Classes taken and recommendations
 

What classes have you taken at a quilt shop in the last year that you would recommend to a friend? Looking for ideas on what is appealing to quilters.

I took one on a mystery table runner. it was fun, didn't learn anything new. she was trying to promote a cutting machine, but my ruler and rotary cutter were quicker to me.

The best class I ever took... by FAR... was the one on putting on a binding! The instructor's plan was to put the whole thing on using the machine.. but I still like to stitch the back by hand. Of course, it helps to really enjoy hand work! But knowing how to measure, cut, etc. to get the binding put together at the end was worth it!!!

I, too, took a bind class that I have found invaluable. Mind you, I still forget things. But it was a great class. Also did a class on paper piecing that was great. I just couldn't 'get it' reading things so having the hands on class was perfect. For that I haven't 'forgotten' anything! Those are the only classes I've taken at all. The rest of my quilting is all self-taught. Including hand quilting. But that would probably be another valuable class.

I have taken 2 FMQ classes that were very helpful, also took a bag class the first time I was making a bag and learned several helpful tricks, a bargello class helped me learn many helpful things and have made several since then, and a class on making the clothesline wrapped in strips baskets.

I have also taken 2 FMQ classes from different instructors and enjoyed both. Each quilter had their own way of teaching and ideas... you get a different perspective and apply the techniques that work best for you. I am attending the MQX in Manchester, NH tomorrow and am looking forward to another FMQ class, this time with Leah Day.

I think that a binding class with different techniques would get me into the classroom. I watched Patrick Lose on F&P and it was fascinating to see how he cut the dog ear to make the binding in the corner to lay flatter. Still trying to get the courage to try machine sewn binding. I have always stitched the binding by hand to the back.

I took the Spicy Spiral table runner class. I could not figure out how to do it at all from the pattern. I'm glad I found out. The actual sewing the wedges together was a lot easier then reading how to do it. That pattern could tie with the 4 Patch Posy pattern as being the worst pattern ever written.

I haven't taken a class at a LQS in over a year. The only time I can take one is on a Saturday, and most of the LQSs in my area have group things scheduled -- Saturday Sampler, Applique, Fat Quarter Club, etc. The last class I really wanted to take was to make one of those tuffets, and surprise!, it was scheduled for a Tuesday. Those of us who work outside the home are out of luck when it comes to classes.

I watched the Sharon Schamber YouTube on binding several times, and do a pretty good job now (at least better than I did before I watched it). I have signed up for several Craftsy classes, and am starting one on FMQ this Saturday, in the comfort of my home.

I take a lot of Craftsy classes. They are great when I really want to concentrate and not socialize.