Maybe you don't live near a quilt store that has classes.  Maybe there isn't a quilt show coming up near you.  Maybe you'd like to take a class but just can't find the right one?  Well...there is a great website for anyone who wishes to take an online quilt class:  Quilt University.

Over 20,000 students have taken classes at Quilt University (QU) since 2000 and their website does seem to be very user friendly.  Their site offers over 120 online classes.  Some of these classes are offered twice a year, some once.  The list of their classes beginning in the next few weeks is located Quilt University link above.  Each class is identified by name, instructor, skill level, supply list, cost, dates of lessons, and an image and detail of the class's "quilt" goal.

For example, here's a direct link to a new class they're offering by Daphne Greig of Canada:  Ripless Paper Piecing.  This class begins lessons on October 3, with another lesson on October 10 and then October 17.  The class finally closes on November 8.  Here's an image from the class:



The QU site has a wonderful student orientation section that explains how the classes work (they range in duration from two to six weeks and cost between $18 and $72).  There is a course catalog with lots of helpful information.  What I think is really wonderful is that the site offers a class road map to help you decide which classes and in what order you could take them to best develop your skills.  Really smart idea.

They have the following class categories:  Patchwork & Piecing, Appliqué, Garments & Accessories, Embroidery Modules, Quilting & Surface Embellishment, Dyeing & Painting, Computer-Aided Quilt Design, Pictorial Quilts, Design & Color, Paper & Foundation Piecing, and Other.

AND, they offer you a free, sample class to see if you would like taking an online class.  It's called "Border Crossings" and it's a two lesson class.  Here it is:  Free Online Class!  To me, that's a nice offer. 

They have over 30 faculty members from all parts of the globe.  For example, Helen Marshall of New Zealand teaches three classes, including one entitled "Wheel of Mystery".  I did have a great opportunity to spend some time with Ms. Marshall when her "Wheel of Mystery" book came out.  She's great.  Here's an image of her quilt for this class:

There are so many instructors offering so many classes online at this site.  I think readers of this blog would probably also be interested in a class entitled "Jane Was Nuts" by Carol Miller since the class in an outgrowth of the popular book "Dear Jane" by Brenda Papadakis.  Here's an image of the quilt for that class:

"Jane Was Nuts" opens on October 3, here's a direct link:  Jane.  Ms. Miller teaches 12 classes online and was one of the founders of QU!

There's a Student Commons area where students can connect and discuss books, products and classes.  They even have a link to the winners of their online student contest that shows a dozen quilts.  And there's a whole section of quilt images from students under the Student Gallery section.

This site offers a lot.  I think everyone would also like to look into their Library as well since it offers quality information for reference material.  They also have a nice FAQ section.  And a newsletter!

I think they have a very approachable and very useful website.  I do think they offer a great service.  I also think they have thought out a great process to not just offer quilting classes but also to build a community (classes, forums, library, newsletters, contests, student images online). 

And this is where I think their website truly shines - the community they've built in their Forum sections in the Student Commons.  I think anyone thinking about taking classes at QU should take a look at the Student Lounge, Product Review, Book Reviews, Finishing School (for UFOs), and the Dyeing Forum.  Everyone interacting there is interested, supportive and involved.  The first few threads I read had quilters helping each other from different parts of the world (one thread had a Canadian and an Australian gushing about how great these QU classes were to a quilter in America).  Another thread was a discussion about Pigma pens and another about particular threads.  I can think of no better confirmation of how good these classes must be than the enthusiasm I read there.

Great site.  Great concept.

Best,

Fiona

(Late note:  Anyone taking their classes - please post a note here on your experience and I'll put up your comments for our other readers.