Bonnie Hunter Class Quandry
 

I don't know what to do! I could take Bonnie Hunters classes in Phoenix on Feb 1,2 and it will probably be the only chance I will ever get to attend one of her classes but I don't like either pattern that will be taught. You also have to buy the book for each one and I don't know about the new one but there is no pattern in the other book that 'speaks' to me. It is a shame as I am actually working on 4 different patterns of hers. The two class patterns are Midnight Flight and Serpentine Web. Serpentine Web is not in any of her books so I have deduced that it is the pattern on the front of the new book. So I am wondering if what I learn from these patterns in a class will be worth the expense. I have never taken a class before but have read a lot and worked with two local groups now so feel I am fairly knowledgeable but still only two years quilting.

P.S. I have not worked with triangles yet.

I have taken a Bonnie Hunter class. It was great fun. She limits the number of participants so you do get time with her. She also has a trunk show where you can get up close with her quilts. She gives tips on cutting and piecing that makes the process easier. If you have never worked with triangles, she has several methods to make you successful. And, finally, she is really fun!! I would go for it.
Oh, the class I took I originally hated the pattern, but loved it when it was done.

I would take the class just to learn her techniques, especially if you believe this might be your only chance. Nothing says you have to make the whole quilt. Just make a block or two and ask lots of questions.

I would go for it. I subscribe to her blog and her classes look like so much fun!

I'd attend just to meet her! I like the advice that Peckish gave.

I would take the class if I had the money and knew it might be the only opportunity to do so. Look at it this way, you are a fan and even thought the quilts that will be featured don't speak to you Now, they might in the future. Choose the class that is most out of your comfort zone. You will learn a new technique at the very least. You might learn other things that surprise you too :-)

I would definitely take the class! She spoke at my guild in January and I was lucky enough to get to pick her up at the airport in San Diego and drive her to Temecula. We even had lunch together and to the antique mall, and I loaned her my featherweight while she was here. I enjoyed her trunk show and took her class and had a blast. She is a great teacher, and I picked up several tips from her even though I've been quilting for a while now. She is super fun, full of energy, and you will have a wonderful time in her class.

I took two of her classes back to back. I didn't like the block pattern we were making but made two in each class. Enough to make a nice table runner. One tip she gave has made my piecing a lot better. I always learn something from a good instructor. I didn't buy a book or her rulers. I think the class fee was enough and it wasn't cheap for two days. I got the book I needed on sale online.

I am in the minority here. As much as I love Bonnie Hunter, if you are not wild about what she is teaching, I say save your money and find a different class (at a different time probably) that does excite you. Check local guilds and LQS as they often have show listings or know when teachers will be in the area giving classes. You can also go on the internet and check out your favorite quilters and see if they have a schedule of classes.

I am old school when it comes to money...if I don't love it or need it, I don't spend it. Just my 2 cents. Again, I love Bonnie, so this is not knocking her or her patterns.

Haven't had the opportunity to take a class with her and would guess the fee is rather pricey due to her reputation. But that being said, if you like her patterns then I'd jump on it cause she certainly is a wonderful teacher--I learned so much just following her instructions and tutorials on the one quilt of her's I made.
Now, if you just are not at all interested in the patterns, then certainly skip it and seek out a class that may appeal!

Bonnie came to my guild with a trunk show. She is an engaging speaker and it was fun to see her amazing quilts. However, one teacher does not fit all quilters. As you are just two years into quilting, you could definitely learn from Bonnie. You'll have to do your T-chart with pluses and minuses and decide which side wins!

Go to her class. If you have never worked with triangles, then you will be amazed at what you learn. The cost is an investment in your knowledge of quilting.

I’m sure it would be a great experience...from listening to her live cam, I think she would be a lot of fun. Even if you aren’t crazy about the two patterns, you could make a small project and donate it to a charity.

Take the class, I think she has indicated that she will not be teaching for much longer - at least teaching that involves travel. She is going to stay close to home and run her quilt retreat.

Like others have said, most of us learn something with every class we take, no matter how long we have been quilting.

If you like BH, her site, her blog and most things she does, think seriously about taking her class. There is so much to learn from her and fellow class mates. It is maybe the experience that is the most important. Like others have said, turn the project into a table runner or give it away to a charitable cause. Last year I took a class from a nationally known teacher. I learned so much and enjoyed her presence, but, I didn't like my product squares. They made great pot holders. But, I am so glad I did the class.

I will be faced with the same problem. BH is coming to Shipshewana in Nov. 2019. Well it sounded like a long way off a year or so ago, but it is almost upon us. I want to finish my Alletaire for the show and tell part. I want to take a class, but just like you, there are only a few patterns that I am drawn to. But it is best for me to broaden my horizons and learn something outside my comfort zone, So let's hope I've got my name in to the secretary on time.

I never heard of Bonnie Hunter until this board. I would go just for all the tips she seems to be known for. I've taken classes from other teachers before and learned a lot more than just what the project was.

I was lucky enough to get a spot in one of her classes as I was on the "waiting list". Take the class, she's wonderful and the things that you learn will be well worth it. Who says you have to make an entire quilt? A couple of blocks is about the amount of time you might have. Show and tell time is great, both hers and any others there-if that's an option. Buying her book, I'm waiting for her blog to say it's pre-order time....I love them, will never make all of them, just plain great dream materials sometimes.

Just do what is in your heart and you will find the answer. I would love to meet Bonnie Hunter and take her class. It's a great opportunity, you'll have fun and learn some of her techniques.

I would definitely take her class, the tips, techniques, wisdom and experience would be more than worth time and money. And like someone else said you won't be making a whole quilt but just a couple of blocks. I don't think I have ever attended a class and not had an aha moment from the instructor or another attendee.

I would take it. Even if the pattern isn't to your liking, I always learn something new. You can always make a baby quilt out of what you do in class.

Take the class... for every one of her classes that I have taken there is only enough time to make (complete) maybe 4 blocks. She will tell you in the class suppies how much fabric for the whole quilt and also how much to cut to use for the class, so you don't have to commit to making the entire quilt.
She has a wealth of info that is guaranteed to make you a more precise piecer!

I enjoyed the Bonnie Hunter class that I took. Folks didn't necessarily follow the same color scheme as her quilt and maybe using your favorite colors would change your mind about the pattern.

I would go for it and make a crib sized to donate if I did not like the pattern, just for the experience. I will be in your back pocket in spirit. Lol.

One additional consideration... Bonnie is planning to begin cutting back on her exhaustive travel schedule so class opportunities will be more scarce in the future.

I think that if you choose fabrics you really like it and plan to make a smaller quilt it would be doable. But if after selecting colors / fabrics you like you are still on the fence, then pass. there are a lot of good quilt teachers and maybe it would be better to wait.

Thank you everyone for your input. Your comments about the things you learned in classes helps me to make the decision. I am going to go. If I don't I think I will keep regretting that I didn't. It is so nice to be able to come here and get feedback. I appreciate it.