I was lucky enough to
be asked to write a review of a new online video course from iquilt, in exchange for free access to the course. Although I received the course for free, all opinions are my own.
The course is "Solids Revolution" with Weeks Ringle. First, a photo of the finished project!
(Modern Quilt Studio copyright 2016)
Here is my review:
Whether your quilting style is traditional, modern – or
modern-traditional – Weeks Ringle has great tips and tricks for you in “Solids Revolution." This video is hosted on iquilt.com, a new instructional platform sponsored by
Bernina and the American Quilting Society.
Weeks co-founded “Modern Quilt Studio” with her husband,
Bill Kerr, in 1999. But “Solids
Revolution” isn’t just for modern quilters, or even just for inexperienced
quilters. I’ve been quilting for 40 years, and I learned so much from this
video. Do you know how to line up blocks across sashing? Weeks has a great
method for ensuring even triangle blocks line up from row to row!
The iquilt video display includes a pop-up “notes” link, so
you can take notes right on your computer screen. And questions are answered by
the instructor via email – so if you have to ask a “stupid question,” no one
sees it save you and your instructor! [I guess my question wasn't really "stupid" -- I asked about sewing a quarter-inch seam with the walking foot. Weeks answered quickly, the Bernina walking foot has a quarter-inch mark.]
“Solids Revolution” includes detailed instructions to make
the “Fun House” quilt. The downloadable instructions feature cutting charts for
each section of the quilt, a supply list, and optional color choices for your
personal quilt. My favorite is the blank “Fun House Coloring Page,” so students
can try out various color combinations on paper before committing to fabric.
The instruction sheets are especially nice, as quilters won’t need to write
down measurements while watching the video.
The final lesson includes a graphic visual on what happens
when your quarter-inch seam isn’t exactly one-quarter inch. Weeks winds up the
course with ideas for choosing quilting thread and quilting your quilt. I never
realized that quilting thread appears darker in the “valleys” of seams on the quilt!
Weeks’ friendly, personal style of speaking makes the viewer
feel that Weeks is right there, talking to you!
I’m so excited to choose fabrics for my own “Fun House” quilt.
I'm thinking it would be fun to make each column in "Fun House" a different color study. Column one, complementary colors. Column two, split complementary. Column three, analogous. Column four, monochromatic. Column five, rainbow -- ROY G BIV!
I'm particularly impressed with the videography on the iquilt.com platform. Transitions from full-screen view to close-up were smooth. Weeks doesn't fidget, chew her lip, or giggle when she misspeaks. All that I expect when paying for a video tutorial!
Take a look at iquilt.com to see all the videos available.
From the desk of your
