Measure Twice, Cut Once
....and other life and business lessons learned from quilting. Makers have stories! And crafters have skills! In these casual chats and interviews, I (often with a guest) talk honestly about creativity. The joy, and hope, and even healing it can bring, and the businesses we can build doing the things we love.
Episodes
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 ...
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 systems
Key Insights:
- Excellenc...
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 the Modern Quilt Guild and QuiltC...
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 offers practical insights for anyo...
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 MEASURE for 40% off
About Sarah...
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 discusses her curren...
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:
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 one of the best courses to learn ...
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.
The episode covers Carina's latest...
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.pigsinablanketquilting.com/ <...
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 balance, and insights on the quilting co...
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, and Italy. Kim frequently likes t...
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 generosity can form a strong foun...
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 tips, encouragement and mo...
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 hand. But whether you want to organiz...
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 pricing, valuing one's work, ...
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 demands of the business side, I'...
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 endeavors.
The episode d...
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 decisions on what to avoid ...
#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 ...
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