I have a limited budget, gifted to me, roughly $150. We spend summers in the mountains near a resort area, which is otherwise very economically depressed. It seems to be either you are doing well, or really struggling. I am pretty sure there are some sewers, quilters out here, and lots of retired folks. I'm going to post an ad on the local post office and country store bulletin board, asking to hire someone. I don't want them to be a pro, just experienced and knowledgeable in these areas. What do you think will be a fair amount of $ to offer per hour? I was thinking maybe $10, am I being cheap? I am getting very frustrated and don't want to give up and I thought this might be a great way to get help and for someone who might be up to this kind of thing to make some quick cash. Be nice to make a friend, too, even - who knows. Also, should I be specific about what I want to learn? Any suggestions are welcome!

I would suggest asking the people who apply for the job to tell you how much they want to be paid. Interview several people. You'll get a sense of what is fair from their answers, and you can choose someone whose rate fits what you can pay.

I think ten dollars a hour is ok. The ad I would post would just say you were looking for a person who would teach you to quilt or what ever skills you would need. I would leave how much you would pay open.

Before posting an ad check start a conversation with people you meet there and ask about local quilters. Library, grocery store, gas station, hardware store, someone will have a mother, aunt or grandmother that quilts. The churches would be the first place to check, most quilting groups meet at churches in rural areas. Word travels fast among locals.

Thanks, ladies, these are all great ideas! Hopefully I will connect with someone.

I have a suggestion, there are some really good tutorials here on the board that ShellyQ created just for the beginning quilter. She has pictures and really clear instructions written out. Maybe you could try these before spending money on someone to instruct you? (More money for fabrics then :wink: )

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/6460.page Lesson #1

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/7358.page Lesson #2

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/8342.page Lesson #3

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/9327.page Lesson #4

If you have any questions about a step, or encounter a problem, you could ask for help and we could go to the lesson and be able to help walk you through it.

Do you nee both or either , i suggest getting someone to quilt more than likely they sew also, because if you get someone to sew they might not know how to quilt i was in florida and taught privately for $15.00 hr and that was sewing that was 8 years ago. Ask what they charge then you can play with the price.

I'm going to ask that the person both sews and quilts, as I'm interested in more than quilts. I think it's a good point to ask what they charge, I will be open to that...all things considered. Thanks!

Thanks for taking the time to post links, Amma! Will check them out, and see if that and questions would work. I'm afraid I am very needy here and dread next steps on my own. Personal problem I'm sure, lol.

Our local quilt shops offer beginner lessons. You might want to check into that in your area.