Hi, I am a bit slow at class too....but don't worry about it...easy to say tee hee. anyway, you start where you are not where someone else is and as you said, you are less experienced and even if you are not, classes are different. sometimes I notice people who don't even seem to be listening to the teacher, they just breeze along. umm...maybe they did this same technique or quilt before? anyway, I have sometimes thought I should just bring "practice" fabric to use while at class, often I am learning something I have never done. Remember, it is NOT a race...it is a time to learn and enjoy time with outer people. another thing to keep in mind is that things are different in class, you maybe have brought along a "travel machine" which is not the one you usually use. I always bring the smallest machine that will do the job, which means, I may not have used that machine much recently. You also are sitting at a table most likely in a different chair and that does make a difference. I love my sewing table at home as it has the airlift in it and I can lower my machine so it is a huge flat bed. Most of the time at class, I am working with those small little plastic surrounds instead. The machine is also at a different height....and err...sometimes I have been know to forget to pack things like pins, seam reapers, extra needle, or gasp...my power cord or foot pedal....if you can get one block made and understand the technique at the end of the class....you are just fine....Lin