There is so much going on, I can't wait to tell you about it.
For starters, Craftsy is now offering a subscription model as an option. (You can still purchase classes individually to keep forever.) There's some deliberation about whether the pay per class or subscription model is preferred. Craft Industry Alliance gave some insight, and So Sew Easy outlined some pros and cons. I'd say it depends.
Considerations for Craftsy Unlimited:
This is the route to go if you have a serious hobby, but wouldn't mind dabbling in other areas. For example, I've only purchased quilting classes, but would view photography, cooking, and cake decorating classes under the subscription model since it wouldn't cost me any extra.
If you are going to spend more than $14.99 per month or $120 per year purchasing classes, a subscription would save you money.
Considerations for Purchasing Classes:
If you tend to refer back to classes, separate purchase may be a better choice as you only have access to class content while a Craftsy Unlimited subscription is active without actually buying each class.
Considerations for buying DVDs:
If you have erratic internet access, this is a good option. Unfortunately, not all classes are available in DVD format.
The Verdict:
Since the 7 Day Trial is free, there's no harm in trying it out for size. Another advantage is being able to download class materials during this period, including recipes and quilt patterns. (I do wonder if teacher are compensated for downloaded materials in addition to the time you spend watching; otherwise it might make them more hesitant to include detailed supplementary handouts or project-based resources.)
If you decide to join, it's a good idea to take advantage of the free shipping and $25 in free supplies each quarter bonus on the annual membership while it lasts (before Feb. 28).
Craftsy users, which model to you gravitate towards?
Another active topic is the closure of FreeSpirit Fabrics by parent company Coats. The Craft Industry Alliance dropped the news. Tula Pink conveyed her reaction to her Tula Troops on Facebook Live. Kim Niedzwiecki shared her thoughts on the detrimental impact of neglecting to employ social media and the implications it may have had for FreeSpirit. There is much speculation about what caused a company with such popular designers to be unprofitable to the point of closure. What do you think? Have too many quilters reached a fabric saturation point given the rapid rate of fabric distribution; to support the enormity of the industry? Have mass retailers, online entities, and/or indie businesses pushed the going rate down so far that it can't support the cost of production? What's the secret to staying afloat in the current climate?
Update: FreeSpirit has been acquired by Studioe Fabrics.
On a more carefree note, Angela Walters is hosting a Free Motion Quilting Challenge. Check out the details on her website.
I think this free mix and match monster pattern is just adorable. There's also a Craftsy class that provides even more appliqué templates and visual instruction. (P.S. You can watch it with a Craftsy Unlimited 7 Day Free Trial.)
If you are a new blogger and want to participate in the ultimate get to know you or the online quilt writing community, there's still time to sign up for the 2018 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop.
If you're having trouble sticking to your New Year's Resolution to complete your quilt UFOs, ;Elm Street Quilts hosts a monthly motivational party.
If you're more color-oriented that goal oriented, try the Color Challenge at A Dream and a Stitch.
For starters, Craftsy is now offering a subscription model as an option. (You can still purchase classes individually to keep forever.) There's some deliberation about whether the pay per class or subscription model is preferred. Craft Industry Alliance gave some insight, and So Sew Easy outlined some pros and cons. I'd say it depends.
Considerations for Craftsy Unlimited:
This is the route to go if you have a serious hobby, but wouldn't mind dabbling in other areas. For example, I've only purchased quilting classes, but would view photography, cooking, and cake decorating classes under the subscription model since it wouldn't cost me any extra.
If you are going to spend more than $14.99 per month or $120 per year purchasing classes, a subscription would save you money.
Considerations for Purchasing Classes:
If you tend to refer back to classes, separate purchase may be a better choice as you only have access to class content while a Craftsy Unlimited subscription is active without actually buying each class.
Considerations for buying DVDs:
If you have erratic internet access, this is a good option. Unfortunately, not all classes are available in DVD format.
The Verdict:
Since the 7 Day Trial is free, there's no harm in trying it out for size. Another advantage is being able to download class materials during this period, including recipes and quilt patterns. (I do wonder if teacher are compensated for downloaded materials in addition to the time you spend watching; otherwise it might make them more hesitant to include detailed supplementary handouts or project-based resources.)
If you decide to join, it's a good idea to take advantage of the free shipping and $25 in free supplies each quarter bonus on the annual membership while it lasts (before Feb. 28).
Craftsy users, which model to you gravitate towards?
Another active topic is the closure of FreeSpirit Fabrics by parent company Coats. The Craft Industry Alliance dropped the news. Tula Pink conveyed her reaction to her Tula Troops on Facebook Live. Kim Niedzwiecki shared her thoughts on the detrimental impact of neglecting to employ social media and the implications it may have had for FreeSpirit. There is much speculation about what caused a company with such popular designers to be unprofitable to the point of closure. What do you think? Have too many quilters reached a fabric saturation point given the rapid rate of fabric distribution; to support the enormity of the industry? Have mass retailers, online entities, and/or indie businesses pushed the going rate down so far that it can't support the cost of production? What's the secret to staying afloat in the current climate?
Update: FreeSpirit has been acquired by Studioe Fabrics.
On a more carefree note, Angela Walters is hosting a Free Motion Quilting Challenge. Check out the details on her website.
I think this free mix and match monster pattern is just adorable. There's also a Craftsy class that provides even more appliqué templates and visual instruction. (P.S. You can watch it with a Craftsy Unlimited 7 Day Free Trial.)
If you are a new blogger and want to participate in the ultimate get to know you or the online quilt writing community, there's still time to sign up for the 2018 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop.
If you're having trouble sticking to your New Year's Resolution to complete your quilt UFOs, ;Elm Street Quilts hosts a monthly motivational party.
If you're more color-oriented that goal oriented, try the Color Challenge at A Dream and a Stitch.
That's all I can think of for now. I'm still recovering from my kids' Valentines day parties and the following sugar high coinciding with my husband being away on a business trip.
Wow--I should just bookmark this post and keep coming back to it over and over. Thanks for the round-up of everything. I keep thinking about over-saturation in all its forms: fabrics, screen time, etc. and I wonder if it comes down to too few quilters supporting a bloated industry, and if a little correction is due, just like the stock market? Time will tell. I've been sewing for over 25 years so I know there will be fabric around when I'm ready to sew it (I could just start in my own closet, I guess). Great post!
ReplyDelete