It’s just been a month since the launch of my new Craftsy class, Startup Library: Quilting, and already I’ve taught hundreds of students how to make a complete quilt from start to finish!! I love how the Craftsy platform allows me to interact with my students and see their progress, even though we might be thousands of miles apart! For those of you who are new to the blog, or Craftsy, let me tell you a little more about this class. Then see the end of this post for a giveaway to get you started!!
Click here to get 50% off Startup Library: Quilting (valid thru 10/8/17)
In class, you’ll explore a range of key tools and techniques as you learn to make a quilt from start to finish. I’ll guide you step-by-step through preparing your fabric, cutting out the pieces and sewing them into blocks, as well as basting, machine quilting, and binding to help you finish your quilt with ease. Plus, when you learn with Craftsy you can work at your own pace and ask me questions as you go. By the end of my class, you’ll be quilting with confidence in no time!
WHAT YOU NEED
Lesson 1: Fabrics & Tools (28 min)
It’s every quilter’s favorite part of project prep: shopping! In this first lesson, I’ll explain the fundamentals of quilting and what to keep in mind when shopping for supplies.
Lesson 2: Know Your Machine (24 min)
Understand what type of sewing machine best suits your needs, including the features worth splurging on (or not!). Then, get familiar with your machine as you learn to thread it, wind a bobbin and keep an accurate seam allowance.
SETUP
Lesson 3: Working with Patterns (9 min)
Follow along as I go over the information included in your quilting patterns. Find out how to work with patterns as you piece your tops, plus get tips for successfully choosing projects.
MAKE IT
Lesson 4: Cutting the Pieces (38 min)
Before you begin sewing, you’ll need to cut the pieces for your blocks. Learn to work with a rotary cutter and mat as you cut yardage, fat quarters and more.
Lesson 5: Chain Blocks (24 min)
Get right into action by sewing up your first quilt block, the Chain! Find out how to keep track of all nine pieces as you sew and press the first block, then make quick work of the piecing by sewing several blocks together at once.
Lesson 6: Star Blocks (32 min)
Ready to throw some half-square triangle units into the mix? Here, you’ll sew the second block of your quilt. Find out how to tame stretchy edges and ensure all of your star points face the right direction.
Lesson 7: Assembling the Quilt Top (27 min)
Now, it’s time to have some fun! Arrange and organize your quilt blocks before you sew them together. Then, sew blocks into rows and rows into the inner top – you’ll love my method for keeping blocks in order as you sew!
Lesson 8: Borders (27 min)
Your quilt top is almost done! All you need to do is add the solid and scrappy borders to set off the design. Learn how to piece and add each border, and fix it if it’s slightly too long for your quilt.
Lesson 9: Backing & Batting (11 min)
In this lesson, you’ll prepare the remaining layers for your quilt. Learn how to choose and prepare batting — the center layer of the quilt — and piece the backing fabric.
Lesson 10: Basting (8 min)
The secret to quality quilting? Basting, which holds all of the layers together securely. I’ll teach you how to spray-baste the layers and assemble your quilt, explaining why pressing helps you ensure solid results.
Lesson 11: Find Your Quilting Path (38 min)
Quilting — the stitching that holds layers together — can really accentuate your piecing work. Discover different ways to accomplish this, from working with a long-arm quilter to using your domestic machine. And, see how to stitch-in-the-ditch and apply decorative wavy lines using your walking foot.
Lesson 12: Free-Motion Quilting (23 min)
Ready to dip your toes into free-motion quilting? This method allows you to move your needle in any direction. If you’d like, stitch a stipple and continuous curve design on your quilt, or practice for your next quilt project.
Lesson 13: Binding (13 min)
Finish the edges of your quilt by applying a binding. I’ll show you how to prepare for this step. Learn to cut and piece the strips to create the binding, calculate the length you need for any quilt, and square up — or trim — your quilt.
Lesson 14: Binding the Quilt (37 min)
You’re almost there! In this final lesson, find out how to sew the binding to the quilt and finish it by hand. Easily turn with the corners and join the tails with my expert instruction, then get ready to enjoy your quilt!
For a limited time, you can get 50% off the regular price of my class when you use this link. The regular price will show on the home screen, but once you click “add to cart” you’ll see the discount. Just for comparison, this class is approximately 2-3 times longer than a “regular” Craftsy class, so it’s a tremendous value, especially when you get it on sale!
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Here’s a behind the scenes secret to share: as I was making the quilt, Craftsy sent me extra fabrics just in case. I ended up with enough fabric for an extra kit. Since I’ve already made the quilt twice (once ahead of time to test it, and a second time on video) – I don’t need to make a third, so I’d rather pass the extra fabric along to you! The kit includes one fat quarter bundle + background to make the quilt top and binding as shown in the class.
This giveaway is open to all (int’l winner just pays shipping). To enter, leave me a comment letting me know how many UFO’s (Unfinished Fabric Objects) you currently have! Once you take my class, you’ll be armed with the skills to finish them up! The giveaway will remain open through Sunday night, Aug 13, 2017 and I’ll choose a winner first thing Monday morning.
Click here to learn more and watch a preview video for Startup Library: Quilting
Update: Winner Selected and Comments Closed
Congrats to Susan M. who has been contacted via email.
Christa Quilts 
I have five UFOs at the moment. I would love to add your quilt to the pile and I promise to move it ahead of all the others. Thanks so much for this give away!
I have about 7 quilts that need quilting and about 5 quilts in some stage of production.
I have only 2 UFOs right now. I try not to get too many started. I love this quilt btw
A great class. UFO on list would come to about 20 at the moment by that could change any day as I love starting new projects.
I am in the midst of a massive overhaul of my sewing cave so everything has a home and I can work more efficiently. Your kit would be the perfect reward for a job well done! I hereby promise it would NOT become a UFO!! Love your classes!!
oh I’m embarrassed to say, but I see I’m in good company with many others in the same boat……just let me say, it’s nearing the 3 digit mark! I have 3 quilts on the ‘to quilt’ pile and lots of flimsies and ‘near’ finishes, plus some kits ready to start……I’m slowly making my way through them all……I just love starting new things!!! what can I say!? Thanks for the chance to win….love the look of your class too!
I have about six to nine UFOs 😦 I seem to be able to finish the ones I make for others but never get around to finishing my own. Any tips on how to organise myself?
Ugh! I’d rather not say. Some are half done because I’ve found it difficult. But I have completed 4 projects this year.
I am teaching my friend how to quilt, and am going to recommend she buy your class at craftsy. She hasn’t started her fabric collection yet, so this would be a great kick start for her.
Not sure! Im not brave enough to look or count.
Every January I make a list of quilts in progress, tops to quilt, and wish list of quilts I would like to make. To date, 21 UFOs! I have completed two on my list and am in the process of finishing another–making progress!
I have 10 UFOs. All are pieced, binding is made, and all but one have backings ready. It is the quilting that hangs me up.
I have a list of my UFOs, and another of the ones that are just waiting to be quilted. If I added them together, I would have well over 50 projects. Mind you, I have been quilting for almost that many years. Having said that, I am still learning – and willing to learn – new methods for doing things.
I have WAY too many UFO’s. If I could get confident with my quilting, quite a few would be solved! So I am working toward that by taking your classes and studying and practicing with your books. Thanks for the giveaway. That’s very kind of you.
Nancy
I have so many UFOs! Probably around 10. Mostly pieced and waiting to be quilted.
ooooh way to many to count! Currently working on 3, another to be done by labor day (and haven’t started it), 6 or 7 waiting to be quilted, and many others at different stages.
I have at least 10 tops to finish and many more in my mind to start and way to many rows from 3 years worth of row by row- but will this stop me? No! I will simply continue to add to my UFOs 🤗
I have five UFO’s. Two of my quilts are basted and ready for quilting.
I think I have 7 UFOs. This does not count the many kits I’ve bought but not gotten to yet. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
I have six UFOs…. I like to have a few options when it’s sewing time! Plus one is my leader ended project!
Looks like I have 4 UFOs to finish piecing, one needs a border; plus I have 3 quilt tops ready to quilt, plus one I started quilting yesterday. Would love to win your giveaway. The quilt on your Craftsy class site is really pretty…love the colors.
I actually have 14 UFOs. Most of them are tops that just need quilting. I can’t believe that I have so many. I’ve made so many quilts in the last 7 years but for some reason I have been having a hard time getting to sew this year. I’ve had some health problems and they have been keeping me from the machine.
I have four UFO’s and eight projects (pattern and fabric) waiting in the wings. I just finished piecing two of the four UFO’s. I’ll be FMQing them over the next couple of months. I’m hoping to start a new project by Christmas!
I have approximately 5 quilts all going at the same time. Not counting the quilts that are ready to be quilted. Probably more than 15 ufos. Someday I will be able to get caught up.
I actually don’t have any unfinished projects, mostly because I haven’t started any in a while. BUT, I could absolutely start one with all that great fabric. Thanks for having the “contest.”
2 Quilting UFO’s, trying to keep the number down.
I have at least 4 quilts that are unfinished and thousands of ideas in my head that I want to start.
Probably 25 to 50. I’ve been working on them all Summer, but pile has only gone down a little. 6 finishes this Summer.
I lost track of all the UFO’s that I have. More than 20 though. I love starting new projects, and often get bored/distracted. There are times when I will work on 5 or 6 at a time. I do a bunch of cutting, then a bunch of sewing, then pressing. It helps to keep my mind “challenged” trying to keep up with all the different projects. When I do this I also end up with lots finishing at the same time. Lol Thanks for the draw.
I have soooo many. A “guesstimate” would be at least 10! if I could just retire (at 60, there is a light at the end of the tunnel) and stay home and sew to my heart’s content… I love the give away. Thanks for the chance.
I’m too scared to count! I know I have at least a dozen tops that need to be quilted. Thanks for the chance to win the kit!
I have many more UFOs than I’m willing to admit to! Many of them are from previous classes that have languished once the class is over, but I keep meaning to get back to them!
I have too many UFO’s to think about let alone mention.
Less than i did….. I am plugging away… machine quilting myself is the only way to gain on the pile… I’d roughly estimate actual number being… 12….but the haven’t started yet PILE… that’s another story!!!
I have 9 UFO’s, I am ashamed to admit!
Cute quilt. I have about 20 ufos, and it’s not because I can’t finish, it’s that something else with a deadline happened, or that I got bored with the project. Thanks for the look at your class.
I hate to admit this, but I have at least 25 “legitimate” (i.e., I’ve cut the fabric at a minimum) UFOs. We won’t talk about the ones I have planned. 😉 Many are from classes I’ve taken where I learned a specific technique, but haven’t gotten around to finishing the project. …Someday
I have about 6 left from 9 at the beginning of the year.
I think I have about 9 UFOs currently, I hope to finish 4 of them by the end of the year. Don’t even ask how many projects are waiting to be started… So many ideas, so little time. LOL
dragonfly9716 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I have some but not alot. I do have 2 quilt tops I need to quilt. I have lots of intentions that may never come about. Dreams I guess.
I haven’t counted lately, but let’s just say, “more than enough.” I plan on retiring early next year, and finishing up projects is high on my list for when I have more time. Thanks for the giveaway!
Currently I have 7 UFOs. There are 3 table runners and a wall hanging waiting for the binding to be sewn to the back. Another wall hanging needs some quilting and binding. Yet another wall hanging needs to be finished piecing, then quilted and bound. A lap quilt needs the same, and a queen quilt needs to be pieced and finished as well. But they will have to wait as I received your latest book while on vacation and can’t wait to dive into it! I know there will be a few more UFOs for sure!!
On the UFO’s I have at least 8 maybe more I’ve lost count! But I have an excuse, I’ve been down for months from surgeries, but am on the mend and plan on getting the tops done!!
I have more unfinished projects than I can count, many of which need to be quilted!!!!!
I have at least 8. Thanks for giveaway. Would give me one more chance to bypass those UFOs.
I have too many to admit to! This includes embroidery, wool appliqué, other hand appliqué,a few that are almost completely pieced, two that I am going to quilt on my home machine, and one queen size that’s at the quilter now. Love your books❣️
Too many to count, but 9 that I really want to finish this fall and winter.
I currently only have four in progress… unless you count the fabric pulls for four others! Thanks for the giveaway!
OK — I have 3 that have some blocks made but are just sitting and waiting. Then there are 5 that I have bought the fabric for but haven’t done any actual cutting or sewing. One of those, however, will be started in the next few days. Anyway, that is a total of 8.
oh I way way way too many UFOs to count – I focus on the ones I have to get done in the next three months (otherwise I would go mad!!) Thanks for the chance to win!! Your class looks amazing!!!!