When you are a Craftsy affiliate, you get emails every now and then with some incentives to share sales and information about Craftsy. I often share the classes sales because I know just what high quality their classes are and have no qualms whatsoever about plugging them! However, I don’t always share everything because sometimes it’s just not relevant. For example, this is a quilting blog, and my husband is the main cook in our house, so you won’t find me sharing about their cooking classes! But this time, the information fascinated me and I know how many of you love a good “behind the scenes” post! So let me share with you some behind the scenes info about Craftsy!
Before filming even begins, hours and hours are spent determining what content will be covered in each class, and how to best teach specific techniques to the camera. Instructors work with an instructional designer to create an in-depth outline of each lesson, and decide how to best prepare props or “step-outs” that show what your project should like at different steps. Instead of a scripted class, instructors follow their outlines on camera to create an authentic and engaging teaching experience.
Most Craftsy classes are filmed in one of five Craftsy studios in Denver, CO, assuring that every part of the production process goes off without a hitch. They fly in instructors from all over the world to spend several days filming, then spend several weeks turning hours of footage into a two to three hour class experience that has been watched, rewatched, and reviewed by industry experts. The final result is an HD-quality video that takes you in-depth into specific topics in any given craft category- from cooking and fine art to sewing and knitting.
What IS the Craftsy experience?
The classes are designed to have all the benefits of an in-person class, with none of the drawbacks. Available online and on-demand, you always have world-class instructors at the tip of your fingers. You can retake the class as many times as you want, and the 30-second repeat feature allows you to watch the same section over and over again until you get every technique just right. Taking a Craftsy class is like being at a class in person – interacting with fellow classmates and the instructor. Even better, classes have a 100% money-back guarantee. If you’ve never tried Craftsy before (Molli Sparkles, I’m looking at you!), then why not start with one of the free Craftsy classes to get a taste of their production quality! My favourite are the Quilt Con 2013 lectures, and for an actual class, the Block Of The Month to get a range of techniques!
And in total disclosure, I will receive a $5 affiliate bonus for sharing this with you, so I’m going to give that right back to you and give away a copy of Ornamental! After all, it’s Christmas sewing time! Just leave a comment with your favourite Craftsy class and I’ll pick one random winner Friday 22nd November, 9am (JST).
***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***
The winner is #21 – Chris! I’ve sent an email.
Beth T. says
I’m taking Jacquie Gering’s class right now, and I’m loving it, so I guess it’s my favorite. (And my first!) I also really enjoyed the Quilt Con lectures they offered for free. Craftsy seems like such a generous site. I know i’ll be taking more classes there as my budget allows.
Thanks for the giveaway. Your Ornamental pattern is exactly what I’ve been looking for. If I am not the lucky winner I will be visiting your shop–I have the perfect charm squares for this project.
Gemma Roberts says
I am currently working my way throughout Magical Jelly Roll Quilt course and loving every minuet. I have made one Christmas wall hanging which I am really pleased with.
Many thanks for the giveaway, the pattern looks amazing and I would love to have a go.
SandraR says
My favourite so far is Wee Ones with Susan Anderson, but I am saving lots to my wish list!
Lynn D in NC says
I think I’m choosing the one on sewing machine feet because I really knew so little about them and how and when to use them. So I learned a lot.
Shawn says
Camille Roskelley’s classes are fun
Thanks for the chance to win the cool pattern.
Terri H says
Quilting negative spaces. Thanks for the giveaway!
Fran says
I love Camille Roskelley’s Pre-cut Piecing Made Simple, I have made the Swoon quilt pattern & it was so helpful to have Camille’s instructions – it made a complex & intimidating pattern so much easier. Thanks for the chance to win.
Linda Armenti says
Right now I’m starting The Weekender Dress. Usually the one I’m working on is my fave, I do love the Quilt as you go bags too.
Jocelyn says
The only class I have taken is the sampler. But I would think a free motion class would be great. Thanks!
Jenni says
Well, it sounds over-dramatic, but I feel like the Block of the Month course really changed my life. Before the course I had been interested in quilting and had even made a baby quilt and a quilted tree skirt, but I was totally going it on my own – really knew nothing of quilting. I never had a quilting grandmother or aunt to show me the ropes or anything like that. I learned so much technique and so many tips in BOM that I never would have figured out on my own. I am not an artistic person at all, but at age 35 quilting has given me an artistic outlet to create really beautiful things!
Mara says
I enjoy Leah Day’s classes on FMQ’ing. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Alyce Rodriguez says
I love Craftsy classes and have signed up for over 20 so far! My favorites are Quilting Quickly because it taught me so much when I was just learning to quilt, Quilt-as-you-go Patchwork Bags because I love the bag so much and both of Camille Roskelley because I love her fabric lines and patterns. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hilary says
I love Craftsy 🙂 I just signed up for Camille Roskelley’s first class.
Mary says
I’ve been wanting to take the Feathers class from Angela Walters for a while, just never actually did it. Thanks for the chance!
Sandy A in St. Louis says
I am doing the BOM right now and will probably sign up for the next one. I also have purchased a machine quilting class which I haven’t started yet. 🙂
Cecilia says
I’m enjoying Angela Walters’ Dot to Dot Quilting Class. Thanks for sharing, the pattern is cute.
Dawn Frisch says
I have signed up for several Crafty classes and it’s hard to pick a favorite! I really enjoyed the 2012 BOM with Amy Gibson – that was great! I also love the Quilting Quickly classes… they are so helpful! Thanks for the chance!!
Happy quilting
Dawn
array-dawn@cox.net
Margaret Schindler says
I love so many of the classes. I would have a hard time just picking one. I am in almost all the quilting classes and love each one. I really love listening to Ann Peterson and am looking forward to purchasing her newest class. O I just cant choose.
Loretta Aymond says
My favorite class so far has been Quilting a Large Quilt on a Small machine. I finally feel like I can quilt my own quilts rather than send them out to a longarmer and pay to have it done. And it will feel more like my complete project!
barbara woods says
I love all their quilting classes
Chris says
I’d like to take the free motion class. It would be a good one for me.
Cheryl says
I loved Angela Walter’s quilting negative spaces and want to sign up for her dot to dot quilting class.
Ellen says
Stupendous Stitching is my favorite class. But really enjoy most of them.
Jamie Todhunter says
I love Craftsy. Every class that I have checked out has been great and I enjoy the variety of classes. I am looking forward to an Amigurumi crochet class that I just signed up for. I am just learning to crochet and the cute animals would be enjoyed by children.
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