Beginner Quilting Academy Class Review
Beginner Quilting Academy Class Review
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This year I set out to learn how to make a quilt from scratch.
I have always loved to make things. I have a sewing machine, and I know how to use it. I have made many Halloween costumes for my kids and I like to make small projects. Things like dog bandanas, hem pants, table napkins, etc.
But a quilt seemed like too big of a project to complete. I get bored if the project takes too long (can you relate?)
Why I Learned To Quilt
My reason wanting to learn to quilt was simple. Now that I am a licensed fabric designer, it would be beneficial for me to learn how to make a quilt, and understand the needs of a quilter. I also felt, I would become a better designer, understanding how a quilter uses fabric.
And all of that fabric that licensed designers receive as a perk, I wanted to make my own quilts with my own fabric.
My Past Experience
I had poked around on YouTube, getting bits and pieces here and there, but it was time for me to step up my game and learn the complete process from start to finish, no steps left out.
I had been following Brittany from @loandbeholdstitchery for awhile. Her pretty and modern aesthetic with a nod to tradition caught my eye on more than one occasion.
So when I saw her Beginner Quilting Academy open for enrollment in January, I didn’t hesitate to sign up.
Highlights
I loved that the class was so organized and broken up into 6 modules.
Bite size steps made me take one step at a time and I never felt overwhelmed.
The shopping guide was great. I had supplies but I was missing some essentials. She even has an option to purchase a kit with all of the fabric and batting, a great option to avoid the overwhelm of picking fabric.
The 90 page workbook is fabulous! I printed it out and put it into a binder and refer back to it often.
More Highlights
I appreciated that Brittany thoroughly goes over what to look for in a sewing machine, if you are in the market to purchase one. This is especially important if you want to make quilts, there are some important features on sewing machines that make the quilting process easier. I filed that away for when I am ready to upgrade.
The Celtic Crossings quilt pattern project was specifically designed for beginners and she explained how to read a quilt pattern.
I tried reading some other quilt patterns in the past, and after a few paragraphs my eyes and mind started to wander.
The Facebook Group is a really nice perk. I must admit, I am not a big Facebook fan, but this group was very supportive and encouraging and always available if you are stuck and have a question.
The video lessons are prerecorded, so you can watch them at your own pace, and all in Brittany’s calm relaxed style.
My Brother Project Runway Model Sewing Machine
Biggest Takeaways
My biggest takeaway from this class was the importance of accuracy.
I had tried quilting before and that was my downfall, I though close enough was ok. It’s not ok in quilting.
Brittany taught me how to get accurate seam allowance and test it to avoid mismatched seams later on in the project.
And chain piecing!! My sister had tried to explain this concept top me and I did not get it.
I finally get it now, and it’s a genius idea.
Quilt Assembly
I love that Brittany teaches pin basting, I really don’t like to use spray adhesive.
I had already learned that from Melanie Hamm, so her module was just a refresher for me.
This was my most challenging module, impart because, as I learned in her sewing machine lesson, you need a big throat space in your sewing machine to make room for your quilt. Luckily the quilt we made was a throw size and not too large.
I got comfortable with my walking foot and I now understand why people send their quilts out to be quilted. I found this part of the process boring.
I was appreciative for the implementation weeks built in to the course, the quilting stage was my least favorite of the quilting process, I kept avoiding it.
I think I would prefer to hand quilt my quilt next time.
Last Module was Binding and Care
This was my favorite module. I LOVE binding the quilt.
Maybe because I was almost done?
I like to machine stitch my binding and then finish with hand stitching using big stitches. I love that process and I can do it while watching tv.
Brittany shows 2 options, machine finishing and hand stitching.
Seeing those big stitches makes the quilt feel more handmade, in my opinion.
I made my big stitches on the front of the quilt and I used contrasting color so it would be noticeable.
And of course she taught how to add a label and how to care for your quilt.
Time for a field trip to photograph my pride and joy!
Summary
I was so glad that I took this course and now I have the confidence to attempt a more advanced quilt project.
I have a solid foundation and lots of options to try on my next project.
I am confident that my skills will continue to grow the more I practice and I look forward to the next steps in my quilting journey
Thanks Brittany.
Beginner Quilting Academy opens for enrollment only once a year in January, next class is 2023.
You can get on her wait list and be notified when enrollment opens by clicking here: https://www.loandbeholdstitchery.com/pages/beginner-quilting-academy
From Brittany’s Instagram ” If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else make all the pretty quilts, wishing that you had the skills and knowledge to get started, my friend...this is for you! “❤️
You will be glad you did, I sure am!
Let me know in the comments how you learned to sew or quilt, or if you have any classes to recommend, I would love to know👋🏻
