Send us 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 systems

Key Insights:

• Excellence means quality work without getting trapped in perfectionism
• Efficiency requires developing systems, signature techniques, and time management
• Tracking time helps establish fair pricing and improves profitability
• Batch processing tasks (client meetings, invoicing) increases productivity
• Developing expertise in a limited set of designs/offerings creates both quality and speed

Resources Mentioned:

• Machine quilting for beginners course
• YouTube live stream playlist for quilting shortcuts
• Pricing spreadsheet for quilters: stitchedbysusan.com/pricing

Sponsor:

• Cozy Earth bamboo sheets - Use code "MEASURE" for 40% off at cozyearth.com

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 membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes
Website - for more information on classes and quilting services
Facebook - current projects and photos
Instagram - current projects and photos
Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials

Send us 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 the Modern Quilt Guild and QuiltCon
• Her experience working with Innova at quilt shows
• The acquisition and revitalization of the Panto Shop
• Explanation of pantographs and digital quilting designs
• The challenges and benefits of different pantograph designs
• Erynn's vision for elevating edge-to-edge quilting designs
• Her experience creating a Chicago jacket from a quilted project
• Organization systems for quilting materials and projects

Special Offer

Erynn is offering podcast listeners 20% off their entire order at the Panto Shop. Use code SBS20 at thepantoshop.com

Pearls of Wisdom

Erynn shared two important pieces of advice:

1. "Take imperfect action" - Don't wait for things to be perfect before moving forward
2. "Perfection doesn't exist" - Focus on the journey and continuous improvement rather than an unattainable perfect state

Additional Resources

• The Panto Shop - Digital pantograph mark

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 motivation.

For more information and to sign up, visit our website.

Support the show

------------------------

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review here.

Resources:

ADVANCE, my monthly subscription membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes
Website - for more information on classes and quilting services
Facebook - current projects and photos
Instagram - current projects and photos
Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials

Send us 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 offers practical insights for anyone looking to expand their creative skills or transform their passion into a profession.

Note: Some links below are affiliate links, which means that if you use them to purchase the product, I'll earn a small commission at no extra charge to you!

Key Points

• My experience with the "Ava" quilt challenge and how it prepared me for bigger challenges
• The Four C's Formula by Dan Sullivan: Courage, Commitment, Capability, and Confidence
• The importance of giving yourself permission to be a beginner and take time to learn
• Why celebrating small gains and progress is essential for growth

Resources Mentioned

• The Four C's Formula by Dan Sullivan: Link to booklet
• The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Susan's Free Motion Quilting Masterclass, an on-demand comprehensive course for mastering freehand quilting skills and design decisions. Learn more at stitchedbysusaon.com/learn.

Questions for Reflection

• What vision are you holding that's bigger than your current skills?
• What would taking the first step of courage into something new look like for you today?
• How can you better celebrate your small gains and progress?

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 membership

FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS, an on-demand comprehensive course

ALL-OVER FEATHER, sign-up for a FREE quilting class

And here's where you can find more of my work:

YouTube - LIVE & UNSCRIPTED episodes
Website - for more information on classes and quilting services
Facebook - current projects and photos
Instagram - current projects and photos
Pinterest - photo galleries and tutorials