QltrSue

I have a couple of observations: With the price of LQS fabric quite high, I wonder if quilters want to use their money for fabric instead of classes, since so much can be found on the internet and other free sources.

I wonder if quilters fear having another UFO, when the class is over. I have to Really like the project to sign up, so that there is good probability that I will finish it at home, if not in class.

I wonder what is your "audience's" skill level. Perhaps most are somewhat experienced quilters and need a class offering of more advanced designs. I have taken two EPP classes; both just showed the basics, step one, making the hexis and rosettes, but neither wanted to show how then to assemble into different designs, etc. See what I mean?

I take classes to learn new techniques or because I love the sample project, but also to get acquainted with other quilters and pick up tips and techniques from the teacher. There is always something to learn.

Just some things to think about. Best wishes on figuring it all out!

QltrSue

Looks like alot of us had the same ideas!!

Barb in Louisiana

I have a friend who has made hundreds of quilts but will sign up for a class anytime she sees something interesting and challenging. If I am around her, I sign up too, even though most of the time, I could do it on my on. It's the friendship, comraderie thing. If it is a small item, she will finish it in class. It takes me much longer. I'm like the lady who wishes there was a follow-up class to remind me what I need to finish doing.

Some thoughts....

Maybe 1 price for 1 person with a discount if they sign up a friend. 5 friends come, you get a free class. Groups are much more fun.

I like it when the shop offers a 10% discount on anything we buy on class day or for the project.

Definitely find out what people want to learn how to do. A friend of mine just taught Night & Day by Eleanor Burns and had 10 people sign up. Surprised the heck out of her. Another purse class she did had more sign up than she anticipated.

I find I want to learn something new that I can't figure out on my own, or wouldn't try on my own.

Weezy Rider

One problem ls the use of kits. Most of the time I prefer fabric of my choice and color. I did a Celtic Heart class that wasn't a kit and chose southwestern colors rather than the traditional reds.

The other objection is class taking cliques. My personal life is none of your business and I'm not interested in your gossip.

susie-susie-susie

I have been quilting for many years, but I still sign up for classes. Some are for complicated patterns, but most are for the talking and friendship. My favorite shop offers a discount for the supplies for the class and the prices for the classes aren't too much. Dinner and a movie costs more that a class. If it is a quilt that looks like fun, I sign up. One thing I miss is the class pass. I used to take a lot more classes when the class pass is offered.
Sue

ManiacQuilter2

I read posts about quilters all the time watching u-tubes and taking classes from Craftsy. I think a lot of new quilters don't understand the one to one connection one gets from a live teacher being there.

SueSew

I like the 'open class' format where you bring something to work on and get help with it as you need it, and everyone gets to know each other so it is social, and we help each other as well. You would be surprised at the variety of projects people bring in, from bags and bowls to applique to red-work and paper piecing and huge pieced quilts. It can be more of a drop-in which is great for working people.

I don't like "Make This" classes where you have to buy the package of material and pattern from the LQS, show up and do all the work right then and there. Sometimes I am slower than others and I get behind. Plus these classes - though they use a technique I want to learn or improve at - have a really dorky pattern or colors. Too structured for me!!!

I also don't like classes where there was a little clique of quilting-guild types who already know it all and are there to show off to everyone / bug the instructor while I'm struggling along trying to learn something.

If you are doing a make-something class, try doing it in the fall for Christmas gifts, and make it quick, painless and clever, like those fabric bowls, or a bag or potholders or whatnot where you can chose the fabrics. And avoid classes requiring some dumb ruler you'll never use again.

Love the suggestion from poster above about discounts for all fabric bought that day - definitely saw this successful at my local LQS!

I think it is great that you are not only skilled enough to teach but good enough to want it to be a great success for the good of the LQS.

bearisgray

For me - the cost of the class is probably manageable -

If I knew that it would be okay to bring supplies "from home" - instead of having to buy them from the LQS for that class - I would probably be more interested/willilng to sign up for classes.

I also don't want to deal with the snobs/elitests who have better/newer/more expensive things to use.

(Only exception to that - if people are learning how to use a particular machine - then it makes sense for them all to be using similar machines.)

Dolphyngyrl

for me most of the time classes are offered I am at work our LQS seem to cater to the retired who are available during the day during the week so I have been doing mostly online unless its a weekend seminar. I also find monthly clubs seem to be more popular and my LQS than classes. They have an embroidery club, serger club, scanncut club, applque club and they meet the same time every month. It may be the topic of what is taught, maybe the regulars are just looking for different choices. I know when I take in person classes at the quilt show I always do a totally different topic. If one topic is the only topic taught you may be pushing out people who aren't interested in that topic and limiting the amount of student by some that have already taken it not wanting that subject anymore.

KalamaQuilts

Because the constant refrain here and other on-line places is "nothing matters, there aren't any rules, do it your way, there is no wrong way"

youtube and blog tutorials have made huge inroads in any kind of formal learning classes. Free and always convenient

It isn't up to us if points get cut off, but I so seldom see any real encouragement for learning the basic fundamentals for sewing anything.

Do you ask the students you've had to fill out a little feedback form and give it to the shop owner?
Can you call past students and say you are working to update classes and what they would like to see?
Is there a feedback form at the counter asking for this type of on-going input?

Any business worth beans knows the compliments are wonderful, bring them on, but addressing the complaints is the business builder