Send us 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.

The episode covers Carina's latest exciting project, her new office 'the barn,' and its role in her content creation and family life balance. Carina also delves into the significance of niche marketing, follower engagement, and the real metrics of success. She discusses her approach to content creation and her notable achievement of founding the University of Arts and Design, offering comprehensive design and business education. Carina emphasizes listening to her community, pivoting based on needs, and the importance of impactful time management. Packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring creative entrepreneurs.

01:04 Introducing Carina Gardner

02:26 Balancing Family and Business

07:29 Content Creation Strategies

12:21 The Importance of Niche and SEO

18:48 Design Suite and University Programs

26:51 Building a Lasting Legacy

30:10 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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

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/

Cheryl Koranda - Longarm League

• Website - https://www.longarmleague.com/

Natalie of OESD

• Website - https://oesd.com/

Amy Chappell

• Website - https://amerooniedesigns.com/

Karlee Porter

• Website - https://www.karleeporter.com/

Elizabeth deMoo of Brown Bird Designs

• Website - https://brownbirddesigns.com/

Enjoli Strait with BERNINA

• Website - https://www.doodlequiltingstudio.com/

Sew Becca -

• Website - https://sewbecca.com/

Melissa Renfrey of Storyteller Stitchery

• Website - https://storytellerstitchery.com/

Chelsie of Pink Door Fabrics

• Website - https://www.pinkdoorfabrics.com/

Blair Stocker

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 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 community's changes over the years.

Learn practical tips for managing a creative business, the importance of taking breaks, and the benefits of outsourcing.

Plus, hear about Amy's inspiring trip to Mexico City and her upcoming fabric line with Riley Blake Designs, 'Mary Catherine.' It's an episode packed with valuable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned creative entrepreneurs.

Visit Amy at the following places:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook

00:00 Introduction to Season 5

01:03 Guest Introduction: Amy Smart

02:19 Current Projects and Business Insights

04:08 The Evolution of Blogging and Social Media

09:33 Balancing Business and Personal Life

20:30 Outsourcing and Delegation

22:59 Becoming a Fabric Designer

28:17 Inspiration from Mexico City

34:46 Conclusion and Farewell

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