Originally Posted by lynn_z
... I had 3 hrs to learn what I wanted to learn so didn't think it would matter if I showed up a little late. I've only been to a few classes and the ones I've gone to before didn't require much so I didn't take much. Took enough precut pieces (barely) no thread, no seam ripper. I mean, if I have someone instructing me I shouldn't have to rip anything out...right? ... I grabbed my most abused rotary cutter because it was the only one I could find. ... Some of my pins had a little rust ... Anyway, she did say something I can use against her if necessary.
Seriously??!! YIKES!
You went to class late with no reason other than you thouight there was enough time to learn what you wanted. What about the rest of the class? If I'd paid to attend and somebody arrived late, honestly, I'd be annoyed that we'd have to wait while that person set up and got caught up.
Other classes didn't require much so you didn't take much. You should have been given a supply list, but if you weren't, you might have inquired what was needed. Depending on the expected outcome of the class, materials needed vary widely.
You took "barely" enough pieces (which makes me think there must have been some kind of required materials list), no thread and no seam ripper. Did you think you wouldn't need thread? As far as the seam ripper, none of us WANT to use them, but it's kind of a necessary evil. Even the most accomplished quilter makes mistakes.
You took rusty pins and an "abused" rotary cutter. How either of those would help one who is learning a new method/pattern/whatever is beyond me. I wouldn't use them at home, much less when I wanted to do something new.
But the most disturbing thing to me is the last line: She said something you can use against her?
If you had indicated that the instructor was hyper critical of everyone, put down people's color choices, didn't listen to legitimate questions, or was otherwise rude to the students, I would be inclined to agree that you had run into a member of the quilt police. From what you've said, though, I don't think that is the case.
I hope that somehow quilting will help you see the positive in situations, whether at home or in a class. Maybe you can look at where you started and what your work looks like now and think, "Wow, look how much I've improved!" Or if you can settle yourself and sew for a while and realize how much better you feel after, you'll know how calming an enjoyable hobby can be. Better still, if you give a gift that the recipient loves, whether it's perfect or not, because it was made and given from the heart, you'll know why most folks have taken this addictive interest up.
Peace and Joy,
Robin