Shooting a Class with Craftsy

In July I exercised my ability to keep a secret and headed out to Denver Colorado to shoot my class, Quilting with Rulers on a Home Machine, with Craftsy. It was the first time I had flown in over 18 years! (I'm writing this during a 3 hour layover in Charlotte as I head off to Janome Institute- feast or famine, this flying thing!)


I was happy that Craftsy handled the flying arrangements, the hotel and car transportation. A lot has changed since I last flew. Not to mention that living in a small town with Lynchburg VA as our nearest city, I forget how small Lynchburg is compared to a metropolitan area like Denver. Craftsy left a little gift waiting on me at the hotel in downtown Denver.


My star on the door of my dressing room. Craftsy has 5 studios in its production facility, housed in an old taxi service building. It's one of those revitalization projects, with several businesses and a restaurant, garden, and common areas. It's very crafty and full of art and such.


This garden area was just outside the common area and it was a welcome view on my first day as I got a little stage fright.


Above is the common area where we could eat our catered lunch each day. Below is one of the lunch spreads, which was different every day.


Below, I am standing with my studio crew. The tallest guy behind me was the main camera man. I gave him a workout as he got the best shots possible to show what I was doing at the machine. He was up and down off of a step ladder all day, shooting over my should with his huge camera and keeping himself and camera cables out of the way.


The other fella behind me was my producer. He worked to translate the class outline into specific scenes for the camera, helped me rehearse, calmed me when I got nervous, and made sure we got all the instruction into the video clearly for my students. The guy next to me did editing on the fly, listened to the audio and a bunch of other things, I'm sure, as he worked behind several computer monitors. I have never met such an encouraging and upbeat group of guys. They were great.


The shoot was just a small, 3 day part of the process that included a very detailed outline, samples, step-outs, and online rehearsals via Skype. For a gal whose YouTube videos had yet to show any part of herself other than hands, this was a big step.


I am so glad to have made this class with Craftsy! Their class platform is top-notch. You can watch your class over and over with no limit. If you miss something, there's a handy 30 second repeat button. Then there's the ability to ask the instructor questions on the platform, take notes, post pictures of your projects and more.

ruler work

This is far better than I can cover in my YouTube videos or on my blog, and I am so excited to work with a whole new group of "students" through this class. Craftsy has over 5 million members in over 200 countries. The video quality is so much better than I can manage with my equipment.

It was such a great experience and I hope you will join in the experience by taking the class. I don't have an official release date, but it should be before the month is out. I'm working with a small group of fabulous quilting bloggers to get the word out about this class and to show more folks all the design opportunities that can be found by using rulers to guide your free motion quilting.

Now, I have a plane to catch!






26 comments:

  1. Hi Amy,
    I've been following along on FB for awhile. I had no idea you were in Lynchburg! I'm in Rustburg and yes, our airport is teeny, tiny :) I have a Janome MC6600 and have yet to get comfortable with home machine quilting. Do you give classes locally? I'd love to meet up with you sometime:)
    Congratulations on the Craftsy class! You are right, they are fantastic classes :)
    Blessings ...
    Lani

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    1. Lani!

      We’re practically neighbors. Actually I live in south of Lynchburg, but I did a presentation and class for the Appomattox Quilt guild last fall. I work at least one day a week at Sew Simple in Lynchburg who is probably your Janome dealer. Head over to the shop’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sewsimpleoflynchburg and web site- www.sewsimple.biz and stay up to date on the classes I offer there.

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  2. Congratulations on your Craftsy class - can't wait to see it.

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  3. Your innovative approach has made it possible for me to do my own quilting. Thank you for your creativity and generosity. Congratulations on having your talent recognized and celebrated. Woot Woot.....!!!

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  4. How very exciting to be recognized for your talent and skills! Looking forward!

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  5. Congratulations, Amy! I'm looking forward! Greetings from Poland:-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Wiesia! It’s so wonderful to ‘meet’ people worldwide through my blog.

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  6. Amy, I can hardly wait for your Craftsy class!

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  7. Good grief, Amy -- 3 hour layover in CHARLOTTE this morning? That's my town -- I could have met you for coffee! You're probably in the air by now, but next time your travels strand you in the Queen City, let me know ahead of time. :-)

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    1. That would have been great! I didn't actually realize the layover was that long until I got there. I will check my ticket before I fly out on Sunday.

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  8. Congratulations, Amy. This is one class I will be sure to take.

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  9. Congratulations!! It sounds like it was a great experience - I look forward to seeing more of you :-)

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  10. Too cool! You have a craftsy class!!! Can't wait to see it! So, you live near Lynchburg. Two of our kids go to school there and we've been traveling back and forth from PA to VA for a few years. I've spent plenty of nights in Lynchburg. Plus, I have an aunt there, too!

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  11. Such an honour...a crafsy class!!! and they are lucky to have you!!!! I have many of their classes and love them all.

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  12. Looking forward to getting your Craftsy class!! Your YouTube videos are great so I just can imagine how awesome the class must be!!

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  13. Amy, I am so proud of you...starring in your own Craftsy class! What an honor. I have taken many Craftsy classes because I'm such a newcomer to quilting. That's how I found you...searching for free motion quilting ideas. You have really inspired me with your YouTube videos. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to taking your class.

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  14. What a great experience for you. I can't imagine what it would feel like!!! So overwhelming:-) You are very good at what you do and you explain it in great detail. I'm sure your Craftsy class will be a hit. Can't wait to see it! Congratulations!!!

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  15. So excited they got you, the best, for free motion quilting! I will be taking this class!

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  16. You are very talented and have worked hard. Congratulations on your great achievements. I can't wait to take your Craftsy class. I have been watching you for a while and have learned so much from your web site and you tube videos. Thanks for all your sharing.

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