Workshop: Help me decide
 

I am getting ready to register for workshops at the Des Moines quilt show. I have narrowed it down to two quilting workshops with Diane Gaudynski. I can only go to one.

If you were me, which would you pick (and why...)?

Freehand Echo Feathers:
Learn proven techniques for beautiful freehand feathers with no backtracking in both formal and organic whimsical designs. Feather edging, plumes, vines, and wreaths will add richness and focal points to your quilting.

Perfect Free Motion Quilting
Have you learned free-motion basics and now need to perfect your skills with fresh ideas for quilting on your home machine? Improve free-motion skills, solve basic problems with good machine control, proper tension, stitch quality, and consistency with interesting designs so your work looks wonderful. Work on a techniques sampler in class and enlarge your quilting horizons.


Both classes say they require intermediate skill level, which I have. Here are my thoughts:
I want to take the second class more because I think it will offer more variety (she is also doing 3 other half day classes, on circles, bananas, and I think another one) so this won't cover any specific shape. It sounds like it is the best way for me to get a good sampler of what to do with my quilting. However, because it is less focused I'm worried it will get bogged down by beginners who signed up without having a base in FMQing. I've seen that happen at too many supposedly advanced classes. I also am already pretty good at troubleshooting my tension and such- but having never taken a class, I think I could still learn from this.)

The reason why I want to take the feather class is because I LOVE feathers, and mine suck, but I also worry it is too narrowly focused so I won't get as much out of it as if I took the other one.


So which would you do?

I think the second class. I would yearn to take the first one too but I think the second one might give you a better grounding into technique and things. It might open your eyes into other things besides feathers. I wonder if, after you take that class, that you could get a book on feathers and give it a try yourself? OR maybe take the feathers class next year!!! I wish I was having to pick between these two classes!!!

No matter which one you pick, I hope you have a great time and learn a TON!!!

Valid points for and against both classes, and I would find myself having the same dilemma. If I honestly couldn't decide based on the outline of the class alone, I would consider other criteria (if known); Does one class have an "easier to tote" supply list?, Is one class offered at a preferred day or time of day?, Are both classes the same amount of total hours? Does one class have a smaller "maximum" number of students?

If none of the above answers are known, or don't make any difference to you, I would choose the second class for the reasons you stated - arrive early and try to sit in the front of the class. Even if there are more newbies there that shouldn't be there, hopefully the class will be designed so that your own skill level will allow you to continue on your own after the technique has been demonstrated.

i would take the second class. once you have those skills, you might be able to do the feathers on your own

2nd because as your skills grow your feathers will improve

If you already are doing free motion and doing fine I'd skip that and do the feathers. I, too would love to be able to do feathers and my suck too.... But FMQ is a breeze!

You are leaning towards the second class, so, to me, that would mean that it is the one I should take. So take it. Don't second guess yourself.

Thanks everyone. I registered for the second class. I am super excited. I've never taken a quilting class- everything has just been trial and error and Leah Day's videos!

I wish I lived closer to Des Moines so I could take both, but I already have to drive out two days (I figure 2 hours after class isn't enough to see the show and shop, so I'll go out again the next day.)

2nd class and then buy her books, she goes over how to do feathers in her book and actually feathers are VERY easy to master on your own without a class. Draw them over and over again and you will be able to quilt them effortlessly.