The Sewing Party

US Residents are invited to join The Sewing Party "LIVE" on Saturday, November 8th.  This is the first ever all day DIY event in history!  Sewing and Crafting enthusiasts from all over the world will have a fun filled day of classes taught online by leading bloggers and educational experts.  Plus, the Party continues for 90 days after the event, as you'll continue to have access to view ALL the classes (or re-watch your favorites!).

note:  The Sewing Party hopes to open up these parties, to world-wide participants, sometime in the future.  But, for the first event, they have limited it to US Residents only.

There are 30+ classes ALL available for a very reasonable fee that gets your admission to attend The Sewing Party on November 8th (and have access to all the classes for 90 days).

If you are on a MAC or have problems watching this embedded video, here is a link to watch it directly in Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpkoIEuXDFo

PRESS RELEASE:

Join “The Sewing Party” for the First Online-All-Day DIY Event in History

On Nov. 8, thousands will gather to participate in a fun-filled day of sewing and crafting classes;

Sponsors are Burda Style, Etsy, HUSQVARNA VIKING®, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, PFAFF® and SINGER®

La Vergne, Tenn. — On Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, thousands of DIY-ers from across the nation will come together to participate in “The Sewing Party” – the first ever online-all-day sewing and crafting event in the US. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled day of immersing themselves in more than 30 interactive, fun and innovative classes taught online by leading bloggers, designers and educational experts.

“The Sewing Party” is about connecting, crafting and creating. Sponsored by Burda Style, Etsy, HUSQVARNA VIKING®, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, PFAFF® and SINGER®, classes will be available on the day of the event and for an additional 90 days; and will feature topics for every creative passion, such as home décor, fashion sewing, quilting, upcycling, and costume design, among others. Registration is $40 for the entire experience.

“We want to engage the next generation of sewers and crafters where they live, and that’s online,” says Katrina Helmkamp, CEO of SVP Worldwide, which spearheaded “The Sewing Party” and is the world’s largest consumer sewing machine company – source of the SINGER®, HUSQVARNA VIKING® and PFAFF® sewing machine brands. 

In recent years, the Do It Yourself (DIY) and Sew It Yourself (SIY) movements have not only taken the creative world by storm, but dramatically widened its size and scope – increasing the value and appeal of handmade crafts, customized projects and personal creativity as it attracts a new generation of sewers and crafters to the wonderful world of self-expression.  

At “The Sewing Party,” you can pick and choose the classes that are right for you. Create “Throw Pillows with Pizzazz,” refresh your skills with “Sewing Machine Basics,” make a “Hand-Dyed Baby Rattle,” craft the perfect “Strips and Bricks Quilt,” learn “Bra Making with Madalynne,” or participate in all of the more than 30 classes for a full 90 days after the event.

One of the headline sponsors, Etsy, shared its strategy for and excitement about joining: “Etsy is a place for makers and creators to build independent businesses on their own terms, and we encourage aspiring creative entrepreneurs to explore our global marketplace,” said Kimm Alfonso, Manager of Seller Development at Etsy. “‘The Sewing Party’ celebrates all things DIY, and we’re joining to share tips for starting a shop, as well as inspiring stories of artisans and crafters who are making money selling their goods to shoppers from around the world.”

For just $40, participants can attend classes; chat with participants from across the country; interact with top bloggers and educational experts who are teaching; and explore the latest crafting and sewing tips, techniques and products in the virtual marketplace. Space is limited and likely to fill up fast. To see a full schedule of classes, read teacher biographies and register, visit www.thesewingparty.com.   

While all of the 30+ classes look interesting, here are a few highlights:   

A Woven Table Runner

Daisy Hedgehog

Piecework - Pojagi Style

Applique' for Everyone

Also there are classes on Understanding Color Inside and Out, Throw Pillows with Pizazz,  Machine Embroidery Basics, Rob and the Zen of Machine Quilting and many more.  Visit The Sewing Party to see a complete list of classes, schedule for the party on Saturday, November 8th, and register for this fun event.  Don't forget if you are busy on the 8th, there still is an amazing value to watch the recorded classes anytime in the 90 day window after the party.

SewCalGal views the Sewing Party to be an excellent opportunity for kids of all ages.  Consider making this party a family event!  Either way, it is an excellent value and will be a great way to learn, as well as have fun.  I'm certainly looking forward to it!

You can find The Sewing Party at:

http://www.thesewingparty.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thesewingparty

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHYofsNq3Za8uoAYzjahHOg

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thesewingparty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/thesewingparty/

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/thesewingparty

New Class on Craftsy - The Secrets of Free-Motion Quilting, with Christina Camelli

Another wonderful free-motion quilting class has been added to Craftsy and there is a way you can sign up for 50% off!  Woo hoo! But don't forget to check out the sales at Craftsy as they currently have a great sale on classes and supplies.

Christina Cameli is an amazing free-motion quilter, author and teacher.  Her first book "First Steps to free-motion quilting" is an excellent book to help quilters learn/improve their free-motion quilting skills.  SewCalGal highly recommends this book as a "must have" to anyone seriously interested in FMQ.  Plus, it is packed with not just learning FMQ, but also using your samples to create fun projects that show off your FMQ.



SewCalGal is also excited that Christina has written another book, which will be released in January 2015.  This book can now be pre-ordered from CT Pub or Amazon.



And I'm absolutely delighted  about Christina's new class on Craftsy.  I've signed up and later share more insights on her class, but today I simply wanted to heighten awareness of this new class and tell you about how you can get this class for 50% off.   Christina provided a link for me to share with my followers, where you can sign up and get this special rate.  I'm not sure how long this special will be available, so sign up ASAP, even if you can't take the class now.  Don't forget with Craftsy, you'll always have access to your classes to take anytime that is convenient for you and repeat as often as you want!

link for 50% off:  www.craftsy.com/ext/ChristinaCameli_4870_H

You can find Christina Cameli at:

http://afewscraps.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/afewscraps

You can find Craftsy at:

http:/www.craftsy.com
https://www.facebook.com/craftsy
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/

The Quilt Show, aka TQS and a Giveaway

I'm delighted to be able to share some current insights on The Quilt Show (TQS) with you today, as well as a giveaway from TQS.

For those that may not be aware of TQS, it is like a quilting magazine, but with videos and more!  Ok, it is better than a quilting magazine, as it has more to offer and you are going to want to view it over and over and over again!  And, now when you subscribe you not only get to view episodes that are released during your subscription period, but you also get access to previously released episodes!

Even free memberships at TQS can have fun.  Check out the free episodes, plus their blog for great tutorials, inspiration and fun.  

While every quilter should belong to TQS, which is completely FREE, there are a lot of reasons to become a Star Member of TQS from getting unlimited access to shows which you can watch at your leisure and watch again and again, even if your subscription expires!   There are also special events that only Star Members can participate in.  For example:

Starting, October lst, a Machine Quilting Skillbuilder Studio  video with Renae G. Allen will be available to Star Members through December 31st, 2014.   This is one of the bonus tutorials offered this year. 

note:  If you are on a MAC or have problems viewing this embedded video, you can click thru to watch it directly in YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72DuzFgoXKU


And Star Members currently have access to the Becolourful DVD with Jacqueline de Jonge, through October 31st, 2014.

New episodes are released every two weeks.  And, this is the 15th year TQS has been helping to make our world of quilting so wonderful!  That means there are already approximately 189 episodes that you Star Members can watch!  These episodes cover a range of topics, with interviews, tips & tricks, and loads of inspiration with Designers, Teachers, and Award Winning Quilts.  While you may think 189 episodes is more than you may want to watch right now, you may want to prioritize viewing certain episodes based on your interest (e.g. free-motion quilting, color, precision piecing, Applique', specific Designers or Teachers, etc.).  For example, here are some of the episodes on Free Motion Quilting that I'm wanting to watch this Fall:

Episode #112 - Threadplay and Sheer Ribbon Illusions (Libby Lehman), released November 2007

Episode #202 - Antique Linens and Textile Revival (Cindy Needham), released January 2008

Episode #308 - Artistry on a Long Arm (Gina Perkes), released October 2008

Episode #402 - Quilting to Perfection (Sue Nickels), released January 2009

Episode #509 - Machine Quilting Magic (Joanie Zeier Poole), released October 2009

Episode 609 - Freeform Feathers and Happy Endings (Bonnie Browning / Judy Woodworth), released April 2010

Episode #1004 - "Painting" with Thread (Nancy Prince) released February 2012

Episode #1201 - The ABC's of (Award-Winning) Quilted Feathers (Sue Nickels), released January 2013

Episode #1306 - No-Pin Curves and Quilting "Modern" (Sheila Frampton Cooper / Angela Walters), released September 2013

Episode #1506 - Two Amazing Women and the Power of Quilting (Lisa Sipes / Nola Emerie), released September 2014

Star Members also get access to a new  FREE BOM every year.

Star Members also get access to various FREE classes.  There is even an online class, for those interested in free-motion quilting, with Patsy Thompson, which was released in September 2010.  The most current class for Star Members is for the stunning "Lady of Shallot" design, with Ricky Tims.

To clarify, all quilters should join the FREE TQS membership as you do get access to quite a bit of fun free videos, blog and more.  But the Star Membership is always packed great episodes, free BOMS, classes, and other great opportunities for learning and inspiration.  Hopefully you'll agree with SewCalGal in that the Star Membership is really a great value too!  Plus you can watch the episodes at your liesure and as often as you would like.




Did I Mention A Giveaway?
 The Quilt Show is giving away a ONE YEAR membership to one lucky follower of SewCalGal, anywhere in the world!   To enter, followers can complete the Rafflecopter form and leave a comment on this post.  And, if you want more entries there are also a few extra ways to earn an extra entry (e.g. like TQS on Facebook)

SewCalGal will use Rafflecopter to randomly select one winner   announced here on Friday, October 10th.  The winner will be given a code that they can redeem for a ONE YEAR month membership to The Quilt Show (or add ONE YEAR to their existing membership).  This giveaway is open to followers, any where in the world.

Click here to use the Rafflecopter Form to enter this giveaway


You can find TQS at:

http://www.thequiltshow.com
http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/blog.php
https://www.facebook.com/TQShow
https://twitter.com/thequiltshow

New Class at Craftsy - Small Changes, BIG Variety, With Angela Walters

Craftsy has just released a new class with Angela Walters, called "Small Changes, BIG Variety".  I'm so excited about this new class, I wanted to share some sneak peaks with you today:

SewCalGal is an avid follower of Angela (Instagram, Facebook, Blog,etc), and I was very intrigued when I saw this photo that was shared as a teaser about this new class.  Don't you think Angela created interesting quilting by incorporating a variety of designs that reflect movement and texture?  

The description for this class on Craftsy shows:

Quilting expert Angela Walters will guide you step by step through quilting pebbles, swirls, squares, feathers, clamshells and ribbon candy, before helping you build on these basic designs to create more complex variations. Use small changes like adding echoing, altering the design layout, combining designs and changing scale to bring new interest to basic designs and an updated look to your quilts. Plus, you can use these modifications on more of your favorite designs to instantly increase your quilting repertoire! Easily tweak basic designs for intriguing visual interest and finish quilts that look anything but simple.

SewCalGal views this new class is a focused on those interested in learning/improving their free-motion quilting skills. Craftsy highlights show:

This class has seven lessons which share Angela's expertise for creating beautiful quilts by incorporating a variety of designs and techniques.  Students in this class will learn how to create pebbles, swirls, ribbon candy, feathers, squares, clamshells,  and more.

For those that have taken a Craftsy class with Angela previously, you know she packs way more into each lesson in her class and they are of great value. Thus, while SewCalGal hasn't taken this new class at Craftsy, I'm confident it is going to be a wonderful class for those interested in learning/improving their free-motion quilting skills. And, I wanted to ensure you were aware of this new class with Angela at Craftsy.

This is the fourth class at Craftsy with Angelea Walters. While SewCalGal hasn't yet taken this class, I'm confident it will be an excellent class and I'm eager to take it.  Once I complete this class, I'll gladly share info with you.  But if you complete it before I can, I hope you'll let me know what you think.  

 

SewCalGal definitely recommends the following three classes at Craftsy, with Angela Walters, for anyone interested in learning/improving their free-motion quilting skills.

Machine Quilting Negative Space

Free-Motion Quilting With Feathers
Dot-to-Dot Quilting

And, I hope you'll join me in taking Angela's new class at Craftsy:

Machine Quilting: Small Changes, Big Variety

You can find Angela at:

http://www.quiltingismytherapy.com/
http://thebusinessofmachinequilting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AngelaFMQ
http://instagram.com/angelafmq

Angela Walters

The Quilt Show Episode #1306
http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/shows.php/episode/1306

Craftsy

New Class at Craftsy: Square-agonals and a Free Pattern

Do you love the look of blocks set on point?  

  

Today, I want to share insights on a fun and fast way to make quilts with blocks set on point, using a technique called "Square-Agonals".   

Sandi Blackwell came up with the technique to create an on-point quilt without having to do any math calculations, by first sewing blocks in rows to create a quilt top, which is then cut into three pieces, before being sewn together to create a quilt top with blocks on points.  This technique is called "Square-Agonals".  

While Sandi travels to teach at quilt shows, quilt guilds and quilt shops, as well as teaches on quilt cruises, she also has several books published where you can learn this technique.  You may already be familiar with the books that she has published about Square-agonals:  

Square-Agonals: A New Angle on Quilting

Square-Agonals: 12 Easy Pieces

  

Simply Sensational Square-Agonals

Here is a sneak peak into the process for Square-Agonals?

You start off sewing your blocks in straight rows.  The number of blocks and rows vary, based on the Square-agonals design you are using. 

Once your top is completed, you use the Square-agonals techniques to cut and re-assembly this quilt top to create a stunning design that is on-point.

How do you learn the Square-Agonals Technique?

As mentioned, Sandi has published three books that share this technique, as well as a variety of designs specific for this technique.  But, to SewCalGal's delight, Sandi is now teaching a class on Craftsy called "Sensational Square-agonals".   And, I'm happy to be able to share insights with you about this new class. 

Sensational Square-agonals Class at Craftsy

  

SewCalGal feels Craftsy provides an accurate description of the class:

Class Description

Create on-point and diagonally set quilts without making calculations, cutting tricky triangles or sewing diagonal rows!  Join quilting author and educator Sandi Blackwell and discover her amazing Square-agonals technique through a quick, on-point table runner project.  Then apply the technique on a diagonally set, medallion-style quilt with a vibrant secondary design.  Plus, piece a charming traditional basket quilt that's set on-point and easier to create than you'll want to let on.  Get help finishing each project with beautiful borders and even find inspiration to put your own style spin on the innovative Square-agonals technique.  Create on-point and diagonal designs with ease and have more time to quilt and enjoy your finished projects!

My Review of this Class:

In this Sensational Square-agonals class you be shown how to create three unique quilts, using this process: a table runner, a Medallion quilt or wall-hanging, and a larger traditional basket quilt design, each finished with blocks set on point.  

Square-agonals designs can easily be made larger or smaller, simply by changing the size of the blocks.  You can also change block styles as you wish, or even incorporate applique' or machine embroidery.  Of course, changing colors will also be one of your options for how to make these designs your own using the square-agonals technique of setting blocks on point.

  

The seven class lessons are organized as follows:

 

LESSON 1: - INTRODUCTION TO SQUARE-AGONALS (6:01)

In this initial lesson, Sandi provides a basic overview of the Square-Agonals process.  Optional tools for this process is a roll of marking tape, which helps ensure you cut in the right place, as well as Arrow Guide tape, which helps you to position your three pieces of your basic quilt top.  You can find this tape for purchase in the Craftsy store, as well as online at www.square-agonals.com 

LESSON 2: MAKING THE CHARM SQUARE TABLE RUNNER (29:53)

This is a fun lesson that starts you off using charm squares to create the Charming Table Runner.  You can use a charm pack, fussy cut your fabric, or use any fabric in your stash.  And you even have the option to fussy cut a few of these blocks, which allows you to see how much fun this process, when they magically appear in perfect alignment when set on point!

Sandi loves to share tips and there are some really good ones in this lesson for piecing.

LESSON 3:  FINISHING THE CHARM SQUARE TABLE RUNNER (27:11)

In this lesson, you cut your quilt top using the square-agonals technique to get three sections.  

Isn't it amazing how those fussy cut blocks are centered so perfectly in this table runner, with the blocks all on point?

LESSON 4: THE MEDALLION QUILT (22:25)

In this lesson participants create a design Sandi calls a Big Easy Star, which is a medallion quilt.  You actually 

Sandi shares recommendation on fabric recommendations (e.g. large print fabrics or focal fabrics, which you may have on your shelf, plus other complimentary fabrics), cutting, sewing, pressing steps, as well as many other tips to make the first version of the quilt top where blocks are on simple row layout.

Works well with any large print fabric or focal fabric that you might want to pull from your stash

How to use the square-Agonals quilt to mark and cut this quilt top (row version) and piece the three pieces to make it into a beautiful Medalion Quilt on Point,   

Great tips to square up your quilt and then we add borders to this quilt top.

LESSON 5:  CREATING THE TRADITIONAL BASKET QUILT (11:17)

The third project in this class is a much larger quilt, using a traditional basket quilt block, set on point, using the square-agonals technique with sashing, to create a quilt with 12.5" pieced blocks (12" finished) on point).  But again, the design for this large quilt could use any block design that you want to use, should you not want to make the traditional basket blocks as covered in this lesson.

Sandi shows you how to piece the traditional basket blocks and many tips in this lesson.  She also shows you had to put the rows and sashing together.

Inspirational insights are shared as to how to take this basket quilt design and apply it to different block designs.  Also how to change the size of the blocks for this design.  Refer to class handouts so that you know what your finished size of the quilt will be, based on the size of blocks that you use, to help you determine how you may want to change the size of the borders for your unique quilt made using this technique.

Most traditional designs are 12 blocks so this is a great lesson that can easily be adapted for many other traditional quilt designs.

 
  LESSON 6:  FINISHING THE TRADITIONAL BASKET QUILT (9:40)

This is such a fun lesson as Sandi shares more insights on how directional blocks can be placed to create stunning results, using the Square-Agonals techinque.   While the lesson focuses on a traditional basket quilt, with blocks set on point to a specific layout, you also learn how to work with directional blocks to create a different design.

Sandi also shares tips for how to measure and cut your borders, as well as sew them on, to ensure your quilt will be square and lay flat.

LESSON 7: MAKING THE SQUARE-AGONALS PATTERN YOUR OWN(6:54)

Make the quilt your own using fabric colors of your choice, your own touch to a border, use different block designs and interchange with blocks shown in the sewing layout for the square-agonals design. 

Samples were shared showing how a simple block, put on point, can look so spectacular.

The quilt pattern is for your guidance.  In each of the three project designs in this class, you can make the design your own.  You can change borders, sashing, fabrics, colors.

She also shares inspirational samples, while sharing ideas on how you may want to change her designs to make your own unique square-agonals quilt.

This is a sample of a cute table runner, made with two different blocks: snails trail and friendship star or you could use other blocks that you prefer.  

Here Sandi shows a design called Pretty and Plaid is an example using a simple block made using squares and rectangles, where she echoed the black and white in the sashing.

There is also a free pattern in the online patterns shop at Craftsy, by Sandi Blackwell. But, if you do not yet have a free account on Craftsy, you will need to create one.   This free pattern shows you how to use the Square-Agonals technique to create a small table topper or wallhanging.  You can make this quilt in a 15 1/2"x15 1/2" size or a 23"x23" size, sewing simple rows of squares together and steps with Sandi's technique to easily make this design with squares on point!

SewCalGal feels this is an excellent class for anyone wanting to learn to create quilts on point, using a very easy method.   And the class is priced at $29.99, making it very reasonable.

You can find Sandi at:

www.stitchedbuy.com
www.facebook.com/stitchedbuy
http://www.pinterest.com/stitchedbuy/

http://stitchedbuy.blogspot.com/

Also, for those attending Quilt Market, be sure to pop by the Island Batik booth, as well as Landauer Publishing's booth for a chance to see more of Sandi Blackwell's quilts and a chance to meet her too!

You can find Craftsy at:

http://www.craftsy.com: