From time to time I like to blog about what’s going on with Craftsy and which classes I’m taking. In fact, I recently wrote up an article about online learning and got to interview a few Craftsy “sewlebrities” in the process. (By the way, this article will appear in a future issue of one of my favorite magazines, and I’ll share some more “behind the scenes” once it’s published).
Quilt by Camille Roskelley
I recently asked Craftsy to create a link to all of their free classes so I could find them more quickly. I was very pleased that they replied to my request and created one. Just click here to check out their free content!
My favorite? Hands down, the QuiltCon lecture series. Even though I attended in person, there were a bunch of things I missed, especially Mary Fons’ rockin’ speech! So it was great to go back and watch these videos. Sigh, it’s almost like being there again. :- )
My other top pick for free classes is Elizabeth Hartman’s Creative Quilt Backs class. Several months ago I was thinking someone needed to write a book or something about piecing fun quilt backings and I found her class. I just love serendipity like that, don’t you?
So anyway, enjoy a bunch of free classes. The way I look at it is that it helps spread out the cost of any of the paid classes I sign up for. Which by the way, once my sewing room is all cleaned up I can get caught up on watching and reviewing the classes I’ve signed up for.
What’s next on my list? Camille Roskelley’s Precut Piecing Made Simple. I told myself I need to watch this one before I sign up for her new class that she just released, called Playful Piecing Techniques.
For those of you who haven’t hopped on the Craftsy bandwagon yet, here’s a little promo info that explains a little bit more of what it’s all about:
What is Craftsy?
Craftsy is a worldwide craft community offering online classes. It also has a patterns marketplace where independent designers can sell their patterns; a supplies shop with great deals on yarn, fabric, and class kits; and a projects section where members share pictures of their latest craft successes. With over two million members and counting, Craftsy has something for just about everyone, in categories ranging from quilting, sewing, knitting, painting, photography, cooking, and more.
Why should I take a class online?
Online education isn’t just for schools and universities anymore. Craftsy courses provide you the convenience of a world-class instructor in your home, whenever you want to learn. Online education, no matter what subject, is a great alternative to in-person classes for a number of reasons.
With many online learning opportunities being on-demand, you are able to learn at your own pace, anytime. Online learning is a fantastic alternative to in-store craft classes for people with busy schedules or who have difficulty leaving the house. It also allows you to watch a troubling section over-and-over again, so you can see exactly how a technique is carried out, or refer back to your class for relevant concepts before beginning any new projects.
Christa Quilts 
I have signed up for several classes at Craftsy. Perfect way to learn those difficult blocks to make, or at least you think they are until you watch their video
Thanks, Christa. I scour craftsy for all the free courses – and not just quilting. I have viewed knitting courses and baking courses, sewing courses and everything, really. Having a tab for all the free classes was truly and inspired idea.
I loved the QuiltCon lectures, too! I’ve started both free BOMs – love the 2012 blocks the most, but the 2013 instruction is better for new quilters : ) Freebies are so wonderful!
You make me want to take another class!
I signed up LONG ago on Craftsy and I Love it!!! And when they get new classes or stuff I just have to buy it. I have so much I will NEVER make all of it but I don’t care because I like to get NEW stuff and try them!! Thank you for all you do for the Quilters! 🙂
Thanks for the link Christa. I also wanted to let you know that I found a copy of your Quilty. FANTASTIC. I do wonder why so many squares being used in recent quilts have measurements with eights of an inch. Isn’t that difficult to measure eights. So far I have avoided trying it although many pretty quilts are eliminated because of it. Anyway, congratulations on your beautiful quilt and its acceptance in Quilty.
Thanks for the link to all the free classes! I’ve watched the QuiltCon lectures, and will probably watch them again! Just downloaded the Creative Quilt Backs class.
Thank you so much for this information!
I thought the Mary Fons speech was great, too (note to self, must check out Quilty). I just bought Angela Walters free-motion quilting class, and after only one lesson I have a lot better idea how to create some of the great FMQ I have seen online.
I need to watch the Quiltcon lectures; I already have them in my lessons tab, but I haven’t made time to watch them 😦 And, I bought a free motion quilting class that I also haven’t watched. That’s on my list of things I definitely want to do over Christmas break.
Ooooh I agree. I love that they provided the Quiltcon lectures. I cried during at least 3. My husband looked at my across the living room and said, “Aren’t you watching some sort of quilting thing? Why are you crying about that?”
Christa, I have signed up and/or taken almost all of these quilting classes. I started Camille’s new class yesterday. Thanks for the link to the freebies!
Thanks Christa! This is awesome. Hugs, Karen