Back to basics
 

I've been quilting for about 15 years, but recently decided to do a Craftsy class on borders, as mine didn't always work out as well as I'd like. It's been a great experience, as I've picked up some useful tips, and it's made me look again at the ways I do even basic things - eg I've learned a better way to join strips at 45 degrees, have asked myself why I don't use steam when I press and can now do all my measurements and fabric calculations for borders more accurately. I think I'm going to do some more of the basic classes - it's so easy to stick to old habits (or acquire bad new ones!) and never question why I do things a certain way.

Thanks for the advice. I think I need that class just to finish my first quilt with borders. I might as well start out by acquiring good habits!

Funny how sometimes we go along maybe taking a shortcut then come across a class, book, tutorial, something that takes us back to the basics. We realize when we step back to the basics everything falls back into place. :) I think we could all once in awhile benefit from a basics/beginner class. :) . craftsy has a great assortment. I was recently asked to teach a 12 year old to sew- wanting to give her a good foundation I pulled out books I'd not browsed in a number of years- boy, have I been cutting some corners! The basics are a great place to go when things are no longer quite right! :)

There is so much information out there on u-tube and TV shows on PBS. I saw how Patrice Lose sews off his binding at a 45 degrees before folding a corner. I tried it and it worked for me. Today, I just saw EB do it on her newest series. You get sharp folded corners.

I loved the border class on Craftsy.

I agree. I love the tips Patrick Lose has for binding. Does anyone take out the little triangle inside the folded corner to reduce bulk on binding? I think that is fantastic. It's always great to learn new things. And yes getting back to basics and relearning old things can help as well!

It feels so great to learn a better way on how to do something.

When I was doing some math peer tutoring, I asked if I could sit in on the "lower" classes so I would use the same terminology that my tutees were hearing - I learned so much in those classes - either some topics were never taught way back when - or I was absent when they were taught. I felt almost guilty getting all that new for "free."

I watch Craftsy while in my sewing room. I have a broken laptop but it will open a webpage and I keep it connected to Craftsy.