Make and Decorate with Stephanie: Sew, Quilt, Knit & Home Decor

Welcome to the Season 3 premier episode!!On today's episode, I am solo with so much to chat about!  I review Lori Holt's Cute Cuts rotary cutting mat and Tula Pink's cutting mat, and chat about the winding down of summer and my garden, upcoming sewing and quilt projects, my pre-order of Tula Pink's new line of fabric - Linework....and my first purchase of a quilt kit from Tula's linework collection with the Radiant pattern by Carl Hentsch.To kick off Season 3, I am hosting my very first giveaway of two gift packs of notions.  I have purchased these notions myself (no sponsor). So be sure to go to my podcast page https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate to enter for your chance to win one of two gift packs I put together!  All you have to do is comment on episode 56's post on my podcast page, and 2 random winners will be chosen.  The deadline to enter is Monday, October 12, 2020, 8 pm CST.  I will announce the winners on the next episode on October 14th (or after I have confirmed with the winners).I added a new $2 tier to my Patreon Page!  You will get access to the monthly bonus podcast episode, and access to all of the back bonus episodes.  Check it out on my Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/makeanddecorateYou can find links and photos to everything we talk about on my podcast blog at  https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate My instagram: @stephanie.socha.designPodcast Website: http://makeanddecorate.come-mail: info@makeanddecorate.com<a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=20262995" data-patreon-widget-type="become-patron-button">Become a Patron!</a><script async src="https://c6.patreon.com/becomePatronButton.bundle.js"></script>Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

New podcast feature!  Record and send me any question you have about quilting, sewing, decorating and more.  Is so easy, just click on the “send me a voice mail” button, record your message and press send! https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorateIn this episode, I chat with quilt podcaster, Emanuela Jeske. Her podcast is called Quilt Karussell and is currently the only German speaking podcast.  Emanuela shares her creative story from the time that she started quilting and what led her to start her podcast, Quilt Karussell.  We also chat about everything quilting, from fabrics, to mid-arm and long arms to patchwork.For photos and links to what I talked about in this episode, visit my podcast blog https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorateMake and Decorate Friends, Mighty Networks group - free to join!INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.designWEBSITE: http://stephaniesochadesign.comEMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.comYOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha DesignSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

This episode has a new chit chat segment where I chat about making the Upton dress by Cashmerette patterns.  The Main Topic segment is a replay from S2 E37 which is about decorating tablescapes, planning and recipes for fall/winter holiday entertaining.Make and Decorate Friends, Mighty Networks group - free to join!INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.designWEBSITE: http://stephaniesochadesign.comEMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.comYOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha DesignSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

This is the premier episode of Make and Decorate with Stephanie Socha Design. I introduce myself, Stephanie Socha, and talk about my creative background and why I wanted to do a podcast show. I explain the format of the show, and how it will be evolving as I get more comfortable with the technology that is required with podcasting, as well as how listener feedback will also shape the show.Sewing and quilting will be the center of the show, with a little bit of decorating here and there when possible. I believe quilting and sewing are intrinsic to interior decorating. We can create custom designed homes and lifestyles that reflect our own stories and personalities with deep sentiment with our handcrafted art, and treasures. Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

The options for sewing machines are endless. It is often overwhelming to choose the right sewing machine for your needs, budget and creativity. Learn how to define your needs and wishlist, features to consider on sewing machines, differences between mechanical, electronic and embroidery machines, and which direction you should go on your sewing machine search, and feel confident with your next sewing machine acquisition!Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

I take you on the journey of my sewing and serger/coverstitch machine purchases through the past 20 years! You will hear how I go from naive to savvy as a purchaser of sewing machines of various price points and manufacturers. Get insight on purchasing new from dealers, demos from trade shows to pre-loved/used from online sellers. There are many ways to acquire a "new to you" machine, and I love a good deal on a fancy pre-loved machine. Find out what I think about my newish Bernina machines...are they really that much better than the other guys? Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

What exactly does a serger and a coverstitch machine do? There are many uses for a serger other than overlocking a clothing seam. The serger can be utilized for decorative edge stitches on anything from quilts, blankets and home dec. Learn the wonders of a coverstitch machine for professional looking clothing hems, and fun chain stitch uses. Discover the differences between a serger, coverstitch and a combination serger/coverstitch machine. Visit http://stephaniesochadesign.com for show notes and my blog.Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

I am so pleased to have my first guests on the Make and Decorate podcast! Dori and Katie are the hosts of the podcast, Hobbies Up To Here, and they also have a YouTube channel, blog and facebook page. In this episode, we hear about how they started their podcast and how their hobbies, crafts and quilting have evolved over the years. Dori and Katie also share information on the sewing machines they use, and what they like/dislike about their machines. A few other topics we discuss are their current WIPS (works in progress) and a recap of the beautiful Beatles quilt that Dori and her husband worked on together and completed this past summer. You can follow the Beatles quilt progress over the past year or so on their podcast, http://Hobbiesuptohere.com Check out the episode's show notes at http://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorateSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Have you ever taught a kid how to sew, quilt or craft? We often hear from adults on how to teach children how to sew and craft, but on this episode, we get a glimpse of what it is like to be a kid learning how to sew from my 10 year old niece, Ava. I started teaching Ava to sew when she was a wee 5 year old, and since then she has learned how to sew an accurate seam allowance, how to thread her machine, fill a bobbin and load it the right direction, and how to keep her machine clean after each use so that it runs smoother for her on each project.Ava also shares her recent makes, and her creative process as she continues to build on her sewing skills and her favorite things to make. She also discovered her new favorite fabric - cork.In addition to Ava, I share updates on new Babylock sewing machine and serger releases this month, Bernina is now selling their gold plated presser foot (anniversary limited edition) online, as well as a prelude to my exciting retreat I am attending this week! I want to hear from you! Please post comments or questions on my podcast page at https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate or on my Facebook page @ stephaniesochadesign or IG @stephanie.socha.designSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

On this episode I give a full recap of the Sew Sweetness Retreat I attended the last weekend of September. There was a guest instructor from Blue Calla Patterns, Celine Alleart, and we made a bag from her pattern, The Boronia Bowler Bag.  Sara Lawson was also an instructor, and we made the cute crossbody/messenger style bag from her pattern called the Satellite Bag.  Also, I review a couple of subscription boxes I recently started, the fall FabFitFun box, and Grove Collaborative (all natural products)I finish the episode with a segment on interior painting tips.  Many people in the northern hemisphere are heading back indoors and sprucing up their homes for the holidays.  Learn about paint quality, finishes and choosing colors for your home.  I talk about mostly Benjamin Moore paint, but also give tips on big box store paint lines, as well as introduce you to a high end natural pigment paint from the UK, Farrow and Ball.  Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

I recorded this episode on-site in Sarah Clevenger's sewing room!  We had the best time talking about sewing, machines, fabrics and pattern making.  Sarah gives a couple of sewing hacks/tips, and she talks about some of her niche sewing interests like costume and renaissance style sewing, and how she loves sewing coats.  If you have any hesitation on sewing your own clothing, or think you need a fancy machine to achieve great sewing...listen to this episode.  I was blown away at the impeccable sewing that Sarah continues to achieve on her mechanical Kenmore sewing machine.  I have met several people who sew on a Kenmore machine, and they all say the same thing - it is a workhorse and they love it.Go to my Show Notes to see photos of Sarah's sewing room, her machines and fabric stash!  https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decoratePlease subscribe, rate and review the podcast, and reach out and say hi to me!Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

I am trying something new with my "mini-sodes", mini-size episodes on the weeks in-between the regular bi-weekly episodes.  These mini-sodes will be about the most recent updates with me, projects I'm working on, seasonal things and any thing else I think of between main episodes.  If I don't have any new updates, then there will not be a mini-sode - so, I can focus on the main episodes as priority.  Be sure to check out the show notes on my website at https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorateMy youtube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5FuxwtVqIXMDzdoNAEqEwSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

We have two weeks to go before Thanksgiving...do you have your tablescape planned out yet?  Create a beautifully decorated table with your own handmade table linens or make last minute semi-diy linens with embellished ready made linens.  I share workroom tips on standard dimensions of table cloths, placemats, table runners and napkins.  In addition to linens, there are more layers of greens or flowers, candles etc. to make a gorgeous tablescape.  You can use these decorating tips for any special event or just for yourself.What if you are not hosting a holiday event?  I give ideas for making host/hostess gifts you can make for the host/hostess of the holiday gathering you are going to attend.In preparation for a future podcast episode with a certified sewing technician, please email me with questions you have about maintaining and troubleshooting your sewing machines stephaniesochadesign@gmail.comShow notes: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decoratefollow me on IG: @stephanie.socha.designSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Another mini-sode this week - yay!  Just a little chit chat, I have a new podcast email  info@makeanddecorate.com in addition to my main email stephaniesochadesign@gmail.comI review rotary cutters from Clover, Olfa, Fiskars, Gingher and Tula Pink.  What am I watching on YouTube?  I talk about three channels that I subscribe to and watch on YouTube.  Show notes: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorateInstagram @stephanie.socha.design #makeanddecoratepodcastSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  This is truly a special episode, I cannot tell you what a joy it is for me to have Stephanie Kendron from http://modernsewciety.com/ ; The Modern Sewciety Podcast on the show today!  Aside from Pat Sloane, Modern Sewciety is one of the first sewing related podcasts I subscribed to, and I have been a loyal listener ever since.We all love her podcast and have been given so much great information and stories from other makers, designers, and companies from our sewing and quilting community on Stephanie's podcast.  I am greatly inspired by Stephanie, and look...we have the same awesome name!  Great names and minds think alike :)On this episode of Make and Decorate, I get to ask Stephanie Kendron to share her story and what motivates and inspires her on a daily basis, what machines she sews on, how her sewing and craft has evolved over the years, and - of course all about her podcast.Stephanie Kendron is also a Cricut influencer, and she talks about the awesome Cricut Maker that has a rotary blade option to cut fabrics without adding stabilizers...whaaa??!!?I hope you all enjoy time with your family and friends this Thanksgiving weekend.  Make some hot chocolate or cafe mochas, listen to my show, and and of course you will pull your sewing machines out and make something - right?! Yay!! Show notes https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorateemail: info@makeanddecorate.comIG: stephanie.socha.designSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

There is a lot of great information packed into this mini-sode.  Get tips and a link to a great video from Sew Sweetness' Ask Sara YouTube video, to learn how to reduce not only holiday stress, but anxiety and stress in your daily life. Sara's guest is Dr. Stephanie Palmer (she is the creator of the Quilter's Planner).I talk about a new winter craft I started last week with acrylic paints, new fabrics from a fiber event from the Waste Shed, a reseller of re-purposed arts and crafts supplies and fabrics, and I got a new ergonomic Martelli rotary cutter.Visit my shownotes   https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorateto get links to all of the above and more!email me at info@makeanddecorate.comIG: @stephanie.socha.designwebsite: http://stephaniesochadesign.comSupport the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

My guest today is Irene Staal, owner and pattern designer of Sugaridoo.  I had so much fun chatting with Irene, and learning more about her patterns in Amigurumi crochet stuffed animals, and foundation paper pieced quilts.  Irene is in the Netherlands, and I discovered her YouTube channel early this year, called Sugaridoo.  Irene is a great teacher and her videos are so beautiful and are made in easy formats for learning.Amigurumi crochet and foundation paper piecing without having to rip paper away are just a few of the many things we talk about.  Be sure to visit my shownotes for all the links to Sugaridoo's website, etsy, Youtube and blog.  https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate  You can also make a one time donation on my podcast page to help me keep the podcast going.Thanks for listening and remember to subscribe, rate and review!Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

There is sew much going on here in Make and Decorate-land!  Since I removed several handmade gift items off of my to do list, I have been able to breathe and enjoy this holiday season so much better this year! On this mini-sode episode, I recap the previous Sugaridoo episode with some sources of craft shows with crochet, knitting, yarn and possible amigurumi for you to find in 2019.  I also give a progress review on my new Martelli Ergo rotary cutter, as well as mention the new Olfa limited edition Ruby rotary cutter coming out in February!I made the cutest felt stuffed bear last weekend. Pattern by Gingermelon. Plus updates on my freelance design projects. I share key tips to remember when you are renovating your home regarding electrical outlet thought and placement before it is too late. Last but not least, I received my Fab Fit Fun Winter box.  This is my second box, and I can already say that I love love love this subscription...find out why.Visit my website for shownotes and links to products I talk about at https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decoratePost to my instagram #makeanddecoratepodcast your crafty makes and home decor! I would love to see it all!Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Ooops!  If you downloaded earlier than noon cst 12-20-18, you got my "directors cut" long version of episode 16...sorry about that. This is the edited episode 16 with a new segment on making vanilla extract!  So be sure that you have episode 16 that is 52:40 minutes long.It is the last episode of 2018! Do you find at the end of every year, you are marveling at how it went by so fast?  Well, here we are again, nearing the end of another year.  When I reflect back on this past year, I realize I did more than I thought.  I put together a Best Sewing Stuff 2018. There were a lot of notions, patterns and tools that I used a lot over 2018 and these are the best of them.I share my look ahead for 2019, which for me means setting goals for the year.  Lastly, I update on what's happening here in Chicagoland - what I'm watching, and reading, including youtube and netflix plus a new movie at the actual theater, as well as a Christmas story by Frances Dowell and a long awaited library book.Find links to the products I talk about in the shownotes https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorateHappy Holidays to you and yours!Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

Happy New Year Everybody!!!On the first segment of this episode, I chat about what I did, what I made and what I watched on Netflix during the holidays.  Check my show notes for links.Segment 2:Meet Jessica Pierce, owner of 5 out of 4 Patterns.  Jessica is an amazing person, and we had such a great time chatting about her, and her family and her awesome business, 5 out of 4 Patterns.  We had such a good time, that we talked for an hour and a half! Haha!  I split up this long conversation into 2 episodes, and I will release the part 2 episode next Thursday, January 17th (so you won’t have to wait 2 weeks for part 2).Jessica has an extensive education in a field far far away from sewing …science, space and super technical teaching accolades that I could not begin to pretend I understand.  Like I said, she is an amazing and super smart woman, oh, and did I mention she has 6 little ones…whaaaa???  Yes, she has 6 kids, and is running the world with her independent pattern company. Be sure to visit the show notes https://stephanie-socha.squarespace.com/config/pages/5b3a8494aa4a99939675fe18Also, I added a donate button on the show notes page. Any amount would be very helpful in maintaining the podcast.https://secure.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5c000e62758d4698c0e6daf8Support the showINSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design