So I have three huge projects releasing this year. #1 is my third book which comes out next month. #2 is a new thing I’ve never done before which will be shown at fall market (sorry for the tease!), and #3 is my second Craftsy class which goes live next week – Startup Library: Quilting.
To say it’s been a busy year is a bit of an understatement, but now that most of the work has been done comes the fun part – I get to tell you all about it!
In class, I’ll teach you how to make the colorful Friendship Stars quilt from start to finish!
Startup Library: Quilting is different from the first class I released earlier this year (The Quilter’s Path) and it’s much more in-depth. Whereas the first class focused on machine quilting and included a free quilt pattern for you to make on your own, Startup Library: Quilting takes you step-by-step through the entire process of making a quilt, while working your way through the colorful Friendship Star quilt that I designed above. It also includes the free pattern plus bonus machine quilting diagrams.
The class is geared toward those who are just discovering quilt-making for the first time, or for other crafters who are adept in their own hobby, but want to give quilting a try.
I love sharing tips and tricks that make piecing easier and more fun!
I was really excited to teach this class because I often lament the fact that I can’t teach everything in a one-day quilting workshop! This class covers all the basics: cutting, piecing, basting, quilting and binding in an in-depth set of 14 lessons.
Although aimed at beginners, I think it’s a great resource for more experienced quilters who want to freshen up their binding skills, or learn how to baste and prevent puckers while quilting! Plus I’ve thrown in tons of tips throughout the class including how and why I starch my fabrics, how to cut and piece efficiently, and many more.
The pattern to make the quilt is included in the class!
When I filmed my first class, the number one feedback I got was how nice it was that students could actually watch me manipulate a “real” quilt under the machine. Well in this class, you’ll get to watch me perform every step of the process, on an even larger quilt! I compare it to watching someone cook rather than simply reading a recipe – you’ll be able to learn all the little tricks that I do, that I don’t even realize I’m doing!!
The class includes all the finishing steps – basting, quilting and binding.
Giveaway – Win it Before You Can Buy It!
I’ll chat a bit more about the class next week when it launches, but in the meantime, I want to award TWO (yes 2!!) lucky winners with a free copy of the class! To enter, just leave me a comment letting me know what’s the one aspect of quilting you need a little bit more practice with. Chances are, I’ve covered it in class! I’ll choose the winners next Monday morning, before the class goes live on the site.
Of course, you are all winners in my book!! So if you haven’t yet signed up for my first class, click here to get 50% off The Quilter’s Path. Both of my classes work nicely together, as well as standing on their own individually. And the best part is, you can watch them over and over again!
I just love cuddling up with a freshly made quilt – don’t you??
Christa Quilts 
I think my problem is more that I get in a hurry to finish a quilt that I mess up the binding. I end up very frustrated and ready ‘to throw in the towel’ so I don’t finish the quilt. I know my children will appreciate someday if I finally get to my UFOs’ so they don’t have to pay someone to complete them. Any help with bindings would be greatly appreciated!
I have the most problems with accurate cutting and also sewing a straight 1/4 inch seam.
How nice to see you have a new Craftsy class! I would love to win it to see how you get a consistently accurate quarter inch seam, pick a quilting pattern to enhance the piecing and then bind in a professional way. Thank you!
I struggle with deciding what design/designs to FMQ on my quilts.
I think I could be a more accurate, efficient cutter! I haaaaate cutting and always wish I could skip ahead to piecing.
Basting is my trouble spot! I am still a beginner, and my MIL and I would love to quilt together! Your classes sound fun and easy to follow.
I’ve ended up with a pile of quilt tops awaiting quilting. For me, it seems the hurdle is getting the tops sandwiched for quilting — where, which method, etc.
Thanks for your clear, down-to-earth classes.
I would like help on quilting as I usually have tucks along the top of quilt where the fabric rides, I’ve tried quilting pins, quilt gun (forget the proper name), my quilting foot came with the machine,so I know it’s the right one. Thanks for the opportunity to ask.
The actual quilting is the hardest part for me. I have a hard time deciding what pattern to use, then actually getting started! I love piecing!
Like a few others, I feel my cutting efficiency and accuracy could be improved, which would then lead to better piecing. The new longer startup library format is a great concept. Thanks for the chance to win!
Hardest for me is the binding when I sew it on for a “going to be washed often” binding. Do not always get the finish to stay on the front and back evenly. Is there a trick to sewing the binding on the back and turning to the front and align it so the finish doesn’t fall into the quilt? Love your hints and books.
Christa, I have never quilted a quilt before, just pieced tops. I’ll be following along!
Hi Christa:
I actually have 2 – one is that I struggle with is figuring out how to quilt the top. I usually go to my LQS and ask them how I should quilt it and/or I just try to do straight lines. I need to free myself from the straight lines but don’t know where to start. The 2nd request is how to match up points – I’m not sure what I am doing wrong but when I am piecing the quilt many times the points do not match up and I end up taking the block apart and trying again and when it doesn’t match up the second time, I just get frustrated. Christa – can you help me what am I doing wrong?
Thank you for the chance to win a spot in your class.
my two quilting struggles are keeping a consistent seam allowance and having the finished block to finishe at the correct size. I’ve made several quilts, but I could benefit from taking your class. Thank you for the opportunity to win your class.
I have so many UFOS…most of them just need the binding put on, but I’m hopeless at binding. You’ve already said that will be in your class…I’d love to learn the proper way to do it!
For me the free motion quilting is the worst… I can handle the straight quilting but free motion…
I just got your quilters path .class and have been learning and enjoying it. I my biggest struggle is basting large quilts , I get wrinkles.
Exciting new class! I need help with piecing. My points often get chopped off😣
Hi Christa. Excited about your next book and class. You have taught me so much and while I finally consider myself past beginner I will read anything you write or class you give. You are amazing and so easy to learn from.
Debi S.
Love taking any class or workshop because I ALWAYS learn something new! I need help deciding on what design to quilt when completing the actual quilting. I get so bogged down attempting to find a design, more and more of my quilts remain just tops.
Enjoy your books and classes. I need help with basting. Hate working on a quilt and when I finish there are pleats on the back! Sometimes I can fix them, sometimes not…oh me oh my
I would love to be able to quilt.large quilts at home. Am able to quilt small quilts at home but have trouble with larger quilts. Any hints would be appreciated.
new to quilting and sewing need help to improve my cutting out so everything is neater and the right size
Wow a new class. No doubt lots more to learn from you in this one. The one area I have trouble with is what quilting designs should I use?
There are always techniques to learn or unlearning in some cases. Bad habits are hard to break. I am a pin baster but in my sixties it is harder to do it since I use the floor to lay it out. I do struggle trying to quilt as it hangs over the edge.. I try drapping it over my shoulder or using an ironing board. I still struggle. Thank you for the giveaway. Your generosity is much appreciated.
Applying the borders so that the quilt lies flat without wavy edges is something I would like to improve. Thanks for the chance to win this cllass
Thank you for this opportunity. My biggest bugaboo is binding second to squaring up my quilt when it is a big one. Looking forward to this class and your pointers.
I could use more info in basting a quilt. I think it’s great you’re doing another Craftsy class–love the first one!
I need help with my lumpy, thick seams.
I’m struggling with starting… and finishing. I’m sitting with a few tops that need basting and quilting so I’d love some ideas.
Hello Christa,
I need guidance in pin basting, free motion quilting vs. quilting with a walking foot. Thanks
for providing much needed details for the beginner in quilting.
Carolyn
I would like to learn how to quilt properly! I’ve tried quilt pins, a quilt ‘gun’ (can’t remember proper name) but the fabric always puckers leaving me with little tucks everywhere! I use a quilting foot with my brother machine, but the fabric still ‘walks’. Any advice will be very helpful. Thank you.
Hi Christa:
I am so excited for your third book to come out. I have your first two and absolutely love them. They have been a great resource and have answered many questions that always seem to come up. Another persons perspective is always so helpful! And, I absolutely love your first Craftsy class. I had to get it immediately when it initially came out. I am so excited to see that you are doing another class with Craftsy and love that it is going to be more in-depth through the Startup Library (of which I already own two – Knitting and Hand Embroidery). The in-depth courses are wonderful since you are able to be involved with the instructor through the entire process. I have been quilting (piecing) for quite some time but have never really tackled the “quilting” part of the process. I have taken a number of on-line classes and have a number of books. So I am really interested to go through the entire process in your new class and watch how you tackle the larger quilt on a domestic machine. Your book that you and Angela Walters worked together on was so helpful. And your Machine Quilting With Style book added even more information that has helped me so much. So, I am looking forward to adding your Startup Library class to my numerous Craftsy classes. It is a wonderful platform to showcase your exceptional talents and I know will add more helpful information to really get me going on quilting my own quilts on my domestic machine. Take care Christa and have a blessed day.
Patty
Hi Christa,
I really could do with some neat tricks that will help me use my material economically, along with tricks to Quilt using a domestic machine. Thanks for the chance to win your ckass, it sounds like just what I need.
I need to try more free motion quilting ideas besides stippling.
Love the quilt pattern for this class!
I am scared to take on the challenge of actually quilting the quilt. I have 2 large quilt sandwiches sitting in the corner from a few years ago…
Hi Christa, I need to practice more of free motion quilting. I love to quilt my own quilt but always having trouble deciding which design to put on blocks. It took me so much time to think then when I quilt them, I changed my mind again. sigh 😦
I still have problems with cutting straight strips. I measure correctly but when I unfold the strips, they have a slight V in the middle.
Would like to learn how to design a pattern. If I have something in mind how to bring that design to fruition. Thanks for the chance to win your class. Have your awesome book.
I love the quilt pattern in your new quilt class! Cutting tips would be nice and the actual quilting. It takes me so long to finish a quilt at this point in time, I am horribly rusty quilting it.
I need to be more efficient in my cutting, and I definitely need help getting the corners of my bindings to be crisp and square! Thanks for the chance to win!
I need more confidence in picking what designs to use on my quilts.
I am getting better at quilting on home machine. Yay! Piecing is getting more precise, but I’ll be darned the binding gets me every time. At present, I would never enter any of my quilts at a show, but that is my goal. I am dealing with breast cancer right now and will soon have a mastectomy, however 2018 is going to be my year for getting involved in the business of quilting. Christa, you have inspired me since I first started making quilts in 2014.
I need practice in just quilting. I let too much time elapse between quilting sessions so I feel like I’m starting from scratch each time instead of building on what I’ve learned.
I really need to learn more about how to quilt a large quilt on my machine! I’m working on one right now and it is driving me crazy!
Congratulations on your Craftsy class. I would like to see what kind of starch you use and how you press the seams. Sometimes my pressed seams get into an awful mixed up mess.
I would love to watch how you quilt on a home machine, your tips would help me a lot.
Thanks for all you do to teach quilting, and for the class giveaway.
djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com
Cutting is what I feel least confident about. And I think that if you cut wrong, it makes everything wrong. I know this will be a great class with lots of useful information. AND I’ll end up with a beautiful quilt! Thanks for your generosity.
Nancy
I’d love some pointers on accurate, efficient cutting. How many layers at a time to get a good cut, yet save time? How about precuts? All precuts are not the same. Thanks for the chance to win!
hi Christa!
i really need practice on all the ascpects of quilting as i’m still a beginner but right now i’m having the most trouble with basting!!! [or maybe finding the patience to do it right!] i’ll wait and maybe win your class before i buy it! glad you’ve come back to blogging more often!
thanks, shoshana
There are 2 – the actual quilting of the pattern onto the materials and binding the edges. I love your site. Thanks for a chance to win this, God Bless. I too love the feel of a fresh quilt. I miss the feel of my quilt from my great grandmom and her friends when I was born in 1956; it burned in a fire in 1980. Wish I had a picture at least; however I have the memories!