I wish I had time to learn from the dealer about my machines, but classes are almost always held during the work day..

I have never attended a class from my dealer. It either wasn't offered, the machine was used, or I couldn't attend for some reason or another (distance, vacation, etc.) The only one I eventually took at another LQS was a serger boot camp. When I was learning to sew back in Jr. High..........NO ONE was allowed to touch the tension. Learning how to use the serger and constantly adjust the tension was a big ah-ha moment and later helped me FMQ on my mid-arm. No long afraid of tension adjustment LOL

I have also never taken a quilting class. I have learned everything I know from previous sewing experience, books, this board (a big part), friends in guild, or YouTube. I have so many projects, either purchased or in my head, that starting a new project in a class, just for the sake of learning a new technique, seems counterproductive for me. I never make the same quilt twice (hardly ever LOL) and try to stretch my knowledge and techniques that way. I admire all you class attendees, but it's just not me. I am slow and methodical, take my time, read directions and would probably quickly fall behind in class. I attend many retreats with friends however, enjoying the social aspects there and the exchange of ideas and techniques, but I work on my own projects.

I have 3 Berninas and have taken full advantage of their Mastery classes. They showed many ways to fully use the machines. When I bought a used updated Bernina, they let me take classes pertaining to that machine. What a help.

I do like classes where you're with a group. The social aspect, as mentioned, is always fun. I've taken classes I didn't really need just to meet people.

My dealer does one-on-one classes for purchased machines though - they don't have any room for anything more than that, it's a TINY shop that is crammed full of machines. I like her, but not enough to hang out for 1-1/2 hours to be taught things I already know. :) I'm always too antsy to get my new toy home and play! And she probably has better things to do, too.

I really like the convenience of You Tube and DVD's - can learn on my own schedule. In person classes are fun but sometimes not convenient - time - location.

I think Craftsy classes are wonderful! You are either right in front of or directly behind the instructor - which never happens in a "real" class. My local shop really doesn't have classes on things I want to learn.
I have a hard time negotiating YouTube and what I do find isn't necessarily what I thought it was!
Do love the board for immediate answers though.

My sewing machines came with classes but it was impossible for me to go because I had no childcare. There were classes that came with my longarm and I felt they were very useful. More so then anything online.

Being a very visual learner, I now prefer online classes (CRAFTSY & YOUTUBE), where I can tune in at any time and watch, without having to pack up my gear and go to the local shop/school.

I bought new Janome last January I take classes at the local tech college (quilting is a related art) and I use Janome's there. I was told that the purchase entitled me to an hour class, so I took it. I did not have to bring anything they had the supplies and machines. I did learn a few things, but at the end,was told that my warranty which originally was for one year with a free cleaning, was extended another year since I took the class. That means another free cleaning! It was worth the time, because they charge $85 for the cleaning, so the hour was surely worth it.

I am like rvsfan. I am a visual learner and with videos, I can go back to them as many times as I feel necessary until I get it right. I have done this with several patterns on youtube. I have a cookbook holder in my sewing room, prop my Kindle up one it and go to town. Works well for me