Uncomfortable at classes
 

I don’t know why I continue to take classes at local quilt shops and quilt events. I often am pleased with my work when I make things by myself and out of love. I do not have an expensive machine nor fancy equipment. Especially at the Quilt shops that sell expensive machines, I often feel taught or surrounded by people that make me feel they are “better” than me. I also feel slower than the others, like it takes me more time to catch on. I feel like there is a race going on. I know it is probably lack of confidence.
I decided I would stop signing up for classes, for it is no fun feeling inadequate when I am at these classes.
I listened to a Podcast by Leah Day who was interviewing Bonnie Hunter. They were saying you don’t need the “best” or top of the line of everything to make wonderful quilts . As long as you can sew a straight line.
I feel that the things that I have loved to do for many years have turned into Big business with an “attitude”.
Am I the only one who feels this way?

Oh no, you are not! I don't really enjoy classes. Too much distraction for me. And sometimes there is "attitude". Who needs it?
I go at my own pace, enjoying the process- that is most of the time :D
Keep on keeping on!!!

I used to.

Now I have a hard time finding a class that I'm willing to spend money on.

As far as I know, most piecing now consists of sewing two pieces of fabric together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Also, as far as I know, most lock stitches made by different sewing machines look a lot alike. (when the machines are working well) If someone showed me ten (straight line stitching) seams made by different machines, I probably would not be able to say "Oh, that one was sewn by a $10,000 machine and that seam was sewn on a $100 machine.

I would be able to tell you if the tension was okay and the stitches looked nice, but I would not be able to say - for sure - which machine sewed which seam.

Yes, I have been to classes where the other people seemed cliquey.

Is the purpose of attending the class to "learn something new" - or - is the purpose of trying to meet and make new friends?

You're not alone. Whenever I attended a class, even if it's making a purse, I wasn't as fast as others so I end up taking it home and then don't finish it. They don't seem to give enough time for the class because I assume they think everyone is at the same speed. I never take classes anymore. I, too, enjoy my own sewing room at home.

I've never taken a class, but I meet up with a quilting group at the Senior Center every chance I can (I'm 38, the oldest is 101!) They are a great group of women, all very helpful, with many different backgrounds. It's fun to just go and share the quilt experience with others, learn new things together (either just new to me, or maybe watching someone else learn something new), and have it be low pressure. Some have some very nice machines, but they also appreciate the simple ones.

Maybe instead of classes there is a group you can find. Then, if you are tempted to try a class again, you may have someone to go with you to make it more enjoyable!

I find that I much more prefer YouTube tutorials over in-person classes because of the "attitude" .... from teacher and others in the class. I go home with feelings of being back in school where I was never good enough. I agree with bearisgray's statement: "Now I have a hard time finding a class that I'm willing to spend money on."

So sorry you are having disappointment in classes. I find them to be a wonderful experience once I decided what I really wanted out of them . Sometimes I am looking to do a particular quilt, sometimes a technique ,sometimes the experience of attending a class from a particular teacher and sometimes to motivate me passed a sticking point. But the best reason for me to attend a class is to go with friends and have a good time! I usually don't even plan to get the project finished, just to learn Something! I have found the most productive classes to be those where I get pre-class cutting instructions so we can start "producing" more quickly.

Another thing I enjoy is "sit and sews" where I bring my own project and work at my pace...no competition but usually good advice, help and encouragement if I need it. You may want to give them a try.

The kind of classes I like are lectures. No stress or stain; many times handouts are available. If there are not I take notes and pictures if allowed. I don't enjoy toting around a machine and supplies. At home I can watch online classes and stop when I need to, snacks and drinks always available.

I have also never taken a quilting class. I did once take a thread embroidery class using my dsm. My poor machine wasn't up to the task and that was embarrassing. I did enjoy the class even though I did not make new friends as I was too busy trying to get my machine to work.

I love youtube tutorials and would much rather spend $$ on fabric.

as Terry said , most people attend classes with friends, and they go to have a good time and learn something. you are going alone and are expecting a class with a teacher and a plan. It's just different expectations.

I think you're right, that the problem is lack of confidence. Taking a friend along, like Sleepy Hollow suggested, might help with that. Also remember that the other people in the class are probably not even thinking about how you're doing with the class work, because they're also trying to keep up. It's not unusual to feel a little frazzled when you're trying to learn something in a group, because everyone learns in a different way and at a different pace. Don't be so hard on yourself!

I sometimes feel like I've fallen behind in class, but then I look around and can usually spot at least one other person with that "deer in the headlights" look (sometimes it's the whole class). That means it's time to get the instructor's attention to help us out. I don't expect to be the one who finishes first, or the one whose project looks nicest. As for equipment, I usually bring a cheap older (not vintage) Singer, rather than lug my better machine to class. And unless someone else has an unusual vintage machine, I don't notice what machine or supplies they are using. If the shop owners are making you feel like your machine doesn't match up, then shame on them!

exactly how I feel about classes--i enjoy them and never plan to make an entire project partly because I visit too much!

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I like the idea of trying to take a class with a friend. I do tend to sign up alone. I will work on my confidence because I know it is self defeating. I have signed up for a number of Craftsy classes, so I should use those more. And , I agree about YouTube tutorials. They are great! I just Love this Quilting Board. I always know you will have super advice And support!!!! Thank you again!

MaryMo, you are right on! It does remind me of being in school and never feeling good enough. It is sad ☹️

I love taking classes. I will check out the other sewing machines, but it is not in a 'who's got the best' way. I am just interested in what people sew with. Last weekend there were 3 Janomes and 2 Phaffs.

At one quilt shop when I have taken classes, everyone else seems to know each other, but that is ok. Sometimes I am slow, sometimes I am quick, sometimes I am stumped. Last weekend I took a class, it was expensive and small (5 students), but I learned quite a bit and completed my top. I also was able to help a couple of my classmates, when they got stuck as I had more general sewing experience than they did. I learned how to work with 45 degree diamonds and sew a halfway decent Y seam. Ok the last 2 of 6 Y seams looked ok, the other 4 may have an embellishment on them.:p I also got some great advice on colour placement.

I left my machine for my friend who was hosting the workshop, to use to finish her quilt as she did not have a walking foot for her machine. She also wanted to make another top and was having a challenge with her 1/4 inch seams on her machine.

I love to get up during a workshop and see what everyone is working on and how they are getting on with their project. I am in awe of how the same project can look so different when made up in different colours.

I feel sad for those who do not feel good enough at a workshop. Remember everyone started not knowing how to sew and builds their skills over time. Just because someone's skill is more advanced than yours, does not make you inferior to them. I have learned that asking the more advanced quilters for help, or suggestions is a great way to break through any high school clichés.

I am not a fast sewer, I rarely finish a project in a class, I do not go into a class expecting to finish it there, but to finish at home. I go to learn new techniques. I have learned that although I love YouTube videos and Craftsy lessons, I learn best in person when I can ask questions.

I am frequently behind -- sometimes I keep working and ignore those around me and sometimes I stop and work on something else I am doing. In our sewing group, I mostly work on my own projects. However, I never take it personally. I think it sometimes bothers the instructor more than me. I actually prefer sewing in my own space,
that way I have access to all my fabric and supplies; and, I usually have a need to tweak the pattern to make it my own.

In a group setting, they frequently frown on this. What can I say, the older I get, the more of a rebel I become.
Age is certainly a freeing experience.

I too like the Craftsy classes and YouTube videos because I can rewind and watch steps multiple times. I do take quite a few classes at my local JoAnn’s. I’ve found an instructor I like and I’m a beginner.......I need all those helpful little hints you experienced sewers do without thinking. But they move tooooo fast for me and I make a lot of mistakes. I go home and repeat the process with better results than I get in class. I wish they’d give the cutting instructions in advance! There is a core group that seem to be in every class I take. They seem nice enough but obviously know each other based on intimate details I don’t need to know about their lives.:eek:

From the teacher's point of view, it is very difficult when there are "know it alls" or extremely needy people in the group. I used to teach hand applique at a couple of quilt shops, and it was a lot of fun when everyone participated and was supportive of everyone else. The last time I taught one person hogged the show - kept interrupting, wanted my attention all the time, didn't allow others to speak, etc. It was exhausting and not worth the money I made (and spent right away at the shop!).

I belong to a small group that gets together monthly to hand sew, knit, embroider, etc. We all help each other and share tips and ideas. It's a lot less stressful and we learn from each other more informally.

I learn a lot at my guild and everyone is glad to see finished projects...perfect or not. No one feels superior. That’s a lot better than spending about $200 (between materials and fees) at a local shop to have other students act superior because they had the machine the shop sold. The shop project remains unfinished. I did high school with cliques and jerks. Never again! Between Missouri Star, the guild and Craftsy, my learning curve is good!

I have felt the same . Then carrying your machine and rest of supplies is getting to be impossible for me.

Craftsy is the way to go. A much less expensive class and you can see it anytime you want. Good sales on classes

all the time.

I have seen that at classes also but I ignore it and learn what I can. I am pretty new to quilting and am slow and have
an older machine too. I learn best by watching and so I like that part of going to a class. Remember some of the
people that act superior are really covering feelings of inferiority or need attention.

I agree as I no longer take classes some I would love but can no longer keep up and end up with nothing but another UFO. You are correct in saying quilting has changed as it is now a big money business. When I started patterns were free in the paper we used scissors and cardboard templates and it was fun fun even the quilt shows were very different and fun. People got together quilted,exchanged patterns and enjoyed the whole process now everything is how fast can I do this which to me is nothing more than computerized microwave quilting. I even use to teach classes in the fun days now if I want a class I go to you tube or craftsy and I still have a few friends where we can meet in homes for old fashioned fun

A fact of my life:

In almost every situation - there are some that are "better" than I am - and there are some that are "worse" than I am.

I have finally reached a point in my life (I'm 76 now) where I do what I can - if I want to and/or need to - and what others do or have - is their business.

There are some things I think I am comparatively good at and that are comparatively easy for me. But I have had some years of opportunities to practice! And there are other things I have no clue about.

My thoughts on classes:

If an advanced person has signed up for an "easy" class - that person should let the instructor do the teaching. (Although some people do have the knack for asking a question that can help clarify a technique. But please let the instructor do the HST's his/her way while in the class!!!!)

It the class has been promoted as being "advanced/difficult/challenging" - then - while I would not actively discourage a novice from taking it - I would resent a novice holding the others back.

For most people, it makes sense to learn beginning algebra before taking a calculus III class.

I feel that way about sewing - at least know how to use your machine if the class is for anything other than "learn how to use your machine".

I do feel cranky about someone not being prepared for a class. Including the instructor.

I don't have that much extra money (or time, either, for that matter) to want to waste it on someone making excuses for why they don't have what they need with them.

Bottom line: If/When I sign up for a class - I want to learn whatever it is that I signed up for - and I'm hoping that the others in the class want to learn it, too.

I am sorry if I am sounding like a grouch about this - I do hope that everyone enjoys the classes they take - and I do know that almost everyone will forget an item or two or not have been able to get it for some reason or another.

But still - please don't show up half an hour later for class - and your reason was "Oh, I thought the class started at 3:00 PM instead of at 2:00 pm - and would you mind starting over at the beginning?"

Of course, "stuff" happens - flat tires, the baby throws up, the babysitter got sick, a fire, - but that is different from being "unprepared".

I love Youtube videos. I've learned more from them than anywhere else. I also like Craftsy- have a few of them.

I take lots of classes for a variety of reasons - learn new techniques, meet new people, share ideas, etc. I am however, a very quick learner LOL so am usually the first one to catch on to what the instructor is saying.

What I do with it is important (I'm not trying to make myself look better than others, just something that I have learned I am good at). I will watch what other people are doing and if I see someone struggling I will do one of two things: offer to help, or ask a question to slow the class down and get the instructor's attention.

I am an extrovert LOL but I have a number of friends who are introverts and are too shy / embarrassed / unsure about interrupting or asking for help, or feeling like they are inadequate. I use my "personal" style to try and make sure that everyone is following along at about the same pace. I would never try and make someone feel bad about being slower, or not understanding. I might be quick in the quilting classes, but stick me in a math class, and I'm at a total loss LOL

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and I feel that those who are particularly strong in something should help out those who are struggling. Who knows, that person that you just helped might have a strength where you have a weakness!

This is an interesting thread for me to read. I am a weaver who just started quilting in the spring of 2017, so I am still on a pretty decent learning curve when it comes to quilting and for that matter, sewing. I had never enjoyed sewing until I picked up a couple of vintage sewing machines and discovered how fun they are. I started to quilt to use the machines and found I really enjoy it.

Back to the subject, I have not taken any quilting or sewing classes other than on Craftsy, yet I find it is interesting that the same behaviors go across all of the fiber arts. I have taken a lot of weaving classes and have run into the same issues, either unprepared equipment, someone taking a class that is either too hard or too easy for their skills, and the folks who just like to dominate the instructors time.

For my personal quilting journey, I have learned the most from the generosity of the quilters on this board. I am not yet familiar with the "big names" in quilting, so as of now I do not know of any classes that I would like to take. From what I have read here, I think that the friendly sewing get-togethers would be just right for me, but that type of thing will have to wait until I retire. I work 2nd shift, so I have not even been able to find a guild to play with because where I am, they meet weekday evenings, so that makes the quilting board my guild and teacher.

Nobody can make you feel anything without your permission. I know that there are people in this world who like to flaunt mean vibes, insinuations, rude comments. Your best defense is to Not adopt! Nobody knows better than you what a wonderful person you are. It's your world, plant your happy trees!!

I enjoy taking classes because I want to meet new people. The first thing I do is stick out my hand and say, "Hi, I'm ....." then ask a question. People love to talk about themselves and that is a good icebreaker. It always helps to wear a name tag. I have found that most of the ladies I've met don't take a really expensive machine to class. I take my Singer 301. It sews the same 1/4" as all the other machines. Relax, work at your own pace, do what you can do. It's all in the journey.

I have a subscription to Block, Missouri Star. and I can follow her instructions along with the u tube tutorial, and at my own speed.

I have had good classes and one bad one. One other woman and I actually sewed our projects there. The others just gossiped about their husbands, money, beauty shops, house cleaners, neighbors etc. Worst part was the leader and shop owner joined in with them and left us to learn on our own. That store went out of business quickly.

Thank you Tartan for stating the important part of this question!

If someone wants to socialize they could go to a guild meeting or meet with friends. If you want to learn a technique or it is a class of something you enjoy doing, take the class. I, like you, go to learn from the instructor.

Last comment: It does not matter that you are behind the majority of the class. Raise your hand, ask the instructor to help you at the point you are at. That is why they are there, to help you learn what they are teaching. There is always someone else in the class that is having the same problem you are having!! They also feel alone and would appreciate you getting the instructor to address their issues too. You may also find a quilting-friend!

This is pretty much what I do. While I've enjoyed some classes more than others, I've never taken one that I didn't learn something. I don't even try to finish the project in the class. I've seen people do it and mostly I think it's idiotic. They usually end up no doing a very good job because they are hurrying. I'm not there to make something. I can do that at home by myself. I'm there to learn. As long as I learn the technique being taught, I'm good.

I've just joined a quilt guild and am thinking of joining one of their "bees" after the first of the year. I'm sort of looking at one that you just bring your own project and work on it because I'm really joining for the fellowship.

I spend my winters in what I call a "snowbirds park" in Florida. Once a week we have a quilting bee in the clubhouse. The first year I was here (this is my third) it was called a quilting class where the instructor gave you a choice of projects to work on. Then we all kind of agreed to call it a quilting "bee" and everyone bring whatever they wanted to work on. Very informal and more fun. We all teach each other and share ideas and tools. If someone needed help putting their quilt sandwich together all you had to do is ask. Sometimes I would spend more time checking out what everyone else was doing than i would working on my own project. I really miss this when I go home to Michigan for the spring and summer.

I've taken three quilting classes. Two were excellent, one not so much.
The reasons for the disappointing class were that the people were really clique-y...all had the same type of high end machines and one made it a point of mentioning that you didn't see Singers around very often anymore when I unpacked my machine.:hunf: The instructor got off on a tangent that had nothing to do with the class (for a good half hour) and the class was misrepresented in the advertising, IMO. Next time I will definitely ask for pictures of what we will be learning before I pay good money for a class.
I find it anxiety-inducing to walk into a room full of people, and not all of us have quilting friends to ask along. However, once I sit down and get started, I don't pay much attention to what others are doing.
One thing that bugs me and maybe it shouldn't, is the people who come around and look over your shoulder to see what you're doing, or go through the work you've already done that's sitting on the table beside you. Maybe that's just me. Maybe no one else cares about that.

Watson

I love taking classes and seeing all the different machines is fun for me. I ask the owner how they like that brand/model. I am surprised at the many who say they wish they hadn't bought it. Too expensive, they don't use all the features, too finicky, repair and maint. costs are outrageous. I take classes at the local Bernina dealer and always bring my cheap Brother. LOL My blocks look the same as all the others sewn on the high end machines. I rarely finish but a few blocks in class. I get bored or overwhelmed and just stop for awhile. I don't try to keep up if I don't feel like it.

You are definitely not alone. I have a hard time going to a class too as the other ladies taking the class just zip along and I am so slow and methodical that I get real behind in the finishing of a block. I really enjoy sewing by myself and taking my time. I have met 6 other ladies that are so encouraging and nice and so knowledgeable. They are so helpful if I need anything like ideas or suggestions. We meet at one of our houses once a week and just have a real fun time. I had joined a quilting guild and it was very clickish and I felt so out of place.
Just hang in there and hopefully you will meet some nice ladies like I did and just enjoy the hobby of sewing. I find it very relaxing to sew.

Well, I walked into our one quilting store and asked about their quilting classes. I asked a question about a quilting foot or a walking foot, can't quite remember, it was a couple of years ago. Obviously, according to the owner of the shop, I was an idiot. Her attitude was so, so superior to me. And I thought to myself, geez, there is absolutely no way that I would take classes from you. And at the same time, some other women came in that she knew, and she was having a grand old time laughing with them. I was actually still going to buy a pattern, but when I got to the cash register, she looked at me and then kept talking to her friends! Like I wasn't worth her time. So I walked out, didn't buy the pattern. I have checked from time to time on her website if she has different people teaching her classes, but the whole experience just turned me off. I do have a seniors centre close by where it is drop in to quilt but since I am still working, I cannot attend during the week during the day. I would have also have liked to make new friends in addition to learning quilting techniques. Two of my friends passed away, one has dementia, and the other her husband needs full time care at home.

I won't take any more classes, unless they are the Craftsy variety. The one's I took were awful. In my case, I am initially extremely shy. Almost paralyzingly so. (My friends would beg to differ). I lurked here for a long time before I felt comfortable making comments. My machine is a basic Singer, but I love it. My first instructor told my I would never turn out quality quilts on "that" machine. I find the advice here to be "class like". Someone always has the answer, or posts a link, picture, or tutorial. I have become very confident in my work. I have this board to thank for that!

In general I love good classes of any kind...like to learn new things, for ex: took a whittling class and learned I loved carving small objects....instructor was excellent...would give instruction for a specific technique then walk around the room to make sure everyone had understood and was. proceeding correctly before he proceeded with further instructions.....

Beyond that, in re to quilting classes....if I'm paying $100.00 for supplies plus the cost of the class...yes, I am expecting a finished project...if not in it's entirety during class then with complete written instructions as to how it is to be finished. My purpose in signing up is to learn, not socialize....I can do that elsewhere. And, if I'm am aware that others are continually seeking attention for themselves or the room is filled with those chit chatting with each other making it hard to hear the instructor then....yes, if I'm aware of it then so is the instructor and she should take charge of the situation.