Originally Posted by woodchkr
Acouple of weeks ago I joined this quilting board. Many of you welcomed me and I really appreciate the many welcomes that you all gave.
At that time I also mentioned that I was a beginner quilter and was taking a class at my local Hancock store. Well I had my class yesterday and it was very disappointing. We were handed instructions for a table runner project, and told to ask for help if we needed it. Some class.....NOT!!! It was not a quilting class, more of a craft project to pay for something that could have been done on our own.
The caution I give all - ask more questions about content when you see an offer for a beginning quilting class and what you are actually supposed to learn and the content.
I am seriously considering asking for my money back. Oh and by the way - this was a SMALL room, probably 12 x 20 with 6 women, 3 tables, 2 people per table, CROWDED , we were elbow to elbow, tripping over one another and the store owner was also using it as a storage room which there were boxes stacked along 3 of the walls.
Needless to say - it was the pits and I learned nothing!! Uh yeah just wasted $35.00 for nothing on a project I could have probably done at home by following printed instructions.
For the beginners out there such as myself - insure you ask detailed questions about the content of a class so you don't waste your money and time. :(
I'm so sorry this has happened to you. As a former quilt teacher myself, it irritates me that this is how a beginner is exposed to MY craft! I love working with newbies because they are so interested and truly want to learn what I have to teach.
Many people here have made good suggestions to go to your LQS and check out their class schedule. Sometimes that is just not feasible. The classes may not be affordable to you, they may be geared to someone more experienced, etc., etc., etc. And sometimes you have no LQS nearby to attend. Another solution? Check out your local Community Ed program. That's where I taught for a while (and also @ LQS), and I had the nicest students! A bonus is that many times the cost is incredibly reasonable, and there may be a sample in the Comm. Ed. office so you can see exactly what you should come away with for the money you spend.
Please don't give up on quilting. It can be a terrific outlet for your frustrations and artsy side. And there are those of us who, when confronted with sadness, depression and despair, just spend time with our fabric stash and our moods are perked up without medication. A win-win-win in my book!
Welcome to the club!