Episodios

  • Carina Gardner: A Creative Dynamo
    Mar 12 2025

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    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

    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Snippets from QuiltCon 2025
    Mar 7 2025

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    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

    Más Menos
    50 m
  • Navigating Creativity, Business, and Life with Amy Smart
    Mar 5 2025

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    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

    Más Menos
    39 m
  • Join the Journey: Quilting Adventures with Tour Host Kim Caskey
    Feb 26 2025

    Send us a text

    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 to tie in quilt festivals into these tours, as these are great ways to explore the different styles and subjects of the quilts of the world.

    I'm excited to announce that I'll be joining Kim on her July 2025 Birmingham London Tour!

    Kim's cohost will be Paula Rafferty, an Irish quilter, who is a certified judge, and part of the tour will include her guiding the tour participants through the Birmingham Quilt show through the winning quilts through a judge's eye.

    In September of 2025, Kim will be joining special guest Pam Holland in Australia!

    Several special guests in Australia will include Jen Kingwell and Kathy Doughty.

    Visit my blog to download the brochures

    00:00 Introduction to Season 5

    01:07 Guest Introduction: Kim Caskey

    02:27 Quilting Tours Around the World

    05:02 Upcoming Birmingham and London Tour

    13:35 Exploring the Australia Tour

    15:01 Kim's Journey into Quilting

    26:14 The Art of Custom Quilting

    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

    Más Menos
    32 m
  • Collaboration Over Competition
    Feb 19 2025

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    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 foundation for a prosperous, creative business. When we work together, it not only improves our projects but improves the entire community!

    00:00 Introduction to Season 5

    01:03 The Power of Collaboration in Quilting

    02:20 Overcoming the Fear of Sharing

    03:58 Honoring Originality and Giving Credit

    05:27 Fostering a Collaborative Community

    07:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

    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

    Más Menos
    9 m
  • Crafting Your Success Story: A Heart-to-Heart with Business Coach Tracy Beavers
    Feb 12 2025

    Send us a text

    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

    Más Menos
    39 m
  • Profitable Quilting - A Step by Step Pricing Guide
    Feb 5 2025

    Send us a text

    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 organize your bobbins, or find the perfect pin holder, or tag and label your quilt in progress, her custom tools are like having a secret weapon in your crafting arsenal. Use the code SBS15 for 15% off any items in her online store. Head over to PurpleHobbies.com and see how Heather is bringing innovation right to your crafting table.

    If you haven't had a chance to, listen to Episode 94 of Measure Twice, Cut Once with Casey Brown.

    The core topic for this episode explores the fair pricing of creative work, emphasizing the need to value the experience and skills artisans bring to their projects. Practical advice is given on calculating hourly rates and overhead costs, supported by a spreadsheet provided to help listeners price their work accurately. The episode also highlights common overlooked costs and offers a challenge to track all aspects of a project for better pricing evaluation.

    Grab your pricing calculator spreadsheet here.

    00:00 Welcome to Season 5

    01:04 Introducing PurpleHobbies.com

    01:57 The Art of Pricing Your Work

    06:27 Understanding Overhead Costs

    09:01 Practical Pricing Strategies

    13:58 Tracking Your Time and Costs

    16:12 Final Thoughts and Challenge

    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

    Más Menos
    18 m
  • Fearless Pricing for Makers: Setting Rates That Match Your Skills, with Casey Brown
    Jan 29 2025

    Send us a text

    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, and building confidence as a creative entrepreneur.

    The discussion covers practical steps for setting price floors and ceilings, overcoming the fear of pricing, and improving negotiation skills. This episode aims to empower creatives to confidently monetize their crafts while staying true to their passion.

    Interested in learning more about Cleft Care International? You can do so here.

    00:00 Welcome to the New Season
    00:29 Introducing the Season's Focus
    01:29 Meet Casey Brown: Pricing Expert
    02:40 Diving into Pricing Strategies
    10:25 Understanding the Floor and Ceiling in Pricing
    18:01 Building Confidence in Your Value
    31:32 Casey's Inspirational Journey
    34:31 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

    Más Menos
    38 m