On March 17 I launch my online Fabric Collage Master Class. That’s in two weeks and I’m starting to get butterflies.
Tom and I are hard at work making last minute improvements to the class itself, while at the same time trying to gear up the promotion for it. We want to, of course, get people excited about the class. But we also want them to clearly understand what they’re getting.
So I’m giving my blog readers a chance to preview the promotional write-up that very likely will be used on my website to introduce and sell the two components of the class.
When you’ve read about the master class, please add your questions and responses in the comments below, which we will use to elaborate and clarify before the launch date of March 17. To get you started here are some questions you could consider answering:
- Would you consider taking the class?
- What are you hoping to receive from the class?
- What do you not understand about how the class will be run?
As always, thanks for your help!
Boost your creativity by learning new ways to use fabric to express yourself. This course is appropriate for all levels of experience. For the novice, the step-by-step instructions and easy practice Spiral Exercise lead you through the entire fabric collage process. For those with experience in fabric collage, the Master Class will serve to broaden and deepen your skill-set and provide an always-ready reference on the finer points of fabric collage.
What They’re Saying
Have just completed the on line class. Truly inspiring. I’m looking at spirals in an all new way and this class is full of detailed explanations supported by the video. I don’t hesitate in calling this a Master Class of Collage. There is absolutely nothing missing and beautifully produced! All my questions were answered . —Joanne Hannon Shaw, Student
I call this online course a master class not because completing it will make one a master (though it could over time). I use “master” here in its other sense, like a master key, one that opens every lock.
The Fabric Collage Master Class is not limited to a particular project. Instead it leads the student to a comprehensive understanding of fabric collage methods and techniques, enabling them to complete any project they choose.
The Multimedia Fabric Collage Manual is seven lessons in one course, six tutorials plus an exercise:
- Getting Started: Choosing a Subject and Creating a Design
- The Fabric Collage Technique: Choosing Fabric, Cutting, and Gluing
- Backgrounds: Supporting Your Image with Background Choice
- Adding Details: Jazzing It Up
- Quilting: Free-Motion Machine Quilting
- Finishing and Displaying Your Quilt
- A Spiral Quilt Exercise
Designed for independent study, the Manual reads like a book, but is so much more. It is illustrated with numerous photos. Videos at each step take instruction to the next level. Work at your own pace. The Manual is yours to use a reference whenever you need it.
What They’re Saying
The mix of text and video instruction combine to make the online class experience a success. Susan Carlson’s clear and concise presentations make you feel as if you are in a class with her. It might be intimidating to view the whole project but dividing the class into manageable ‘bites’ moves it along so that you can absorb the information, create your design and have success. —Mary McMurray Cannizzaro, Master Class Trial Student
Included with Manual:
- Over 100 highly-detailed photos
- 21 in-depth videos
- Advice on material, threads, tools, and fabrics
- Action points for each tutorial
- Free Susan Carlson Pattern for use as additional fabric collage exercise
- Private Facebook Group to share work and get online feedback from others
Introductory Price: $150
Special pricing for friend groups, quilt guilds and shops. (More info will be posted when launched in two weeks.)
Please check out my Follow-Up post for a few Frequently Asked Questions about this Fabric Collage Master Class. Thanks!
Yeah. I have been patiently waiting for the online class and I am very excited. Yes plan to do the Master class online manuel. My questions are…
Is the manuel available for a time period or will we have access indefinitely? I am slow to learn because of time limitations.
How do we sign up?
You will have access to the manual indefinitely. Only the Online Coaching Classroom is limited. Sign up will be through my website. Sign up info will come through the blog post in two weeks.
So excited. I haven’t taken a class yet but would like to now. I am so inspired by these beautiful creations from everyone. I’d like to learn this process and express my artistic mind this way.
Looking forward to seeing more detail of this course. When will the manual be available please?
On March 17.
I would love to take your class
I had trouble reading the text in the video as the light text often was on light background. Also text went by quickly. The word master made me think it was not for beginners and that maybe i needed other experience first
I think we’ll change that to voice over narration.
Could we have text and voice over? I take things in better through text, and both would be even better for all learners
Sounds like we need to emphasize that it is intended for all levels.
This all sounds good to me. I am hoping to try both ways. I think both methods will be great for people that can not get to your classes. Feed back and help with things I might not understand is going to be great. I also think people that want to do this like me, just haven’t found the right picture or just can not start without joining a class to get me going in the right direction.
Sounds Great
I agree the text was hard to read. Including voice over would be great. Also I do think that the phrase Master Class might get some beginners to not even click through to find out more about this great opportunity.
Good points.
The video above just kept circling and circling about 5 seconds in, so I could not watch it.
At first I thought the “manual” portion of the course meant it was a document only. I see now that it’s a multimedia project which looks great! Perhaps if you called it the “module” rather than a manual. The video looks awesome and convinced me to sign up for that part.
Hi! Yes, I would love to have this class! I agree that the text in the video was sometimes difficult to read, and I wondered if there was a time limit on the master class availability, so I am glad to see those things already answered. The coaching sessions look great, and I appreciate that there will be future sessions, because I have too much going on this spring. I think this opportunity is great!
I’m very interested in the class! How similar or different will it be from reading Serendipity Quilts? Loved the book!
It will be very different. Video has opened up a whole new way of presenting the material. Also, since it’s online, we will be able to produce periodic updates.
I am definitely interested in this highly anticipated opportunity. I have been eager to be involved with this technique and this course will be a way to reach many people. Thank you!
How will you interact with the students. Video or stills?
Being a Patreon, I was hoping for more than a paragraph of feedback once a month. I feel I need a bit more help other than keep going. I can’t tell you what that is, but maybe a videoconference would make me feel more connected. I would love yo take the online course after your input to my questions above, thanks Susan…the new digital age teacher.
I have considered doing video conferencing but was wasn’t sure I could commit so much time.
Also I expect it wouldn’t work for those in very different time zones.
We’d have to work out the time differences to be sure but no more than when you call a relative or friend elsewhere in the world.
I’m very interested in taking the class. What time of day is the class offered?
I have been anxiously awaiting this announcement – Hope to get into the May group (my April is already full…). Very exciting!!
I’m very excited about your class release! A few thoughts:
I’d like the video to also have voice over. I want to hear a teacher’s voice before I pay for a class. Plus if I have to read the subtitles I’m missing looking at your beautiful images.
I’d like to know how many total minutes/hours of video are included.
I find the name of the class very confusing. “Manual†makes it sound like a book. “Multimedia†in this context makes me think fabric, glue, paint, etc, not video, pictures and text. I think the title needs to make it clear that it’s a video course plus more.
I think it needs to be more clear that the coaching purchase does not include the Fabric Collage course.
Great points Ann. Thanks.
Just a thought: The sentence “Limited class size will ensure that each participant receives the attention she needs.” could read “Limited class size will ensure that each participant receives the attention needed.” to make it gender neutral. Good write up. Title of video should have your name in it… “Susan Carlson Online Class Promotional Video” for example.
Perfect solution. Thanks.
First: I’m so grateful for this! Although I can get to Maine for a class, they’re sold out, and I don’t want to wait to learn how to do fabric collages. 🙂 Next, a couple of questions/comments about the online portion…
Obviously an unlimited number of people can download the manual, but the online class is limited to a relatively small number of people. Will the online portion be repeated so that more people can benefit from it? I suppose my other question is somewhat related to that–for budgets that don’t have room for successive outlays of $150-200 dollars over a number of months, will there be later offerings of the online component so that we can participate as budgets allow? I realize that there is just one of you, and many of us, and you want to provide personal attention and feedback to the work being done, so there may not be an easy solution to this. Thanks!
Assuming this is at all successful, there will be as many Online Coaching Classrooms throughout the year (and years to come) as I can fit into my schedule. As I say they may have different themes, based on subject matter and complexity. I’m not sure I understand your second question. Sorry. Providing feedback has been the biggest sticking point in the development of the class. There are several components: Affordability, size, platform, length. I may be overestimating demand, but most worrisome has been how to accommodate as many people as possible without burning out!
Hi Susan,
This is very exciting. I would love to take an in-person class, but I am unable due to competing responsibilities. The flexibility of an online class is more than appealing.
I do plan on taking your class. I am hoping to learn the fundamentals and build my skills with the process and also with properly using (color) values.
I agree with the others regarding the voice-over on the promotional video and defining ‘master’. My question….will each lesson be introduced separately, such as one each week? I love having the opportunity to network with other students.
The “manual” as it is called now is complete, beginning to end, or “soup to nuts” as Tom says. No waiting for modules to be released. That way you can work at your own pace. The Online Coaching Classroom is separate.
I’m living in France and I’m wondering if I’ll be able to sign up for your May/June class, considering the time difference…? When posted on your website, it might be middle of the night here and if you only accept 20 people in your class, I have no chance ! 🙁
That’s another issue that I have been considering for some time. Would you prefer a lottery system? The way I see it is: there would be a sign up period, say a week long, then when everyone who is interested has a chance to enter, we have a drawing where the first twenty are in the class. Does this sound better?
Yes, it sounds perfect and gives the same chance to get in for everyone! Thanks Susan 😀
I also had difficulty reading the text in the video. The definition to describe a Master Class is a class given to students of a particular discipline by an expert of that discipline- usually music, but also painting, and any of the arts, or on any other occasion where skills are being developed..
You can be a beginner , advanced or anywhere in between.
Yes, purchasing the manual is on my list.
Many quilters don’t have a arts background. I think maybe that’s why some are interpreting it to mean that you need to be advanced to use it.
I am very interested in your online workshop and have recommended that our guild consider a purchase. I was surprised when I watched the video and saw that you have yardage of one of my favorite printed sheers 🙂
Oh, I forgot to ask – I have a particular photo that I’m interested in creating using your techniques. Will I be able to work on my own design or will I have to use one of yours?
thanks. Diane
Oh, I forgot to ask – I have a particular photo that I’m interested in creating using your techniques. Will I be able to work on my own design or will I have to use one of yours?
thanks. Diane
The Manual describes how to use any photo you want. Some Online Coaching Classrooms will limit subject matter. Others will be open to any subject.
Hi Susan. I did not get any voice in the video, just music, perhaps that was intentional? And one question – how long is each lesson? Total minutes, like 30 minutes?
Sounds terrific!
Thanks, Kaye
They vary in length. Each lesson is a combination of text, pictures, and video. Maybe we need to give people a sample to look over, like the first lesson.
Since the ‘manual’ will be in a digital form do you foresee updating the material over time and would you provide previous purchasers with the option to get an upgrade?
Absolutely. Minor upgrades would be free. A major upgrade will be discounted for those who already own.
I thought your comment of Master being thought of as a Master key was the turning point for me. I am looking forward to signing up. Well done!
Thanks!
Susan
Could you provide more details about how a purchase by a fiber arts guild would work? Could multiple people use the ‘manual’ over time as well as at the same time? Would there be additional fees for each user? thks.
Still working out details. Essentially it would be a discount based on number of purchasers. Each user would have individual access, with their own user name and password. I think what you’re thinking of is like buying a book that the Guild could then lend out to its members. I’m not sure that model would work, but I’ll look into it.
I am very interested in this class. I have read serendipity quilts and watched a lot of your YouTube videos. Will the course have different info than your YouTube videos (that are featured in your promo video)? I have a general understanding from the videos and book and would want a course that had additional info.
Also, is it a one time class purchase that gives me unlimited lifetime access? I don’t always have large blocks of time to go from beginning to end.
Very excited about this! Thanks!
You will find some of the videos familiar. I have added videos, edited some, and of course have organized it all into a cohesive program. The manual portion is a combination of text, pictures, and video.
The purchase is for a lifetime. In that way it’s like a book. Major updates will cost more, like a second edition of a book.
I am planning to sign up…excited! Off I go now to look at your test info.
1. Plan on taking the class
2. I have taken one fabric collage class at my local quilting lt shop. I bought the fabric kit. I hope to learn how to go about selecting my own fabric choices along with quilting, binding & displaying options. I hope to learn the SusanCarlson method of creating fabric art😊
3. I understand how the class will work; but I am wondering if we can just start with the manual & video class , then sign up for online consultation feedback later. I would also like to hear your voice on the video. It was hard to read that quickly without getting distracted.
Thank you
The video wasn’t meant to be an example of the class videos. It was a promotional tool only. Yes, you can certainly purchase the manual separate from the Online Coaching Classroom. In fact, I’m hoping many people will do just that. There will be an awful bottleneck otherwise of people waiting. Thanks! Whose fabric kit did you buy? Not mine since I don’t have one!
Throughout the year I will schedule sessions lasting from three to six weeks in length—-Susan the pricing only has 3 week or 4 week sessions. This is confusing. Also you reference a discount for people who have taken your classes, is this for the online course or the coaching?
The Multimedia Fabric Collage Manual is seven lessons in one, six tutorials plus an exercise: Susan this isn’t clear the manual is seven lessons in one what? Maybe includes?
I am looking forward to your empty spools class and learn this new process.
I have only scheduled the two sessions. Each session will be priced according to number of weeks. Specifically $50 per week. So if it is six weeks, $300. The discount is only for the Manual. Thanks for your feedback!
Susan I really enjoyed our time together in Calgary. I will sign up for your class so I have access to your step by step info as I do more collage projects. You are an amazing teacher Thank you Terry
so we need to wait till March 17 to sign up?
Correct. Sign ups start March 17. The Manual of course will be available for sale to all. I believe I may make the Coaching Classroom a lottery system so everyone has the same chance to get in. It avoids the “gold-rush” of people hovering over their keyboards hoping to be one of the first 20 to get in.
Want this course! How do I sign up? Is manual a hard copy? Can I choose my own subject?
The Master Class will available only online. Hard to do videos in a book! If you are using the Manual you will be able to choose whatever subject you like. Though I will encourage you to start with a simple project. If you are in a Coaching Classroom, some of them will have themes limiting the subject matter. Hope this helps.
Hi Susan, I will definitely be signing up for the manual but I have a question. I note your comment that “Previous students of Susan Carlson Maine Retreats and other 4 or 5-day classes will be offered a discount coupon for the Manual.” I am coming to your Maine retreat in April. Will the coupon be offered at the class? If so I will wait till I have completed the class, or is it just for students prior to the release? Either way, very exciting!! Thank you!
I’ll be offering a discount to my “in-person” students no matter when they take a class with me. In fact, let me talk it over with Tom but since you’re already scheduled to take the class in Portland, I should be able to send you the coupon right away, then you could review the process before you come to class, which ought to be a big advantage.
That would be awesome!!! 🙂
I am looking forward to you teaching at the Seven Sisters quilt show in June. If I purchase the Manuel ahead of time and get started at home, will it disrupt your flow of teaching if I come to class with a half done project?
Not at all. I often have students show up with projects started in previous classes.
Hi Susan,
I have been quietly following your journey toward creation and completion of your video class with ever decreasing patience! I am very excited and grateful that you and Tom have devoted the enormous effort and determination it has taken to offer folks like me the opportunity to learn from you. I too am one of those who can never get into one of your classes. The same limitations that keep me from doing so will also interfere with my ability to attend a live on-line class over a several week period. But my understanding of your Master class manual/video is that I will be as close as possible to learning at your shoulder, at my own pace with the added feature of being able to revisit any modules as often as I like because I will own access to them forever. If that is correct then I will definitely be purchasing the master class when it is released. And I still have hope of one day taking an actual in person class from you, but probably not until full retirement in 4 years. Thank you! Lisa
Lisa, I think you understand the idea perfectly. You will have lifetime access to the Manual. If I do a major upgrade at some point I’ll ask for some payment. But the original will stay available for all who buy it as well. Working at your own pace and being able to review at any time: that sums up what we think are two of the big selling points. Thanks, Susan.
I definitely want to take the class, preferably the one beginning April 2nd.
I am thrilled that this online class is almost here. It sounds so comprehensive. Worth every penny. And to have the ability for the session with 20 students and feedback is wonderful. So happy you have done this and persevered through it all to get it going. Can’t wait.
I am one of the lucky ones who has been able to take one of your classes so honestly I am on the fence about purchasing the manual and coaching classroom. I also own both your books so I am thinking I can get started with a project and choose fabrics. What I am really interested in is the $20 monthly feedback option. This would be great for those of us who have experience with your technique and need help/feedback with facial features for example. Would I be able to do only the $20 monthly feedback from time-to-time when I am in the middle of a project without purchasing the other items?
Donna,
For a monthly $20 Patreon subscription, you get a once a month feedback from me. This is separate from the Master Class completely. Patreon is for those who wish to support the ongoing blog and (the now nearly-completed) online class. Thanks, Susan
By the way, Patreon members will also receive a discount on the Manual.
Thanks for your work. How long can we use the Manual? Can we print it out?
The purchase of the manual is lifetime, like a book. It can be printed out, but of course without the videos.
Susan, it is wonderful that you are offering both the manual AND an online class. I am not able to attend one of your classes in person now, so this is perfect. I plan to purchase the manual, read it, gather MORE fabric, and be ready to take the online class in the fall.
Thanks.
I am so excited to be able to take your class, from home no less. I am worried about the registration process. Too often “they” don’t work as expected. Even without an organized class your blogs are wonderful and informative. You are always and inspiration.
I am unable to get past the first few notes of the video. It just stops with a constant spiral. Maybe it is just being viewed by too many at this time?
I am interested in the multi-media coursework. I have one of your books and find it to be very comprehensive. I’ve been able to complete the circle, sun, and moon but think that videos (in addition to what I could find online) would be a great help. Could you tell me a little more specifically what the videos will demonstrate? Thanks for putting this together. Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks Michelle, don’t worry about that video, it was as a sample promo only. The videos in the manual have behaved fine! Many of them are the ones found within my past blog posts, rearranged into the various modules that the manual presents step by step. There will be sample excerpts in the March 17th blog post.
I’m hoping that there is a tutorial on how to use sheer fabrics on the collage to shade, highlight, etc…and other little techniques on how to make it more photo-realistic.
Hi Dawn, yes, the manual covers sheers in it’s own section within “Adding Details”. There’s a couple videos and I use one of my quilts as a demonstration. Since I’m presenting the “process”, you will then need to apply the points I’ve used to your own image. Achieving realism starts with the initial fabric selection as well—also covered in detail!
How do I sign up for the first class? I have tried numerous times to enroll in a class but they are always closed.
You’ll be able to sign up on March 17. Actually I should say you’ll be able to enter the lottery. I want avoid the “gold-rush” of people trying to sign up first. So I’ll accept sign ups for a week and then pick by lottery those first 20 for the Online Coaching Classroom. There is no sign up for the Multimedia Fabric Collage Manual. That you can buy and use on your own at your own pace.
I’m thrilled about the online class -I so wanted to do a class with you and it will work well for me in Australia. I’ll be buying it.
I’m a bit unclear about the delivery – when we buy the manual will it be downloaded to our computer/device, or do we need to be connected to the Internet while viewing?
I also really like the idea of a Facebook page for anyone who buys the manual.. Even if we can’t buy the feedback from you, we will be able to see others work and get (hopefully) useful feedback from them.
You will need to be connected to the internet to view the videos. It’s basically a web page, so you could load a section and have it on your computer but in order to view the videos you’d have to be connected.
I hope to purchase the master class soon as it is available.
So excited to read about this . Disappointed I cant get to your Aussie workshop in Urunga NSW in May so this will be brilliant.! Hope the Aussie dollar picks up a bit by then .
thanks : )
I am so excited. Yes I will get the manual.
I’m excited about your online class. I too have been unable to attend your in person classes. My thought is that since I’m a very visual learning that this approach may work for me.
The Manual is a combination of text, pictures, and video. So not all of it is visual, but almost all of it is illustrated with either photos or video or both.
Help – I can’t find a way to turn off notifications. I unclick the box but there is no way to save that setting.
thanks. Diane
Are you receiving notifications of other comments in this thread? To be honest I’m not sure how to turn them off either. Fortunately, I suspect the comments should dwindle pretty quickly.
If it is an on-line class (like a Craftsy class), why is there a limit of 20 for the Master Class?
I can’t speak for Craftsy. I’ve set the Master Class up the way it works for me and has worked very well in the trial class run in December and January. The first component, the Multimedia Fabric Collage Manual, can be purchased by as many as want it, working independently. The limit of 20 only applies to the second component, The Online Coaching Classroom. I plan on treating this as I would an in-person class, giving comprehensive guidance, which takes time and energy, thus limiting how many student I can handle at a time.
I’ve been looking forward to an on-line course. I’m confused about the comments posted here. What am I not seeing? People are talking about the manual being hard to read and voice overs. Is there a sample video that I am missing? I’d like to watch it and see if it would be easy for me to learn from. Also since I work full-time is the classroom something you can download and watch as my schedule permits? About how much time does a lesson require? At the end of the session is the material still available to me? Thank you.
Comments.
I removed the video from the blog post because people were confused about it. It was only intended to be a promotional video, not an example or sample. I’ll replace it with something better later. If you want to see an example of the video quality and type see my blog post “Why Glue?”
https://susancarlson.com/2017/01/21/why-glue-updated-with-video/
The Master Class is sold in two separate components: The Multimedia Fabric Collage Manual and the Online Coaching Classroom. The Manual can be used independently, similar to a book, at your own pace, taking as much time for each lesson as you require. Once purchased, the Manual access is for life (yours or mine, whichever is longer!). The Online Coaching Classroom component is scheduled for a limited time, with a limited number of students. You choose which session you wish to join.
I am so so excited that this is happening and I am so grateful to you and “the hard working behind the scenes” Tom for making these online classes possible – I can’t wait to enrol in the multimedia class 🙂
I would love taking this class with the ability of having it to refer back to. Is this class for beginners?….while I have been quilting for some time, I consider any new project as a beginner. So looking forward to this class.
The Manual is designed to both introduce fabric collage to beginners and to serve as a refresher and a resource for those with more experience. The Online Coaching Classroom, which is a separate component, will likely include participants at different levels.
How do I sign up? Thank you questions previously asked are answered….all I needed to was read! Sorry
Follow the blog and on March 17 I will provide links and information for signing up.
I would like to see more photos of your work using the techniques to be taught, so I have a better idea what to expect. Also please post a supply list so we know what we need to acquire if we don’t have it already.
Is the manual downloadable or is it accessible via the website?
The manual is in essence a website. So you need to be online to access it. It is not downloadable at this time.