Wow, reading some of the responses makes me feel very fortunate. I take classes regularly. Most of them are quilts that I could easily do on my own, but I enjoy the interaction and I always pick up little helpful hints that I can use in all of my work, not just that particular class. Most classes that I take have 5-6 people in them. The teacher explains a concept with everyone gathered round, then sends us back to our machine to master that piece of the sewing. She's right there to help if she hears anyone stirring. We all enjoy talking and laughing back and forth while we work. It's so fun to see the same blocks (and eventually the whole quilt) in different colors.
I'm taking a weekend of classes with Bonnie Hunter in July. I expect that experience to be quite different from my usual classes, but luckily I already have the books I'll need and the directions are clear. Mostly I just wanted the chance to hear her helpful tips and ideas and see some of her lovely quilts.