and here we are in 2024, and this is still the funniest quilting video around. I make my unquilting friends watch this for kicks. And now, finally, I am going to try this block. Love you, Karen!!!
😂I agree..this tips and tricks tutotial by Karen is pure joy to watch!! Been a fan for years, but never tire of learning from you, Karen. Keep it real !! 😊
After discovering you this winter, it was just delightful to see the start. No wonder you have 300000 followers. Your approachable manor has made you a star. As an art quilter with 40 years experience, you’re the best beginner advocate I’ve seen. I’ll be recommending you to my students.
Hi Karen I have been following you for a couple of years and I came upon this video, I laughed and enjoyed watching you , Thank you for being you!!! :)
My new favorite Karen video! I'm so used to the polished & professional videos you make now, that this throwback is totally endearing. AND lots of fantastic information-- that hasn't changed! A Texas-sized "Thank You!" from this quilting mama. You have no idea how I've grown as a quilter just from watching your videos. Be Well & Best Stitches!
Oh my gosh I enjoyed this video. You have gone so "professional" on us that I had forgotten why I started watching your videos in the first place. They were so human and real and yet, I learned so much. Thanks.
I agree! Have been watching since the beginning...I miss the at home feeling 😕, but I will always anxiously wait for the next video from Karen! I won't ever make it to the big time with fancy machines and cruises but she still makes one for us little people once in a while. She won't forget where she came from!
Not sure how I managed to miss this one before, but it was very entertaining! You've come such a long way in the last 3 years! Thank you for continuing to give us great information and instruction.
When I lived in Waterloo, I used to see a lot of Mennonite Quilts using the "Economy Block" used in a multitude of sizes; from gigantic one block quilts, to tiny miniatures in framed mini-quilts.
The freezer paper, not sewing through the paper method is great! I took a workshop with this method and we sewed curved flying geese and a mariner's compass! Instead of tracing, we used the sewing machine, unthreaded , to make our pattern...my workshop sample turned out fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed that workshop! We had a lot of prep-work, but it was certainly worth the effort!
I have to say.... I just love you! I'm so happy to have found your tutorials because you are so real, honest and down right fun!! Thank you for making these videos and sharing your talent and wonderful personality!!
You and I should be friends! Love your personality and ALL that you share-good, bad, ugly. You have taught me and a multitude of others so very much! Hugs
Stumbled on this video because I love economy blocks! You’ve made the best ever video on economy blocks. I’m gonna try one or both of your methods. I made a whole scrappy quilt by just cutting and sewing. Thanks!
The fussy cut economy block has got to be my favorite scrappy block. Maybe it's the whimsy of the center piece. I find it charming. A delightful surprise in every block. Thank you for sharing this tutorial.
I've watched several of your videos but this is the first time I've seen his one. You are a hoot!! I love your honesty and the fun way you showed the pros and cons of the process. Thank you so much. I look forward to watching all of your videos.
I loved this, after I got over the SHOCK of the work that goes into the economy block quilt. I may play with the fussy cut of the 2.5 block and see if I can master it. Then build up the courage to do an economy block quilt one day.
Glad I found you! You’ve tackled some of my ‘bugaboos,’- with easy instructions AND humor. After months of losing my ‘sew-jo,’ I decided to clean and purge-through my stash. I try to do this once a year- but my last 3 summers I was laid up with 3 separate surgeries and recoveries! This year, I’ve had 2 (or more!) old UFOS which WAITED!- staring me down! Your videos have cheered and encouraged me- I have taken a couple ‘mental health’ days from work to PLOW through a couple of those projects and I’m gradually feeling better. Clutter and too many UFOS left me depressed and frozen in place wondering what to tackle. The many choices had overwhelmed me- so I had backed away and would do nothing for yet ANOTHER WEEKEND. Here’s hoping I’m on the verge of Creativity again! I’ll keep watching! Thank you, Karen❤!
Two minute intro was a hoot and made my day. You are SEW stinkin’ fun! Oh, and helpful. Hoping you don’t ruin yourself and these videos by getting formal videography training....
You're so cute and beautiful! So glad you took the plunge and started making videos! I've learned so much the last couple of years from your tutorials!
I have folded origami since grade school. I still fold origami. Now that I am in my mid 60s, I'm starting to quilt. The line, "Think of it as Origami for quilters," made my heart happy! Thank you!
Brilliant early video Karen. I got brave and just ‘started videoing’ one day, after seeing vlogs that said, don’t wait for ‘perfect’ you will put it off for ever. So, like your motto, I Just Got it Done! Even though I had watched lots of your quilting videos it’s taken me ten months to ‘have a go’ at that. Now I’m hooked. Your teaching style really fits the way I learn. So grateful to you for your skills and naturalness! ❤️
I loved your comment, "My mother would be saying, 'Put on some lipstick!'" It brought back memories of my beloved mother, who would have said the same thing! Your videos are incredible! Thank you so much!
This was so much fun. I hadn't seen the freezer paper method before. I love fussy cutting and so many scraps that would lend themselves perfectly to this pattern.
Thank you for all of your informational videos to help aspiring quilters, like myself, improve their skills.... I appreciate the time you're taking to teach us! You're a great teacher!
Yup, it's official. You are so sweet. I wish we had a studio for quilters to meet and quilt. Yup my mum too was big on the lipstick!!! We "wuv" you Kawen!
I'm so glad I found this channel. I just bought all the fabric to make my first ever quilt! As someone who cannot afford a sewing machine right now, I will be hand sewing this quilt and I cannot wait to see how it turns out.
Hand sewing is so much more zen then using a machine. Consider garage sales and thrift stores for a used machine. You don’t need anything fancy. The only stitch you need is a straight stitch.
Omg I'm dying to know how your hand sewn quilt is going. I'm currently finishing one I started 20 years ago and gave up on after piecing the blocks, lol.
Of course, the first video that made me a fan. Love the tidbit in the credits re: "no laundry, etc." I re-visit this video from time to time just for the fun of it. Priceless!
Just loved this video;I had watched many of your newer videos first... FELL in love with this one. Your candor, humor and exasperation (at times) had me rolling in laughter. This was BRILLIANT & not dry like many of the other RU-vid quilting videos.
Finally I know what a fussy cut is! I found your videos yesterday and have been binge watching. I've learned so much in 24 hours, thank you! Your presentation style is friendly, pragmatic and filled with humour, a wonderful experience for your viewers!
I love how lively you are and so honest! So glad I found your tutorials - pay no attention to not having a studio for recording - I like it the way it is 😊
I concur with the original commenter. i have, for years, wanted a patchwork quilted looking trench coat but had no idea where to start. your honesty and energy has given me the start. thank you! keep being you!
Oh, Karen, you are SO REAL! I ADORE you! Keep it up ! I have been subscribed for a long while , viewed your videos and did the 2022 Decluttet Challenge. I am just going back and reviewing some things I forgot. God Bless you! Don't stop what you are doing! It is SO helpful to you sewers...I recommend your videos to all my sewing friends!
So fun to watch "in the beginning!" This was much better than a lot of more experienced You Tubers I've seen. Adding this to my scrappy quilt round up!
Thank you. I know this is a couple of years old but I so enjoyed this video. I'm pretty new to quilting and this video was refreshing as well as inspiring. Again, Thank you.
I can so appreciate this video now because I’m in the process of learning the same thing. I’m getting ready to retire from teaching and I really want to share my love of quilting and crafting on RU-vid. But I’m finding the editing process a real challenge. But I’m determined to figure it out!
I loved this video. I’m not a quilter but have done quilts. You’ve given me some ideas to make the memory quilts I’m working on for a family of 10, more interesting. I lost interest in them 2 years ago. This is the 3rd year. And their waiting patiently. Whew! You revived my passion. I’ll take pictures and maybe some short videos and share. Someday soon. Lol 😆 got to do undies first for another customer.
I loved this video! Thanks for doing all that work. and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one ready to break out the liquor at the end of some sewing days, LOL!!!
I love this video! I was feeling quite low this morning and then your newsletter came in and I clicked on the economy block and my day just go brighter! You are marvelous and you make people happy, please don't change your style; it is your STYLE that is so fresh and lovely.
OMG, this video starts out so funny, and very real. I can only imagine the challenges of learning how to put these videos together. All the equipment looks expensive too. I love this block because the fussy cutting for the center of the block. Thank you for letting us know at the end which size was the easiest with which method. I am excited to try all of them. I've never done paper piecing but you really made it look very easy.
This delightful video was how I first discovered you a while back! Such fun to watch it again! I feel like I “know“ you now, which made this video even more fun to rewatch. Plus, useful! Great job here, and on every video since, and you are a wonderful example for us all, in so many ways. All the best to you and your family.
I have now watched this video four times. I made my first foundation economy block yesterday. My biggest regret is that I didn’t rewatch this video before I started! It did do my heart good to know that my mistakes were similar to yours!
I think this is my favorite video you've made. I've laughed so much and simply enjoyed this video. You are a pro vlogger these days, but maybe make one of these every now and then. No one is perfect and it's great to see other people's frustrations and honest reviews of quilting methods. Great video.
Oh Karen! I watched this one waay back and loved it ! I just came across it today and I think I enjoyed it more! Lol. I love how you are so down to earth and easy to understand not to mention entertaining! I really enjoyed the quilt blocks too
You are a riot!!! I mean that in a good way! I had to watch this a few times before I figured out what you were doing but once I realize you were showing us three difference ways and three different sizes all at the same time. The brillance! You have made me love, appreciate and snuggle deeper into my king-sized multi-patterned block quilt my sister Debbie made me!! :)
You make this all so fun! Love listening to you. I’d love to come sew with you, 😉 Quick story. Each time I hear seam ripper or thread ripper I remember teaching my daughter to sew. She could never remember the name so she called it ‘the mistake taker outer’. Always brings a smile for me.
Thanks for showing different ways of paper piecing. I’m working on a lap quilt for my wife & your demonstration of sewing B onto A, and then C onto B -in pairs- saves me some time. I’ve been careful to keep them folded underneath because I cut the tops of triangles too many times.
This is my all time favourite quilting video. You are a total scream and a natural. Congratulations. 👍👍👍👍👍🤩🙋🏻♀️ but I would never be patient to follow all those steps. Now a scrappy one I would do. Then square up my blocks. 🤪
This has got to be one of my all time FAVORITE videos ... not for the subject matter ... but for the filming/editing (and the music). Really loved it. And I love that you aren't afraid to have fun. : )
I really loved this video, you had me laughing and learning at the same time! You are a powerful educator and easy to learn from. Thank you. Have watched your interviews and your color theory videos. I was an art major years ago and you were spot on.
I found freezer paper through Amazon that’s the same size as our regular paper so it’ll go right through the printer. I’ve cut out templates with my Cricut on it, ironed to shirts and then used 2 coats of fabric paint across it then ironed it onto the next 4 shirts and never had a issue with it staying on or not coming off. It was honestly a dream to work with and can I just tell you how much money I saved and made by not buying a screen printer set. I’m excited to try this block with my trusty old freezer paper that I’m sure has a different manufacturer than the stuff you buy in the store
I just love you videos! I live outside the US, right now. I miss all the availability of fabrics back home. There is very limited availability where I am. I could order thru Amazon but I pay double price after shipping and Customs. You inspire me so much. I am now looking into bed sheets as a source of material. Keep up the good work!
Oh my gosh, I love this video! I’m home with covid, day 3. I found your videos on RU-vid yesterday and have binged your channel, mostly recent videos. Then I found this video. You have brought huge smiles to my face! You are so real and honest. Thank you for sharing your talents and your journey! :)
Gotta say I just loved this. I know how to make these and did some of each of these in my beginners class. I hated the paper piecing, not found of freezer paper. I'll take the pay attention and just do it method and have my drink after as well. Thanks again,you make this really fun and informative to watch.
I love your tutorials. Don't change anything! Your real and your awesome. Your hilarious, entertaining and a wonderful teacher. I'm so glad I've found you. Keep up the great work.
I really enjoy your spirit. Your explanation is clear and your enthusiasm is addictive. Thanks for this tutorial, it’s given me courage to fussy cut and paper piece. Don’t worry about spending money on extra cameras or sound, this tutorial was great and it made me feel like I was listening to my sister. Love, love
You come SO FAR since you recorded this video! You GO GIRL! Quilting was the “COVID” craft I picked up. Wanted you to know, it was largely due to your early videos! You let all the pretense of perfection fall away allowing me to laugh and learn like a kid- fearless of failing. Happy with the mistakes bc I was failing FORWARD. THANK YOU.
I love your tutorials. You are a great teacher and have a lot of fun while doing your sewing And your sewing room looks like mine ha ha Love from down under 🇦🇺🇦🇺💕💕
This was the first video I watched of yours and I absolutely loved your honesty and ability to laugh at yourself. Since this video you have not only built you chanel exponentially, you have retained your sense of humor and really draw people in with your warmth. Thank you and I believe I will become a member of your circle.
Karen, A true quilter you are! Like most quilters we make it happen with what we have on hand and with no special lighting or sound equipment (like you said) you did just that with this video. Good job :) Thanks for all the little tips and details.
Oh, if only I’d seen this video a couple of years ago when I was making a lap quilt for my grandmother! It wasn’t a full economy block like you have here, but I still have nightmares about that central block with the four triangles. Sends a shudder through me just thinking about it. I have some freezer paper and a bunch of scraps already, so I may give that method a try!
Karen, I've been watching your videos for sometime but I'm so happy that I came across this one at the perfect time for me. I'm trying to make a quilt for my great-granddaughter's first birthday and I wanted small square in a square blocks for the border. All the other square in a square videos I watched we're for LARGE blocks but you told me how I can do small ones! I love the fun way you present you tutorials and they are so easy to understand. Thanks so much... from Idaho....😄
I really like it when you go outside and then back in. Like you are taking a break. Just what I do when it gets too tedious. Always with the dog, too!!! Thank you for the great tutorials!!!
I have watched this video (and been entertained) no less than 5 times...... Your start with a bang and I'm so very glad you did. To put it simply, I'm sure we'd be great friends! I ABSOLUTELY love you!! and my mother would have also told me to put some lipstick on!
Just discovered you. Wow! It pays sometimes to just look for random topics. I love your tips. I would have never thought of them and would have continued doing everything the harder older way..eyeballing seam lines and cutting lines. Thanks so much.
I love aatching your old videos you make so much effort to make it fun and make super funny close up of all what you present ...including funny parts ....your videos always make me laught
