Expectations From a Quilting Class????
 

I have been asked to teach a quilting class using different sewing machine feet. I was wondering what everyone likes or expects when you take a class? The class will run once a month for four months, with each block using a different foot. Some examples are 'Pintuck', 'Yarn Couching', 3 Hole Yarn, 7 Hole Cord, and 'Button'....Plus more. Right now, I'm making a quilt using Christmas fabric and this pattern. Although I have taken many classes myself, this is the first one I have taught. I would love suggestions! Hopefully, I have this posted in the correct area. I couldn't decide if it belonged here or in Chit Chat.

I've only taken one quilting class in person so far, but I've taken lots of other types of classes.

My #1 thing I would expect is for the instructor to BE ORGANIZED, and/or have a helper that can take care of that for you. I hate sitting idle and wasting class time while the instructor fumbles around trying to find something in the middle of a demo or explanation. If it happens once or twice it's no biggie but some instructors, I've felt like half the class time was spent watching them root around in a bag or dig through piles of stuff on a table.

Having fun is also important, of course! I learn best with a sprinkling of laughter. :)

It sounds like you're going to teach an interesting class! Too bad you're not local, I don't really know how to use most of the "fancy" feet that came with my machine.

Sounds like an interesting class. I enjoy any class that I leave a little smarter than before I took the class. :)

Where in West Michigan is the class going to be taught? Is it going to be open to the general public or do you need to be a member of a guild, purchase a machine at a specific shop etc? I will be in SW Michigan this fall so am interested.

Michigan is beautiful this time of year. How about a road trip?

It will be held at Lakeshore Sewing (Wyoming store) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Need to have a Viking sewing machine. Would love to see you.

I think I would like this class (altho it's a little far). I hope you enjoy teaching it.

My number one expectation for a class is promptness! The instructor should be ready to go at the stated time of the class and all attendees should be in place. I hate it when a class is scheduled for 9 am, the instructor putzes around until 9:20 and then someone says "oh we have to wait for Mary ha ha she's always late". Start the class within 5-10 min of the stated starting time. Don't cater to late-comers. I have so many obligations that taking a class is a luxury and if it starts/runs late, I usually have to leave. Sorry to sound like an old grouch but this has happened at 2 or 3 classes I attended so I've quilt signing up. Good luck, have fun!

I expect the instructor to be organized and knowledgeable about their subject, have nice samples, be fun and friendly, and come around to each person if only to say how nice their project is coming along. I had a class once where the teacher sat up at the front and talked only. No coming around to encourage us or anything. And another time the teacher was not very friendly, almost sarcastic. I like to feel the instructor is enthusiastic about what they're teaching and make me feel that I'm not dumb because I don't get it. Of course I also want to feel that I learn something new too!

I don't know what the answer to this is for the student that just is not "up to speed" for a particular class - but it really annoys me when this happens.

Perhaps take the person aside and offer an individualized class (for payment) to bring him/her up to speed?

My pet peeve is that sometimes the instructor will help 1 student to the detriment of everyone else. Usually this student is inexperienced and demands the help, but it is so unfair to the rest of the class. I feel the instructors need to know how to diplomatically handle this situation. It has happened more than once. Also, be on time and do not wait for late students.

It would be nice if the instructor is open to different ways and preferences of the students. i.e. if someone wants to press seams open or to the side.

quilting police--- So demonstrate the way you do but be open if the student has a preferred way.

One of my pet peeve is how some so called teachers do so little actual instruction. Basically you bought a pattern and supplies and everyone sews the quilt or project. Very little teaching goes on. I've been in this situation several times. We basically helped each other while the teacher pushed her patterns, rulers and so on.

My recommendation is to bring small samples of work (in a variety of fabric prints to appeal to a broad audience) previously completed using various feet.

I cannot always retain all of the information presented, so handouts are always a bonus.

What jan RN said. I paid as much as the late person did. They CHOSE to be late (unless there's an accident or some such) and class should start without them. In which case, they should call, so the shop knows what happened. I recently took a class and they waited for a person who is habitually late (according to the comments). It has turned me off taking any more classes from this store. And my supplies alone were $125-150 all bought at that place. Then the class was listed at $35 but they charged $40 even though I pointed out the price difference. They've lost my business over 20 minutes and $5. I cannot abide lateness. It shows a serious disregard for others. Also, charge the listed price. And no, I'm not going to make a big scene about it, as I vote with my feet. It all goes to good sense. And be organized like Sewnoma said.

I have taken several classes and the one thing that turns me off is when there is an overly needy participant (needs someone to do it for her, etc) and the instructor gets sucked into dedicating the majority of the class to that person when others need attention. I am usually self sufficient but when I get stumped and need a quick "how to" I don't want to sit through most of the class waiting. I hope I don't sound mean as that is not my intent.

I like "twin needles". You do have to make sure you have the right foot. It looks nice when you want to quilt a handbag.

Thanks for all the helping suggestions, everyone. I am considering giving a quilting class this fall, and think I have come up with all the things I need to be aware of before I go into it. Mine will be very basic, but I realize all this stuff is necessary to make a successful effort of something that I love to share--my love of quilting and sewing.

Oh, and BTW, how do I put this posting to a permanent thing on my computer so I can refer back to it when I need to?

This is an interesting question from my perspective since I have been a student in lots of classes and I have been a teacher for lots of classes. As a student I want a class to be organized and have an intended goal that is achieved. I like the teacher to bring lots of examples to show the technique and resulting outcome. I also like to see hand-out material that the student can either use in class or later to reinforce what she has learned. Some classes are meant to be lecture and demonstration while other are hands on. The teacher, in the hands on classes, needs to demonstrate so all students can see her demonstrate. Then, the students need to go to their work stations (set up before the class begins). The teacher should circulate to all students with nearly equal time and offer comment to each one. For those who are ill prepared or not up to speed she should suggest additional help outside the class time. Achieve the class goal.

From the teacher perspective I need to be sure that the class has an outline projection and that it is followed so the students know what they are going to achieve in the class. They need to know exactly what to bring to class and whether or not they are required to purchase anything in addition to class fees. I most enjoyed teaching classes that materials were given to students when they registered for the class and had instructions for preliminary preparation beforehand. This meant that class time would not be wasted pressing fabric, cutting, etc. Make and display prominently samples for all to see. Encourage them to bring cameras to take pictures of our examples. Make your demonstration coincide with hand out material. Do not allow those who are unprepared in any way to derail the outline. Quietly encourage them to see you later-you may not be able to get them on track. If the class content is clear at the time of registration they should be able to discern their ability to participate. All have paid their money for the class and all deserve to go away with a positive outcome.
Whether you are the student or the teacher it takes quite a bit of preparation to have a positive outcome. I almost always ask students to fill out an opinion sheet-with no names required.

I'm guessing this is a Viking store? Why does it have to be a Viking machine? I think you can say that the class will be taught using a Viking machine and advise that the class will be taught by a Viking employee, but if I own a Bernina and have a good knowledge of my machine and feet, I think I can attend. Besides, if I know my Janome but see what the Viking can do I might want to buy a Viking machine. I don't think its right to restrict this to Viking machines or any particular machine. The person can stop in and be screened for knowledge before the class if your worried about it right?

On the other hand.... Don't start the class early! I always arrive early enough to get my machine set up and supplies and class materials arranged before the class is scheduled to begin, but one time I showed up and they had already started, explained what was going on, and sewn some blocks together and I had to try and play "catch-up" without knowing the technique.

If the "class" is really a social event meant for people to meet and chat while sewing something they already know then it should be listed as such.

I think an added bonus if you are going to a beginning class is to take home a completed project. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and you don't go home, get lost, and feel discouraged with quilting or whatever you were supposed to learn and can't figure out on your own.

I don't have suggestions for your particular class since it is for Viking, but I agree people who do not have Vikings could learn a lot. I attend online seminars and in-store events for Bernina quite often and I own a Janome. Many specialty feet work basically the same on all machines.

I love the suggestions for organization, and not letting the class be all about one person, especially if they do not know how to use their sewing machine. The announcements for the classes I attended stated a person must know how to use their machine. On the other hand ... it's great if someone in the class can help someone who is struggling as long as it doesn't interfere with the class or the instructor's goals. Stuff happens!

This is what I have done when I teach.
Make the class fun but set the ground rules right up front so all will know.
Have all your students turn OFF CELLPHONES . This is annoying to all and just plain rude.
Have good step by step samples made for every foot....Use different colored thread in bobbin and top,this way the students can 'see' what you are teaching and talking about. Pass the samples around.

Label everything with your name,things get misplaced very easily.
Have a good supply list for the students ,include paper and pencil for notes.
Make sure the sewing machines are in working order,you are mechanic and it is not your job to fix the machines.

all good comments. I've taught diffant levels of quilting and sewing. No children allowed. Sharp intriments. Learned the hard way. Also had several things missing after the class. Limit the number of students . The more difficult the class fewer students. Class helper is great.

Some people know how to "save" it. Just recently I found out that when you post a reply to a thread, it is saved. When you open "The Quilting Board, Daily Digest ", you will find your name in the top right hand corner. Click on your name and you will find your personal information. Click on "find latest posts", and that will enable you to view all the responses to a thread to which you have posted.
Hope this works for you. That is the reason I am posting to this thread. I want to view it many times later.

I agree with this. Organization is of prime importance. Visuals make it interesting also -- simple chart or two and samples.

All great suggestions.

For your class, I would want to create a "foot book". Each page would describe the foot (or give a foot number), the stitch, suggestions when it could be used and a sample of the stitch made by the student. The sample should be on white fabric with a different thread color in the top than in the bottom. The student would staple their sample to the page. Also the pages need room for extra notes. Once the course is finished, each student will have created their own booklet to use as a reference guide, complete with a sample that can be viewed from both sides with their own useful notes.

After working through a few samples for the "foot book" in the class, then start a small project that allows the students to experiment with the "feet of the day". This project should either be easy to complete in class or should be easily finished at home before the next class. I really love classes where the students can show off their accomplishments and/or talk about their difficulties. This is a great way to start the next class, it allows a review of what was covered in the last class and gives you the opportunity to explain why the student had problems. (e.g. wrong tension) and celebrate with the students when they had success.

Hope you have fun with your class.