Craftsy Class Review: Next Steps with Your Walking Foot

March 23, 2016February 12, 20178 Comments

I was so excited to get the opportunity to review Jacquie Gering’s new Craftsy Class: Next Steps with your Walking Foot. This is a followup class to her earlier class, Creative Quilting with Your Walking Foot, which I previously reviewed here

Although Next Steps with your Walking Foot is meant to follow the earlier class and Jacquie references it quite a bit, I think there’s so much good information in this class that it can stand on its own, even if you haven’t taken the first class yet.

The entire class runs for approximately 3 hours, and I had a great time watching it, coincidentally while doing my own walking-foot quilting for an upcoming quilt along!

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Decorative stitches are so quick and easy to do – here’s my current WIP using them!

The class is broken down into 8 segments running anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes in length. I love watching a video this way because there are plenty of good stopping points. Jacquie is very thorough in this class, including many supplemental class materials which are a handy reference as you are going through the class.

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Twigs – one of the designs Jacquie teaches using reverse quilting. So clever!

Here are the basics of what you will learn in Next Steps with your Walking Foot including what I enjoyed most about each section:

Lesson 1 – Walking Foot Basics
Jacquie explains the anatomy of a walking foot along with how you can adjust your foot to work best for you. IDF (integrated dual feed) works basically the same as a walking foot. This is what I use on my BERNINA and I like that she affirms that what I’m doing is correct!
Lesson 2 – New Linear Designs
Jacquie goes beyond straight line quilting by adding decorative elements to her straight lines to “fancy” them up a bit. It’s all about the amazing texture!
Lesson 3 – Decorative Stitches
Jacquie explores many of the decorative stitches built into her machine. She also keeps a stitch journal with detailed notes on which stitches to use and what the settings are. I thought it was very clever of her to use something as simple as a blind hem stitch in a new way!
Lesson 4 – Concentric Shapes
This was my favorite lesson of all! I loved learning Jacquie’s trick for quilting concentric geometric shapes by traveling in the ditch. I already have several great ideas brewing for how to incorporate these ideas into my quilts!
Lesson 5 – Spirals
She shares her magic formula for marking guidelines when quilting geometric spirals like squares and octagons. She also shows how mistakes can often turn into happy accidents!
Lesson 6 – Designs with Reverse Stitching
Jacquie shows how to combine reverse stitching with regular stitching for some really unique quilting effects. I have played around a bit with this myself and it was great to get validation that yes, this is an okay thing to do!
Lesson 7 – New Curved Designs
With a bit of marking and planning, she shows how to come up with some really cool curved effects, building off of ideas she has taught in her previous class. Although I’m not one to mark much, this section gave me some ideas to branch off from. 🙂
Lesson 8 – Curved Remixes
Clamshells, flowers, and circles, oh my! By the time you get to the last lesson you will be blown away by the sheer number of ideas of how to quilt with your walking foot!

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I love Jacquie’s approach to teaching geometric spirals – it make so much sense!

Special Discount – Just for You!

For a limited time, my friends at Craftsy are allowing me to share this class with you at up to 50% off the regular price. It expires in exactly one week, at the end of the day on March, 30, 2016 so if you are thinking about it, don’t wait – enroll now. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. 🙂

Click here to preview Next Steps with your Walking Foot by Jacquie Gering.

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Quilt Las Vegas – A Nice Showing of Modern Quilts

March 21, 2016March 20, 20169 Comments

I had such a great weekend, attending Desert Quilters of Nevada‘s annual quilt show! This is an event I have participated in nearly every year since I joined the guild. This year I entered 4 quilts and was stunned to learn that every single one got a ribbon. It’s the first time that has ever happened! My most validating moment was getting a 1st place ribbon for Pearl Gray, one of the cover quilts from Machine Quilting with Style.

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Pearl Gray, 1st Place Single Entrant Category

Judge’s comments: strong representation for modern quilting; good control of value and contrast; machine quilting pattern adds great texture and is simple and effective; very good binding technique.

One of the fun things my traditional guild does is hand out buttons corresponding to the ribbons you win. It’s so cool to walk around the show and bump into other ribbon-winners and congratulate them on a job well done. Everyone can use a little quilt bling, right?

On a whim, I decided to enter Candy Pop, another book quilt into the applique category. I didn’t expect an award for such a simple design, but it really is one of my favorite quilts. In fact, my daughter has already claimed it as hers, once it “retires” from the public circuit.

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Candy Pop, from Machine Quilting with Style, 3rd Place – Applique

Judge’s comments: dots and circles create a really dynamic piece; outside pieced binding creates a lovely frame, all techniques are well handled; back art is noted and appreciated.

I love how the judge commented on the back of the quilt, too. I love making pieced backs, especially when I can use up leftover blocks. You can really see the quilting, too:

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For the last 3 years there has been a modern category in the show and I think this year’s showing of modern quilts was the best yet! In fact, there were so many entries that the category was split into two – large and small. I had entered two quilts in the modern category and lucked out that each went into a different subcategory!

Illusions – Honorable Mention for Modern, Large

Judge’s comments: piecing is skillfully done; thread color changes are appreciated, causing no distraction from this graphic quilt; machine quilting is well done.

You will be hearing more about Illusions, shortly. It’s been patterned in one of my favorite magazines, and the editor was so kind to ship it back to me quickly, just in time to put it in the show. I’m so glad she did!! Don’t worry – I’ll let you know when and where as soon as it’s published!!

woven_ribbons Woven Ribbons – 3rd Place Modern, Small

Judge’s comments: masterful use of color; beautiful glow from your use of deep color and contrast; use of variegated thread gives an organic feel to the stripes.

I was especially thrilled to get a ribbon for Woven Ribbons, which I made for Issue 9 of Make Modern Magazine. Most of my quilts are made for publication these days, but I try to do the best job I can while constructing them. The fact that I get to share them at quilt shows is just icing on the cake!

In addition to entering my quilts in the show, I was invited to present a trunk show and lecture on modern quilts. I shared several quilts from both of my books, plus a variety of modern quilts from members of the Las Vegas Modern Quilt Guild and DQN. It was so fun to see the audiences’ faces light up when they finally realized how amazing modern quilts can be!

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I love spreading the word about modern quilting in my little corner of the world! Many of the larger quilts were piled on a full-sized bed and helpers held them up while I spoke.

Here are some of other other fabulous modern quilts from the show:

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Modern “strip” quilt by the Las Vegas MQG: 2nd place, group quilt and show chair’s choice.
I contributed 2 blocks and helped with the binding. Quilting by Vicki Ruebel.

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My BQF (best quilting friend) Vicki from Orchid Owl Quilts swept the Modern, Small category with 1st and 2nd place! Above left is her version of Color Crystals, from Machine Quilting with Style, and right is Bullseye, an original design that was also hung at QuiltCon this year.

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Modern Logs by Suzanne Shull Mayfield, 1st Place Modern Large, quilted by Linda Natale

My friend Suzanne got a blue ribbon with her fabulous rendition of my Modern Logs pattern. She took my class at the quilting retreat last year and I love that she made the largest size! In all the excitement of picture taking, I forgot to get a closeup view of the pink ribbon, but it a special award which means someone behind the scenes really liked it, too!

This is one of my favorite pictures, LVMQG member Melissa standing in between her award winning quilt and a beautiful diamond quilt made by LVMQG member Mandy. I love all that pink!

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Glitz Sparkle Punch was Melissa’s QuiltCon reject, but it just goes to show that perseverance and entering quilts in different shows pays off in the end! Now I want to make a pink quilt!

I absolutely loved this design by Jeanne – a longtime traditional quilter who has recently dabbled in making modern quilts. She knocked it out of the park with this one! I love the juxtaposition of the image below – Jeanne’s modern quilt on one row with a very beautiful and very traditional quilt behind it on the next row!

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Serenity by Jeanne Spala – 3rd place Modern, Large

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Resonate pieced by Margaret Illions and quilted by Cory Allender – 2nd place Modern, Large

Margaret and Cory’s quilt above was a definite crowd pleaser. In my talk I mentioned negative space and asymmetry quite a bit. This effective design incorporates both!

I’ll end with this duo of gorgeous gray quilts made by longtime DQN members Ann P. (left) and Kathy M. (right). One of the best things about being part of a quilt guild community is knowing the makers behind the quilts and being able to celebrate their success!

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There were several more fabulous quilts that I didn’t get pictures of, both in the modern category and others. There were a total of over 250 quilts, dolls, and clothing items which made for a very well-rounded show. Although I gravitate towards the modern quilts in any show, I am so thankful for the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to pull it off. Now I can’t wait for next year’s show!

Facets Quilt Along Week 7 – Free Motion Quilting

March 18, 2016March 17, 20164 Comments

Free-motion quilting is probably the most exciting, but scary part of making any quilt! But never fear, help is here. I have written numerous times about machine quilting that can help you out as you make your Facets quilt.

facets_quilting Machine quilting is my favorite part of the quilt-making process!

Read my articles about machine quilting here.
Purchase my machine quilting books here.

Writing and teaching about machine quilting is just as much fun as doing it!

This week, we are free-motion quilting switchbacks and swirls. They make a great combo when quilted together!! 🙂 Notice how I quilted the switchbacks using white thread (Aurifil 50 wt cotton). I quilted the red swirls with red Aurifil thread and quilted the improv patchwork with a blending light yellow Aurifil thread.

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Detail of Facets, from Machine Quilting with Style

In Machine Quilting with Style, I give you some practice exercises on how to quilt switchbacks and swirls on pages 69-70. Then, the Facets instructions include diagrams with a suggested free-motion quilting plan on page 95.

Take a peek at the beautiful Facets quilts being made by members of my facebook group:

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Renee gets a gold star for practicing on a sample first before quilting the full sized quilt!

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Katherine’s quilt is dramatic and beautiful with the black sashing. Her switchbacks look great!!

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Can you believe it’s Suzy’s first time doing FMQ? Way to go Suzy!! Keep it up!

If you are just finding this quilt along now, here’s the introductory post to get you started!

Las Vegas Quilt Show This Weekend! (And Special Modern Exhibit)

March 17, 2016March 16, 20164 Comments

I love spring. Every year at this time, my traditional guild, Desert Quilters of Nevada puts on their annual quilt show and it is such fun! If you will be near the Las Vegas area, be sure to stop by!

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The show features lots of quilts, dolls and wearable items along with awesome vendors. I’m super happy that there is a modern category, and I’m even a little bit more involved this year.

On Friday and Saturday at 11 am and 1 pm each day, I will be presenting a modern “bed turning” of quilts made from members of DQN and Las Vegas MQG. Quilts are literally stacked up on a bed and I’ll go through each one, talking about what makes it modern, plus sharing a little history and info about modern quilting. Of course, I’ll share a few of my own quilts, too. Plus there will be a display of modern minis for viewers to enjoy. The lecture and exhibit are free with paid admission, so stop by and say hi if you are there. It should be fun!

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Show prep, from @desertquiltersofnevada on Instagram. Clockwise: hanging art quilts, photography of each and every piece in the show, quilt frame assembly, judging.

This year I put 4 quilts in the show and can’t wait to see them hanging and learn how the judging went. I love this show because even though my style is definitely modern, I love my traditional roots! I’ll be sharing live updates from the show on instagram, so follow me @christaquilts. I’ll be sure to share a wrap up of the show here on the blog next week!

Aurifil Designer of the Month – March 2016 (That’s Me!)

March 15, 2016March 15, 20168 Comments

It is with great pride and honor to announce that I was chosen to be the Aurifil Designer of the Month for March. I’ve designed this exclusive “Improv Star” block as part of the Aurifil Designer Series, hosted by Pat Sloan.

Each month in 2016, you’ll get free access to a brand new blue and white 12″ finished block pattern. Make them each month, share them on Pat’s website and enter for your chance to win a box of thread – 12 large spools for your creating pleasure!

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My 12″ Improv Star block – click here for the free pattern.

I have to tell you what a whirlwind of a journey it’s been, falling in love with Aurifil threads and using them exclusively for all of my sewing and quilting. I first discovered Aurifil 50 weight cotton thread just a few years ago and it was love at first stitch! Like any other aspect of quilting, at first I struggled to know which materials to use, what threads to try and how to put them all together.

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This is just one of my drawers full of Aurifil thread – I love all that color!

I soon realized that being a prolific quilter, Aurifil satisfied my need to keep things simple and organized. Rather than buying ALL the threads in ALL the colors in ALL the different fibers and weights out there, I could do everything I needed with Aurifil cotton! (And yeah, I still do own almost ALL the colors!!)

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If you are an Aurifil thread fan like I am, you can find all your favorite colors and kits at The Precut Store.

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Be sure to sign up for Friendly Threads, my email newsletter, and get a free PDF quilt pattern!

Facets Quilt Along Week 6 – Straight Line Quilting

March 11, 2016March 9, 20161 Comment

This week it’s time for my favorite part of making a quilt – the machine quilting!! Seriously, whenever I design and create a quilt, I enjoy every step of the process. But there’s something about shoving the whole thing under the machine for quilting that is very therapeutic for me.

I prefer to quilt the heck out of my quilts, but contrary to popular opinion, it doesn’t make the quilt stiffer! Just wash it and use it, and it will soften up!

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My Aurifil thread stash – I love thread as much as I love fabric!

My favorite thread is Aurifil 50 weight cotton because I love the simplicity of using it for both piecing and machine quilting (and binding, of course)!

So the biggest question people have when making their own quilts is, “how do I quilt it?” Not as in – “what quilting designs do I use?” but as in “how do I actually approach the quilting??” I tackle this one step at a time. I start by “anchoring” the quilt – stitching in the ditch in key areas across the quilt to secure it for more decorative quilting later.

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Keep most of the quilt to your left, and add a small table forming an L shape to hold the weight.

In Machine Quilting with Style on page 95, I’ve included quilting diagrams that show you the order in which to stitch in the ditch on Facets to make it easier to accomplish. Then we go a step further and add straight lines of quilting away from the seams, echoing the ditches to add a pop of texture to the quilt.

Here’s a great detailed shot of Suzy K’s quilt, stitched-in-the-ditch and echoed, and ready for free-motion quilting next week!

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To see more fabulous quilts in progress – pop on over to my Facebook Group: Quilt With Christa

Click here for all of the Quilt Along posts. You are welcome to jump in anytime!

The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting Available for Preorder

March 8, 2016March 8, 20167 Comments

Good news! Signed copies of my next book, The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting are now available for preorder! I’ve been hinting about this new book for awhile but wasn’t ready to pre-sell it until now – I wanted to make sure I had all of my ducks in a row first.

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My fabulous co-author Angela Walters and I were pondering how we could both sell signed copies of the book directly to our fans, since we won’t be at any public events together until QuiltCon 2017 (and that’s too long for most of you to wait). Jennifer Keltner from Martingale was kind enough to send us labels which we both signed and will add to each of the copies that we sell ourselves. And of course I’m happy to include a personalized message or add your name upon request when you order. 🙂

Here’s another bonus when you buy directly from us – you’ll get the book first! The official release date is April 5th but Amazon’s release date isn’t until April 19th. Now don’t worry – I’m not offended in the least if you’d prefer to buy it somewhere else – do what works for you!! I’m just thrilled that this book was able to follow so quickly on the heels of my first one.

As it gets closer to publication date, I’ll start telling your more about The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting, how the concept came to be, and of course I’ll share projects from the book. For now, pop on over to the Martingale site for sneak peeks of what’s inside!

As always – thanks for your support!!

Facets Quilt Along – Catch Up Week

March 4, 2016March 4, 20163 Comments

I decided to throw in an extra week for Facets Quilt Along, to give those following along a chance to catch up, and to invite any new followers to join us! Just grab a copy of my book, your favorite fabrics or scraps, and jump on in. 🙂

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Click here for the supply list and complete quilt along schedule (with links to each Quilt Along Post).

Enjoy these gorgeous work in progress pics from members of my facebook group:

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I love Gina’s color combos so far and can’t wait to see more!

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Jan is auditioning possible background fabrics. What do you think?

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Suzy has finished basting and is ready to quilt!

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Don’t you just love Paula’s rainbow colored version?

Just remember, whether you are following along each week, or are just getting started, work at your own pace and enjoy the process. There will be prizes for all who participate and share their progress in my Facebook group: Quilt With Christa.

Lines by Design Quilts by Debbie Grifka – Blog Hop

March 2, 2016March 1, 2016157 Comments

I’m still recovering from the awesomeness that was QuiltCon 2016 and one of the amazing quilts I fell in love with was Clerestory by Debbie Grifka of Esch House Quilts. FYI I hadn’t heard this word before, so I looked it up. It’s an architectural term that refers to a section of wall that contains windows. Since many modern quilt designs are inspired by architecture, the name makes total sense. 🙂

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Clerestory – 64″ x 74″

Well, today, I’m excited to let you know that you can get the pattern for this awesome quilt, plus 16 others in Debbie’s brand new book, Lines by Design Quilts.

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Fault Line – 52″ x 52″

I have always admired Debbie’s original quilt designs, and now I really like the premise of her new book book: patterns that explore the clean lines often found in architecture, furniture and clothes.

Lines by Design Quilts is organized into four pattern sections: squares and rectangles, diamonds and hexagons, circles and curves, and pictorial. I think the pictorial section is my favorite! Just look at a couple of the dynamic designs patterned in that part of the book:

deep_blue Deep Blue – 36″ x 45″

In the book Debbie explains how she uses bias tape applique to “draw” some of the shapes in her book. That is such a clever idea for those of us who are lacking certain artistic skills!

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Cure-All – 30″ x 30″. I imagine some yummy hot cocoa as a cure-all for myself!

Lines By Designs Quilts has a nice mix of both pieced and applique quilt patterns – something for everyone! I love how Debbie encourages you to either make these quilts as given in the book, or to use them as a jumping off point to create something new and unique.

The book includes plenty of clear illustrations, full size applique patterns and well written text, along with beautifully styled photography. I can totally imagine each of the quilts from this book in my home!

Your chance to win!

Each of the bloggers on Debbie’s book tour will be featuring a different quilt (or 3) on their stop, so be sure to view them all. You’ll also be able enter for your chance to win a copy on each stop (hard copy for US winners, digital for non-US).

Wed, Mar 2 Christa Watson (You are here)

Th, Mar 3 Casey York https://studioloblog.wordpress.com/

Fri, Mar 4 Heather Jones http://www.heatherjonesstudio.com/blog/

Mon, Mar 7 Kate Colleran http://seamslikeadream.com/blog/

Tues, Mar 8 Rossie Hutchinson http://www.rossiecrafts.com/blog

Wed, Mar 9 Amanda Jean Nyberg http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/

Th, Mar 10 Amy Ellis http://www.amyscreativeside.com/blog/

Fri, Mar 11 Lynn Krawczyk http://smudgeddesignstudio.com/blog/

Mon, Mar 14 Debbie Grifka http://eschhousequilts.com/blog

Then leave a comment below telling me if you’ve ever done bias tape applique before. I haven’t, but now I’m inspired to try! Winners will be chosen on March 14th, at the close of the hop.

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Lines by Design Quilts!

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