LQS Classes

**Cindy60545** · 05-08-2015, 02:20 AM

I've a question for everyone. Myself & a couple of other quilter friends teach various classes at our local quilt shop. They advertise the classes well in advance of the class, the price for it is reasonable, time good for most quilters too. But, we're not getting people to sign up for the classes. This shop isn't the only one it's happening to, several others are having the same problem. I'm wondering why people aren't signing up for classes? Is it the economy? Or could it be the internet? With so much available to us via the internet for free, could this be the reason? The stuff we're willing to teach is different stuff. One teaches about sergers, one teaches OBW variations, I've tried a new type apron & some smaller sewing room organizers. Could it be we're just not offering the right things to make? Clue me in gang!

**Future Quilter** · 05-08-2015, 02:43 AM

Answers may vary by location.
I see three answers, most ask about classes then they say.
I don't have time to come to class.
Thats to much money.
I can find that block on youtube.
I decided a while back asking about class gives them something to talk about with the shop owner, when they had no interest in class.

**Future Quilter** · 05-08-2015, 02:55 AM

I'll add, later after class/workshop when pic get posted to Facebook they say man I wish I could have been there looks like fun. LOL There are things happening in class/workshops that don't happen at home watching youtube. Sometimes all I get done in class/workshop is one block to busy talking laughing with all the girls. LOL

**Tippytoes** · 05-08-2015, 02:57 AM

Hi there, sorry to hear things are a bit slow at the moment.

I'm just about to sign up for some classes as I am totally self taught but getting frustrated with the simple things. If it helps you to know, one of the things I want from my class is the opportunity to ask all the questions I can think of! To have a real person show me, answer me and quite possibly humour me is a massive part of what I'm looking for. While it would be great to make something beautiful too, for me this is the unique selling point for lessons.

Have you considered offering 'open workshops' where quilters bring in their own projects and seek help. Our local shop has this as a regular even.

Also I'm sure you have already considered it but an 'after hours' time slot would offer greater flexibility to those working. It's a tricky one I know, but it could be just what your local quilting scene needs.

I hope this helps a little and good luck with it all

Much love
Mags
X

**liking quilting** · 05-08-2015, 03:00 AM

I've learned most from this site, public t.v., and attending quilt shows.
Personally, I don't want to haul a machine to a class.
I don't want to be tied down to a class schedule.
I sew slowly and want to take it at my own pace.
I will feel obligated to buy much more expensive fabrics while in that quilt shop.
Hey, but that's just me!

**Onebyone** · 05-08-2015, 03:51 AM

In my guild of 40 members, there are about nine of us that will sign up for classes and workshops with enthusiasm as soon as the list is ready. All it takes is one of the bunch to say let's do this together it will be fun. Some members will hear us talking about the class coming up and and sign up before the deadline. The loners of the membership will wrinkle their noses and complain about the cost, the teacher, or anything else.

Talking the class up to a group of shoppers that come in the store it will be a group decision to do something fun together, the individual shopper will usually say no I don't think so.

**Geri B** · 05-08-2015, 04:12 AM

Hmm, maybe what you are offering is not what is wanted.......again depending on the clientele.....why not offer customers a questionnaire on what their interests/wants/needs are......and go from there........

**alleyoop1** · 05-08-2015, 04:06 AM

We have a teacher at our LQS who does remarkable, gorgeous work and I love her classes, but she seems to schedule all of them on Friday. Friday is my day with hubby. He comes home from work mid-morning and we go to lunch and shop or whatever I want to do. Saturday and Sunday afternoon (after church) he spends with his other mistress - our yard! So I don't sign up for any of these wonderful classes any longer.
Then there is another class going on at our LQS that just doesn't interest me - although the finished project is unbelievably beautiful - just not my "thing."
And there is another class that is too pricey for what I would be taught - things I learned from my Mom when I was a girl but probably could use a refresher on.
So I attend a Bee there each week and depend on the expertise of the group when I have questions or problems.
So maybe it's the cost, or that people are too busy or that they aren't interested in what you are teaching. Ask you LQS to post a survey of what people want to learn and if you have the skills, offer what the ask for.

**QltrSue** · 05-08-2015, 04:35 AM

Looks like alot of us had the same ideas!!

**Jordan** · 05-08-2015, 04:13 AM

Sorry to hear about your dilemma but I believe that most quilters get what lessons they need thru the internet, youtube or friends that may be a more advanced quilter that is willing to help. I am a slow sewer and have taken classes but never finish in class time and it is very discouraging to me to get home and put the project in a corner and forget about it because I have forgotten what to do. Hope things pick up for you.

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