Not happy with quilting class
#91
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,659
When I first started quilting signed up for every quilt class I could go to. I learned more about quilting classes then quilting. LOL If the teacher caters to the unprepared student and the rest of the class sits and waits. I speak up! I didn't use to but it's my time and money and I got over being nice and losing out. If the teacher isn't giving her full attention to the class I ask for my money back after the first half of the class. I don't wait her out. If the teacher is rude I say something immediately in front of the whole class. I've learned how to be a good class member too. I never say there is a faster or another way to do something then what is taught. There is always one person in the class that does this and no one cares to hear it. I don't try to use a regular ruler when a specialty ruler is recommended. I come prepared and on time. I don't ask to borrow. I don't chew gum or wear perfume. I turn my phone to silent.
#92
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,165
When I first started quilting signed up for every quilt class I could go to. I learned more about quilting classes then quilting. LOL If the teacher caters to the unprepared student and the rest of the class sits and waits. I speak up! I didn't use to but it's my time and money and I got over being nice and losing out. If the teacher isn't giving her full attention to the class I ask for my money back after the first half of the class. I don't wait her out. If the teacher is rude I say something immediately in front of the whole class. I've learned how to be a good class member too. I never say there is a faster or another way to do something then what is taught. There is always one person in the class that does this and no one cares to hear it. I don't try to use a regular ruler when a specialty ruler is recommended. I come prepared and on time. I don't ask to borrow. I don't chew gum or wear perfume. I turn my phone to silent.
Don't denigrate someone elses machine if it is that type of class, nor their color choice.
#93
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: The Woodlands, Texas
Posts: 621
Oh my! I love to take classes when I can. I work full time so the opportunities are rare.
I was taking a class that took a lot of concentration. As I went through step by step, my table mate said "you know you are talking out loud". I didn't realize -- I never do this. I appreciated that she mentioned it. The last thing I want to do is bother someone.
Sometimes a mention is so much better than stewing.
I was taking a class that took a lot of concentration. As I went through step by step, my table mate said "you know you are talking out loud". I didn't realize -- I never do this. I appreciated that she mentioned it. The last thing I want to do is bother someone.
Sometimes a mention is so much better than stewing.
#94
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,421
Don't denigrate someone elses machine if it is that type of class, nor their color choice.
#95
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,165
I wouldn't want to be "required" to use what most quilters like unless the class was for that specific machine. General quilting - use what you have.
#96
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Washington
Posts: 855
I took a beginner class from a very unknown lady who went on to be a fairly well-recognized published author. She was all the bad things, arrogant, syrupy smile, singled people including me out, wanted everything her way. The experience was bad enough that I never took another class and no I didn't buy any of her books, and didn't even finish the quilt (a hand-pieced sampler).
But I learned a few tricks in that class that I'm so thankful to know in hindsight. The teacher learned to quilt from her Grandmother (a prolific circa 30s quilter) and brought some of her techniques to the class. In the olden days, people didn't mess around with fancy sewing machines and threads. For many, quilting was a utilitarian thing and needed to be done quickly, so they were good at finding speed techniques.
Honestly, at this point I wish I could find this woman again for a class. I might sit in the back, LOL, but I would listen and see if I could pick up a few more tips to change my quilty world.
By the way, my fave tip was tying knots for hand quilting. Lay the needle on the thread in the place where you want the knot. Wind the thread around the needle a few times and pull the needle through. This works much faster than it sounds here and creates a good little cylinder - shaped knot that pops through the top layer easily and remains in the sandwich very nicely.
Come to think of it, I did actually try one more class, taught by a well known author. She was nice enough, but it was so boring, I fell asleep and didn't go back (didn't ask for a refund either). I'd take the rude teacher over her any day.
But I learned a few tricks in that class that I'm so thankful to know in hindsight. The teacher learned to quilt from her Grandmother (a prolific circa 30s quilter) and brought some of her techniques to the class. In the olden days, people didn't mess around with fancy sewing machines and threads. For many, quilting was a utilitarian thing and needed to be done quickly, so they were good at finding speed techniques.
Honestly, at this point I wish I could find this woman again for a class. I might sit in the back, LOL, but I would listen and see if I could pick up a few more tips to change my quilty world.
By the way, my fave tip was tying knots for hand quilting. Lay the needle on the thread in the place where you want the knot. Wind the thread around the needle a few times and pull the needle through. This works much faster than it sounds here and creates a good little cylinder - shaped knot that pops through the top layer easily and remains in the sandwich very nicely.
Come to think of it, I did actually try one more class, taught by a well known author. She was nice enough, but it was so boring, I fell asleep and didn't go back (didn't ask for a refund either). I'd take the rude teacher over her any day.
Last edited by TeresaA; 05-26-2016 at 03:49 AM.
#98
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,139
Here's my take on this, and, for that matter, the world. There is always something new to learn. You may never use what you learn, but something may come up where that thing you hated learning is both needed and helpful.
However, it's your life, your decision, so do what makes you happiest.
However, it's your life, your decision, so do what makes you happiest.
#99
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,673
Ai went to a day class and left at dinner time. I thanked the teacher but told her it was not what I expected. I was left on my own to sort out instructions while she was chatting non stop with others in the class she knew. These teachers are earning more per hour than a qualified school teacher so they should care for all.
#100
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357
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