lfletcher

I like classes but only things that interest me. My last class was on different styles of binding and I really enjoyed it. I need to learn something for my money. I've been quilting for 13 years so I have a lot of experience, but do like to learn new things.

mckwilter

I love taking classes and prefer doing one with a live teacher, because he/she can always watch what I'm doing and correct me. But like Dolphyngyrl, most of the LQS classes in my area are offered on weekdays between 10am and 5pm, and I work 8-5. Even the open quilt sessions are on weekdays; I haven't seen any that are scheduled on weekends. In fact, there are only two LQSs in a group of about 20 in this area that are even open on Sundays, and both of them take an hour to get to.

quilterpurpledog

I think this is quite a dilemma for most of us-whether we are the shop owner, teacher or quilter wanting to gain new skills. A shop owner has to think about the profitability. A class, after all, is a teaser to purchase supplies there and usually comes with a ten or fifteen percent discount. I personally like classes that require a book or pattern because it solidifies the class. I appreciate a teacher who has a lesson plan and sticks to it because students want the whole project presented. Slower sewers should be equipted to go home and finish the project. Students should come ready to learn and to have all the supplies needed (from working machine on down) on hand and ready to learn when the class starts. I personally like the supply list available ahead of time so that cutting fabric and marking it with labels can be done ahead of time.Cutting fabric in class is a big waste of everyone's time and intrusive on space. I do think that so many classes are in the internet-free or otherwise- that many people access them. I do it all of the time. I love to go to classes and do so when one fits my needs or schedule. I like the friendship and warm feelings that come from being with others who sew and quilt. I think a survey from the store is essential to provide what is needed and at what cost. Customers, even quilters, are a bit fickle.

SuziSew

First off, I love taking classes. Love the interaction with new people, and look for common ground during discussions that break out. Even taking "easier" classes is fun because there is always something new to learn or an easier way to do something. As for "cliques", "talker's" or "snobs" I don't let them bother me, I'm there for myself and don't need to impress anyone.

What deters me from taking more? The biggest reasons...time and money. I know that there are costs involved but many shops overprice their classes and then you have to add in the purchase requirements. Buying a pattern, I understand but smart shops would offer a discount on fabric (even a small discount) to encourage people to buy their fabric there but it shouldn't be a requirement. I'm already paying for the class and over the years have bought tubs of fabric from them, why shouldn't I be able to use what I have?

Luckily I have two local shops that offer reasonable class prices and buying the fabric there is not required. What deters me are the time schedules. I work full time and can't take daytime classes. The occasional Saturday class is ok but 3 or 4 hours out of a Saturday takes away from home and family. They need evening classes and maybe spread them out, maybe every other week. Having evening classes could be a draw for younger/newer sewers.

Space is an issue when taking classes; is the class room open and easy to get around? Are there cutting tables and ironing boards set up or do we have to bring our own?

What kinds of classes? Ask what they would be interested in. Different skill level classes or offer a quilting class from beginning to end for new sewers.

How about doing a "donation" class? What I mean is projects that will ultimately be donated to some charity. You can charge a small fee for the class portion then offer the same amount in a store credit. One LQS has and all day sew for pillowcases, $5 for however long you can come and then you get a $5 store credit.

Gosh, didn't mean to write a novel! There are so many reasons people do or don't take classes. Mainly you need to ask what they want or ask them for suggestions. Do remember that the people taking the class are "customers" and often to draw in new customers you need to accommodate them to build up a larger clientele.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!

KalamaQuilts

I've spent the last two months cruising quilt shop websites and guild webpages. Newly retired, the first time in my life I've had time to take in depth classes or actually do a retreat. I started out looking at Judy Niemeyer's classes in Montana, and have worked out in a big circle from there, Nevada Arizona New Mexico Texas Oregon Washington Idaho British Columbia.

The shops that are in business to be a business have staffs of 20 or more sometimes, and offer 30-50 classes a month.
Look at the Quilt Shop Sampler annual magazines. Some of these shops only have 2000 bolts of fabric but Something is Always going on in the class rooms and obviously builds on its own momentum.
And they bring in famous quilters, some of the shops are well known for it and customers wait anxiously for the newletter for the day and time sign ups start!

And as Dolphyngyrl mentioned I see over and over the Clubs. I'd love to be part of one of these. Oh, Sorry, the two shops here, one never does classes, the other does classes only involving their Babylock side of the business.

Obviously I've thought a lot about this You have some of the board powerhouses posting great ideas up there, will your shop listen? This is the sort of class I'd be interested in, as something ongoing.
http://www.quiltfabric.com/module/cl...?classId=63931

Ms Kay

I don't take classes because I don't want to carry my sewing machine with me every time. There are a lot of classes I would like to take but it would involve packing to much stuff.

Lafpeaches

A LQS near me has a lot of clubs. The class fees are based on $6/hr. Most of their classes are taught by their store workers. I took some classes when I started quilting over 15 years ago but mostly learn from the Internet especially Craftsy classes. I took one class last year though have done some make-it-take classes.

MarLeClair

I usually sign up for classes that are monthly. I mean I have been doing two year long classes. I like these because I get to know the ladies and sometimes this is the only way to get a big project done. The timeline keeps me on track. One year long class was needle turn applique and the one I am doing now is paper piecing.

Barb in Louisiana

Oh I would do this class in a New York Minute!!!!! Love the Queen version...okay it will probably take me a year. The lessons would give me a great start.

Posted by Kalamaquilts
Obviously I've thought a lot about this You have some of the board powerhouses posting great ideas up there, will your shop listen? This is the sort of class I'd be interested in, as something ongoing.
http://www.quiltfabric.com/module/cl...?classId=63931

edited to add: I have several other JN patterns with the fabric. Time for me to get to sewing a bit today. I am inspired.

lynnie

I would love to take a class, but nothing seems new to me. I want something different, something I can't do on my own. sometimes they are highly priced, I can figure it out on my own type of thing. I can't drive at night, so sometimes that figures into it. but mostly want something I haven't already done.