Michele Made Me

One birdie's attempt to figure things out. Oh, and crafts.

Continuing Education

by

The only formal art education I have, I received from my high school art class. I’ve never taken a craft class or a sewing class. Like most people, I learn by doing. And, yes, I’ve done A LOT of doing. But I’ve thought recently that I should work on my skills, that I should try to get better at what I do. There’s always room for improvement, right? To that end, I decided to join Craftsy. From what I can see, Craftsy is an on-line community that offers an assortment of on-line craft courses from talented designer/craftspeople at reasonable prices. Okay, I’m intrigued…

So I joined – it’s free. But not only that. I also jumped right into their free on-line class which they call “Craftsy Block of the Month“. Every month from January to October, students learn to make two new quilt blocks which they then combine into a quilt in the fall. Taking this class will be a good way for me to get my educational feet wet, I think. I will no doubt learn something new (like a bunch of new quilt blocks). I’ll meet some crafty folk. Hopefully, I’ll get a pretty quilt out of the deal. And, for future reference, it’s a good way for me to judge the overall quality of Craftsy’s classes and services.

I’m excited about it. I will keep you abreast of my progress, write a little about my Craftsy experiences, and post pictures of my blocks month by month. Above are my first two 12-1/2 inch blocks. They are supposed to be simple slashed blocks: a wonky pound sign and an asterisk. In theory, they’re easy to make and get right, but mine for some reason, are FAR from perfect. But no worries. I’m learning, right?

Also, I’m working from my fabric stash so, as usual, it’s going to be a scrappy thing. My chosen colour scheme is a somewhat out there but I wanted to try a little funkiness so I don’t loose interest halfway through the year. We shall see how that goes.

I wonder what Amy (our teacher) has planned for February… Oh, see that? I’m already looking forward to next month’s blocks. That’s a good sign I think. Learning is supposed to be fun, right?

So far so good.

♥M

Note: See February blocks HERE.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy at Ameroonie Designs says

    I can't wait to see your finished quilt- I'm sure it will be bright and lovely since that's just how you do things. 🙂 Kudos to you for reaching out and up. No doubt you'll learn lots of new tricks and become even more amazing. 🙂
    xoxo

  4. Jennie Louise says

    this has really intrigued meand i was looking to join a new project… is it just about sewing? or are their other tutorials I wonder…
    great start… you are very talented.
    jennie. x

  5. Sue says

    I like the color choices for your blocks! I too am in the block of the month. I am enjoying the classes offered by Craftsy. I am also taking a cooking class from Sympoz. Great medium for a working mother. Tomorrow new block patterns, can't wait.

    • Michele Pacey says

      Oh hey, you too? I can't wait to get the new blocks either. Isn't it fun?

      A cooking class… now there's something I could really really really use. I burn things… Maybe I'll do that one day.

  10. Catherine says

    Great idea to join in on this quilt along Michele! I must say I was tempted myself. Might have to take another look at what else they offer.

  12. Tanya says

    I jumped right over to Craftsy and joined! I love the concept and always enjoy learning something new. Its nice to stretch a bit. I am a big fan of your blog. Your originality and personal way of writing inspires me. Thanks for sharing your creativity!

    • Michele Pacey says

      Oh good for you Tanya, way to go! I think the stretching will be good for both of us.

      Thanks for the sweet comment btw, I'm so glad you like coming here. It's so nice to hear that!