Carly and Lydia weren't able to join at the same time, so this conversation is in two parts, and you'll get to hear both of their stories and perspectives. They have lots of examples of ways crafters are using the platform to not only buy and sell, but to support charitable goals, and to promote community.Check out the app for yourself - listen in on some live presentations....see what other crafters are doing...and see if this might be a good fit for you and your particular niche.FOR A $15 CREDIT on your first purchase, head to whatnot.info/stitchedbysusanInstagram - WHATNOT main profileInstagram - WHATNOT HandcraftedWant 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

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 more.  Adria has grown from sewing simple plush toys with her first sewing machine to working at an industrial longarm quilting machine. She now produces YouTube video and online courses, teaching women all over the world the art of free motion quilting.Adria can be found in all these places:FacebookQuilting schoolInstagramYouTubeTiktokWant 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

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’ve always included the rough bits, like thread or needle breaks, or second-guessing design decisions, because my goal is to help viewers see what a quilting studio really looks like. See how long things really take. See if I really do quilt in bare feet and manual mode!Well, this particular live stream started off with a lurch. About 8 minutes before going LIVE, I discovered that the backing of the quilt was about 2” shorter than the front. That’s a problem.  A big problem.It kind of went downhill from there….re-doing while loading…tension problems…camera problems…a loose seam catching the hopper foot and stitching it in…and so it went, until finally I just called a halt.So this is some candid talk about how that feels....and what I learned from YOU, the viewers.And spoiler - it's all good❤️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

Sam Alberts was one of my very first podcast guests - see Episode #4. Now she's back to give us an update on her Quilting Curve Studio.Sam's been (of course!) quilting, lo, these many months. But also, she's made significant pivots in her business. She was finding that      a) there are only so many hours a body can quilt, and that translates into a ceiling on income      b) she has a wealth of experience to share with other quilters who are earlier in their journey     c) she missed the companionship of other quiltersSo! Sam's quilting has entered the digital world. She's launched a YouTube channel, as well as several on-demand courses, and also been traveling to local and national quilt shows.Listen in as Sam lets us see behind the shiny bits - the new skills that have to be learned (video editing!)...the prioritizing that takes place (fewer customer quilts)...and ultimately the reward of seeing her quilting business grow, and her students flourish.You can find Sam in all these places:YouTube TiktokInstagramWebsiteFLODESK 50% off your first year       https://flodesk.com/c/FLODESKISAWESOMEWant 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

Dixie Thue (pronounced too-ee) is a fellow Canadian, and a quilter with broad experience, and stories to match! Listen in as we chat about her ranch life in northern Canada, raising St. Bernard puppies, and her collection of sewing machines.Quilters seem to be multi-talented people, and Dixie is no exception. Skim through her feed on Instagram and you'll find sourdough bread,  garden abundance, those ADORABLE St. Bernard puppies, grandkids, and so much more.You can find Dixie right here:InstagramWant 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

Leah Nixon and Grace Nixon Peterson are a powerful duo - two sisters that create greeting cards rich with meaning.  The word "card" seems too simple - their artwork, the thoughtfulness of every word, their passion about writing to each other by hand - all these come together to create one-of-a-kind snail mail.We chat about the themes behind their annual collections, their personal stories that play hugely into their lives today, and the remarkable power of the written word. Plus, we dip into creating a business around your passion, and how interests, mission, and joy all intersect to form the perfect business.Grace and Leah can be found in these places:WebsiteInstagramAnd....sign up for their newsletter (written by Leah) to receive 20% off your first purchase!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

In Dara's own words - "If you can make a quilt, you can do anything.That includes taking control of your life and losing weight that has been holding you back."Dara Thomasson is a longarm quilter and a quiltmaker.  She teaches all these skills, but also coaches and teaches women to love themselves thin. Her approach is positive, holistic, and REAL!Dara is based in Canada, and travels and teaches at many quilting guilds. She also has a podcast dedicated to helping women in their weight loss journey.You can find Dara in all these places:website: quilting informationwebsite: weight loss coaching Podcast: Love Yourself ThinWant 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

Jenn Geisbrecht lives in central Alberta, Canada, which means she know allll about long, cold winters.Jenn also knows a lot about building a machine quilting business. In this episode we chat about growing a clientele, building a brand and visibility, using social media to aid in growth, and - gasp - doing new things outside your comfort zone that make you relatable, and in fact, attract new and long-term clients.Jenn can be found in these places:Website: jenngquiltco.comInstagram: jenng.quiltcoWant 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

Dee Bradford is a student in my Freehand Quilting Masterclass.  In this episode she shares her quilting journey, and highlights how becoming proficient at freehand work has both brought personal enjoyment, and opened creative doors of opportunity.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

Today's episode is a little departure from the podcast norm....I'm giving some backstory on why I created a comprehensive course on the art of machine quilting. It was born directly from the need I felt as a novice quilter to have some solid and extremely practical guidance as I got to know my machine and my own style of quilting.  What type of quilter or creator might want that? Who is it intended to help? And of course, what can you expect to discover or learn? And how will it help you in your quilting journey.I've tried to answer all these questions, and above all, to show that freehand quilting absolutely can be learned, by anyone who wants to.You can also read many of these details on my website right here.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

We've all cringed at those words. C'mon, admit it!This is my exploration of edge to edge and custom quilting, and why and when you might want to choose one over the other.Custom quilting is specific to areas, or blocks, or borders; may include stops and starts or thread color changes, and is often more complex or intricate. It is definitely more time consuming than edge-to-edge, so that's a huge consideration. But there ARE times when it fits the bill. Maybe you want something very WOW as a focal point to hang on your wall. Or perhaps you've got your sights set on  winning a ribbon. Or maybe you just want to try out some ruler work or a brand new fill you've just learned. All legit reasons for using custom quilting.But many times - maybe even most of the time -  we're creating quilts to be used and loved. We want them to be serviceable and cozy, as well as beautiful. E2E quilting is the answer. It creates texture while remaining in the background, letting the fabrics and pattern shine.  If you like to see some of my favorite designs on a variety of quilts, here's some swipe-worthy photos:   Pinterest - edge to edge gallery of designsFacebook - current projects and photosInstagram - current projects and photosWant 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

Carina Gardner and I chat about business building and entrepreneurial skills. Tenacity...the willingness to learn and stretch...these are essential.There's no magic - it takes time and determination to establish and grow a business, but Carina's successes will encourage you!Carina has a Ph.D. in Design from the University of Minnesota. Shehas been a Creative Director for a scrapbooking company and children’scompany. She has designed everything from dishware to bracelets under herbrand for retailers. She currently designs fabric for Riley Blake Designs, anddie cutting files for Silhouette. Her passion is teaching other designers how tocreate meaningful design careers while making a residual income online in herDesign Bootcamp, Workshops, and Design Suite program.She can be found in all these places:websiteMake and Design podcast iTunes linkWant 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

Does the idea of creating a scrappy quilt just overwhelm you?Where to start?How to choose fabrics?How to make it sparkle?Eva and I both love a good scrap quilt, so we're sharing the things we've learned about fabric selection, scrap storage, even pre-cutting into sizes we know we use often. We've got some simple tricks for determining color value and placement (hint: your smart phone is an epic tool) and also suggestions for additional support (think sewalongs and dedicated Facebook groups)Wishing you some scrap-happy quilting!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

Quilt shows - you gotta love them! There's something new around every corner - quilts in every style, color, size. There are classes and demos. There are dealers with machines you can take out for a spin. There are vendors with delicious fabric! And, usually on the last day, there are ribbons to ooooh and aaaah over.Our local show is coming up in a few short weeks, and we are so excited! The opportunities to meet up with fellow quilters we haven't seen in a spell! The fabulous on-site coffee shop! The cafe crispy fries!Ok, enough about the food....but seriously....support your local shows! Enter your quilts.  Vote on the ribbons. Support the vendors.  Be inspired by the incredible beauty. You'll be glad you did❤️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

Shop Hops are a great way to explore a variety of quilt stores - and get free patterns to boot!Eva and I chat about the details; from mapping and planning your route, to snacks and take-alongs, to collecting the free patterns that are unique to each shop, and even the contests that are available for speedy piecers!You'll want to come along for the ride!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

Quilt retreats - what's not to love? They are a chance to visit and giggle with your friends...a time to get in some uninterrupted work on a challenging project...a chance to finish up some WIPs.My friend Eva and I were recently at a rather rustic retreat, so we'll tell you what we loved best, and what we learned. Plus tools and supplies you might want to pack. Suggestions for organizing meals and snacks. And wine. That's important.It's a pretty casual, and not very linear chat, but I think you'll get the flavor.  Retreats are nourishing for the soul!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

Shannon Fraser became a quilter unexpectedly - in fact she says she had discounted quilting as an interest entirely!Never say never! Shannon tells the story of textile exploration that eventually led her to quilting and pattern design. We chat about her love of saturated colors, and graphic designs, and improv as a quilter's version of a palette cleanser.Shannon gives us a glimpse into pattern designing, and how her goal is to make each project achievable, no matter your skill level. It's a matter of clear and comprehensive instructions, working step by step, and a variety of teaching styles and supporting resources.Shannon has published many digital patterns, hosts and collaborates on quiltalongs, and has a beautifully written blog featuring many, many tutorials.And she has so much enthusiasm for creative arts, I know you'll love hearing her stories. Let's welcome her!Shannon can be found in these places:Website and access to newsletter signupInstagram#30daysofimprovWant 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

Lorinda Davis loves making pretty things, but she also loves being organized.  We chat about her journey into the art of quilting - the first time she tried it she thought "that's not for me!" but eventually she was drawn in in an unexpected way.And then we explore the wonderful world of planners...organizers...checklists, and how writing things down helps us keep balance and priorities in our lives.  And of course, it's not all about productivity, it's about crafting a life you love. That doesn't happen by accident.Find more info on the annual planner (2023 details have just been released!), some free printouts and quilt patterns, and of course Lorinda's wonderful blog below.Website BlogInstagramWant 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

Courtney Kimball first learned to sew in special some one-on-one time with her grandmother, and she's been "making" ever since.In 2017 she and her husband and family moved to Honduras to develop their existing business.  And over time, Courtney became acquainted with the desperate needs in the slums right next to their apartment complex. It began by meeting and learning to know one woman, Jocelyn,  and exploring her circumstances, her dwelling, and her struggles. Then came sisters...aunts...daughters...and the common threads were found. Courtney found herself in a place where she could use help prepping a hand-sewing project, and she was able to employ a young woman to do just that. That planted a seed of an idea for expanding this possibility to help MANY women earn for their families.Courtney and her state-side sister set out to change the trajectory of the lives of these women and girls by providing a way for them to make a living - prepping quilt kits.The story is ongoing...but if you'd like to meet some of the women of One Common Thread, check out Courtney's website. You'll be introduced to individuals, and see where they live and work. And of course you'll be able to see the beautiful hexie quilt kits they offer.One of the simplest ways to help is to LIKE and FOLLOW and INTERACT on social media pages. This help raise visibility and awareness of the One Common Thread project.WebsiteInstagramFacebookWant 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