Lori J

I have to agree with jaciqltznok. I am grateful for teachers who have taught me how to do an accurate 1/4" seam. It allows me to do more difficult piecing with less frustration. But on the other hand teachers should never belittle a student....

jgriinke

I can see stressing that quarter inch seams are very important, but not to be the quilt police with a first project. It is very important, but there has to be a happy medium. I also don't like the teachers that say that their way is the only way to do things. I've had people tell me that they never do something a certain way, because a teacher told them not to. I really think a good teacher should be open to other options. Give the students more than one way to do things and let the student decide what works best for them. Of course, that's just my feelings.

Amythyst02

I can see both points presented here in this thread. We should learn the correct way of doing it, that is why we are taking a class. However, the instruction could have been a tad more tactful in how she did things. Certainly your sister does not want to be discouraged, but I assume she wants to learn how to quilt and do it the right way. Is she using her own machine? If so, the teacher should have taken the time to show her how to achieve the 1/4 seam on it, using tape or something to help guide her. I think that having to rip out the seams is a bit much, but perhaps the outcome requires the seams to be correct. In any case there are two ways to look at this. Which is right, I am not sure, but I would want to learn to do it correctly the first time, otherwise it would be easy to just say oh well it does not matter, and then in a more complicated quilt it might make all the difference in the world.

angelarose

The first, and only, quilting class I took appeared very relaxing for all of us. So true: there are teachers and there are those who can't and shouldn't teach. Our teacher was calm, however she stressed the importance of accuracy: 1/4 inch seams that she measured and demonstrated for accuracy. She only measured in one class, and yes, she did have some of us rip apart seams and do over..no big deal. She encouraged us to practice and reassured that in time it would all come together and it would get easier for us to sew an accurate seam.
We shouldn't get hung up on perfection, but it is important to know that accuracy counts and a teacher is only advising this or she's not doing her job. Teaching is an art. Some have it and some don't. Sounds like it's a very tense class and I'm sorry it had to be this way.

NanaBeez

I have taken classes from time to time and have gained some pointers but have learned far more from friends in my quilting group, sew,sew,sewing and books and video. I am a great believer in the joy in the journey whether you are a perfectionest or a laid back sewer as I tend to be.

Quiltersbox

I teach classes and label them as Beginner, Beginner+(a person who has made a quilt or two) and advanced.
Often the beginner classes have students who have never quilted and I show them how to use the rotary cutter and cut before we start to sew. The classes are longer and I spend more time with them. There is always "homework" because this is where they will be doing most of their projects.
We talk about and I show them how to do the 1/4" seam allowance. It's very important, but, when doing a beginner pattern, such as QIAD Log Cabin, I feel it's most important that the seam allowance be consistent. The blocks will be smaller, and we adapt.
Not everyone invests in a the 1/4" piecing foot right away. They usually purchase one once they see the value of it or have cash flow. It all comes with practice.
If a seam needs to be ripped, I help.
It is never appropriate to be condescending to anyone in the class because we are supposed to be having fun.

lauriequilts

I learned how to quilt by reading books, watching video's on youtube, and hints other quilter's gave me. I have been quilting for about 9 years and I am still learning. Please don't let a bad teacher discourage you.

SharBear

I think it's important to get the basics down but not to the point of being discouraging. One real problem with LQS classes is they are project focused - not technique focused. I will say I learn something from every class I have ever taken. Recommend the Harriet and Carrie Hargraves series -- Quilt Academy series (Freshman/Sophomore/Junior year books are out). Working through those will establish the foundations for a fantastic quilter.

Drew

What a disappointing class and an inconsiderate teacher. I wouldn't be having her for a teacher again!

maryp

some people just dont have the patince or personality to be teaching. wonder how the teacher of that class would feel if someone treated her the same way.