omgtimmcgraw

As a new quilter been quilting for just over two years. What stuff I do know my birth mother teaches me and helps me with. Me and my husband was talking today about when we come back from my brothers wedding about looking into finding me a place to go and get some classes so I can learn thing more and maybe be able to get my quilts to line up better.

Was wondering is it worth the money to take classes or try to find a group? I am unsure in what I should do. Any suggestions

ArtsyOne

It's definitely worth the money to take a one-day class for a pattern that you'd like to make. Check your local quilt shop, who will have a schedule. You'll meet new friends, have a good time, and go home with at least one block completed.

MTS

Both, if you can swing it.

But you should definitely try to join a local quilt guild - there are many (free) activities offered, plus the added benefit of meeting people you can turn to for information.

Most have smaller bee groups that you may be able to join, or maybe there are other new members there and you can create your own group.

But, for the money, you might get everything you need from the guild. Most guilds allow you to come as a guest for a meeting or two (or pay a small fee).
The annual dues are usually under $60, depending on your location and number of members.

Your LQS should also have some classes you can take (not free) but could help you learn some new techniques.
You can also ask them for help if needed - although I'm sure they'd appreciate if you bought some fabric from at the same time. Again, prices vary by location.

I know some communities offer adult courses in a ton of subjects - from yoga to quilting to woodworking. Maybe you can find something in your area like that.

There are gazillions of videos available, although that didn't work too well for you this last time.
But keep searching and watching. Eventually you begin to absorb all the information and put it to work.
There is no ONE way to a specific task or technique.

gramajo

If you're having trouble lining your quilts up (I'm assuming you mean the blocks lining up), a basic quilting class would be worth the time and $. IMHO

ontheriver

I learned to sew and quilt at my grandmothers knee. I sew, she ripped mistakes and made me do it again. She also taught me to crochet. This was when I was about 8 or 9. What I learned stuck, I found I love to sew. Everything else I learned by reading, watching, experimenting, and reading posts here. Never taken a formal class.

Holice

Try Quiltique in Henderson NV I was there couple years ago and they appear to have lots of classes.

Sally J

Both joining a Guild and hopefully your local quilt store has "open sews" that you could attend. At my LQS they are $10 a visit and you have a group of people to help you and give you ideas. It is well worth it.

ube quilting

Ask at local quilt shop for basic classes and also if there are any quilting guilds in your area. You might even try a search on line for quilting guilds in your town. A lot of churches have them too. Keep practicing

keep practicing and slow your sewing speed down alot. Just because the machine can go fast doesn't mean it has to.

Can you post some pictures of your work. I would think it is not as bad as you imagine. We are all our own worst critics.

Another idea is to make something like a table topper or small wallhanging rather than a big quilt. Big quilts are very bulky and hard to manage sometimes. They can pull your work out of the 1/4" seam if they are not supported well when sewing all the rows together.

Don't give up, I didn't!
peace

SHELTIE'SMAMA

Don't overlook the free uTube videos. They have one on there about cutting sqaures and lots that are aimed at beginning quilters. Might be of some help until you have the time and money for classes and guild.

mighty

Craftsy offers some good classes and has some mini classes for free that are very helpful! I have been sewing since I was very young but did not start quilting untill about 2 years ago. There is a wealth of information here on the board I owe alot to the wonderful quilters here!!!!! Classes and groups are always good, I just am sort of a self starter. Just keep working and you will get better and better!