Podcast
Make and Decorate with Stephanie: Sew, Quilt, Knit & Home Decor
Host Stephanie Socha, a residential interior designer and maker presents a creative lifestyle podcast for those who love to sew, quilt, knit, decorate and make things for the home. This podcast is for the maker who loves to dabble in many types of hobbies, mainly sewing and quilting, but also knitting, paper crafts (Cricut) gardening and interior decorating.
There are a mix of guest interviews and solo episodes where I present an informative topic and/or educational "how to" on specific maker techniques.
Join my Patreon to get a bonus episode every month, year round (even during show hiatus).
- Crafts chart
- #105
- Episodes
- 133
- Releases
- Monthly
- Typical length
- 1 hr 4 min
- On air since
- 2018
- Latest episode
- 3 months ago
Episodes
133 episodes, from the first
Season 1
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35 min
Ep1. Welcome to Make and Decorate with Stephanie Socha Design
Episode 1
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
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.
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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1 hr 9 min
Ep. 2 Things to Consider Before Buying a Sewing Machine
Episode 2
Show notes
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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!
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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54 min
Ep. 3 My Collection of Sewing and Serger Machines
Episode 3
Show notes
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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?
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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44 min
Ep. 4 Sergers and Coverstitch Machines
Episode 4
Show notes
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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.
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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1 hr 22 min
Ep. 5 Guests Dori & Katie from Hobbies Up To Here
Episode 5
Show notes
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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-decorate
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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59 min
Ep. 6 Kids learning to sew and craft with my 10 yr old niece, Ava
Episode 6
Show notes
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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.design
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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1 hr 2 min
Ep. 7 Sew Sweetness Retreat Recap, Subscription boxes and Interior Painting Tips
Episode 7
Show notes
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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.
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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1 hr 18 min
Ep. 8 Sarah Clevenger, Musings of a Seamstress: Kenmore & Janome machines
Episode 8
Show notes
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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-decorate
Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast, and reach out and say hi to me!
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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29 min
Ep. 9 New "Mini-sode" Sewing fleece, machine repair?, hot knife carving pumpkins Bonus
Episode 9
Show notes
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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-decorate
My youtube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt5FuxwtVqIXMDzdoNAEqEw
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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52 min
Ep. 10 Sewing and Decorating Tablescapes, Host/Hostess gift ideas
Episode 10
Show notes
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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.com
Show notes: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
follow me on IG: @stephanie.socha.design
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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20 min
Ep. 11 Mini-sode: Rotary cutter reviews, tools for cutting circles, YouTube Bonus
Episode 11
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
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.com
I 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-decorate
Instagram @stephanie.socha.design #makeanddecoratepodcast
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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59 min
M&D 12: Modern Sewciety podcaster, Stephanie Kendron
Episode 12
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
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-decorate
email: info@makeanddecorate.com
IG: stephanie.socha.design
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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28 min
M&D 13: Reduce Holiday Stress, Craft painting tips, Waste Shed fabric Haul & More Bonus
Episode 13
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
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.com
IG: @stephanie.socha.design
website: http://stephaniesochadesign.comConnect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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59 min
M&D 14: Sugaridoo - Irene Staal
Episode 14
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
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!
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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31 min
M&D 15: Mini-sode: Felt, Quilt, Sewing projects, Rotary cutter update & home renovation tips
Episode 15
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
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-decorate
Post to my instagram #makeanddecoratepodcast your crafty makes and home decor! I would love to see it all!
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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53 min
Ep. 16 M&D Best Sewing Stuff 2018, Making vanilla extract & looking ahead to 2019
Episode 16
Show notes
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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-decorate
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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1 hr 2 min
M&D 17: Jessica Pierce, 5 out of 4 Patterns - Part 1
Episode 17
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
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/5b3a8494aa4a99939675fe18
Also, 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=5c000e62758d4698c0e6daf8
Connect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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55 min
M&D 18: Part 2 Jessica Pierce, 5 out of 4 Patterns; WIPs, & motorized window shades
Episode 18
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
Welcome back to part 2 of my conversation with the amazing Jessica Pierce, owner and creator of 5 out of 4 Patterns. Have you checked out her website, downloaded and made any of her patterns? Let me know.
Also, in the first segment of this podcast I talk about my current WIP's, and recent installation of motorized roman shades.You can find the show notes here: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
My instagram: @stephanie.socha.design
Facebook Page: Stephanie Socha Design
Website: http://stephaniesochadesign.comConnect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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1 hr 12 min
M&D 19: Sara Lawson, Sew Sweetness
Episode 19
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
In the first segment, I update on the goings on here, and a mini-review on my new iPhone XR. I share my research on the notable differences from the iPhone XS.
My podcast guest this week is Sara Lawson, from Sew Sweetness Patterns!!!! Sara is a bag pattern designer and has two weekly live facebook and youtube video shows, AND she is a fellow Chicagoan woot woot! We chat about it all…when and how Sara started sewing, origins of her blog and pattern design to her video tutorials that are available for most of her patterns.
Be on the lookout for Sara's new four pack bundle of patterns with tutorial videos coming out very soon.
You can find links and photos to everything we talk about in my show notes https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
My instagram: @stephanie.socha.design
Facebook Page: Stephanie Socha Design
Website: http://stephaniesochadesign.comConnect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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21 min
M&D 20: Minisode - Current WIPs update and new Quilting notions
Episode 20
Show notes
Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!
Happy February!! Here we go - this new year has taken off at breakneck speed. In this minisode, I talk about current projects in my studio, and happy to report that the king size butterfly quilt is now at the longarm quilter - yay!
I have some new to me quilting notions to share with you: Clearly Perfect Angles, mini wonder clips, Olfa endurance blades, Clover marble glass head pins and more.
Be sure to listen to the very end...I reveal the guest that will be on next week's episode!
Don't be shy...comment in show notes or email me if you have questions or just want to say hi!
You can find links and photos to everything we talk about in my show notes https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
My instagram: @stephanie.socha.design
Facebook Page: Stephanie Socha Design
Website: http://stephaniesochadesign.com
e-mail: stephaniesochadesign@gmail.comConnect with Stephanie:
YOUTUBE: Make and Decorate YouTube Channel
EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com
INSTAGRAM:@stephanie.socha.design
WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate
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