I have attended classes from 3 shops, driving about 1 hour one way to each. Two of the shops offer 1-4pm classes and I find I only get some cutting and sewing done and the time is over...some times I can not finish the project at home alone and it just sits. The other shop clearly gives a list and usually some cutting instructions and I find I do much better there. They also have longer classes and are careful to rate them so beginners like me do not get in over my head. My favorite shop also has a meet the teachers day when they unveil the next classes. You can look at the quilt you will make and ask questions of the person teaching the classes you are interested in. This shop usually has good turnouts! Hope this helps you