One of my goals every single year — no matter how busy life or business gets — is to keep learning.
Sometimes that means stretching myself into brand-new quilting territory. Other times it means going deeper into techniques I already love and use regularly. Either way, learning keeps my creativity energized and my confidence growing. And honestly? It keeps quilting fun.
I’ve always been a book collector when it comes to quilting. If there’s a topic I’m curious about, chances are I own at least one (or five) books on it. Books are wonderful companions in the studio — but there’s something truly special about being guided by a teacher who is a master of their craft. I also love to take classes, but there’s almost never a class on what I want to learn when I’m available to take the class.
That’s where on-demand quilting classes come in.
Learning From the Best — Without the Pressure
One of the things I love most about the on-demand classes from CT Publishing’s Creative Spark platform is that I’m learning directly from teachers who live and breathe the techniques they’re teaching.
These are instructors who have spent years refining their skills, solving problems, and figuring out the “why” behind the methods — and they’re generous enough to share that knowledge step by step.
Unlike a live class (which I also love), there’s no pressure to keep up or worry that I missed something important. If I want to:
- Pause the video to try a technique
- Rewind and watch a tricky section again
- Skip ahead to the part I need right now
…I can do all of that without apology (or stressing myself out).
Learning That Fits Real Life
Let’s be honest — most of us don’t have entire uninterrupted days to quilt and learn. What we do have are pockets of time.
- An hour in the afternoon.
- A quiet morning before the rest of the house wakes up.
- A rainy day when the sewing room is calling.
On-demand quilting classes meet me exactly where I am. I don’t have to wait for a specific class to be offered by a local shop or hope the timing works with my schedule. These classes are ready whenever I am ready.
And once I’ve paid for a class? It’s mine. I can revisit it again and again — which is especially helpful when I’m ready to apply a technique to a new project months (or years!) later.
Bonus Materials That Actually Get Used
Another thing I really appreciate about Creative Spark classes is the thoughtful bonus materials that come with them. Many classes include:
- Downloadable handouts
- Technique guides
- Exercises to practice specific skills
These aren’t just “extras” that get forgotten. They become part of my quilting toolbox — things I can print, annotate, and refer back to while I’m working.
My Personal Learning List for This Year
With hundreds of classes available, it can be a little like walking into the world’s best quilting (sewing/textile art/craft) classroom — exciting, but slightly overwhelming! So this year, I’ve created a short personal learning list: five classes I’m especially excited to take.
Here’s what’s on my list right now:
The quilting is such an important part of the design – and I struggle with this part. I can’t wait to take this class!
Developing Your Creative Voice
My own style is something I’ve been thinking a lot about – and there’s a class for that!
Coloring Fabric with Inktense Pencils and Pastels
I have some of these Inktense pencils and would love to learn how to use them more effectively.
Thread Sketching for Beginners
I’ve been playing around with this technique. I’m ready for a class to learn how to do it more gracefully.
Applique Mastery: From Needle to Machine
I love to do applique. It’s one of my very favorite techniques. I’m looking forward to learning some tips and tricks I don’t know.
I love knowing these classes are waiting for me — no deadlines, no pressure, just opportunity.
Each of the on-demand classes in the Creative Spark catalog includes a short video from the instructor as well as a description of the class, the number of sessions, and any other bonus materials that are part of the class. You can see this video and description before you sign up for any class. If you do choose to sign up for a class, it’s yours always. You can take it once, or as many times as you like.
Please note: the links in the images to the classes I’m taking (above) are affiliate links. If you decide to take a class, I may earn a small commission.
Learning as an Act of Creative Care
For me, continuing to learn isn’t about “fixing” my quilting or chasing perfection. It’s about staying curious. It’s about honoring the craft. And it’s about giving myself permission to grow — slowly, thoughtfully, and with joy.
If you’re someone who:
- Loves being guided by a skilled teacher…
- Craves flexibility and depth in your learning…
- Wants education that fits your real life…
On-demand classes might just become one of your favorite creative tools, too.
And who knows? That next “free hour or two” might turn into your next favorite technique.