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

Stephanie Socha
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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). 

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  1. EPISODE 116

    Season 7 Premiere Episode! Guest Kristin Oldach, KraeO - Indie Hand Yarn Dyer

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! S7 Ep 116: Welcome Back!  Season 7 of the Make and Decorate with Stephanie podcast is here!!  If you are new to this podcast, you will hear any and everything about making, aka sewing, quilting crafting, knitting and interior decorating.  This first half of the season, I have a fabulous guest on almost every episode.  There will be a Chit Chat segment on this episode after the guest segment.  For more episodes available only on my Patreon site, visit Patreon.com/makeanddecorate My guest today is Kristin Oldach, owner of KraeO in Chicago.   Kristin is an indie hand dyer of yarn which is for sale on her website as well as local yarn shops.  We talk about her yarn, what fibers she chose to be in her yarn products. Mulberry silk and merino wool blends are a staple in her line of yarn as well as other fiber blends like wool and alpaca and more.  Kristin's yarn is so gorgeous and what I like to describe as very "painterly".   We also chat about the different weights of yarn and how to use them in your projects, including using up those mini skeins you have been collecting and don't know what to make with them. Links to what we talked about:  Skacel - Addi FlexiFlips FlexiFlips Amazon Link FlexiFlips Amazon link Yarn Guide for knit/crochet (ring) Nina ChicagoIndie Untangled for Rhinebeck - Oct 18thBandana knit pattern You can also listen to this episode on: https://makeanddecoratepodcast.buzzsprout.com Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    1h 18m
  2. S7 E117: Guest - Chris English Quilts

    EPISODE 117

    S7 E117: Guest - Chris English Quilts

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! Guest Segment: Chris English Quilts My guest is Chris English, a quilter and fabric/textile designer in the UK.  Chris is known for utilizing recycled fabrics in his one of a kind quilts.  The past several years his quilts have been shown at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, UK.  We chat about Chris's creative background in textile design leading up to his love for finding previously loved and repurposed  fabrics to make gorgeous and unique quilts.  Chris often mixes florals, plaids, textures with touches of bold color in his quilts.  Find out what he finds and how he sources these unique fabrics and puts them together in a harmonious quilt.  Chris also shares the story of his #teambearpaw24 initiative group quilt. If you are interested in the subscription box project that Chris is working on, visit his website Chris English Quilts to be added to the waiting list.  Below are more links to what we talked about: IG: @afullenglish Chris visits Kate at The Last Homely House - YouTube video Festival of Quilts 2023 - The Last Homely House, Kate chats with Chris Chit Chat Segment: Arne & Carlos: Mystery knit along - more info on 10/13 their yt channel. Plus 2024 Christmas Balls patterns are avail. in their website shop.Alice Caroline - the UK based Liberty fabric shop is hosting another online Sewing festival called the Alice Caroline Christmas Sew-Along. Learn Sashiko online or in-person course with Atsushi Futatsuya at Upcycle Stiches and Domestica Introduction to Sashiko StitchingMy review of the true cut quilting ruler and rotary cutter.  by Grace Company.  My review of a wool polyamide blend embroidery/mending thread Laine Saint-Pierre .  Ordered from Brooklyn Haberdashery. Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    1h 16m
  3. S7 E118: Guest Carina Gardner

    EPISODE 118

    S7 E118: Guest Carina Gardner

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! On this episode, my guest is Carina Gardner, a successful designer and entrepreneur, shares her journey and insights on how to make money as a designer. She emphasizes the importance of being a multifaceted designer and knowing when to pivot into different industries. Karina discusses her Design Suite program, which teaches designers how to make their design businesses profitable by offering a range of courses in various design areas. Carina highlights the misconceptions around building a brand and the importance of understanding distribution channels. Carina just launched her online University of Arts & Design. Online Courses for budding designers and artists that are flexible, fulfilling, and transformative. Links:  Carinagarnder.com Carina Gardiner Shop Design Bootcamp :  Intro to Design Suite Design Suite University of Arts & Design Stephanie's Guest appearance on Carina's Make and Design Podcast Chit Chat: Finishing an improv quilt project with my nieceI bought the Addi FlexiFiips DPN w/cables from Amazon (note link is my affiliate Amazon link)I also bought the Addi Rocket2 Squared Circular Knitting Needles - 16 inch, US 7 (4.5mm) (note link is my affiliate Amazon link)My Patreon group patreon.com/makeanddecorate - I will unlock a paid level bonus episode for a limited time. Check it out! Special Halloween Outro Music:  Trick or Treat  Written by Dean Palya, performed and produced by PALA Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    1h 15m
  4. Ep 119: Guest Katrina Walker - Sewing, Quilting and Spoiled Sheep Yarn

    EPISODE 119

    Ep 119: Guest Katrina Walker - Sewing, Quilting and Spoiled Sheep Yarn

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! Katrina Walker, an industry sewing educator,  author, and designer, shares her journey into the home sewing industry. Katrina has worked with various brands, including Pfaff and Sulky, and has been featured in magazines and TV shows. She is known for her expertise in silk and wool sewing, as well as her innovative techniques. She also raises sheep that produce wool for her yarn brand, Spoiled Sheep. Guest Segment Chapters: Note time stamps start at guest segment 00:00 Introduction and Meeting at the Sewing Booth 01:48 Growing Up on a Wheat Farm and Discovering Sewing 06:24 Transitioning from Investment Banking to Sewing 13:42 Winning the National Make It With Wool Contest 20:11 Becoming an Educator for Faf and Other Brands 39:53 Fostering Relationships and Being Genuine in Business 43:05 Finding the Right Sewing Machine for Individual Preferences 44:56 Don't Be Afraid to Use Sergers 01:10:35 Embracing Mistakes and the Learning Process in Sewing 01:14:25 The Joy and Satisfaction of Sewing for Oneself 01:19:53 The Meaningful Connection Between the Maker and the Materials 01:25:46 The Value of Quality Fabrics in Sewing CHIT CHAT: Stephanie chats about the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild retreat she went to recently. Creative weekend retreats are a perfect way to schedule sewing (or knitting) time for yourself and to enjoy the experience with like minded makers.  Chit Chat LInks: Elizabeth Hartman - Fancy Forest Pattern Minky Kim - Pumpkins patern Chicago Modern Quilt Guild KraeO Yarn: Big Brother in Autumnal Provisional Cast on Picot edge hat pattern  at Purl Soho Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    1h 53m

  5. EPISODE 120

    Guest Gail Yellen, Gail Patrice Design

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! On this episode, I chat with guest Gail Yellen from Gail Patrice Design. Gail is a sewing educator, pattern designer and specialized in serger artistry.  We talk about her journey in sewing and her love for sergers. She loves exploring the full potential of sergers beyond just finishing seams. Gail shares tips on choosing the right serger, the benefits of air threading, and the versatility of decorative stitching. Gail offers in-person and online workshops, where she teaches various serging techniques. She also provides free YouTube videos and sells patterns on her website. Gail encourages sewists to overcome their fear of sergers and cover stitch machines and to practice, be persistent, and have patience. She believes that mistakes are part of the learning process and can lead to creative solutions. Links for Gail: Website:  https://www.gailpatrice.com/ You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@GailPatriceDesign Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gailpatricedesign/ Pinterest: http://gailpatrice.com/ Video on How to finish overstitching in the round Music: A Christmas Miracle by One Man Quartet https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/XDcoSoHW8e/ Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    1h 53m

  6. EPISODE 121

    Deborah Fisher, Ceramic & Textile artist - Fish Museum and Circus - S7 E 121

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! This is the last episode of 2024! Happy Holidays to you and enjoy a very Happy and Healthy New start to 2025. Check out my Patreon page for a few unlocked Bonus Episodes at patron.com/makeanddecorate My guest on this episode is Deborah Fisher, a ceramic and textile artist with a background in fine art.  She has an online shop called Fish Museum and Circus where she sells the most beautiful ceramic pin cushions, sewing patterns, miscellany hand made items and also her line of quilting fabrics with Windham Fabrics.  In this episode, we learn about Deborah's art and creative story.  We also talk about the nuance between fine art and craft.  This is an age old debate that maybe just needs more depth of perception to understand and appreciate more.  We also chat about Deborah's art, ceramic pin cushions, fabrics and her newest product, the  Landscape Turtle Pin Cushion kit.  Links are below: Fish Museum and Circus website New fabric line out now: Night Rainbow Ceramic Pin Cushions - sign up for Deborah's email list to be notified when she puts new ceramic pin cushions up for sale - they go super fast! I still haven't been fast enough to get one! New product: Landscape Turtle Pin Cushion @fishmuseum on IG   Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    53 min

  7. EPISODE 122

    Ep 122: Guest Jenny Kae Parks (Jenny Kae Quilts); Machine Quilting and Color for Quilters

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message!  You can watch the video recording of this podcast on my YouTube Channel @makeanddecorate In this episode of the Make and Decorate Podcast, host Stephanie interviews quilt designer and teacher Jenny Kay Parks. They discuss Jenny's journey into quilting, her experiences working at big box fabric stores and local quilt shops. Jenny shares her passion for teaching color theory to quilters and emphasizes the importance of finding joy in quilting projects. Jenny Kae Parks shares her insights on the art of quilting, emphasizing the importance of nature as a source of inspiration for color and design. She discusses her journey in the quilting world, including her experiences with Cherrywood fabrics, teaching color theory, and building confidence among quilters. The discussion also covers practical aspects of quilting, such as machine binding, basting techniques, and the debate between ripping and cutting fabric. Jenny's passion for quilting shines through as she reflects on her recent appearance on The Quilt Show, where she taught binding techniques alongside quilting legends Alex Andersen and Ricky Tims. Links: https://jennykaequilts.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/JennyKaeQuiltsCo https://jennykaequilts.com/learn/  for Jenny Kae Quilts online Beautiful Machine Binding Course Teaching Online at Virtual Quilt Fest Schoolhouse 11: https://www.quiltfest.com/register/quiltfest-virtual-schoolhouse-11/workshops-by-instructor/jenny-kae-parks-binding-color/ Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    1h 25m
  8. YarnCon 2025 and Final Shopping Trip to JoAnn’s - Ep. 123

    EPISODE 123

    YarnCon 2025 and Final Shopping Trip to JoAnn’s - Ep. 123

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! This is a solo episode with host, Stephanie Socha.  The two main topics are YarnCon 2025 and my final trip to JoAnn Fabrics.  This was my first time attending YarnCon, a trade show type event for the knitting, crochet, hand dyers and yarn community. Vendor booths from IL and surrounding states show their beautiful product, much of it hand made, hand dyed and all of it stunning! Below is a list of the vendors from the 2025 show that just took place last weekend (4/5 and 4/6) in Chicago. https://yarncon.com/pages/copy-of-vendors The building that YarnCon was held is a historic beaux arts architecture and art deco design.  The link below is the resource I used in this episode. Beaux Arts Architecture Final Shopping at JoAnn Fabrics The second part of this episode is a recap of my final trip to JoAnn Fabrics before they close forever.  A common issue with most shoppers I have heard from and chatted with is that the discounts are not really discounted.  The prices were raised to MSRP and then slightly discounted.  These prices are higher than a JoAnn shopper would have paid prior to the company closing announcement.   If you plan to make one more trip to JoAnn’s, I share tips on what to look for and how to shop the discounts in your favor while enjoying the nostalgia  one last time.   Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    32 min

  9. EPISODE 124

    Atsushi Futasuya, Sashiko Story - Ep. 124

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! My guest on this episode is Atsushi Futatsuya, a Sashiko artisan and educator. Atsushi shares his Sashiko story, its cultural significance, and its evolution over time. He discusses the relationship between Sashiko and Boro, the importance of storytelling in preserving the craft, and the impact of Western trends on the perception of Sashiko. Atsushi emphasizes that Sashiko is not just about technique but also about the cultural context and the stories behind the stitches. Show notes Links: https://upcyclestitches.com https://sashikostory.com/?srsltid=AfmBOory1Mory2UFPbLjEnMtVvN1FOUlboELAvp0tFudTbkLAFaSc6k1 https://www.instagram.com/sashikostory/ https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/4952-introduction-to-japanese-sashiko-stitching https://www.youtube.com/@SashikoStory Chapters: Introduction to Sashiko and Boro Atsushi's Journey with Sashiko Storytelling in Sashiko The History and Evolution of Sashiko The Impact of Western Trends on Sashiko Exploring Mingei: Art Without Heroes Atsushi’s weekly live YouTube streaming of Sashiko Stories  Cultural Appropriation: A Balanced Perspective Acknowledgment in Cultural Practices Upcoming Workshops and Sashiko Japan Retreat Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    57 min

  10. EPISODE 125

    E125: Guest Byrd Wadhams - Sewing and Fashion for All Ages and Skill Levels

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! You can watch the video of this podcast on my YouTube channel @makeanddecorate Stephanie welcomes guest Byrd Wadhams to the podcast.  Byrd is a curvy sewist who loves Colorful eclectic clothing. She believes style should not be defined by age, size, or gender. Byrd started her sewing journey a few years ago and it is her goal to show people it’s never too late to pick up a new skill or passion. Links: Byrd’s IG: @yogabyrdsews YouTube Channel Byrd Wadhams Baltimore Frocktails IG A couple more upcoming events Byrd mentions are: Sew Ankara Week (July) and KISS (Keep it Simplicity Sis) Photos of Byrd’s sewing projects talked about on this episode can be found on Stephanie’s Podcast Blog at https://makeanddecorate.com Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    1h 34m

  11. 09/27/2024

    Episode 116 has been fixed - no extra music during our chat! 😳

    Click Here to Send me a Fan Mail Message! Apologies for the extra music drowning out almost 4 minutes of our chat!  I forgot to remove that song from the music track last season!   The old version of the episode is now taken down and a new and revised version of episode 116 is now up! Thank you - Stephanie xxoo Support the show INSTAGRAM: @stephanie.socha.design WEBSITE: https://stephaniesochadesign.com/podcast-make-and-decorate EMAIL: info@makeanddecorate.com YOUTUBE: Stephanie Socha Design

    1 min
See All Season 7 (11)

4.8
out of 5
56 Ratings

About

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). 

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