Workshop Jitters
 

I have just returned from attending my fifth workshop where I was yet again unable to do anything correctly due to my nerves. Once I got home I sat down and redid the sewing perfectly. Is it just me or is this a common problem? I am scheduled to go on another retreat in September and am seriously considering cancelling it as I am unable to relax and enjoy myself. Does anybody have any suggestions as to how I can overcome my problem - without resorting to alcohol which would calm the nerves but play havoc with the sewing.

I was talking to a friend yesterday who is an experienced quilter. Last Saturday at a class she attended she was upset because she got into such a mess went home and did it beautifully. One problem she has is wanting to visually see each section,and the chatter level. She will keep going because she enjoys the company and a change of scene. Keep going take a deep breadth and try to relax. Sit near the front if possible and always close to the teacher. Learn how to shut out other noise and watch the action. They are fun you meet many exciting people and make new friends. Many of use work in small sewing areas with no live chatter, tv or radio maybe but nothing to distract or perhaps a question to answer. I hate the chatter and switch off I have seen people plug in the earphones with a nano.

i don't sign up for classes so might not know what i'm talking about.
i assume, though, that the primary reason a person would sign up for a workshop is to learn something.
so, i would further assume that the person didn't know already how to do whatever was going to be taught.
soooo ... the next stop on the logic train ride is that most participants will not be wowzer experts in that subject/technique right off the bat. mistakes are to be expected. disasters not at all out of the ordinary.

were you comparing your own results to everybody else's and worried that yours did not measure up? pish tosh, m'dear. you are you. they are them. you wouldn't have plunked down the cash for the class if you were already an expert. don't be so hard on yourself. chillaaaaaaaaaaaaax. :)

since you were able to sit down and do it to your satisfaction once you got back to the privacy and quiet of your own home i would say you accomplished the main mission, which was to learn something new. :thumbup:

take practice fabrics to the next workshop so gafarbles won't matter as much.
don't demand instant expertise and perfection of yourself.
don't worry about how your results compare to anybody else's.
don't be afraid to ask questions of the teacher and of other students who you think seem to have caught on more quickly than you think you have. questions are great icebreakers. you might start with a question and end with some new friends. :)

I agree with PatriceJ (love the "pish tosh" btw :D).
The whole object is to learn something and you seem to have accomplished that.
There is just something about being in a group of fellow quilters that makes your sewing skills go out the window - no matter how confident you are.
As a new quilter, I try to go to a class every month or two and I never get as much done as I think I'm going to (as well as never having everything I need, despite being a very organised person). I think just by being in a learning environment we create a lot of our own pressure, invariably needlessly.
I think if you were to talk to other students they would feel pretty much the same. Relax and try to enjoy.
Where is your retreat btw?

No, alcohol is not the answer! I have a problem keeping up and doing good work at sit and sew workshops. I much prefer attending workshops that have demos and lot of handouts with instructions and ideas. I can do my sit and sew at home.

While I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine, in a new class where I'm going to learn some technique I don't already know, it can be hard. But, taking a breath, reminding yourself this is new and just giving up on the "shoulda, coulda, woulda" does help. In Ellis' words, don't "MUSTerbate." (No offense intended, it is his term for giving yourself a break).

I like to do serious sewing alone and I know I cut and sew better alone with no distractions so I don't expect to get anything done in a workshop or class. I may sew just one block the whole day and I'm fine with that. When I stopped thinking I need to sew a lot to get my money's worth, I enjoy it much better and do better sewing. I have met some wonderful quilters in the workshops and some real weirdos too. LOL

Just an idea..sign up for a class that looks overly simple,with a technique you already know. Have a cup of herbal tea,and do it. It will likely get you over the jitters. BTW..everyone worries about their own stuff,so don't be sel conscious about your's.

I know that I don't cut well in the company of others. Also I want to listen to my MP3 player at times in order to focus on other than all the chatter, even though I know the chatter is helpful.

Perhaps having a friend who understands your work mode go with you would be a big help. She could let you know when to pay attention.

Also, if like me you don't cut well in the company of others, ask the presenter/teacher for cutting directions before hand after explaining this to her. I always promise not to reveal to others what she tells me about the cutting. It has worked so far.

You took away knowledge. You did learn what you intended to learn in the class, that is good. It just took some processing and thinking. Each one of us learns differently. In a class environment there are alot of distractions, and for me, the fear of looking like a klutz quilter makes my comprehension go out the window. In a class I always sew pieces together wrong, and I feel intimidated by the skills of the other quilters.

I have only taken one class. I was very nervous also. I also fear looking like a klutz quilter! It was really an experience for me! Made me relieze that I am pretty shy . I did have fun and learn. Have been trying to get myself to go to another! Guess we just need to step out of the box!!!

Heck, I show off my crocked block right along with the best. I know I can do better so having sewn something that isn't my best at a workshop is okay with me. I don't get intimidated by better quilters but I do admire their skill.

Had this problem when I took my first workshop. I mentioned it to a very dear friend who had been around the block(pun intended) a few times who told me just to relax, workshops arent a test, they are supposed to be fun. Once I realized she was right the workshop experience totaly changed for me.

I agree with you. I have stopped taking workshops, etc. because I am always behind. Then, I have to wait until the instructor is free to help me; and then I am more behind! She moves on to the next step and I am still struggling with the first one. It is great to be in the company of others and learn new techniques but thank God, I get that from my quilting guild and also quilting retreats. I find them much more relaxing and informative and I can work at my own pace. Good luck with whatever you decide.

As in all group settings where you (me) think we are going to be judged we get nervous and feel inferior to what others can do.

NO FEAR HERE! I made a choice to not care about what othesr think about my work. The more mistakes I make in the class the funnier I got and the more fun I have. I do go to classes to learn, not be perfect. If I make a mistake, well, duh! I'm learning.

Many years ago I attended a class by Nancy Halpren. I never finished the project because I couldn't draw a straight line around a template, nor could I keep a sharp point on the pencil I was using. I was told I was unteachable and look at me now. I think I make rather nice quilts, Some are a little wonky, some stranges colors and funky quilting. I love them and have no fear of what any one wants to say.

Go with joy!
peace

Over the years I have learned that quilters are so affriad of their own work and it not being up to 'standards'.

I just love the doing, mistakes and all!

You are my kind of classmate!

I agree we all learn differently and some of us take long than others......I would still go and consider alcohol to relax and have fun!

I hate sit n sews...I'm with everyone thats says I can do that at home.I love the comraderie,chit chat,laughs,and just hob-nobbing with other quilters.I am happy if I can come away with 1 new method or idea..it makes it all worth it!

Who does everything perfectly the first time? Very few of us and definitely not me...You are just getting the mistakes out of the way so you can do it right the next time. I make at least one error on every quilt and I still enjoy quilting.

I love taking classes....yep, sometimes I mess something up big time but I don't let it get to me. Take your time and don't worry about keeping up with the others....there are probably people of all skill levels in the class.

Thank you all for your advice. I shall take it all on board and hopefully enjoy myself more at the next workshop. I just wish that I lived in the States rather than Scotland as you seem to have a greater choice of fabrics, sewing machine suppliers and not least of all teaching venues in abundance. We have the scenery, but have to travel great distances in order to get sewing supplies and tutorials.

Re: Workshop Jitters;
I attended a craft and quilting "chat and do" morning every week for about eight months. About 100 people attended,doing different crafts at tables around the hall. Although a couple of my friends attended and I met some lovely ladies and learned a few quilting - and life - tips I never felt relaxed. Due to the noisy chatter I was unable to keep up with the conversation around our table, or consentrate on my project. It was one of my very few opportunities to socialise, and it was a friendly gathering, but the stress was not worth it and I gave up.

Hi. I feel your pain. I use to get upset because I wasn't as fast as some but now I just take good notes and work at my own pace. If I don't complete the task I finish it at home. It's more about the socialization. Don't let the pressure of the moment rob you of the joy of being with others.

Don't worry-I find that I never relax properly when I'm with other folks doing projects.

Tell yourself that you can do it and do it when you get home.Good luck!

When I go to any type of group sewing or craft class, I mostly listen and watch and learn. I don't do much actual sewing. It just seems to be a personal style thing.

I have seen a common "thread" here - the majority of us feel our work is not up to par - who is the par? Not to worry. I love goine to classes - there was a time when I felt "not as good" but I got over it when I discovered that most people felt the same way!

Next time you go to a class take a camera. If you begin to feel overwhelmed just go around and ask people if they would mind if you took their picture with their work. Ask the instructor when a method is being shown if you could take a picture. That way when you return home you'll will have the class in pictures, you will meet people - have them write their name on a scrap of paper before you take their picture. This helps with using different color combos etc and gets your mind off being overwhelmed beside that you will probably make someones day by admiring their work! Win Win and I think you are a winner by "pressing" on.

Have a great time at your next class.

I just go for the learning experience and socialization. There are always people there that know a lot more and a lot less than me so I just kick back and enjoy. Do t stress out on what you are doing as some people work better (like me) in solitude.

I have found that when I go to a class, I just watch and listen then go home and do it. I don't like to make mistakes in front of others. I will mess up on cutting, seams, even how to thread my FW. Get home and all goes well and goes together without problems.

I can't imagine learning anything in a workshop that I can't learn here. The Quilting Board is the only workshop I need. This Board is a wealth of information, and I learn something new here all the time. You ladies are the best teachers in the world and although others may be teaching for a living, it doesn't make them any better. I consider myself fortunate to be a recipient of your knowledge and expertise. Thank you all so much for sharing it.

PatriceJ said it better than I could have! I agree with her wholeheartly.
You are taking a class to learn something NEW. Sometimes different things are easier for different people..
IT IS NOT A RACE!
Enjoy the process.

I don't get nervous but I never accomplish much in workshops. I work alone and usually in a quiet mode; no TV, etc. I am easily distracted when in class. I try to take notes and then do the task at home.

Gail G I am the same as you. I have a hard time sewing and doing when I am not at home. I don't know what the problem is but I have the same feelings.

I love the idea of taking "in progress" pictures to record the process.

I've been to lots of classes. How I approach the class depends upon how challenging it is & how long (1/2 day to 5 days) it is. For less than 6 hours, I choose a goal for the class. When that's reached, I succeeded in getting from the class what I wanted to learn. Now that I'm teaching, I ask the students to write down a goal. When we discuss it at the end of class, I'm surprised. At a FM class, the supply list clearly stated to bring a machine you're familiar with. A student's goal was to get familiar with her machine during class. She was perfectly happy with her success on her machine even though she only did about 1/3 of the class activities.

A friend processes the instructions slowly so she gets further and further behind. She's struggling with how to take a class. She comes to my house for a week & picks my brain. She's much happier with a mentor.

I've taken several 5 day workshops-intensive and definitely challenging. I have found that by the second day, I'm ready to give up my preconceived ideas and go with the flow. I learn what I can and finish when I get home. Oh and I've taken 8 plastic tubs of fabric in my van and still didn't have what I needed. So now, if at all in doubt, I contact the instructor to clarify what she meant.

For "sit and sews", I take something I can mindlessly work on while I chat, such as binding or quilting an allover pattern.

Everyone is different and as adults we have lots of experiences that have gotten us to different places from other people. This is a hobby. Do what fits you.

I ask myself, "Is this going to Padukah. No. So it's good enough in my book."

Just thought of another friend who is distracted easily. If she's in the mood to study/sew, she picks a spot in the room that is somewhat isolated and doesn't look at other people in class. Sometimes, she's happy with seeing what everyone else is doing and doing very little on her own.

I'm with Patrice. Try to enjoy...workshops are not designed to be torture sessions. Don't judge yourself harshly, just relax and go with an open mind....there will always be people who "get" it faster/better than you and always someone slower...'tis the way of the world. So as one of my best friends always quotes "Courage brother, do not stumble" - or in this case "Courage quilter, do not stumble"....Go forth, create and have fun:)

DottyMo made a really good point about the volume in the classes. When my son was 11 we went to Cancun and to the Rainforest Cafe. We had never been to one, and got to experience the animals moving and the sounds of the jungle. We sat and ordered, and as is often true in Mexico, the order took a while. My son started getting antzy and wanted to go--we had ordered and I told him we would get it in a few minutes--my usually calm composed son, burst out crying. He couldn't take that much stimulation. Sometimes we have some issues that just don't come up until something like your class comes around. I'd suggest ear plugs. They don't have to be obvious. Even filtering out a bit of the noise might be enough to let you relax. Usually you can still hear the teacher, but if you can't, tell her why you are trying the earplugs, and if she would just touch you on the shoulder, or come stand near you, so you can take them out and listen to her instruction. Most teachers want you to succeed, and will work with you on these small things that help to make a good class.

I've also had a class recently where I got the pattern early. Well, I chose my fabrics, and sewed and cut out part of the project. It was far from finished. If I didn't think I understood, I would stop, but sometimes getting a jump on the class gives you a head start, and puts less pressure on you to preform. Try to figure out what is making you so nervous, and see if there is a work around.

Oh, it really frosts my cookies when a teacher says someone is unteachable. That just means the teacher is a poor teacher! It is my job as a teacher to explain things to the student in a way that they understand. That's what you pay the teacher for! If you aren't understanding then I need to reword my instructions in such a way as to make the lightbulb go off in your head. Different people learn in different ways and at different speeds. That's what you pay the teacher for!

That being said, don't try to compare yourself to anyone and if you start feeling stressed out, just stop sewing for a while and watch! If you enjoy the people you are taking the class with you'll still have a great time. However, if everyone in the room is a total stranger you might want to take a pass until you get your confidence up.

Taking some practice fabric was a very good idea Patrice, I'll remember that one for myself. I usually only get stressed in a class if I've spent a lot of money on the fabric (or it's a favorite I've held onto for a long time) and making a practice quilt is a great idea!