I've been asked to help a "start up" quilt group at my church make their quilts. They didn't use the word "teach" but I guess that's what I'll be doing.
I don't want to.
I'll help them make them and remind them there's no quilt police, any "how to's" that I might know, etc.
"Guiding", "suggesting", that's what I feel comfortable with, but teaching?
They want me to be in front walking them through the process as each one of us individually make the same quilt.

Mostly they'll be for charity but they also want to make at least one quilt each year for auctioning to raise money to use for church things (helping pay bills for parishioners, repairs, new computers at the church, etc).

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for the above uses. And I'd love to help with the quilts.
But "teach"?
My knees are knocking.
I'm very much a wallflower. I love being in the shadows.
Our priest was standing there and told me, with a grin on his face, this might be God's way of helping me bloom. :shock:
Bloom??? I'm too old to bloom!!! :)
My grandkids should be blooming....

Anyway, I'm going to do it. Not because of the priest (who I'm suggesting gets transferred immediately to someplace horrible!! :-D )
but because I'm a sucker for quilting and want more people to see how fun and satisfying it can be, and what is a better way to spend an evening than surrounded by fabric, humming machines, common good goals, etc.
We can even bring our kids and grandkids to watch and "help". Fun.

I know I'm doomed....I'm going to do it.
How have other wallflowers dealt with this?
And where did you send your priest?

You will do just fine, probably most of them have never made a quilt so like you said, guide them, suggest ways of doing things and you will all learn thru the process. You might want to make of list of things they will need ahead of time so they can be ready. good luck.

Make a list?
Great idea.
See...I'm behind already lol

Be careful where you send priests...... ;^) You will do fine and have a great time. You'll see! Talk to the ladies and see if you can enlist a helper. Someone to hand out written information they can take home with them, help you help individually, things of that sort. You can do this..just compile a list of equipment they need, pick a simple block or pattern along with a fabric requirement list and go from there. You'll love it!

Just remember.....you're never too old to bloom! Just think of the blessing you'll be to these women!:^)

You must be in cahoots with my priest :wink:

I haven't taught quilting, but I used to teach crochet. Keep in mind that everyone learns and works at a different pace. Many people will catch on quickly and love the craft --- some will never catch on and will hate quilting. Try to not take the negative Nellie's grumbles personally. Believe me, they will grumble, but it's not directed at you as a teacher.

I teach quilting weekly and the most important thing is to plan ahead and get organized so that there are no last minute "oops". Decide on the skill or techniques that you are demonstrating, make some samples, gather all of your supplies well ahead of time (check them off from a list)pack your needed things in an easily accessible bin or rubbermaid container, go a little early to get set up and relax. This will be interesting and you will be sharing great skills with others who will appreciate your efforts. Adults are usually eager students wanting to learn. You will probably learn something too even if it is not about quilting. As for your priest, send him to Canada as our charge is searching for a minister!

Samples!! Another idea I hadn't thought of. Thanks!
As for sending my priest to Canada...nope. He was born there....lol. And I said "someplace horrible"....I love Canada. I've been there alot.

LOL, sorry for laughing, but i was remembering my first class, i was so scared and once i got into it, everything was fine. You will do fine.

It sounds like you will be a great teacher!

Just follow Shelbie's advice, and plan ahead. Everyone is there to learn because they want to, not have to like kids in school.

Relax and enjoy! Anything you aren't sure about, you can always call on the knowledgeable people on this board.

As for blossoming, remember Spring is coming, you will become a beautiful flower! :) :) :thumbup: :thumbup: