We're very lucky having him. He's personable, REALLY tries to do everything he can for the church and parishioners, has a sense of humor, etc. Really tries to be the best priest he can be. I've gone to churches where the priest-hood was just a job. But not him. But he's always been like that. When he was on the football team, he was the one everyone counted on or went to if they needed help with something. He's great. We're very lucky.
And he has been to dinner many times at our house where he's seen my WIPs so I'm sure that had something to do with him trying to get me to do this. Actually maybe he's trying to wean me away from my LQS. He's diabolical :wink:

You got that right, they will most definitely forgive you. Just think of it as a gathering of friends and you're all going to share some blocks. Really that's what it will turn out to be anyway.

My pastor is definitely doing his calling. There's no other job that would be better for him. I've read verses to the congregation on Women's Sunday and felt very comfortable there knowing that if I made any mistakes (which I did), they would all be forgiven.

If you were a wall flower doing this in a Jo Ann's, I would be worried for you, but not to this group.

You can defnitely do this, draw strength from above, from your family, your priest and all the people who will be learning a new thing that day! :D

sometimes people can get 'bogged' down by just a word...like the person who knows material backward and forward but teacher says 'test' and the mind goes blank and panic sets in... don't think of it as TEACHING! think of it as (THIS IS GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN; SHARING WHAT I LOVE WITH PEOPLE WHO SHARE MY INTEREST!!!) chances are you will learn as much from them as they will from you so really...who is being the teacher? take a big deep breath and walk in confident that you know your craft and you get the awesome opportunity to share it with others...no teaching involved...just doing and sharing...what a great opportunity!!!

I think if I can just get past the "starting" I'll be OK.
Plus it really does help to know y'all are here and so willing to help. :thumbup:

Fabric-holic, our church started a class and the "teacher" had us all making the same quilt, a Trip Around the World". We all did that one. next we did a sampler, then someone brought a Turning Twenty and that did it. We all started making whatever we wanted. Our fellowship is sweet. We meet every week, which is sometimes wearing. I for one have not finished but one project started in class and that was a rag quilt for my step grandson's Christmas. No one wants to meet less times a month or do any very hard-to=piece quilts, even intermediate quilting. Our "teacher" hasn't been too pleased about us going our own way, but some us have lots of time at home to do quilts, and some of us don't.
We have made aprons for our church kitchen helpers, quilts and other "baby" itens for a community shower for the needy, baby crib sheets for our church's nursery from some free material, and other mission efforts. We will probably be doing this community shower again this year, and we are making some crib quilts to send to Africa. One of our quilters has a daughter and son-in-law who have gone as missionaries to Africa.
So be flexible. I suggest teaching techniques rather than all doing the same thing, unless they want to do the same thing, of course. Relax and enjoy.

I'll remember that. Thanks

I just reread my message. What a hodge podge. Our group meets every week. When it was started, it was just to be a month or six weeks, but no one wanted to stop so we are still going.

great idea.

I felt EXACTALLY the same way you do (minus the Priest.. I'm Methodist!!). I found that the group ususlly likes a leader. I also strongly believe in a good set of written instructions, so when they are home attempting the same thing, they know the steps. Mostly, just have fun. sue

I've posted signs on tables around the church asking whoever is interested in a quilting group to sign up after mass this weekend and next.
It's Palm Sunday and Easter so we should have a large turnout at church.
That'll give me an idea how big a group we might have.
I've taken note of all the great suggestions here and made myself a "how to" folder, for starters.
Thanks again.

You will do just fine, start with a simple nine patch or rail fence so you can see what their abilities are, perhaps they will not be so overwhelmed and they will return, the beauty is in the beholder, I am a long arm quilter and I really get some bad quilts, but the families that receive them love them. My friend and I have thaught stack n whack three times and are going to do it again in June this year. We only take 10 at max for the class, then we will do a demo on Saturday at the expo. we are not professionals but the ladies love us.
Jean

You are too funny! I'd be the same way but I think you will find that "teaching" something you know well and are passionate about is going to be a lot easier than what you are imagining. Let us know how it goes!

How about string quilts sewed onto muslin? It doesn't get any simpler than that, and you could use lots of scraps.

Here's another solution.

Give them something really difficult to quilt and they wont come back!

As for the priest. Return him to Canada and we'll try and keep him here for you!

After reading some of the suggestions, here's one: The first gathering should be on tools, fabric (especially using stash and clothing you no longer wear) and how-tos; this will separate the crafters into sewers and non-sewers. Both can have a part. If people are reluctant about sewing, they can still help by cutting pieces, etc. Include rudimentary rotary cutting safety!!!

The next class should be something they can start and finish in the time allotted, like a potholder, a hotpad, or something small.

Just act like this is conversation among friends, teaching your kids or grandkids, and you'll do fine! You already are looking for support on how to do this action, meaning you are more than halfway there. Blessings will follow...

All really good suggestions. In our church quilt group we don't have a teacher, rather we have two coordinators. They don't stand in front and teach, they and many others of us teach one on one. We started with some lap quilt tops that we learned to put together and tie. We also make bears that we have some of the ladies that do not care to sew (but enjoy the fellowship)can stuff. As someone discovers a new block etc. they teach to whoever wants to learn. The numbers of items that we donate each month is really great. We meet every other Tuesday morning from 9 to 11:30 or so. You'll do great because you have this board to back you up.

I'm not a wallflower, but I'm still learning about teaching in my current class of three high school girls. Here are some things I've been "reminded of" lately:

- start with a project where matching seams are not a big deal so you don't have to worry about that ( a Buggy Barn pattern is great for this, or any of the "free-style" cutting patterns, or even a disappearing 9-patch (if the seams in the original nine patch don't match it won't matter as much since you'll be cutting it up to restitch it!) Even "wonky" 9 patches or 4 patches!
- make the issue "straight seams" rather than "quarter inch seams" for the first one. They can use this one to 'practice' quarter inch seams if you want. Free style cutting is great for that since you know you'll have extra to cut off before you assemble the blocks have to size up each block after the initial assembly and that assumes that you'll be taking off a half inch or so of fabric on all sides
- make it scrappy so that you don't have to worry about color and pattern selection (you can still retain some sense of color by requiring them each pick a color and then every fabric they use has to have that color in it even if it's "different versions" of that color)
- use individual talents to help the group, some people can't or don't want to use machines, but can do a great job of ironing, etc.. You could pair people up so that they can help each other with tasks that they individually don't like to do one puts pieces together ready for stitching and presses them when seams are done, etc.

Once they have each made or helped with their first quilt, then you can go on to something that requires more attention to details, and by then you'll have build your confidence up a little

You'll do great in this!

You will enjoy it once you start.Are you going to teach making the quilt top and then quilting,or will it be quilting in the frame.some ladies(men)just like the quilting part, WHY NOT BUY A ALL CLOTH TOP ,THATS A PLAIN COLTH WITH THE STICHING ALL MARKED FOR YOU TO SEE IF THEY KNOW HOW TO HAND QUILT,I HAVE A QUILT SHOP NEAR THAT SELLS THEM ALL MARKED,THE LAST ONE I GOT FOR MY GROUP WAS ABOUT $60.00,THEY ARE USALLY QUEEN SIZE.I ONLY HAVE ONE LADY OUT OF 8 THAT KNEW HOW TO PEICE A QUILT ,THE OTHERS DID NOT WANT TO LEARN, IF WE MADE A PEICED QUILT I DID THE PEICEING, GOOD LUCK.

It is sort of intimidating to start quilting, but I'm sure you can do it! It would help to find a beginners book that you can work from to help quide you. You may find other members who would be willing and able to help you "teach", so you won't have to be in the limelight all the time. But I've found when people are impressed with what you do, and want you to show them how to do it too, you quickly get over that wallflower feeling!

send him for alot of coffee, it does help, both for you and him when you stare at him

Personally, I don't like others telling me what my "ministry" is. I'll know it in my heart. It seems like in your heart you want to do this so great! My only recommendation is that you pick a pretty simple quilt pattern.
I "taught" a good friend last year, how to make Christmas placemats. Knowing she was inexperienced, I designed what I thought was simple pattern, 4" squares of different Christmas fabrics. I didn't realize how difficult it is for a novice to even use a rotary cutter! And sewing a straight seam was a challenge! She used my Bernina machine and I sat right with her, guiding the whole activity. Some of the seams were 1/4" and it wavered to about 1/8 up to 1/2". I didn't correct everything unless it was a problem when she turned it. It was an education for me--teaching inexperienced folks! I strongly advise to use a simple pattern! :)

I'd start with an easy, dramatic one like Disappearing Nine Patch.

They could each make the same pattern, yet each one would end up
with a totally different quit!! And the sense of accomplishment would
instantly doom them to a life time of quilting.

:-D :-D :-D you're evil!

Yes I agree.
I've taught some ladies and a couple Girl Scouts (one at a time) how to sew.
It was an eye opener alright.
What seemed so obvious, super simple and "I could do it while asleep" was something they had to learn.
Good point. I'm glad you reminded me.

Lots of good advice in your post.
I've said Thank you several times in this thread and there are posts that I've enjoyed and learned from that I haven't said it.
So to everyone who's been kind enough to share their thoughts and ideas, this is a sincere group Thank you from me! ((((HUGS))))) to all of you.
(we need an icon that is a kiss or something, eh?)

Also I think if they make a lap quilt it will not be to over whelming for them. I know even now I get tired of the quilt by the time I get a queen one made. Quick results, small projects are a must for beginners as well as (like some one said) no seams to match.
Jean

Take a deep breath---the first time I taught I was scared to death. But I made up a finished block and samples of each step--I covered a piece of cardboard with flannel and used that to put them on as we did each step. I always tell my classes; ..."that I learn from them as well, so relax and let's have a good time." Once you get started, it will all fall into place. Also I always take handouts with the quilt shown and directions on how to do it. As for the priest,well I would either put him at a sewing machine or just lock him out of the room.

There is a lot of good advice for you in this thread. I teach weekly in my home. When I first started teaching I started with the teen agers from our church. I had a helper for the six girls. I was scared spitless and I'll admit it. I have always hated to be in front of a group. Now I limit my classes to 4. I had a new class start last month, it is only once a month on Sat for 2 or 4 hours. Even though I knew all the women but one I was very nervous. I had a long list of what I wanted to show/teach them. I started with the basics, the very basics like how to fold the fabric for cutting, how to use a rotary and stuff like that. One of the things I stress regularly is a clean machine. Everything I showed they then had to do it. After about 2 hours they could sew on what they wanted. The second class I reviewed a few of the things I had taught them last month. In this class I showed them how to clean their machines. The hours speed by, but I am exhausted when they go. I do give them a list of what they need to bring and asked that they bring more than they thing they'll need. I don't want them to run out of things to do. In my other classes this year I am teaching them a new block a month. At the end of year, they'll have a sampler. I told my new class about the block a month and they want to do it too.
Good luck and keep us posted.

I think he's right. One is never too old to "bloom". You may discover that you are a great teacher.

I got myself involved in exactly the same way through my church. We do the Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry and it was decided that since I knew how to quilt that teaching it should come naturally. Well, for me it does not. I can show you but I can't teach you. God has a great sense of humor on what He thinks I am capable of.

Good luck and say lots of prayers before you begin.

You know helping is teaching. If you can think of it in that concept you wont be so nervous. Jolo

Just remember - You know more than they do. I have been teaching quilting at an Adult Education class for 10 years. When I first started, I used to break out in a cold sweat for the first couple of sessions. Now I look forward to my night out.
1 - List supplies
2 - Make samples of each step
3 - Demonstrate each step
4 - Have fun.

Also -
5 - Don't give them all the instructions at once. Otherwiese they go ahead of your lessons and then blame you when they make a mistake.
6 - Make them cut a swatch of the fabric they are using for each part of the quilt and tape it to a piece of paper. This way you will know what to cut. They will forget and expect you to remember all their fabric selections.

I teach classes as well as retreats. I'm not a "professional", but I'm happy to share what I have learned. Students like handouts and information they can take home and digest. The internet is full of great stuff. Start with About.com (quilting). Samples are a really good idea. And don't be afraid to show them what DOESN'T work. Learning from others mistakes is good. And they know you make mistakes (if you do, hee, hee) and so when they do they won't feel so bad about telling you. Quilting is more than just sewing, so start simple. A nine-patch block or rail fence. I did a full year of just instruction with no hands-on. Like about value, contrast, color, batting, measurements, tesselations, fabric manufacturers, I could go on and on. An equipment list for the students is good. As you know, quilting is an expensive hobby, so let them know what is minimal for getting started. And then encourage them to sign up at JoAnn's and/or Hancock's so they can use coupons for buy stuff on sale or using a coupon. A quilting terms list will help them. We have our own language! Gosh, hope I didn't scare you away. You will love it and adult students are great. If you plan to teach children, that's a whole different story. Plan ahead, relax and enjoy. My first teaching experience was starting a group at my church with about 5 ladies. Seven years later it's still going strong. Hope that helps.

As for your priest, let him do the job God has assigned him and you do as God leads you.

A charm quilt would be a good starter 4 5in squares sewed together to make a 9 1/2" square then sew them together.

I agree with not showing or telling them the whole step. Show them the finished quilt, but when they get all the instructions at once they do not remember them, at least I didn't when I started. I was forever asking the next step when it had been told to me before. I still do when I go to a quilt class where they are instructing.
Jean

Try not to think of yourself as the teacher but as the facilitator that problem solves with the participants. You give guidance and special help when needed. That is not necessarily "teaching." You will do fine! They just need a leader to keep the ball rolling forward! Be a coach, mentor, facilitator.

They are all right you know, Think of it as a challenge and go for it. I started teaching my grandaugthers and a couple of them loved it and a couple didn't. Alex Anderson was my inpiration, she has a book that could get you started also Quilt's Quilt's Quilt's is another good teaching book. Your going to do fine.

Cookie

I started teaching at church too! I was nervous, but after reading "The Purpose Driven Life" I could see that this could be my calling! And I loved it! Everyone was so nice! Almost everyone in the class was new to quilting, and most had never sewn anything before! I started with just an information night and I brought my quilts to show, and brought a big box of fabrics and talked about fabric selection and brought a bunch of fabric they could choose from my stash. I have so much and I knew that a few of the ladies could not afford to go out and buy new fabric. Then I talked about tools and showed them what each tool was and handed out a list of tools they needed and a second list of tools that were helpful, but not necessary. I showed them a sample of the quilt we'd be making in class and gave them a handout with all the fabric requirements. The quilt I chose was a sampler with 12 blocks (the quilt that's my avatar pic!) The second week, we covered rotary cutting and making a 9-patch. The next week was a checkerboard block, the following was a rail fence, then a log cabin. Then we added triangles with a shoo-fly block, and then a star. Each week I brought a new block pattern with typed directions and each block taught a new technique, squares, strips, y-seams, curves, and finally applique. By the time we finished the 12 blocks, they all wanted to continue and make their quilts queen size. I kept bringing block patterns with instructions, but they had all the skills needed to make any block they wanted, so there was very little teaching after that. The class lasted almost 2 years until I moved away. It was a wonderful experience and now I absolutely love teaching and don't feel at all uncomfortable in front of people. I'm sharing something I love and it's so much fun to see others "catch" the fever!

I teach quilting in a store and at an historic site.
If you are going to have a storage at your location then you should:
- get someone to donate an ironing board or two
- have 1-2 irons for a pressing station
- have the priest check the wiring/fuse /electric breaker location and access (had a class-all was well with sewing machines till all the ladies plugged in irons & out went the lights- no one knew where the fuse box was-turned out that was fuse that the heating system was on-the fuse box was behind a locked door and the janitor was away-not a fun day
-get some extension cords
Can you leave 1 or 2 cutting mats there?
If you can do that then you do not have to schlep as much stuff to class/

Have an email sign up ---blocks, patterns, refreshment sign up can be sent to each person--cuts down on printing costs

Make a first aid kit for burns,cuts from rotary cutters and other minor injuries
stuff happens.

I cover SAFETY<SAFETY< SAFETY at my first class and have each person sign that they are responsible for their own safety
no cords people can trip on
Absolutely no rotary cutters are to be put down open at any time-no exceptions---put it down it had better be closed!!!!
That training happens quickly and they remind each other.
Nasty things happen when cutters are left open and ladies are talking.

Do KISS (keep it sew simple)quilts to start.

Expect the unexpected and have fun.