Craftsy Review: The Secrets of Free-Motion Quilting

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought you can see the classes I've reviewed Craftsy Class Review.  

In this post, I'll review The Secrets of Free-Motion Quilting
with Christina Cameli that blogs over at A Few Scraps

What I learned - It might just be the part of my quilting journey I am at, but this class broke down free motion quilting into a way that things are just clicking.  Free motion gets better with practice but I needed someone to help me break things down and with some fantastic new ideas -- this is "THE" class.

Seeing the techniques stitched is mesmerizing.  I find myself guessing where I would make these designs if I were quilting.  The teacher, Christina, was able to stop and point out things she thinks about while she quilts.  What I really enjoyed, there were many times she was talking while sewing that felt much more organic and what happens in person.

Pretty much this class rocked my world.  

Teacher - Christina Cameli is great on camera.  Christina shows the quilting techniques and also encouraged us to try while she was going along.  The hours of breaking down different motifs went fast and makes me want to add a lot more to my FMQ projects. I feel she is 100% knowledgeable with this topic. 

Class Content - This class includes 7 different pattern design families.  While this isn't a class on how to prepare for your first free-motion quilting project, I have had that in a few different classes. The techniques on free motion quilting Christina presents are clear and super helpful.

I did want patterns to all her projects she was working on...at least there is one found over on Sew Mama Sew. I'm so making these!!

Rating - Blah - So So - Like - Love this class.

I love this class. I purchase this class during the craftsy super sale based on other reviews..and I'm so glad I did.

I would recommend this class to a beginning-intermediate level free motion quilter.

I would buy this class again and again.  I've already watched this 3 times from video to video. I even got in a little practice...love it!

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Craftsy Review: Cut to It

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought you can see the classes I've reviewed Craftsy Class Review.  

In this post, I'll review Cut to It - Strategies for Smarter Quilting
with Debbie Caffrey her website is over at Debbie's Creative Moments

What I learned - Awesome cutting techniques...silly right?

This class broke down safe ways to use our quilting tools that makes to some fast, precise, and SAFE cutting.

I have to laugh at myself because I even enjoy watching people cut out quilting projects...is there a problem?  Naaaahhh

What I did learn is repetition helps drive home the important points (thank you Debbie).  And I'm now not afraid of multiple layers of fabric. In the past, I've been so disappointed with my fabric layers rocking and not able to be sure I'm cutting all the way through all the layers.  I have been cutting only one fabric layer at a time....yet not anymore!

Teacher - Debbie Caffrey is confident on camera.  Debbie repeated the great pointers to drive these technique home.  The most important thing is that Debbie on every cut practices what she's teaching...making it comfortable. 

Class Content - This class includes math and if math isn't your bailiwick there are some awesome cheat sheets included in the materials.

While the fabric choices in this class isn't me..it didn't distract me from the point of learning new cutting techniques.

Rating - Blah - So So - Like - Love this class.

I like this class and it's a great techniques class.

I would recommend this class to a beginning to advanced quilter especially if you are looking for tips and tricks to cut more projects.

I would buy this class again and again.  It's a nice class to have in my back pocket.

Even to practice these new techniques I cut out this quilt with 6 layers instead of 1 layer at a time.  Talk about some time saving!

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Just keep sewing

Craftsy Review: Sewing with Knits

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought or have in my profile. You can see the summary of classes I've reviewed here, Craftsy Class Review. 

In this post, I'll review Sewing with Knits
with Meg McElwee from Sew Liberated

What I learned - How not to be afraid of knits! This class was a reminder to not be afraid of new techniques.  There were a few items that I didn't have but I got them and yippee.  I've used Meg's technique to fix a few knits tops - that counts right?  This class of one of 2 knit classes I've taken . . and both of them make me super confident. 

Teacher - Meg McElwee is great. I had a hard time as she at times seemed to be talking slowly but she had so much great information.  I think Meg is engaging super knowledgeable with this topic. And she is entertaining to watch.

But here's my newest trick. The speed of the playback!  I have to say that this is my new best friend.  I want to get through some of the lessons with speed and well this does it!

Class Content - this is for multiple ideas for knit garments.  It doesn't feel like a lot of options until you look at it from the whole class.  I'm super excited to try all these out.  Although I have had to do some playback a few times over.   The techniques Meg presented are helpful.

Rating - Blah - So So - Like - Love this class.

I solidly like this class. The techniques are something that I may try when I want to sew with knits. If you want to sew clothing, especially knits, I would recommend this class. I bought this class while it was on sale and for that quality for the price I paid is great.  I would buy this again. 

For some reason it's taken me forever to get through this class.  I'm so happy to have these classes just wait for me until I remember or need some techniques. I'll be watching this again at 2 times the speed baby!

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Craftsy Review: Quilt-As-You-Go Patchwork Bags

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought you can see the classes I've reviewed Craftsy Class Review.  

In this post, I'll review Quilt-As-You-Go Patchwork Bags
with Tara Rebman that blogs over at tinkerfrog

What I learned - I learned everything awesome from this class.  This is quilt-as-you-go, zippers, bag cutting, bag sewing, bag construction, binding, rounded corners, sewing with leather, clutches, & just making anything amazing! I may have given away my rating already.

Seeing all this done is awesome.  I replay the inset zippers about once a month.  They are such smart pockets I've been using these babies. Pretty much this entire class rocked my world.  Tara just made it look all so simple easy, my execution may NOT have been so easy but the results are always there. And as with anything practice makes perfect.  :)  

Teacher - Tara Rebman is so great on camera.  Tara was comfortable and a comfortable chatty while she sews.  It makes the class go fast, too fast if you ask me. I feel she is 100% knowledgeable with this topic. 

Class Content - This class includes bag patterns but also so-so much more.  This is a super fun class to watch.  This class helped me concur some of my ohh yeah I see everyone else doing that but I just don't get it.  Well...now I do! The techniques Tara presents are clear and super helpful.

Rating - Blah - So So - Like - Love this class.

I love this class. I purchase this class right away when it came up.  I had been oogling over QAYG for a bit and knew a video would be perfect for my learning style.  I've made a few bags and even put in a few zippers but this class helped me become way more comfortable with all of this.

I would recommend this class to any level quilter.

I would buy this class again in a heartbeat!

Potholder with rounded corners - yep!

Smart pocket in action!



Rounded corners - check!

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Craftsy Review: Pattern-Free Quiltmaking

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought or have in my profile. You can see the summary of classes I've reviewed here, Craftsy Class Review. 

In this post, I'll review Pattern-Free Quiltmaking
with Joe Cunningham from Joe the Quilter

What I learned - The quilting world is not only for women.  There are some great guys out there making their mark as well. 
 

Teacher - Joe the Quilter is a funny guy.  There are a few moments that I could tell that he presents way better in person instead of a virtual classes. Joe is a bit older, around my parents age, and very much a man from his generation.  Joe did not keep me very engaged. I felt he is very knowledgeable with this topic. And if I'm in the right mood, he is entertaining to watch.

Class Content - Joe shows different way to approach an improvisation quilting for a quilt top. The techniques Joe presented are the different approaches you can use for a quilt top as long as you follow your own formula.  The class ideas are clearly presented but sometimes I feel as if Joe forgets his train of thought. 
 

Rating - Blah - So So - Like - Love 

It's hard to rate something when I know that many people love them.  This is a 'blah' rating for me although Joe is so fun to watch.

I would recommend this for someone who knows Joe and enjoys his class. I'm a 'modern' quilter and some of the fabrics and the pace of this class is just not my style.  But it might be yours :)

This class is for any level quilter to find the ideas to play with fabrics, especially in your stash.  The quality for the price, I got this on super sale, is alright.  I would not buy this again. But since I have it, I do re-watch this class when I have something that may work.  It's a tool for my toolbox that I may not use but not regularly but am happy to have there.

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Craftsy Review: Big Techniques from Small Scraps

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought or have in my profile. You can see the summary of classes I've reviewed here, Craftsy Class Review. 

In this post, I'll review Big Techniques from Small Scraps
with Sarah Fielke of The Last Piece

What I learned - I got to see some applique techniques in action and learned not to be afraid of them.  Although, I still haven't tried them. :)  This class was a reminder to not be afraid of different rulers.  And I've used her technique to make appliqued circles and it's great. Also Sarah is great to remind me not to be scared of too "traditional" patterns.  This is a class in my back pocket when I need something specific.
 

Teacher - Sarah Fielke is fantastic.  I adore listening to Sarah talk as she's so Australian. I actually asked a question on the forum and Sarah responded quickly and gave me some great resources.  She is engaging super knowledgeable with this topic. And she is entertaining to watch.

This class and Sarah is the spark for this craftsy review series.

Class Content - this is for multiple ideas for beautiful quilt tops that you can use scraps and not care too much about being all matchy perfect.  Sarah is great to go through different ideas that is a nice addition to any quilters arsenal. The techniques Sarah presented are clear and helpful throughout quilting.
 

Rating - Blah - So So - Like - Love this class.

I solidly like this class. The techniques are something that I may try when I want to go into different techniques of quilting, I'm just not there yet.  I would recommend this class to intermediate and advanced quilters  I bought this class while it was on sale and for that quality for the price I paid is great.  I would buy this again.  

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Craftsy Review: Pre-Cut Piecing Made Simple

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought you can see the classes I've reviewed Craftsy Class Review.  

In this post, I'll review Pre-cut Piecing Made Simple
with Camille Roskelley that also blogs over at  Simplify

What I learned - I got to see some piecing techniques in action and I was pleasantly surprised some of the ways I piece were shown in this class. I also picked up some ways to cut yardage.  I saw how to use the lines on a cutting mat in action, which was great. I didn't learn any earth shattering items but just some awesome simple & peaceful approaches to quilt tops.

Teacher - Camille Roskelley is great.  Camille was comfortable and she was great being on camera showing off her techniques. She is knowledgeable with this topic. And she is entertaining to watch. I adore how calm Camille approaches quilting, which is how I get only when I'm sewing. :)  Maybe that's why I sew!

Class Content - This class includes four quilts. It's fun to watch Camille sew through these and just to listen to her talk through what goes through her head.  This is a super fun class to watch.  I don't get to go to many in person classes and this is a great substitute. The techniques Camille presents are clear and helpful.

And the patterns that she presents are ones that I would love to make.  Including a Swoon quilt!
 

Rating - Blah - So So - Like - Love this class.

I love this class. I didn't purchase this class for a long time but when I finally did, I  have enjoy it. The techniques are some that I already have in my toolbox.  

I would recommend this class to any level quilter.  

I bought this class while it was on sale and for that quality for the price I paid is great. I would buy this again, if on sale.

And I would buy it just for the Swoon pattern but you get a lot more. 
 

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Craftsy Review: Inset & Appliqué Circles by Machine

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought or have in my profile. You can see the summary of classes I've reviewed here, Craftsy Class Review.

In this post, I'll review Inset & Appliqué Circles by Machine
with Cheryl Arkison that blogs over at Dining Room Empire

What I learned - Circles, in many ways. This class gave me the visuals to see how to make circles can be done in many ways.  Throws in a wee bit of math and that was great.  I was happy to see the different ways that you can complete circles and kinda demystifies them.
 

Teacher - Cheryl Arkison is fun.  There were a few moment where I could tell she was nervous not not terribly.  Cheryl is engaging and knowledgeable with the use of circles.

I did love hearing Cheryl talk as she's from Canada. . ohhh I love you Canadians!
 

Class Content - this is for multiple ideas for using circles in your small sewing or quilting projects. Cheryl goes through multiple techniques.  This class is an okay addition to a quilters arsenal that wants to work with more than just straight line piecing. The techniques are presented in a clear way.

Rating - This is a  Blah - So So - Like - Love  class.

This is an overall so-so class for me.  I don't use a ton of circles or embellishments in my projects.  Like none.  I can make curves but rarely use straight up circles.  When I do choose to have some circles in my projects, I'm glad I have this class. 

I would recommend this class for any level quilter especially if you are a visual learner.

The quality for the price is okay. Funny enough, I would buy this again if I were having issues with sewing curves or had a specific project with circles or if it were on sale.  I bought it when it was on sale and I was sick and in bed.  I love watching others sew.  This was a great addition to my classrooms.  This class didn't spark any - ohhh I have to do that moments.  I imagine if I am ever of need to add circles to my quilts, I'll be happy I have this to refernce for the visual and teaching.
 

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Craftsy Review: Improvisational Piecing

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought or have in my profile. You can see the summary of classes I've reviewed here, Craftsy Class Review.

In this post, I'll review Improvisational Piecing, Modern Design 
with Jacquie Gering of Tallgrass Prairie Studio

What I learned - Everything for improv quilting.  Okay not everything in the whole world but wow this is a packed full class.  If you want to do a little improv...this is the class for you, just like the title implies.  I adore Jacquie and the way she presents information. I am a wee bit of a control freak and have a hard time just letting things flow.  This class is so helpful to ease me down the path of . . just let it go and feel it.  :)  It sounds hippy like. . but it's not. 

Teacher - Jacquie Gering is fantastic. I love the way she talks.  It feels as if she's talking JUST to me.  I adore it.  Jacquie is engaging super knowledgeable with this topic. And she is entertaining to watch. 

I'm kinda caught and I'll be sure to sign up for anything with Jacquie, if it's near me! 

Class Content - this is for multiple ideas for improvisational quilt tops.  Jacquie goes through multiple techniques.  These improvisational ideas can be used in all quilting, I think.  This is a PERFECT addition to any quilters arsenal. The techniques Jacquie presented are clear and helpful throughout quilting. I have the Quilting Modern book that Jacquie and Kate Petersen wrote but I am an audio and visual learner so this craftsy class is just up my alley. 

There are 9 lessons and it's just not enough (in a good way)!  I love the different ideas that Jacquie presents that are slowly being brought into my quilting.  Although I am still a precise HST kinda girl I'm now way more than able to try something new - even if it doesn't go anywhere.

Rating - Blah - So So - Like - Love this class. 

I adore this class. Over the moon adore this class.  I would recommend this for any level quilter to find the ideas to play with different quilt ideas. The quality for the price is more than amazing, on sale or not. I would "buy" this again.

And in all reality, re-watch this class on a regular basis just to listen to Jacquie talk.  It's a great class to have on while I'm sewing.
 

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own.

Craftsy Review: Creative Quilt Backs

Super excited to review the craftsy classes I've bought or have in my profile. Some of these you pay for but some, like the one below, is free.   

In this post, I'll review Creative Quilt Backs - a free, beautiful mini-class

What I learned - I had doubts for sure. Why would I want to watch a video about quilt backs?  I'm an experienced quilter, so quilt backs are easy, right?  I was pleasantly surprised with this class. Having Elizabeth Hartman talk through how she approaches quilt backs has helped me stretch my own ideas. 

Teacher - Elizabeth Hartman is great.  I was super excited to see her on camera as I used her book to jump into the "modern" quilting.  I just enjoy that she's near my age.

Elizabeth is engaging for sure.  I felt she was knowledgeable with this topic. And she is entertaining to watch.   

Class Content - this is for quilt backs, but these ideas can be applied to improv quilting for a quilt top. This is a great addition to any quilters arsenal. The techniques Elizabeth presented are the different approaches you can  use for a quilt.  Yes, there is more than one way to back a quilt.  And I was reminded that it doesn't always have to matchy-matchy.  Or be solids only. The class ideas are clearly presented and with a smattering of quilt math, it's even more useful.

Rating  - Blah - So So - Like - Love  this class.

I would recommend this for any level quilter to find the ideas to play with different ideas for quilt backs (or quilt tops).  I would even recommend this to play in the background in your sewing area or when you're unable to sew but want to be inspired. The quality for the price (free) is more than amazing. I would "buy" this again.  I actually re-watch this class when I have a quilt top on its way and I'm not inspired of what to use for the back.  It's always nice for me to have a reminder of some things I could do.

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To see more of the classes I have reviewed visit the reference page I've created, Craftsy Class Review.

As a reminder of the fine print: these are affiliate links but the opinions are all my own. 

Reviews pending for Craftsy

I love to learn.

The Internet is just so fantastic as there is so many free things out there. There are moments when I go and purchase things for convince.

This is why I have Craftsy. 

I know there are other sites out there but I'm all about this one.

It's a one-stop shop for me.

I've {cough} purchased a few of these classes and was going to take advantage of the super sale going on now.  This usually happens this time of year. :)

I've purchased a few so-so classes so I'm a little gun shy even with a super sale going on.  Money is money people. :)

Being on the awesome Internet I started searching for reviews and was in awe!

I've super appreciated the candor of people and thought I would start reviewing some classes myself that may help some others along the way. 

I've started a new page of all the classes I own {hanging head in shame}!

But it's a reference when I complete reviews.  You can find my Craftsy Class Reviews here

I've noted the Shanna's must haves already.

*Yes these are affiliate links, but all opinions and recommendations are my own*

I hope to populate all of these by the end of 2014.  Whoop!