Giving/taking classes
MN Kim
sent me pointers and tips. :) ) I work in a fabric store, have for
two years now and have resisted doing the classes because I knew I'd
spend much of my own free time in preparation (which I did) and free
time is dear enough as it is. But I decided to take the plunge and
give it a try.
I had six students. Three knew what they were doing, understood my
instructions and whipped right along. It isn't what I would consider a
"beginners" block, and (lesson #1) next time I will state that it is
for intermediate quilters. One of those three forgot about the class,
had to be called, arrived 25 minutes late (but she caught up, no
problem). Two students didn't know how to work their sewing machines
and expected me to tell them how. This kind of amazed me! One got to
the class and asked if she needed her cutting mat and rotary cutter
(they WERE on the supplies list!) and had to go home and get them.
The good news is that they all completed their blocks in the two hours
allotted, and they were all happy with the results.
Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
Okay, another woman that works in my shop has been giving classes for
years now and kind of thinks of herself as an authority on many
subjects. :) This is fine, she is quite good at some things, but...I
keep having to remind her that "there are no quilt police". She's
forever telling people how things "have" to be done. She and I have
some basic differences in opinions, and when a customer asks, say,
what kind of batting to use, I will give them their options, if they
ask what *I* would use, I tell them cotton. This other employee only
tells them about the fluffy polyester batting, because that is what
she uses. Okay, fine. :/
So she is going on a retreat and from what I gather, the retreat is
centered around a class, they will be making a "Scrappy" quilt. Well,
this woman doesn't DO scrappy quilts, so she's decided she will only
take a light/medium/dark to the retreat and do it HER way. The
teacher told her not to, but she is anyway. And two of her friends
that are going are also planning to take only three fabrics, because
they "hate" scrappy quilts! I asked them why they signed up for a
scrappy quilt workshop, then, and they said it's because they want to
go to this retreat! So I suspect there will be mutiny at the
class...and I kind of sympathize with the teacher.
I realize that we all have information and ideas to share, but I kind
of balk at the idea of going into a class without any notion of even
doing the quilt the class is all about.
So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
Kim
Marcella Tracy Peek
) wrote:
- lots of snipping -
> So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
>
> Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
> you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
>
> Kim
>
>
Yes. :-)
Really, for me it is some of all of that. I see something on the schedule
that I don't know how to do or don't do well and want to improve and so I
sign up. When they are project classes (not too often for me) I like
having a day or a series of sessions dedicated to working on it
specifically - I do get sidetracked at home. To some degree it is also
social - it's nice to meet nearby quilters, you never know what good
friend you will make.
I understand your wondering about the non-scrap quilting ladies rebelling
in class. I took a scrap quilting class from Roberta Horton at the C&T
seminar. I am more of a planned quilt person and even when I get the
fabric by rummaging in the stash - it all matches. It was really
uncomfortable for me to bring lots of non-coordinating fabrics for the
class and then make blocks out of them...ick! BUT, what I learned from
her about value and patterns and why old non-matching quilts work was so
wonderful! And, I can use those techniques to make better looking quilts
even if I also want the colors to match. Too bad, they will miss out on
some of what they could learn if they can't loosen up.
You learn quick! Adults do require more patience. Kids are generally
willing to try whatever and go with the flow. We could learn a lot from
that.
marcella
Kathy Applebaum
>Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
Very much so, and not just in quilt/sewing classes. I teach stenciling and
faux finishing, and learned very quickly to have the students do as
*little* preparation as possible. The only thing my students have to bring
is an idea (photo, sketch, etc.) drawn out for their stencil, and 75% of
them don't do that, even with a telephone reminder. Fortunately, I've
learned to allow for that in the schedule. *grin*
We have very few people who forget about the class, but we also call the
students the day before to remind them about the class. We also provide
all the materials/tools/etc, so no problem there.
>
>So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
>to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
>complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
>
I take classes to learn a specific technique. I'm not into project
classes, since I'm one of the rebels who wants to do it different. I know
what it's like to teach the rebels *grin*, so I don't inflict that on the
teachers.
Kathy A.
frood
lots of things about quilting. I consider myself intermediate to advanced
in my sewing abilities, but a beginning quilter. If it is a technique I've
never tried before, I take beginner level classes, like when I took
Machine Quilting.
I'm thinking of taking a class at my not-so-local QS for Shoo Fly blocks.
This class with emphasize rotary cutting and strip piecing. I'm going to
go to the store and look at the sample and ask questions to see if this
class will be right for me. I thought the design would work for a quilt
I'm doing for a friend, and this is a one-session class, see how much you
can do at one time.
I really want to see others do rotary cutting and strip piecing. I do
fairly well on my own, but seeing how others do it can only improve my
techniques!
BTW, I try to be a good student. I check my materials list, I make sure my
sewing machine is working, and I arrive a few minutes early. It really
bugs me when others delay the class by not being on time to set up, or
interrupt by coming late, or not having the materials needed. I'm not
perfect, but I try to be considerate. :)
Wendy
MN Kim wrote:
> Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class. (thank you to those who
> sent me pointers and tips. :) ) I work in a fabric store, have for
> two years now and have resisted doing the classes because I knew I'd
> spend much of my own free time in preparation (which I did) and free
> time is dear enough as it is. But I decided to take the plunge and
> give it a try.
>
> I had six students. Three knew what they were doing, understood my
> instructions and whipped right along. It isn't what I would consider a
> "beginners" block, and (lesson #1) next time I will state that it is
> for intermediate quilters. One of those three forgot about the class,
> had to be called, arrived 25 minutes late (but she caught up, no
> problem). Two students didn't know how to work their sewing machines
> and expected me to tell them how. This kind of amazed me! One got to
> the class and asked if she needed her cutting mat and rotary cutter
> (they WERE on the supplies list!) and had to go home and get them.
>
> The good news is that they all completed their blocks in the two hours
> allotted, and they were all happy with the results.
>
> Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
>
> Okay, another woman that works in my shop has been giving classes for
> years now and kind of thinks of herself as an authority on many
> subjects. :) This is fine, she is quite good at some things, but...I
> keep having to remind her that "there are no quilt police". She's
> forever telling people how things "have" to be done. She and I have
> some basic differences in opinions, and when a customer asks, say,
> what kind of batting to use, I will give them their options, if they
> ask what *I* would use, I tell them cotton. This other employee only
> tells them about the fluffy polyester batting, because that is what
> she uses. Okay, fine. :/
>
> So she is going on a retreat and from what I gather, the retreat is
> centered around a class, they will be making a "Scrappy" quilt. Well,
> this woman doesn't DO scrappy quilts, so she's decided she will only
> take a light/medium/dark to the retreat and do it HER way. The
> teacher told her not to, but she is anyway. And two of her friends
> that are going are also planning to take only three fabrics, because
> they "hate" scrappy quilts! I asked them why they signed up for a
> scrappy quilt workshop, then, and they said it's because they want to
> go to this retreat! So I suspect there will be mutiny at the
> class...and I kind of sympathize with the teacher.
>
> I realize that we all have information and ideas to share, but I kind
> of balk at the idea of going into a class without any notion of even
> doing the quilt the class is all about.
>
> So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
>
Jen
It was a class to show you how to use your machine. Well this was my first
sewing machine and the first one I have ever used! They flew through the
class so fast and never gave nice tips about how to even sew straight!
(which is all I really want to do now). The teacher was a college student
(same as me at the time) and made her own clothes. She was really nice and
said I could go to another class if I thought it would help me out. I went
again and it still didn't help. Then I took a quilting class and was truly
embarrassed that I didn't know a lot about my machine. I tried things out
at home with the manual, but things just didn't click. the quilting teacher
didn't have that much patience with me either. There were about 15 people
in the class, 3 different sessions. Someone that quilts everything on her
machine was nice enough to take about 1/2 hour of her time before class (it
was at work after work) and showed me what I needed to know. that's all it
took.
Just another perspective for you.
--
Jen
j...@boonedocks.net
http://boonedocks.net/jen
MN Kim <k...@colorplay.net> wrote in message
news:37dd41b0....@news.onvoy.com...
emerald
><snip>
> Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
Yes, it's happened many times at classes I've taken. Our LQS now does an
orientation class before the start of anything complicated so that
people will have their fabric and other supplies.
I took a class on reversible quilts, which was advertised as "previous
quilting experience required". One person there had never sewn
*anything* before and didn't know how to use the rotary cutter and
board, so the teacher spent part of the class teaching her how to cut
out squares. It was a bit irritating.
<snip>
> So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
I take classes to learn a new technique, or because I find the design
appealing. I am one of the people who *never* finishes the project by
the time the class is over! If there's homework, I try to get it done,
but if the class goes longer than two weeks I usually end up
behind....just because of the rest of my life.
>
> Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
> you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
Very true! It's also interesting to see the ways in which people learn.
Some people can absorb verbal instrucions....I'm *not* one of those.
It's got to be either written down or demonstrated, then I'm fine.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
emerald
The Schroninos
me. Sometimes I might not even like the quilt that much, but I want to
learn how to do something. It is also a great experience for learning how
others "see things" - color and fabric combinations I would never dream of
using. I am a beginner but I get really annoyed when there is a person in
the class who doesn't know squat about their machine or even how to sew.
It's like they expect the teacher to make the quilt for them. Sometimes it
seems to work well. I was in a class once with about 10 other people and
the person who couldn't sew got all the instruction, we were left on our
own. The teacher had made it a crusade to get this person's project done.
I didn't take any more classes from them. And it's fun to just work with
other people, I enjoy the camaraderie!
Jill
sarah curry
>
> Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class. (thank you to those who
> sent me pointers and tips. :) ) I work in a fabric store, have for
> two years now and have resisted doing the classes because I knew I'd
> spend much of my own free time in preparation (which I did) and free
> time is dear enough as it is. But I decided to take the plunge and
> give it a try.
Wooo-HOOO, Kim! More power to you!
>
> I had six students. Three knew what they were doing, understood my
> instructions and whipped right along. It isn't what I would consider a
> "beginners" block, and (lesson #1) next time I will state that it is
> for intermediate quilters.
That little bit of information is probably cricital, but it appears to
me that it worked out OK.
One of those three forgot about the class,
> had to be called, arrived 25 minutes late (but she caught up, no
> problem). Two students didn't know how to work their sewing machines
> and expected me to tell them how. This kind of amazed me! One got to
> the class and asked if she needed her cutting mat and rotary cutter
> (they WERE on the supplies list!) and had to go home and get them.
>
> The good news is that they all completed their blocks in the two hours
> allotted, and they were all happy with the results.
>
> Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
Unfortunately, Kim, I think it is. I have no CLUE why it is that
GROWNUPS (well, they LOOK that way) can manage to get their KIDS to
class with every little crayola, but then just wander in, to a grownup
class. Perhaps they've just spent all that energy on the kids (although
I don't consider that much of an excuse). You were clearly much more
kind and patient that I would have been.
>
>
> So she is going on a retreat and from what I gather, the retreat is
> centered around a class, they will be making a "Scrappy" quilt. Well,
> this woman doesn't DO scrappy quilts, so she's decided she will only
> take a light/medium/dark to the retreat and do it HER way.
Uh ... what the hell is she TAKING a "scrappy" class for, if she's not
gonna PAY ATTENTION? Sounds a lot like "I'll just herd myself in here
and be in control", to me. But then, so did her response to the batting
question ...
>
> So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
Probably all of the above, if the classes were generally taught when I
could take them. I've never taken a class in my life (and I suspect my
quilts show that) -- because the ones I wanted were inevitably offered
in the daytime, on weekdays, and I just have no choice but to work for a
living, during those times. I'd take a class to learn a technique (or
try to perfect one). I'd take a class to meet some like-minded people
whom, I would hope, would be more-or-less on the same plane I am (did
that in about 1972, at the "Y" in Tucson -- an ultimate-beginners
needlepoint class ... and yes, I'm still in touch with several of the
women I met, then, when we were mere babies on many levels). I'd never
thought about the "deadline" part. I'd take a class for inspiration --
new colors, new patterns, and the like. I'd take a class to make me
STRETCH a little bit.
>
> Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
> you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
I don't know what I would have done, in your place. I seriously doubt
that I would have been as patient. Good for you!
Happy Trails,
Sarah in Las Cruces, NM
Teresa Creech
sarah curry wrote:
> MN Kim wrote:
> >
> > Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class. (thank you to those who
> > sent me pointers and tips. :) )
>
> One of those three forgot about the class,
> > had to be called, arrived 25 minutes late (but she caught up, no
> > problem). Two students didn't know how to work their sewing machines
> > and expected me to tell them how. This kind of amazed me! One got to
> > the class and asked if she needed her cutting mat and rotary cutter
> > (they WERE on the supplies list!) and had to go home and get them.
>
> > Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
>
> Unfortunately, Kim, I think it is. I have no CLUE why it is that
> GROWNUPS (well, they LOOK that way) can manage to get their KIDS to
> class with every little crayola, but then just wander in, to a grownup
> class. Perhaps they've just spent all that energy on the kids (although
> I don't consider that much of an excuse). You were clearly much more
> kind and patient that I would have been.
>
> >
> > So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> > to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> > complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
>
> Probably all of the above, if the classes were generally taught when I
> could take them. I've never taken a class in my life (and I suspect my
> quilts show that) -- because the ones I wanted were inevitably offered
> in the daytime, on weekdays, and I just have no choice but to work for a
> living, during those times. I'd take a class to learn a technique (or
> try to perfect one). I'd take a class to meet some like-minded people
> whom, I would hope, would be more-or-less on the same plane I am (did
> that in about 1972, at the "Y" in Tucson -- an ultimate-beginners
> needlepoint class ... and yes, I'm still in touch with several of the
> women I met, then, when we were mere babies on many levels). I'd never
> thought about the "deadline" part. I'd take a class for inspiration --
> new colors, new patterns, and the like. I'd take a class to make me
> STRETCH a little bit.
> >
> > Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
> > you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
>
> I don't know what I would have done, in your place. I seriously doubt
> that I would have been as patient. Good for you!
> Happy Trails,
> Sarah in Las Cruces, NM
I have taken and taught classes. Here's my take on this...
I won't hold up class for someone, but I will offer to stay after class to
give them the 1 on 1 they need.
I try very hard not to be late for class and I try very hard to be totally
prepared. If I am late, I slip in quietly and just listen. I do not
expect the teacher to go over the stuff I missed again. I am pretty good at
figuring out what was going on. If I am unprepared, I do not let this
affect the class. It affects me, but I still tend to get what I need out of
class.
How can you be late or unprepared, you ask?
Gee, there are 1001 reasons. Late, that is easy... Everything was under
control even though DH had to work late - supper for the kids was in the
oven, homework was done, everyone had their instructions, then DS#1 has a
bad seizure. Can't leave during a seizure, have to wait until it is over.
Late for class. That's life. Just relax and enjoy class - everything will
turn out fine.
Unprepared? Sign up for class, start getting stuff organized, then things
just fall apart. The furnace is broken so DH spends all week fixing furnace
(for $6 all total - not a bad deal considering what a repairman would have
had to charge!) and you end up helping AND doing ALL the other chores
because he is busy saving us money. Then DS#1 is having a bad evening -
can't prep for class, because you are having to watch him constantly. Then
DD#2 has to go to the library for a report. This type of thing can go on
for weeks. Fortunately it doesn't happen often, but I remember the
Mariner's Compass class I took. Totally forgot about it until the morning
of class. Life had been throwing some pretty serious curves. Yelled
something like "I'm outta here!" to a very confused DH, throw sewing
machine, cord, thread, some contrasting fabric, etc into the car and head to
the LQS. Made it in time for class, had everything I needed (thank
goodness!) and turned out a beautiful compass. Not bad considering I
grabbed whatever fabric was laying around. I was behind - I hadn't cut out
my foundation templates, but I managed to get it done without disturbing or
slowing down anyone.
I take classes to learn new techniques and to enjoy being with other
quilters, but especially to forget about all the stresses and demands of
life, even if it is just for a few hours. I don't stress about being
unprepared or late. Well, I do stress very much about it, but I am smart
enough to realize that I am not Superwoman and sometimes things are not
perfect. BUT - I NEVER LET MY SHORTCOMINGS AFFECT THE CLASS!!!!!
Oh - and my kids do not ALWAYS make it to class with EVERYTHING they need
the INSTANT the teacher says they need it, but we're close. Sometimes
things have to give and having a notebook TOMORROW when you were told about
it TODAY just doesn't happen.
Oh, and sometimes, just sometimes, the quilting does come first. It's only
fair.
Teresa in Colorado
wilstjb
of going from what I consider a solitary quilter to one who
can sew with a group. That is a tougher thing then I ever thought
it would be, but it is well worth the effort. The group offers some
wonderful teachers/classes and great comeraderie. Something I
am learning is to have 'class' stuff sort of organized and in one place
so it is pretty much ready. The more classes I take the easier it gets.
There are also some teachers that sem to be supportive of varying
levels of sewers and others who aren't able to be flexible in the
least. The better the teacher the more flexible they are able to be.
I still prefer to sew alone, but am learning to enjoy quilting in
with others. I really never would have thought I would. Even though
I have tons of books I still have learned a lot form hands on classes.
Taria
--
Please visit my webpage at:
http://host2.fptoday.com/highdesert
MN Kim
wrote:
>I joined a quilt guild several years ago and am in the process
>of going from what I consider a solitary quilter to one who
>can sew with a group.
I can relate to this. I've always sewn alone, and have only taken one
quilting class. Last year I went on my first retreat, and I was
majorly stressed out about sewing around other people. But I had SO
much fun!
That is a tougher thing then I ever thought
>it would be, but it is well worth the effort. The group offers some
>wonderful teachers/classes and great comeraderie. Something I
>am learning is to have 'class' stuff sort of organized and in one place
>so it is pretty much ready.
Having that list of needs is critical. And having everything ON the
list. :)
>There are also some teachers that sem to be supportive of varying
>levels of sewers and others who aren't able to be flexible in the
>least. The better the teacher the more flexible they are able to be.
Well, I'm not very good at bossing people around. And I don't like
feeeling that people are sitting there WAITING for me to get on with
it. So when I saw that a couple were ready for the next step, I gave
it to them, and then, interestingly, they passed it on to the others
nearby. I had plenty of time to just check on each person and see
that they were doing it right and it seemed they all moved along at
whatever speed they needed to. But there were ONLY six in the class,
thank goodness. (it's not a huge room).
>I still prefer to sew alone, but am learning to enjoy quilting in
>with others. I really never would have thought I would. Even though
>I have tons of books I still have learned a lot form hands on classes.
Yes, I think this is the fun part about classes - picking up little
things from other quilters, things that they just *do*, that make it
quicker/easier/more accurate. Those little things that don't seem all
that important sometimes make alot of difference! And yes, I prefer to
sew alone, too. :)
Kim
MN Kim
>orientation class before the start of anything complicated so that
>people will have their fabric and other supplies.
this is interesting. It seems like it's hard enough to find time to
take the class, I wonder how an (additional) orientation class would
work. Does everyone go to the orientation class, or is it just for
those who are new quilters? I can see the value of a Basic How-to
class, for methods of rotary cutting (and threading your machine!).
>I took a class on reversible quilts, which was advertised as "previous
>quilting experience required". One person there had never sewn
>*anything* before and didn't know how to use the rotary cutter and
>board, so the teacher spent part of the class teaching her how to cut
>out squares. It was a bit irritating.
This happened in my class. Fortunately, one of the speedy sewers was
sitting next to the lady who had never used a rotary cutter and she
glady helped (well, I don't really know how *gladly*) rather than just
sit there and wait for everyone to catch up.
Kim
MN Kim
>I understand your wondering about the non-scrap quilting ladies rebelling
>her about value and patterns and why old non-matching quilts work was so
>wonderful! And, I can use those techniques to make better looking quilts
>even if I also want the colors to match. Too bad, they will miss out on
>some of what they could learn if they can't loosen up.
This is what I was trying to tell these ladies, that perhaps the focus
of the class would necessitate having lots of different fabrics, but
they were just adamant that *this* quilt (looking at the pattern)
COULD be made with 3 fabrics. But "Scrappy" is the key word there, I
tried to tell them. I was just kind of listening in to their talk as
I helped another customer...
and then I heard them talking about binding. My co-worker exclaimed
"I NEVER do a bias binding" and the others agreed "We HATE bias
bindings!"...so of course I couldn't resist tossing my 2¢ in and
saying "I always do bias bindings..."...oh, did they GLARE at me. :)
I smiled back. :)
Kim
Marcella Tracy Peek
- lots of snippage -
> for weeks. Fortunately it doesn't happen often, but I remember the
> Mariner's Compass class I took. Totally forgot about it until the morning
> of class. Life had been throwing some pretty serious curves. Yelled
> something like "I'm outta here!" to a very confused DH, throw sewing
> machine, cord, thread, some contrasting fabric, etc into the car and head to
> the LQS. Made it in time for class, had everything I needed (thank
> goodness!) and turned out a beautiful compass. Not bad considering I
> grabbed whatever fabric was laying around. I was behind - I hadn't cut out
> my foundation templates, but I managed to get it done without disturbing or
> slowing down anyone.
Teresa's comment made me remember something.
I had signed up for a "quillow" class and was really looking forward to
it. I had great plans of making one for my nephew and nieces for
Christmas. Saturday came and I packed up everything and headed off for
the quilt store. First one to class - except the teacher. As I unpack
the teacher says to me, so are you excited about learning to do an Irish
Chain? Excuse me? I stammer. Isn't this the quillow class? She got a
funny look on her face and walked out of the class room and over to the
cash register where they had class schedules. She came back, Nope, that's
next week, but since you're here and I have room you can stay for my class
if you want.
How embarrassing! I was so glad she said something, otherwise I wonder
how long I would have sat there before I figured out it was the wrong
class - let's see, teacher introduction, student introductions........:-)
marcella
Singer
make it to the final three sessions. I took it to learn some of the
shortcuts, as I knew basic stuff from books and experience. There were
only four of us in the class, which made it nice. My only real complaint
was that the instructor was very snobbish about my fabric. Having shelled
out $24 for the class, I just couldn't afford their $9/yd fabric, and had
brought some from home (probably originally from WallyWorld or JAF).
Needless to say, I don't go to that LQS any more!
I also took the class to meet people, as did another woman there. We were
talking as we worked, and we had one of those "small world" moments. I'm
originally from Wichita, Kansas, and her husband is also from Kansas. I
asked his name, and it is the same name as a large clan in the Wichita area
which includes, among others, three brothers who are Catholic priests, one
of whom used to be at our church when I was growing up. Turns out that her
husband's father is a first cousin to the priests! And we meet in
Pittsburgh!
Singer-
To reply take out the 'spam'
MN Kim <k...@colorplay.net> wrote in article
<37de5a50....@news.onvoy.com>...
Linda Campbell
method, etc.
And I find two problems. The first is the teacher tries to give us too
much for the time limits. So about three-quarters of the way through,
she begins to rush because she knows she is not going to be able to
finish the entire lesson plan.
I cannot fault someone who is so exuberant about her craft that she wants
to convey Everything in two hours. But I would rather learn one thing
well than seven things "slap together".
The second problem is students not prepared. This annoys the #$%& out of
me. They demand special time and extra time and hold everybody else
captive to their irresponsibility. And, invariably, the teacher trying
desperately to keep everybody happy, gets bogged down with these
irresponsible students.
And I am not talking about students trying to master a new skill who may
be in a little bit over their head. Nor am I talking about students who
just hit a glitch somewhere and need a little bit of extra help.
I am talking about exactly the type of students you pointed out. I would
love to see a much, much firmer policy toward this type of selfish
rudeness.
O.K., back off my soapbox.
Linda in SF
MN Kim wrote:
> Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class. (thank you to those who
> sent me pointers and tips. :) ) I work in a fabric store, have for
> two years now and have resisted doing the classes because I knew I'd
> spend much of my own free time in preparation (which I did) and free
> time is dear enough as it is. But I decided to take the plunge and
> give it a try.
>
> I had six students. Three knew what they were doing, understood my
> instructions and whipped right along. It isn't what I would consider a
> "beginners" block, and (lesson #1) next time I will state that it is
> for intermediate quilters. One of those three forgot about the class,
> had to be called, arrived 25 minutes late (but she caught up, no
> problem). Two students didn't know how to work their sewing machines
> and expected me to tell them how. This kind of amazed me! One got to
> the class and asked if she needed her cutting mat and rotary cutter
> (they WERE on the supplies list!) and had to go home and get them.
>
> The good news is that they all completed their blocks in the two hours
> allotted, and they were all happy with the results.
>
> Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
>
> Okay, another woman that works in my shop has been giving classes for
> years now and kind of thinks of herself as an authority on many
> subjects. :) This is fine, she is quite good at some things, but...I
> keep having to remind her that "there are no quilt police". She's
> forever telling people how things "have" to be done. She and I have
> some basic differences in opinions, and when a customer asks, say,
> what kind of batting to use, I will give them their options, if they
> ask what *I* would use, I tell them cotton. This other employee only
> tells them about the fluffy polyester batting, because that is what
> she uses. Okay, fine. :/
>
> So she is going on a retreat and from what I gather, the retreat is
> centered around a class, they will be making a "Scrappy" quilt. Well,
> this woman doesn't DO scrappy quilts, so she's decided she will only
> take a light/medium/dark to the retreat and do it HER way. The
> teacher told her not to, but she is anyway. And two of her friends
> that are going are also planning to take only three fabrics, because
> they "hate" scrappy quilts! I asked them why they signed up for a
> scrappy quilt workshop, then, and they said it's because they want to
> go to this retreat! So I suspect there will be mutiny at the
> class...and I kind of sympathize with the teacher.
>
> I realize that we all have information and ideas to share, but I kind
> of balk at the idea of going into a class without any notion of even
> doing the quilt the class is all about.
>
> So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
>
> Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
> you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
>
> Kim
>
>
Pat Winters
give a Crazy Quilt class at LQS next month. First time to teach in this
area. Taught beginning PW over 6 yr. ago in Germany. Just 3 students.
All were on time ( or called ahead if problems) and were prepared. I knew
them all, very small American community there, so I knew it would work ok.
Don't know who will be in the one day class in October so I don't know
what to expect. I purposely did not include much preparation on supply
list. As a student I have sometimes noted that even simple prep can yield
odd results. The prep would only save about 10-15 minutes and we can all
do it at class the right way!
Why do I take a class?? Usually I am in a class to learn a new
technique. I am not project oriented and tend to be a slow poke anyhow.
Well, sometimes it is to work with a nationally renowned teacher whose
work I admire. Those classes *may* be project oriented but I don't
necessarily finish up at the class.
What do I seek in an instructor?? I like those who can keep the class
moving along for the majority of the class and who do not allow one or two
persons to dominate the class/monopolize the instruction time. It is
important to me for the instructor to be well organized with her
materials, supplies and class time. I want her/him to be enthusiastic,
adaptable and tactful. A strong sense of humor is a great plus! I want
to *enjoy* my time there!
8-) PAT in Virginia's Historic Triangle
MN Kim wrote:
> Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class.
(radical cutting)
> So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
>
> Kim
>
>
NightMist
>Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class.
Congrats! :)
>
>I had six students. Three knew what they were doing, understood my
>instructions and whipped right along. It isn't what I would consider a
>"beginners" block, and (lesson #1) next time I will state that it is
>for intermediate quilters. One of those three forgot about the class,
>had to be called, arrived 25 minutes late (but she caught up, no
>problem). Two students didn't know how to work their sewing machines
>and expected me to tell them how. This kind of amazed me! One got to
>the class and asked if she needed her cutting mat and rotary cutter
>(they WERE on the supplies list!) and had to go home and get them.
Looks like your about running with the percentages! <G>
>The good news is that they all completed their blocks in the two hours
>allotted, and they were all happy with the results.
Thats the important part.
>Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
Absolutely! When I do a class or workshop I always try to have
'extras' of just about all needed tools. Most of the classes I do are
either music or drawing, with the occassional painting or
pastel/crayon thing. Fortunately manuscript paper, pencils etc. are
pretty cheap. But when I did a project sewing workshop (making a
smocked sundress or jacket) I brought both of my portable machines,
and made sure that notions and even a limited supply of fabric was
available on site. The local sewing shop lady was ecstatic! I just
had her come in with the stuff, she got the workshop for free, free
publicity, and sold enough odds and ends (and a sundress worth of
fabric) that she was quite pleased. Pleased enough that now she is
doing the sewing workshops. (Woo Hoo a volunteer! A very precious
comodity!)
>So she is going on a retreat and from what I gather, the retreat is
>centered around a class, they will be making a "Scrappy" quilt. Well,
>this woman doesn't DO scrappy quilts, so she's decided she will only
>take a light/medium/dark to the retreat and do it HER way. The
>teacher told her not to, but she is anyway. And two of her friends
>that are going are also planning to take only three fabrics, because
>they "hate" scrappy quilts! I asked them why they signed up for a
>scrappy quilt workshop, then, and they said it's because they want to
>go to this retreat! So I suspect there will be mutiny at the
>class...and I kind of sympathize with the teacher.
Me too. I hear a lot of, "But my art teacher in high school
said...." It's sometimes hard to keep a class on track, with a
know-it-all in the midst.
>I realize that we all have information and ideas to share, but I kind
>of balk at the idea of going into a class without any notion of even
>doing the quilt the class is all about.
>
>So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
>to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
>complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
I get to sit in on a lot of classes and such for free (one of the
perks of being on the board of directors <G>), and while in some I'm
mostly trying to evaluate how well the person running it is doing, I
learn stuff even in those. Even in beginners classes in things I've
done for years. Learning is my main motivation in taking a class. I
did one on applique not to long ago, one of my weakest areas. Now I
have a Turkey Tracks block that is just crying for some company!
Plus I'm going to do it again, applique lady is doing a second
workshop on shadow applique. I'm on a roll now!
>Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
>you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
The kids are easier to teach, most days. You do occassionaly get the
kid who is there because the parents want them to learn something, and
the kid has no intrest. A bad situation from the word go.
NightMist
to reply via e-mail add 156 to my initials
Jen
didn't know a lot about my machine. I did not stop the class or ask the
teacher to help me. I took really good notes and figured I would catch up
at home. It happened that the co-worker next to me had the Viking that was
decked out and said that she had worked on my model for years before she
traded up. So when I broke a needle, she was nice enough to help me out and
also gave me pointers on how to sew straight :) So just wanted to clarify
that I didn't slow down the class or take up the teacher's time. I was a
good student and did my homework :)
Ginger
days a week!) keeps a wondrous amount of "stuff" in her car. Pattern
paper, all sorts of patterns, coloring books (for the designs), a roll
of batting, a lot of fabric, rulers, scissors, you-name-it. The trunk is
full, the back seat is full, and if she takes a passenger, there is a
five minute rearranging of things to fit in!
When she had a car run into her, the police officer took one look at all
the stuff in her car and asked her if it was insured. And by golly, it
is!
Ginger
"What is never begun is never won." Noah benShea
Rowena Aldridge
>Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class. (thank you to those who
>sent me pointers and tips. :) ) I work in a fabric store, have for
>two years now and have resisted doing the classes because I knew I'd
>spend much of my own free time in preparation (which I did) and free
>time is dear enough as it is. But I decided to take the plunge and
>give it a try.
YES! so today you can say that the last time you did something for the first
time was: yesterday!
>I had six students. Three knew what they were doing, understood my
>instructions and whipped right along. It isn't what I would consider a
>"beginners" block, and (lesson #1) next time I will state that it is
>for intermediate quilters.
what was the block? i find that beginners often underestimate the skills
needed for things, because they have little experience to guide them in knowing
how difficult things are. i'm constantly amazed at how many people will start
of piecing a tumbling blocks, thinking about only the straight seams and not
realizing about the insets. so i think it is terribly important to let them
know in advance what skill level is expected (don't think some beginners won't
try an intermediate or advanced level anyway, some of them will, and some of
them will do just fine!)
One of those three forgot about the class,
>had to be called, arrived 25 minutes late (but she caught up, no
>problem). Two students didn't know how to work their sewing machines
>and expected me to tell them how. This kind of amazed me! One got to
>the class and asked if she needed her cutting mat and rotary cutter
>(they WERE on the supplies list!) and had to go home and get them.
>
>The good news is that they all completed their blocks in the two hours
>allotted, and they were all happy with the results.
>
>Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
yes, for every subject ever taught. i've had people show up for ballet class
in street clothes, with street shoes, who wonder why it is so critical to have
THE proper attire--i've had people show up for sewing lessons without so much
as a straight pin--and again, i think it has something to do with inexperience,
those who know what it takes to have a successful class experience usually are
well prepared and on time (usually).
>Okay, another woman that works in my shop has been giving classes for
>years now and kind of thinks of herself as an authority on many
>subjects. :) This is fine, she is quite good at some things, but...I
>keep having to remind her that "there are no quilt police". She's
>forever telling people how things "have" to be done. She and I have
>some basic differences in opinions, and when a customer asks, say,
>what kind of batting to use, I will give them their options, if they
>ask what *I* would use, I tell them cotton. This other employee only
>tells them about the fluffy polyester batting, because that is what
>she uses. Okay, fine. :/
yes, ok fine. i find that people who are so entrenched in their thinking tend
to be those who have very little confidence in their own judgement and taste,
it is so much safer to have a set of rules to follow than to strike out and
declare your own ideas. so look upon her as your opportunity to exercise
compassion, poor thing, it must be so hard to not trust yourself enough to have
a thought of your own. ;P
>So she is going on a retreat and from what I gather, the retreat is
>centered around a class, they will be making a "Scrappy" quilt. Well,
>this woman doesn't DO scrappy quilts, so she's decided she will only
>take a light/medium/dark to the retreat and do it HER way. The
>teacher told her not to, but she is anyway. And two of her friends
>that are going are also planning to take only three fabrics, because
>they "hate" scrappy quilts! I asked them why they signed up for a
>scrappy quilt workshop, then, and they said it's because they want to
>go to this retreat! So I suspect there will be mutiny at the
>class...and I kind of sympathize with the teacher.
ok fine again. i was wrong, she DOES have ideas of her own, but they clash
with everybody around her! so ok fine, its still ok for her to go and take her
three fabrics and make her quilt HER way. she'll learn something, she won't be
able to help it, she will be surrounded by all these people who are making
things and that always leads to learning. and either way, she is taking the
retreat for the same reason so many people go to class--to get away and do
something just for her. she gets the same exemptions: her quilt, her rules.
so ok fine again.
>I realize that we all have information and ideas to share, but I kind
>of balk at the idea of going into a class without any notion of even
>doing the quilt the class is all about.
>
>So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
>to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
>complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
i've taken two classes, one on piecing a particular block that i saw in the
shop window, and one on the snippets technique of pasting pieces together to
make a picture, i saw the shop sample and got the notion that the class would
be fun. i'm very sure that i could have learned either of these from the
books, in fact they were accomplished almost exactly as i had imagined, but at
the times when i signed up for these classes, i was inexplicably overcome with
the need to not be totally responsible for my educational experience. :)
>Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
>you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
i am a rebel thru and thru, and it comes out in classes with my choice in
fabrics and my choice in layout, and i sympathize with the need to not follow
somebody else's idea what makes things look "right". i also sympathize with
the need for harmony among the natives--that is the trick of teaching, letting
each one learn, letting each one experience, letting each one find her/his own
way, while still meeting the objectives of the class. it sounds to me like you
did that. babalu!
rowena___. in music city USA
RoStitchery Custom Sewing and Quilting
http://members.aol.com/rostitchry/home.html
"when was the last time you did something for the first time?"
Mary Kay Colling
pre-testing and found out who knows what so you can weigh the content you
want to cover and modify to fit the group. You have to settle for small
rewards sometimes - your major accomplishment could be that someobdy leaves
you understanding how the sewing machine works. Period. That may not seem
like much to you, but imagine what it will mean to her. Teaching isn't about
the teacher, it's about the students. You can relax and still do the
wonderful job you're prepared to do, it just might not be the job you
expected to do. You've got the critical part - the sense of humor.
To answer your question, one of the main reasons I take classes is to learn
how to use the equipment. Another reason is to get my hands on equipment i
don't own. I do extensive reading on a subject, like I've been doing in this
group, before I ever get down to the mechanics. From now on, I'll always
associate a scrappy quilt class with scrappy people, a place where I might
get hurt. *-)
MK
> I realize that we all have information and ideas to share, but I kind
> of balk at the idea of going into a class without any notion of even
> doing the quilt the class is all about.
>
> So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
>
> Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
> you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
>
> Kim
>
>
frood
is currently in pieces at the bottom of a closet!) The class was on color. I
planned to weave fabric for a top in different pinks with white accents. So, for
the class, I set up my sample this way. The instructor insisted I needed some
orange to make the fabric sparkle. I, in my infinite wisdom and days of experience,
told her otherwise. She (very patiently, very nicely) suggested I try both ways.
She was so right! I learned a lot from that class, despite myself! ;)
Wendy
Marissa Vignali
MaryJane Salopek
MN Kim wrote:
>
> Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class.
Kim, Congratulations on teaching your first quilting class!! As to your
question of whether students are always unprepared - I would definitely
say YES to that.
In the class that I teach at our local municipal center, I have 8 weeks
to teach my quilt class, so I can afford to have the first week to be an
orientation type/drafting patterns type week. I tell them not to bring
anything, and I bring all the scissors, paper, etc. And if anyone
misses week one, I can still catch them up by week 2.
People will always amaze you - two women were really angry with me
because they couldn't make small quilting stiches. When I explained
that it would come with time, that wasn't good enough for them. Needless
to say, they didn't come back.
But there are so many rewards in teaching that I never experienced
before. The people I've met and formed friendships with are so special
to me. I'm so proud of the ones who couldn't thread a needle when we
started, and have gone on to make quilts for all their grandchildren -
and to know I was a part of that.
I'm sure your experience is different because of the limited class time
you have to teach, but the rewards will still be there. When they get
it right, and smile that victory smile at you, it'll feel terrific.
Mary Jane in Pittsburgh
> The good news is that they all completed their blocks in the two hours
> allotted, and they were all happy with the results.
>
> Is this common, for people to come to classes so unprepared??
>
> Okay, another woman that works in my shop has been giving classes for
> years now and kind of thinks of herself as an authority on many
> subjects. :) This is fine, she is quite good at some things, but...I
> keep having to remind her that "there are no quilt police". She's
> forever telling people how things "have" to be done. She and I have
> some basic differences in opinions, and when a customer asks, say,
> what kind of batting to use, I will give them their options, if they
> ask what *I* would use, I tell them cotton. This other employee only
> tells them about the fluffy polyester batting, because that is what
> she uses. Okay, fine. :/
>
> So she is going on a retreat and from what I gather, the retreat is
> centered around a class, they will be making a "Scrappy" quilt. Well,
> this woman doesn't DO scrappy quilts, so she's decided she will only
> take a light/medium/dark to the retreat and do it HER way. The
> teacher told her not to, but she is anyway. And two of her friends
> that are going are also planning to take only three fabrics, because
> they "hate" scrappy quilts! I asked them why they signed up for a
> scrappy quilt workshop, then, and they said it's because they want to
> go to this retreat! So I suspect there will be mutiny at the
> class...and I kind of sympathize with the teacher.
>
> I realize that we all have information and ideas to share, but I kind
> of balk at the idea of going into a class without any notion of even
> doing the quilt the class is all about.
>
> So, my question to you folks is this. Why do you take classes? Is it
> to learn something new? Is it to have a time frame in which to
> complete a quilt? Is it a social occasion?
>
> Anyway, bottom line is...I learned that to teach a class to adults,
> you need to have lots and lots of Patience. :)
>
> Kim
>
>
Barbara Watson
>
> MN Kim wrote:
> >
> > Hi! Yesterday I gave my first quilt class.
>
> Kim, Congratulations on teaching your first quilting class!! As to your
> question of whether students are always unprepared - I would definitely
> say YES to that.
<snip>
And then there's the other side of the coin. I took a straight
line quilting class yesterday and made sure I brought everything
she asked for. She asked us to bring several orphan blocks which
I had to make up. (We used one.) She listed metallica needles,
jeans needles, metallic thread, rayon thread, and a 3x18 ruler,
all of which I went out and bought. (All we used was the rayon
thread.) And she listed lowloft poly batting, then told me my
piece would have been flatter with cotton. Grrrr!
Barb in WG