I have to say that in the scheme of things I teach a lot of classes but have never won a prize at a quilt show, mostly because my entries are in the non-judged section. Have been quilting for many years and have lots of knowledge that I am willing to pass on to others and no amount of prizes will make my love of quilting and sharing any less or greater than some one with ribbons. That being said, yes I do take classes from lots of people and have found that a class from a big name doesn't mean it's going to be a great learning experience. Paid big bucks for a class on paper piecing and sadly got very little out of it. So in everything quilting there will be some good and some not so good in your path of learning. Peace, Brenda