doris.meek13088

Life is much too short. I sew because I enjoy it, enjoy learning something new, enjoy creating something. I learn sometimes from classes, sometimes from others and sometimes from shows. I only do these things that are fun. If you have signed up and don't enjoy it, don't go. If you run into a problem or find something you want to know more about, simply ask on this forum and see what resources others can give you.

dc989

I'm assumed this is just one project or quilt to be made. I think I would stick it out to see if the techniques might be beneficial at a later date. Have you discussed your concerns privately with the teacher? She might ease your concerns or help you combine your favorite techniques with some of hers to make the class easier. What I would not do is announce to the group that you prefer another technique. I just taught a class where one member did that several times. It was so awkward for all concerned. It pretty much soured me on teaching.

Wintersewer

Good for you, Tess. I am shocked that ANY adult would call another person those terrible words. She is unfit to teach...or even be around other folks!!

[QUOTE=tessagin;7479188]I went to a class and was so bored I nearly fell asleep. I stuck it out for about an hour. Yes, not a long time. Then water hit the hot oil in the skillet so to speak. The instructor began to single me out knowing I was a beginner quilter and using the words, ignorant, stupid, yankee redneck. I got up started packing my things and she has the gall to call me a quitter. I told her I was past putting up with her mean tactics and there are just too many better quilters out there who probably never took her class and got awards.

dc989

One other thought. I took a class from a national teacher through our guild. She was the spokesperson for a particular high price quilting device and spent huge amounts of time pitching that product. She was also friends with two women in the guild who were the ones who got her for the class at a huge price. What a joke! She did almost no teaching and sat over in the corner visiting with her girlfriends when she wasn't pitching her product. At the lunch break over half the class never returned. No one bought her product. Her girlfriends had the nerve to pitch a fit at the next guild meeting that they were embarrassed by our rude behavior to a national teacher.

my-ty

Talk to the instructor about your concerns before making your decision.

There are numerous quilting techniques, and all quilters choose which ones work best for their purposes. Learning new techniques allows quilters to grow and improve their skills. Yes, this growth can be challenging and stressful, but also rewarding when you find a new technique that works for you.

Good luck with your decision.

Sewnoma

Wow! So many negative experiences!

I've only taken a few local quilting classes (maybe 10 or so) but I've enjoyed all of them, even the ones that were a little too "beginner" for what I was looking for. I've been to classes taught by "big name" teachers and those taught by staff in the local shop and I've never seen a teacher belittle her students! What terrible behavior. The teachers I've had have, by and large, been at least interesting if not downright funny. I enjoy the classes and I enjoy talking to my fellow quilters during breaks - I find it's a great way to meet local people who share my obsession.

I just don't want anybody to read this thread and think that a large percentage of quilting classes are taught by mean or petty people.

I have learned not to attend "free classes" at a certain local shop, because they're about 90% sales pitches and 10% tips I've seen everywhere already. But even so, they were mildly entertaining and I got to chat with some interesting people. I can think of worse ways to spend a weekend afternoon!

klswift

if the class was expensive and you can not get a refund, then stay with it. You may get some tips and tricks out of it - if not from the instructor, then from other students. I would probably keep working on the project in my own way (but then I have always been a rebel!). And try not to let the instructor get to you. Look for something to learn. If nothing else, ask questions about different ways to do things. If the class was inexpensive or only has a couple more meetings - drop it. Chalk it up to a learning experience. Quilting should be fun and not something you dred doing.

my-ty

Totally agree!!

gmac01

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I have decided to continue the class. The teacher is awesome and you can tell she is very knowledgeable and loves sharing her gifts with everyone. The class is the second in a series of skill building projects. I think while I may not like the projects we are currently working on ( designing your own quilt patterns) and sometimes feel rushed to get projects completed, there is still alot I can learn from it all. I'm gonna relax my self expectations to do it all as fast as I can, and just enjoy the experience!

annette1952

Myself I always like to learn different ways of doing things but that doesn't mean I would change doing it my way unless it proved to be easier or better. Then I would try it. No matter how long you have quilted there is always going to be something new to you. You just have to be the one to decide what & how you want to do it. If the class is really getting you down then by all means drop out but if you just want to learn different ways then hang around & just see if there is something you like. Just have fun regardless which way you go. That is what it is all about!