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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 apparel design and fashion merchandising, bringing a unique perspective to quilt making.

Key Topics Discussed

The Ruby Ruler

• A multi-purpose tool Blair created in 2017
• Functions as both a cutting ruler and a value viewer
• Uses red film technology similar to what landscape painters and photographers use
• Helps quilters see value contrast (the "sunshine and shadow") in fabric selections
• Alternative to the black-and-white photo technique for assessing value

Resources Mentioned

• Wise Craft Handmade website
• Blair's Block of the Month programs
• The Ruby Ruler for color value assessment
• Blair’s first book - Wise Craft: Turning Thrift Store Finds, Fabric Scraps, and Natural Objects into Stuff You Love

Sponsor

The episode is sponsored by Susan's Free Motion Quilting Masterclass, an on-demand course fo

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, 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