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 need some more confidence with fmq…
I still struggle with the process of free motion design and execution. I can get the quilt top made, but then, what do I do with it?
I still have trouble maintaining a consistent seam width. And I still IRON instead of PRESS!
I need help with fabric selection, cutting precisely, sewing accurately to make the block come out the correct size, basting the sandwich, thinking of quilting ideas, and free motion quilting. Gosh, I need help all along the way!!
kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
I still struggle with quilting although you have helped already with your books and online help. I am getting much more accurate with my piecing, but sometimes I am a little disappointed with how points come out.
Definitely free motion, I worry I’ll mess up the quilt and resort to straight line quilting, which I like, but it would be nice to have options.
Color balance is something that I still struggle with when pulling fabrics for a new project.
Hi Christa,
Can not wait for your next book,but a second class on Craftsy. OH BOY!
I would like to see two things.
1. CONTROL
How do you do It? Control the quilt ? Now that you have had an issue with your arm, are you having trouble manipulating the quilt With?
2. Take control from the entire quilt to just the section under the needle. When FMG, he do you control where you go?
I would love to win this class. My biggest problem is getting my binding even. I am useless at quilting and have mind done on a longarm.
I am a beginning quilter and honesty I need help with it all haha! However if I had to choose just one area, I would say binding is where I need more help! Thank you for your step by step guides in your blog! I have already learned a lot and would love to win this class!
Pressing and Binding! ackkkk!
I need to get more confident with FMQ.
Quilting, for sure. I tend to get a pucker here and there when basting, so tips on that, too, would be great!
Definitely need more practice with FMQ…I have LOTS of quilt tops that need quilting! 😝
I need to work on more accurate piecing…and machine quilting.
My biggest challenge is driving off into the ditch. I start with a nice 6 mm seam allowance and drift off to one side or the other.
Basting is the area I need to most improve. No matter how careful I try to be, I always end up with wrinkles or puckers when I quilt. Thanks for the chance!
dragonfly9716(at)yahoo(dot)com
I always have a hard time pressing bulky seams. Thanks for the opportunity of the giveaway!
This quilt looks fun, summery, and colorful!
I always have trouble deciding how to quilt my top, since I’m not very comfortable yet with free motion quilting.
I have trouble deciding on quilting patterns. It seems like I do too simple or too complex/much! Love your style of instruction.
My challenge is putting fabrics together. Colors, textures, etc. I have to get my husband to help me. Thanks for the opportunity. Love your “Path” Craftsy class.
I still consider myself a beginner quilter so there are many skills I need to work on. I really want to be able to quilt my tops instead of paying someone else. Looking forward to taking this class!
Ways to baste quilt with backing and batting to avoid wrinkles.
I struggle with basting and then quilting a large quilt. Would love to watch your new class.
I would like to see how you square up a quilt.
Your new class sounds wonderful…
I struggle with matching points, & also how to handle those times when points aren’t where they’re supposed to be.
Thanks for the chance!
I need help with adding sashing and keystones. They never seem to come out equal and I end up redoing or just leaving them out. Also, flying geese!
I need help with cutting and sewing HSTs. My HSTs come out unevenly stretched out of shape.
I have a hard time deciding on quilting designs. So many different things to choose from!
I would just like to see you make a quilt from start to end and be able to work along with you.
I need more practice long arm quilting an cutting…I hate cutting because my arms and hands are week and I often let the ruler slip.
I need help matching points .
I really struggle with that old 1/4 inch seam. I seem to always end up with an expanded block. Grrrr
Squaring up a quilt ,binding. Can’t wait for your new craftsy class to come out. Loved your first one.
Hi Christa, I need help getting my BSR to start smoothly–it seems to hesitate and I end up with a really big stitch when it starts. Very disappointing considering the cost. I look forward to seeing how you do it! Thanks–Mary
I could use help with piecing triangles to other shapes, deciding what width to cut my binding for different types of quilts, and getting perfect mitered corners on said binding. thanks for the opportunity to win your new class – I love following all you’re doing!
Machine quilting ideas I struggle with.
Binding is my downfall. I definitely need practice with my bindings
I would like to learn cutting shortcuts. The faster I get a quilt cut and completed, the faster I can start on the next one I really want to make, too!
I have a hard time deciding how to quilt a quilt and then actually trusing myself to get started once i decide. Thanks for the opportunity for a chance to win!!
I still struggle with accurate cutting and I haven’t even tried free motion quilting. It has been stitch in the ditch for me… Thanks for the opportunity of the drawing.
P.s. your quilt in the pics is gorgeous!
Basting large quilts is my nemesis. With aging knees, I don’t get on the floor as easily as I once did. Now back issues make leaning over a table difficult. Any tricks are welcome!
Always, more practice free motion quilting. But I am dong better, and your excellent tutorials and books have been such a great help.
I need more ideas of easy to make FMQ patterns and where I can use them. I still hate to start quilting my quilts, afraid I might ‘mess them up’.
Craftsy classes are awesome! I have trouble with deciding what design to quilt with. And I need to practice quilting more.
Any advise on FMQ on my domestic sewing machine and how to manage moving a large quilt in and out and through the harp space. 😊
I want to understand how to quilt the tops I make. Especially FMQ.
I really could use help with achieving accuracy at each step of the process. From perfect points to clean mitered corners and choosing the best quilt designs.
I recently made a log cabin square pillow that came out looking relatively similar to the pattern!
I would love tips on efficient piecing. And choosing a design for quilting. Love the quilt from the class! Would love to make it as a Christmas quilt for my kids.
I need more practice with cutting, piecing and quilting my quilts together because I am slower at doing all of this because of my disabilities. I enjoy quilting and have made several projects through the years. I am in the process of making a wheelchair lap quilt for a family member who has als. My next projects are a matching table runner and placemats for a nephew that is getting married in a few months. I love the Friendship quilt that you have posted today and i would love to make it.
I struggle with accurate cutting. Also, binding and squaring up a quilt is something I have never done. I have paid someone else to do it for me. Too scared! Pretty sad!