Piece, Patch, Quilt: Basic Quiltmaking Skills is a wonderful FREE class from Craftsy. I signed up when it was released late last year but of course, I can return to watch it any time I want since I 'own' it forever. If there had been a free course like this when I was first starting out with quilting it would have been so much easier. I had to go the more difficult route and try to learn everything on my own - through friends, books, amateur videos, and a lot of trial and error!
This complete basics class taught by The Classic Double Wedding Ring instructor Gail Kessler, takes the new quilter through the entire process of completing that first project. From an explanation of quilting terms, selecting fabrics, and choosing a pattern to the nuts and bolts of cutting, piecing, joining, and finishing a quilt. Gail gently guides the student through each step and offers so many expert tips and techniques along the way. She has a sweet and funny manner as she demonstrates each step and her years of expertise are obvious as she shares the time (and sanity!)-saving tricks throughout the class.
I never miss the opportunity to sign up for a FREE Craftsy class because no matter how far along I may have come in a subject, there is always something new to learn. Each instructor has a unique style and perspective and there are many ways to do things. I love to learn and am always open to a new approach. I keep finding teachers I admire and, like Oprah, I feel so incredibly appreciative and indebted to these generous people who so freely share their knowledge. You may have read how excited I was to meet Gail Kessler in person so it was even more interesting for me to re-watch Learn How To Piece, Patch, Quilt. I like to go back to the basics when I'm attempting a new-to-me technique or to brush up on a particular aspect of the quiltmaking process when I need help.
As I watched the quilting Lesson I actually...and I can't believe I'm saying this...am now considering trying HAND QUILTING in the future! I never thought that would interest me at all but hearing Gail's enthusiasm and encouraging remarks made me believe I might not totally suck at it! Plus, it's another example of how I don't like not knowing how to do something. I want to try and I may or may not like it but I'll never know if I don't attempt my first hand-quilting stitch, right? (And...it's an excuse to get a whole new set of needles and thread!). I also found the quilt tying section interesting, too. I wouldn't mind using this technqiue to finish a quilt and make use of a loftier batting some time.
You probably already know this about me: I love quilting and I love Craftsy. I love FREE. If you want to learn how to quilt then please sign up for this class. You can use this link to sign up for free and check it out. Gail is a superb instructor and the projects she shares are ideal starter quilts. (You get the free patterns for 4 projects: 3 full quilts and an adorable mug rug. You also get a free Quilt Label template. I'm going to use it on my DWR quilt.) Once you try, you will probably be hooked and that would, frankly, make me very happy! Go ahead and give it a whirl. Like my hand-quilting future...you never know until you try!!!
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