If you've been following Wild Olive for a while, you may have noticed that the projects I'm making have shifted a bit. Rarely would you see me making something that required a sewing machine, and quilting was far outside of my comfort zone. And then I started getting more comfortable. I started sewing more and more, and then I decided to try some quilting, and soon I was hooked.
Naturally, I wanted to share more things that use the skills that I've acquired, so it's pretty safe to say that you'll find plenty of quiltiness ahead on Wild Olive. (The block above will become part of a simple project coming next week!) But maybe you're still new to all of this. Maybe you need to learn some quilting basics. Let's work on that, okay?
I'm very honored to be working with Craftsy to present some of their fantastic educational video classes and other exciting features. Starting with Piece, Patch, Quilt: Basic Quiltmaking Skills.
Folks, this is a free mini class, but there's really nothing mini about it. Over several HOURS veteran quilter and quilt shop owner Gail Kessler presents everything you need to know to get started. The information is broken into bite-sized lessons and sections so it's not overwhelming, and because all Craftsy classes are yours to keep forever, you can go back to this class again and again.
The high-quality video lessons cover things like choosing fabric and designing a quilt, cutting and piecing, backing and basting, quilting and binding. You'll learn how to do these things, and why it's best to do them a certain way. To demonstrate these techniques, Ms. Kessler walks you through making three simple quilt tops and a mug rug, and the patterns for each of these are included as PDFs.
And it's free.
There are also so many great tips and techniques that will help you become a smart and efficient quilter from the beginning. This is where I really learned so much, and just look at those points I sewed! My seams are even! My quilt block is happy!
Sign up for this FREE basic quilt-making class today and you'll be piecing happy quilt blocks too. And you'll be all ready for making my inspired-by-autumn quilted kitchen project!
This post was sponsored by Craftsy, but the words and thoughts are all mine.
I just got it, thank you!! I'm so excited! I'm trying to quilt but still confused about a lot of it, so this will be great!!! :)
ReplyDeletethank you so much for linking craftsy!! I just spent an hour going through all their free classes, and embroidery patterns....and sewing patterns....and quilting...and THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, I have enrolled.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I have been wanting to get back into quilting and learn how to do it properly. New to your blog and I love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this! Very handy with so many quilt swaps on my list! I was going to play safe with hexies, but this may help me to get out of my comfort zone :)
ReplyDeleteI have taken many Craftsy courses and they are great, thank you for the update!!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, you have no idea just HOW timely this post is! I have been watching a zillion quilt/how to sew videos recently so I can make a jelly roll quilt for my baby girl, and the other day I made a mug rug on a whim with scraps. Holy cow, I still don't get the "purpose" of mug rugs, but I am TOTALLY hooked on quilting! Now I see mug rugs as this beautiful and tiny way to showcase quilting. Excellent practice for a baby beginner like me, I am definitely taking this craftsy class, I love their courses! So glad you will be showcasing more quilting too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this! I was bitten by the quilting bug while shopping for fabric with my sister. She has been quilting for a few years and does beautiful work. I say I was bitten but have not actually jumped in the quilting pool yet...not even putting my toes in. The problem being my sister is in Georgia and I am in TN so there are way too many miles for her to give me pointers. Your blog has set me free to wade into the waters! Thanks again and I can't wait to see what you have next for us.
ReplyDeletehey Mollie, there is no way of me watching that video. i must be doing something wrong......
ReplyDeleteWere you able to register through the link? If so, is there an error that's coming up? I know that when I try to watch any kind of video on my older computer, it won't work. But the Craftsy videos play great on my tablet and desktops with the latest browser versions.
DeleteJust do not forget about the embroidery as you enjoy quilting. You can do both you know. :-) I say that because a few years ago I went to a quilt show (I do not quilt, but embroider) and the winner of the contest (a sewing machine was the prize) was a red and black "blingy" quilt. It was just red and black in some complicated pattern, and quilted with metallic gold thread. All the ""winners"" had used metallic gold thread.......... It was not even full sized, was about 3 foot square, done on machine, and even said on the description tag that it took a weekend to complete. There were many, many full sized quilts that were much prettier (with no metallic thread) that took a lot longer to complete. In my opinion the ones done by hand were automatically better. The quilt I would have awarded the prize to was the one (shown in the back of the exibit) was the full sized quilt that the owner had shown in her mothers memory. Her mother (as a teen) had taken 4 years to make the quilt while living in the dust bowl during the great depression. The quilt was a "crazy" quilt, and each odd shaped piece was hand embroidered with one of several bird designs.... It was not crazy quilt "squares" sewn together, it was all a jumble all over. She obviously had the whole smack in her lap when she was working on it, and it was getting bigger all the time. :-) It probably did not win because it was cotton fabric (most of it made from un-matching flour sacks etc) and cotton floss, and the "blingy" stuff was obviously more impressive in the opinion of the judges. I rarely got to quilt shows because every single one I have been to, give prizes or attention to the least impressive examples.
ReplyDelete