Class problems
 

For some reason, unknown to me I do not perform well in quilting classes. I sort of ‘freeze’ when beginning a project and I’m always the last one to get anything done.
Yes, I’m usually the least experienced in whatever class it is and that always sets me on edge. Everyone else seems to breeze along with no problems and perfect blocks; I struggle with block construction and use my ripper more than anyone.
The class I just went to was a case in point. All the other students finished 2 or more rows of 10 blocks and I barely finished 1. When I got home, I breezed along and had no problems cutting or piecing the blocks like I did in class.

what is my problem??

It could be just the way you're "wired". I dislike taking classes. I get very distracted and can't seem to get anything done. I didn't have that problem in college though. Maybe it's just the nature of the classes. I really don't know.
I take so many online now and that's a good fit for me.

If you learned to do what you signed up for, I would consider the taking of the class to be a success.

Someone will always be the last one to finish.

It might be like when I type - if someone is looking over my shoulder, I make about 20 mistakes a minute - when by myself, I still make mistakes, but not quite as many!

Hi, I am a bit slow at class too....but don't worry about it...easy to say tee hee. anyway, you start where you are not where someone else is and as you said, you are less experienced and even if you are not, classes are different. sometimes I notice people who don't even seem to be listening to the teacher, they just breeze along. umm...maybe they did this same technique or quilt before? anyway, I have sometimes thought I should just bring "practice" fabric to use while at class, often I am learning something I have never done. Remember, it is NOT a race...it is a time to learn and enjoy time with outer people. another thing to keep in mind is that things are different in class, you maybe have brought along a "travel machine" which is not the one you usually use. I always bring the smallest machine that will do the job, which means, I may not have used that machine much recently. You also are sitting at a table most likely in a different chair and that does make a difference. I love my sewing table at home as it has the airlift in it and I can lower my machine so it is a huge flat bed. Most of the time at class, I am working with those small little plastic surrounds instead. The machine is also at a different height....and err...sometimes I have been know to forget to pack things like pins, seam reapers, extra needle, or gasp...my power cord or foot pedal....if you can get one block made and understand the technique at the end of the class....you are just fine....Lin

I’m the same way. Any hands-on class or “craft night “ type of thing gives me a wee bit of stage fright. I enjoy people and I enjoy making things and I enjoy learning new things. But put all 3 together and My brain slows to a crawl, my nerves make mess up, my typical non-perfectionistic self suddenly wants to fuss about every little thing.

We all come to class with different skill sets or life experiences. Each student will struggle with some things and not other things, and they will differ from student to student. This is normal. Relax, learn and sew at your own pace. When I take classes, it's to learn the technique and to make samples, so I can reproduce this technique at home.

I also listen to what problems others encounter, we learn from everyone's "mistakes" - just because it didn't happen to me in the classroom does not mean it wont happen to me later. I want to know how to avoid and/or solve problems. It interesting to me, that the next week, some of the "speedsters" are completely lost when doing their homework while I am able to do it.

I did have all my supplies, my machine is a travel machine, so no problem there. I just get really nervous and have to ask lots of questions after everyone else is sewing away. I don’t want to stop going to classes because I want to learn new things. Wonder if there are night classes...I could have a little wine to calm myself down!

I never think about being too slow or too fast. I don't see why either way is a problem. I go at my pace and skill level.

Don't compare yourself to others in the class. Just concentrate on what you are trying to learn, and you will! I think completing a whole row of 10 blocks is wonderful!

Just remember, you are only competing with yourself. Don't get psyched out by looking around the room.

We are more alike than not. Great advice. I just want to learn when I take a new class. Oh the joy of accomplishing that one thing .. to learn a new skill!

In just 12 days I am to take a Bonnie Hunter class. I've waited for about 3 years for this day to come and am a little nervous that I will totally make an idiot out of myself. Once in college I froze up during a statistics test and left the room in tears.

When I found out I had actually gotten into the class, I bought the book and began making the quilt. I just wanted to develop some skills and look like I knew what I was doing. I hated the finished product, so I put it in with some others in a sale and someone else liked it and bought it. (I'm not fond of dull blue and mediocre brown together.) So I felt that I should make another one. It turned out great as I had changed the colors to lavender and green, I had acquired some skills, and thing went much better.

It looked like I was on a roll. I saw another (Smith Mountain Morning) on Pinterest in red. Quilted Twins was offering a half yard bundle in red, so I made another. That made three but oh dear nothing to sew in the class. Since they are so much fun to make, I decided to make a green one.

Disaster! Since I was shopping in my stash, I had chosen two fabrics that clashed. And they were already cut out. Even though I am on the fabric moratorium, I was forced to make a quick trip to Zinck's in Ligonier. Now this one will have to be tarnished gold, greens with yellow/beige neutral.

Yea, not keen on taking classes...lectures on techniques..yes....dragging my sewing machine etc is not my idea of fun.

I took classes from a very well known instructor - she would demo the step, then shoot us off to our machines and give a prize to the first one completed. Talk about pressure!!!! The typical quicksters won the prizes, but for those of us that were there to learn got frustrated. I was about in the middle of the pack. But, my little neighbor said she would never take another class from her again.

All of this is normal... we are all “wired” differently as someone said - we are individuals who learn and work in many different ways. Its just important for each of us to figure out what works for us and not be hesitant about being us wherever we are.

I started quilting in 1995 knowing nothing. Period. My LQS owner (bless her heart) took me under her wing, guiding me with beginner projects that i could accomplish on my own then bring back to the shop at certain points for review by non-critical but constructive eyes. She encouraged me to check out the local guild - very intimidating for me especially having been exposed to a snooty few as i frequented the LQS. but at least i had been exposed to the reality ahead of time so i could sufficiently protect my little newbie feelings. I met some kindred spirits, took some classes... but i was always pretty much the last one done (if at all) even as my skills progressed.

At some point the lightbulb just kinda went on for me. I am a “process” person. My enjoyment of quilting is the putzing around maybe on a single block (yes, maybe even all day sewing with friends)! For me i want to enjoy and immerse myself in every part - enjoying looking at the colors, improving some skill at my own pace, getting excited when those first blocks somehow magically appear on the design wall (no thanks to me sometimes!). So my only goal is definitely not just getting the quilt done and once i realized that and just let myself enjoy where i was at it was really liberating! My skills have grown so much since i started quilting (thank goodness) but more importantly for me is the joy i experience just doing my thing. I finish a lot of quilts these days but on nobodys schedule but my own. I purposely dont put myself on deadlines - quilting is my “happy place” - so ok, i know how to turn that baby quilt into something maybe a little larger if time marches by and its not done!

I dont go to many classes these days but i do take online instruction. By the way i was also a teacher at my LQS for many years... and saw many people just like me who maybe werent so goal oriented and encouraged them to build their skills slowly on an as needed basis and let their joy and feeling of accomplishment motivate them.

Since when is quilting a timed event anyway? You went to class to learn a technique, which you obviously did because you were able to duplicate what you learned at home! I'm never as comfortable working in class as I am at home either but as long as I learned something in the class, I am happy. Please don't fall into the trap of thinking everything has to be some kind of competition, it will take away your joy of your own progress!

I am slow in class situations and do just fine at home. Although I can multitask, it seems that all the activity, sharing of pressing areas, machine hiccups (both mine and classmate) and trying to listen to every word of the instructor and see around numerous classmates gathered to learn the next step.....all while trying to sew that first set of pieces together is daunting. Taking all the above activity going on in class, oh, and not let's forget the food and drink. What I have learned is: Get good instructions prior to class. Piece as much as you can at home. Cut out, starch/press, your pieces before class. Have all of your tools organized for that class. Take a digital recorder and get permission to place it and use it where the instructor is conducting the class.(Tie a bright ribbon on your car keys so you don't forget to get the recorder off the table) Take your own small iron and pad. Take your own lunch so you can get right back to sewing, rather than going off campus. Ha! Doing these things will give you breathing space and you will be more relaxed. Don't be worrying about what you left at home...a tool, needles, etc. Most quilters don't mind sharing. Mark all of your tools with your name or bright colored tape or ribbon, so you are not worrying about your stuff. Take a cushion or sit upon so you are comfortable in the chair provided. Don't forget a power strip and extension cord. Also be prepared to tell the novice who sat down next to you, "I'm sorry, but I am struggling to keep up with the teacher, I cannot stop and help you, you need to ask the instructor to help you". I have had so many classes where someone who has NEVER quilted before decided to take the class and sit next to me and now wants me to be their mentor. I actually had a classmate that had never used a sewing machine until the day of class....Where is there another vacant space, please? Hope this helps for your next class.... Do some of these suggestions and then you can focus like you are at home.

Great reply, Lady Diana! I especially like the part about the novice quilter. Thanks.

Lady Diana - excellent suggestions -

I did attend a couple of classes with a friend that just kept talking and talking and talking - awkward situation.

My learning skills vary from "catch on fast" to "please go over that again - in very slow motion" .

A few weeks ago I got a last minute cancellation spot for David Taylor's class starting the next morning, Be there at 9 am and only need to bring sewing machine as kits were being sold once there. That's all I knew. I had no idea what we were doing or making. If I had stressed over how the class would be I wouldn't have gone and missed out on a wonderful day. Stress and fretting takes joy out of anything. I have taken Bonnie Hunter classes several times. I only finished one block in each class because I was more interested in being in the moment and taking in all the good stuff going on around me then focusing on making a lot of quilt blocks.

I always go extra early to find a good spot on the end so I only have one person on one side of me. And if I bring my own portable sewing table and extension reel I have always been allowed on my own if I want. And I always bring a back up machine and leave in the car. It has saved me and other class members day at times.

As a teacher, I have see this before. First, you are taking the class for yourself, try not to think of the others and trying to work as they do. Second, see if you can position yourself so that your back is to the other students. If you can't see what they are doing, it may be less intimidating. Third - speak with the instructor. Perhaps you can come in a few minutes early and get started. Then when the others arrive, you will already be in the flow. But, even if these things do not work out, don't beat yourself up. Some folks just don't do well in that type of structure. Nothing right or wrong with that. The important thing is that you are quilting!!!!!

I have been teaching quilt classes for a long time. Everyone performs at a different level. Everyone has their own way of learning. There are some students who zip along in class, and then go home and mess up the assignment when alone. Others either don't seem to get it or just observe and then go home and master the lesson. If at the end of the class you have a quilt that you are happy with, you are a success. You should compare yourself to you, not others.

I understand your situation completely. I am so much better sewing at home by myself as I am such a loner and enjoy the quiet time and sew at my own speed. I am such a perfectionist and that is why I am so slow. If I take a class it is only to learn a new technique and mainly take notes and go home and try it. So you are definitely not alone-I am sure there are alot of us out there that don't do well in classes.

I have never taken a quilting class for exactly that reason. I am afraid that I will either over preform and do sloppy work or I will under preform because I OCD about details and fear of making mistakes. I have been quilting for more than 30 years now and I freeze at the idea of taking a class.

I have the same problem -- I want to be the "best, fastest, most amazing" whenever I am in a class -- I think it was drummed into me at school -- I had to be top of the class -- come in first on any test. I like to "monitor" any class I take because then I learn and take notes. I do the work at home and take it to the next session to talk about any problem I had.

I look at classes as a way to meet and share experiences with other quilters. Go in with the mindset of enjoying the company of others and look to learn at least one new skill. I think that's a successful class and not necessarily what you get finished.

I find that the instructor style can be a great help. I recently went to a class where she helped us with any quilt that was in her book and spent time with each person. It was a nice class and we all did different things. In general, I find i get distracted in a class so I really think about whether i can learn something through a different method. I thought classes would get easier but they are so hard for me. I like being alone sewing or with a close friend.

I am the same and overal I consider myself a good quilter. I am a bit of a perfectionist and take my time. also I get distracted.

I would not like this kind of class. Indeed pressure.

I had to chuckle, for I am glad that I am not the only one that feels they are the slowest . I have taken many classes because I felt excited and I thought I would learn SO much , etc., etc. I have often left the classes feeling bad and inadequate. My sewing machine isn’t fancy and expensive like many (most) of the participants. I often don’t understand the instructions , and I think the pressure from high achievers causes me to slow down even more. It is HARD not to compare oneself with others. I have decided to stop going to classes because I start feeling really bad about myself! That isn’t good. Sometimes I start thinking the teacher is frustrated with me because I am not “catching on” like the “A” students! Classes shouldn’t be competitive.
I am glad you wrote about this!

I usually enjoy taking a class, but a teacher took all the joy out it for me. I told her quietly before the class that I was dyslexic and left-handed and might have some problems. She promptly my problem to everyone in the class. I was embarassed and humiliated.

I take classes but usually because I want to meet new people. Sewing is a solitary hobby and sometimes I just like to be with other people. I always learn something new which is a bonus but I like to be with like minded people. If I am slow...so be it.

If you feel more comfortable taking your time, that's perfectly ok. I prefer to proceed slowly and find I'm happier later with the project.

Several years ago I took a very pricey class from a very well known quilter. She hated the fabrics I picked out (I shopped my stash), made me rip out my first block and sew it with fabrics she preferred (I didn't think much of her combination and the colors would not work in my home - I had to buy some fat quarters to make her happy). She told me I was working too slow and that I had to have perfect 1/4" seams(for me speed = wonky seams) -- by the time the 6 hour class was over I had made one block while the rest of the group had made enough blocks for a quilt. I was a nervous wreck. I trashed the project when I went home and never made it (even though I liked the pattern).

Now I rarely go to classes, I try to use youtube to learn new techniques.

My experience is the worst person in the whole room is the idiot in my own head. I finally learned to tell her to shut up and get to work. :D

I think many good points have been made. I suggest you analyze what is stressing you....do you want it to turn out perfect to show your friend tomorrow? are you cutting into your favorite fabric? etc then mitigate that stress

I have good days when everything is clicking and others where I give up on sewing and just take notes. My goals have evolved into learning (and even in a bad class or a repeat of a technique I already know I almost always learn something or am reminded of something I forgot ) And my second goal is to not make my bad day a bad day for everyone else.

With those goals I come out of class with a least a couple positives.

I have been to many quilt classes and workshops. I have learned over the years no one cares how fast or slow I sew. No one cares if I sit and rip out stitches. When I realized no one should care in the first place so why did I expect them to? I enjoy classes and sometimes I sew and sometimes I just sit and watch. No one cares what I choose to do and that is how it should be.

I love taking classes, but do not necessarily love all the ones I take.

At uni I am often the first to finish an exam and that freaks out classmates that take an hour longer than me. I reassure them that just because I am fast, does not mean I do better than them. Although I generally am in the top 5% of a class.

With quilting and sewing, I am slower, much slower than others. I quilt as a hobby and only a couple hours a month if I am lucky. I will never be as fast nor as accurate as those who quilt daily or weekly. That is ok, I am there to learn new skills.

I took a couple bra making classes this spring. One woman in the class made two bras int eh time it took me to make one. I am ok with that. I learned a new pattern, how to fit my body and have a great fitting colourful bra to wear. That is what matters in the end.

Wow carolynjo, seriously?!! I would have reported her to the person in charge of whatever store or group was sponsoring that class. Totally unacceptable behavior for teacher.

Peckish, your comment made me laugh so hard!!! I'm going to use that line at work... "It's not me, it's the idiot in my own head!" :)

I had one bad experience years ago in a class with... well, I won't say who, but she was a very famous expert in serging. She took one look at my serger which was an inexpensive model, I will admit. She said in front of the whole class, well Donna, you won't be able to accomplish anything with that THING, but you can try. . Which I did. I put that machine through its paces and she kept coming around and acting surprised. I got something out of the class based only on what I was doing by myself with no help from her because she really just ignored me throughout. That company still exists and when I see their name, I still do cringe a little bit.

Lady Diana's advice was spot-on! Those are all great things to remember in a class, especially being honest with the person sitting next to you. I'm rather quiet and I like to pay close attention to the teacher, and I always end up sitting next to a Chatty Cathy..... LOL. :)

This is also me. I stopped worrying about it a long time ago. I am more about the finished product than the speed. I have never had to be the first to finish. I want to enjoy the process and lean from the experience.