Calculators that Make Quilting Easier!

Ask quilters what they like the least about quilting and the answer will be fairly unanimous: Math! During the 17 years of owning fabric shops, I got pretty good at figuring yardage and unit sizes for everything from side setting triangles to quilt binding, and I know that it can be challenging for many of us. That’s why I created a new category in my website, A Good Quilt, just for interactive calculators! Members can access them at any time, and more are in the works! Simply fill in the fields and the answer is automatically figured for you! With more coming soon, here is a sampling of what’s available so far.

Interested in joining us? Registration opens October 1, and I’d love to have you! Click here for more information.

A Free Quilting Video Tutorial with Printable Instructions For You!

I am so happy to share something special with you today! It's one of my video tutorials from my website, A Good Quilt, and it includes a printable instruction sheet that goes along with lesson!

I wanted you to see an actual video from the library inside A Good Quilt, where currently, over 70 tutorials are organized into categories. And...new things are added every Friday! So, hop on over and enjoy this little treat from me to you. There is no obligation whatsoever!, so, enjoy! Maxie. https://www.agoodquilt.com/peek-inside

The Perfect Whatever Bag and 'Quilt-as-You-Go'

Want to know what’s going on at A Good Quilt this month? In the current tutorial we learned to make beautiful Quilt-as-You-Go panels and then we learned to make them into a gorgeous bag! Learning this technique for a small project builds confidence, encouraging everyone to work through to the finish! Not only did we learn the quilting technique, we learned how to add linings, pockets, boxing corners, and how to finish with a handmade strap handle! The lesson was taught through video content, and printable instructions.

Aren’t these panels beautiful? I also taught how to embellish with ribbons, but gave options for making it without them as well.

This technique is also perfect for table runners, placemats, mug rugs, clothing and much more! And…it’s just one example of 3 years of lessons and tutorials, all available to members in an organized library. If you’re not a member of our wonderful, interactive group, we’d love to have you join us! Registration is opening in October for just a few days, so jump over and get your name on the wait list to be notified when the doors open!

Warmly,

Maxie

Zippered Boxed Bags

I am having so much fun teaching through my membership, A Good Quilt! While we primarily focus on skills and techniques for quilting, in August and September we are taking the opportunity to focus on smaller, quilted items that are great for the upcoming gift-giving season! Up in August: Zippered Boxed Bags! I post a weekly tutorial, and in the first week everyone received my video tutorial that walked members through each step of making this bag, including installing the zipper and lining. I offered options (as always!) for quilting vs. no-quilting, and we discussed the effects of using different battings. They also received a printable step-by-step instruction sheet to add to their A Good Quilt binder. Our private Facebook group is blowing up with member’s photos of their bags, and we celebrate each one!

This bag finished at 9” x 4” x 4”, which is perfect for so many things…makeup, sewing supplies, art supplies, toiletries, camera equipment (my personal fav!). Making a set in nesting sizes is a good idea from one member, too, but who wants to do that math? No one…so for the second week’s post I supplied a calculator for creating bags in any size needed! Members simply fill in the size bag they want and the calculator reveals what size to cut their fabrics! Are you subscribed to my membership? If not, I hope you’ll consider joining us when we open the doors again in October. Join the waitlist to be notified, and you’ll receive 6 free quilt labels and access to a video tutorial showing how to make your own printable fabric at home! Happy sewing…Maxie

Sharing My New Vision for Maxie Mail Subscribers

“I have learned so much and will be forever grateful to you. The best part…..it is a gift that will keep on giving as the knowledge you share and the confidence you instill will always be a part of me. Barbara Beevers Placerville, CA”

I love and appreciate each one of my Maxie Mail Subscribers, so I’ve been dreaming of completely re-imagining the way my membership works, and I’ve spent countless hours over the past half-year pouring my heart and soul into the process of making our experience into a community where I can fully support you along your quilting journey and where you can also support each other!

September will be the last month for shipments as normal! October will be filled with all the details of the new membership, and registration to current subscribers will open on October 8, followed by registration for the public on October 22. Sign up for my email list if you wish to be notified when registration is open!

So…what will the new membership offer? In a completely re-designed website, subscribers will have access to new video content in the same style that they have become accustomed to. Members will have access to everything I’ve ever sent out for the last two years! There will be new weekly posts inside the membership that will include quilt design patterns & detailed instructions to accompany those videos, printable technique sheets & more…plus, you’ll see me answering your questions live, and you’ll be able to connect with other quilters from all over the world! I can’t go into everything here because all the details will be revealed in the emails released in October prior to open registration…so be sure to sign up to receive those emails!

A GOOD QUILT BRINGS A GOOD STORY!

Many of us have quilts in our possession that were made by family members long ago. If you’re like me, those quilts evoke emotions and a feeling of connection to our loved ones.

I owned a quilt shop in my town for 12 years and put in so much time that I had little time to do any other work outside my business. For many of those years I struggled with the questions, “What am I doing that really matters and how am I helping people?” One day, I was helping a customer choose quilt colors and fabrics, as usual. Together, we chose fabrics for her new Great-Grandchild’s baby quilt. I suggested a pattern for her, figured the yardage needed and began to cut and carefully fold and stack her fabrics. As I was cutting, I noticed that she had her hand on the folded stack, gently smoothing her hand across the top. She quietly stood, looking with a far off gaze and I knew that she was thinking about the quilt and this great-grandchild and her gift that would be given to express her love. That moment made a profound impact on me and I never questioned the meaningfulness of my work again. The legacy she was creating for her family would remind them of her love for many, many years.

Will your sewing create a lasting legacy? Years from now, what will people say about the quilts you’ve left behind? What will your quilting legacy be?

What takes a person from longing to make a good quilt to one who’s sewing skillfully contributes to their legacy? I’ve seen it many times over, and it always starts at the very beginning. If you start right, you’ll finish right. And that’s the journey I’d love to take you on!

Watch for soon-coming emails with all the details you’ll need to know! I hope you’ll join us!

Blessings to your sewing room,

Maxie