Measure Twice, Cut Once

Susan Smith

....and other life lessons learned from quilting. Makers have stories! In these casual interviews, my guests talk about the joy, hope, and even healing that can be found in the process of creating something beautiful.

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Episodes

Karlee Porter - the Queen of Grafitti Quilting
Mar 6 2024
Karlee Porter - the Queen of Grafitti Quilting
#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" to achieve a very unique, and extremely personalized look.In the first edition of her book "Grafitti Quilting", first published in 2017, Karlee broke down her system into a step by step process that even non-doodlers like myself could learn to quilt.In her upcoming 3rd edition, she has MASSIVELY enlarged on the printed content of the book, plus added tons of QR codes, linking to all kinds of in-depth video training.Listen in as we chat about the new book, traveling the world, the marvels of digital learning, and much, much more.If you can't wait to take Karlee's class, here's a sweet $25 off for you! Use the code SBS25class registration: https://bit.ly/3v1ZD0uWant 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 and Lydia - The Shopping Channel Reimagined
Mar 15 2023
Carly and Lydia - The Shopping Channel Reimagined
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
Being Candid - there are HARD days!
Feb 22 2023
Being Candid - there are HARD days!
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 - building and pivoting a crafting business
Feb 15 2023
Sam Alberts - building and pivoting a crafting business
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
My take on the dreaded words...Quilt as Desired
Oct 13 2022
My take on the dreaded words...Quilt as Desired
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 - Surface Designer and Business Builder
Oct 6 2022
Carina Gardner - Surface Designer and Business Builder
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
Shannon Fraser - Modern Quilter
Aug 24 2022
Shannon Fraser - Modern Quilter
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