quilt class advice
 

Friends:
A local store is holding a quilting retreat. I am worried about signing up. The organizer said a beginner would be welcome, but I really do not want to look foolish. I have not gotten the list of what to bring, but I have no idea how to take my sewing machine. It is, I admit, a cheap Singer, but it suits my needs and budget. Any advice about what to bring or do would calm my nerves.

I agree with Tartan. Call the shop. Ask if there is a project in mind or should you bring your own. Ask what kind of supplies will be available....cutting board, ironing board, iron? Retreats can be 2 types....one is the type where you bring whatever you want to sew or finish and everyone is working on their own projects. The other kind is one where there is a main project, maybe a Judy Niemeyer class where everyone will be learning a certain pattern or quilting process. Find out which one this is, then make your decision.

As far as your sewing machine, I have a small, inexpensive, WM Brother that I take to classes, because it is lightweight and easy to carry. A lot of quilters who go to retreats do have several machines. The heavier, more featured ones that they leave at home, and the smaller more portable one they take to classes. All of us had to start somewhere. We didn't buy a machine that costs several thousand dollars until we knew we really liked sewing.

I have one of those portable covers where you sit the machine in it, and then buckle on the top, which comes all the way down over the unit. You can't use either when you are sewing, so I most often have to find a place for it under a table. The rolling carts are better, because you can place your sewing supplies, ie rotary cutter, ripper, threads, projects, pins, etc on the top of it and roll it all in. Often, there is extra room inside to place plastic bags of fabric so that the sewing machine doesn't move around.

Ask about lighting. If you are sewing on dark fabrics, you may want to take a small spotlight to help if you need to rip or if you need to see your seams better. I take a multi-plug device and an extension cord if I am going to take multiple electrical items. Most retreat rooms don't have enough power to handle several irons, so usually that is provided. I like a small table beside me, think fold-up $10 WM tv tray, to hold fabric, blocks or whatever. I usually take a very small fan, just in case I get too hot. I, also, take a small cutting board, because a lot of patterns, especially with HST's, require a lot of trimming and a small 12 x 18 board may just be the item that keeps you going. I spent one sewing retreat day trimming down over 500 HST's (trimmed down they were 4 1/2" squares) on s small 6x6" revolving cutting board. It was so nice, because I could sit where I was sewing and just keep on trimming.

Ask if there will be a fridge and will meals be provided. What about drinks? Do you need to bring your own.

Bottom line....I always want to know more than any notice tells me and I love going to sewing workshops and retreats. I get so much done when there is no other life to get in the way.

I would suggest if the LQS is local, go on in and meet the owner or the employees. I use to quilt for a LQS and getting to know the employee will ease your fears. Just make sure you are signing up for a class you really want to take. My best friend took a class from the speaker that spoke at her guild and really didn't enjoy the class because she was a beginner and instructor didn't hand out any printouts which made it difficult for her to follow.

Just saw your bags in the pictures forum. You may be a new quilter, but it looks like you are an experienced sewer. I agree with the other posters. Go back and ask for more details to find if it's actually a class or just a 'free sew' where you work on whatever you want. Usually other attendees are pretty helpful. You can get a sewing machine case at JoAnns, or go to a dept store and get a duffle bag, which you will need to pad with something (like your fabric!). Here's a retreat checklist, and remember that you need to label EVERYTHING with your name, including your power cord, sewing machine, and foot pedal.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t159578.html

Any machine that works for you is just fine!! I, too, "only" have a cheap singer. DH bought it for me at Fleet Farm! I've made dozens of small and large wall hangings, and many quilts using it. It has reverse, and zig-zag, and not much more. Point is it works for me....go and enjoy!!

I would much rather have a classmate that knows how to operate a "simple" machine well than a classmate that knows zilch sbout his/her TOL machine.

( the above comment does not spply to a class about learning to operate the machine.)

Thrift stores are a great place to find rolling totes. My serger tote is actually a soft sided rolling cooler I got at Goodwill for $8.00. If it wasn't for the 'Thermos' label on it, you'd never know it wasn't a real serger case. It fits perfectly.

Cari

I would go to shop and speak to the organizer. The retreat might be a good opportunity to meet other quilters. The truth is I have learned more from fellow students than I have from a lot of teachers. Not all teachers are great. Try not to be intimidated - sometimes easier said than done. The best thing about my first class was a friendly helpful classmate. Good luck and have fun!

My LQS will let you use one of their machines if you let them know in advance.

Ask about attendees who are beginner sewists. Perhaps you can befriend them beforehand to ease your nerves. Ask the retreat co-ordinator if you two or 3 can meet at the shop for an intro....go get lunch and get acquainted beforehand if you can. Always nice to see a familiar face.

Hey, sewing is like bowling, i dont want anyone to tell me how to do it! Unless, of course, I ask for help. Bowling is just an annoyance to me.

enjoy the retreat! I wish I had time to do one myself!

sandy

A retreat is great for a beginner quilter. Even if you don't do the main project because it's too advanced or your aren't comfortable with it, bring a project you know you can do. No one will care about the machine you have and if for some reason your machine messes up, speak up. Someone or two will always bring a spare machine. Accept it if needed, that's why they bring it, to be used if needed. Have fun.

I hope you go and enjoy the retreat. You need to find out if it will be having classes, special projects to work on or just work on your own projects. I just got back from a retreat and we work on our own projects. Then one day we have a quilt picked out that all that want to join can make. It is usually an easy one day quilt. Some do it, some don't. Depends on what they have planned for the week or if they care for the pattern picked out. As for carrying your machine, just stick it in your car and don't worry about having a fancy carrier. You can get one later if you plan on doing these outings often. Save that money for fabrics. :) As others have said, the other quilters are usually more than happy to assist or give advice if you ask for it. They are there for the fun of it too. No pressure.

I agree with June: Not all teachers can quilt. Also, I have a rolling shopping cart for groceries or laundry. I made an outside cover to go all around the sides and put pockets in it. I could then see all my supplies at a glance. I unpacked all my supplies to then fold the cart to drive home. I have used it for 25 years and it is as good as new.

The machine I take cost $49. does straight stitch and zigzag. I can't lift heavy objects and I can lift this with 2 fingers.

One thing no one else has mentioned...bring a power strip/surge protector strip! A lot of rooms don't have enough outlets and the cords on our machines, irons, Ott lights, etc., usually aren't long enough to reach the wall (all the retreats/classes I've been on, the tables are set perpendicular to the wall, so the person furthest from the wall can't reach an outlet at all). Hope this suggestion helps.

Just relax and enjoy yourself. If the class/retreat is through an LQS or guild, perhaps they can "hook you up" with another quilter/mentor beforehand, so you can meet prior to the class. That way, you will know someone and not feel so "alone". Just a thought...

Tartan gives great advice, call the store for a list of supplies and what you need to bring. A rolling luggage cart would make transporting your machine easier. Your sewing machine is just fine, it's what you use and I seriously doubt that any quilter with a very high end machine would bring it to a class, at least I wouldn't. Quilters are very special people, generous, thoughtful and welcome new quilters regardless of their skill level. Go, I'm sure you will have a great time and learn a lot. I've been quilting for many years, but every time I take a class I learn something new, so go and enjoy.

I am nervous when I try new things also. Great advice here. I regret not participating in classes and retreats for many of my quilting years journey. Now I go whenever I can, especially retreats. Have a project or 2 or 3 in case you change your mind what you want to work on.

Since you are at a LQS not a big worry about forgetting something. You can buy it but usually one of your fellow retreaters will have what is needed.

Thank you all! I signed up, and learned that there will be two instructors teaching two quilt patterns. It is in April, so they have not created the supply list.
Comments here reassured me, and I am looking forward to the retreat!

I'm with you! I would get so frustrated when I would to go to classes with people who didn't even know how to wind a bobbin or change stitch lengths or widths on their own TOL machines! I shy away from most classes now because of that - I know it is my problem not the teachers, but I am usually there to learn a new technique, not have someone learn their machine - they should do it on their own time, not on mine.

I agree with everyone - call for more specifics about the class, and don't worry about your machine, knowing how to operate it is more important than anything.

Let us know how it goes, Enjoy!

Look at it this way, anyone taking the class is looking to learn something new. Something that they have not done before. In this way, you are all beginners.

BarbinLA has pretty much covered everything. My retreat/class machine is a Singer Featherweight. It travels in a Coleman soft-sided cooler that has a plastic inner lining. It also has outside pockets and a top zippered pocket, so I can carry my notions, fabrics and tools. A heavy-duty multiple plug extension cord is a must (mine is one of those that winds the cord up and has 4 outlets -- sewing machine, light, fan and iron. I have a wooden tea tray that I put batting on and made a removable cover for a pressing station and my 12" x 18" cutting mat fits it perfectly. If it is a class-type retreat, they must furnish you a supply list and any advance cutting instructions. If it is a do-your-own-thing retreat, decide on which projects you want to do. I always take more than I know I will get to, so if I change my mind, I have something to work on. Do any cutting at home so that you will have more sewing time at the retreat. The last retreat I went to, I decided to take only UFOs and got 4 quilt tops finished, made significant progress on another, got a little paper-piecing in, too, on an American Beauty kit (this is my "retreat project" and goes to every retreat, and worked on a fusible BOM.

One thing I would suggest is that you find out where the retreat is being held. If it is at a retreat center, they will probably have a website that you can look at. Also, see if there are any LQSs in the area where the retreat is being held and plan to take a couple hours to visit them.

I belong to two quilt guilds, and each one has at least one retreat a year. I enjoy getting away from the "real world" and spending time with the other guild members. It gives me a chance to learn more about those I haven't gotten to know.

Don't waste the chance to go and do! My quilt buddies and I use to take every quilt class and workshop available within a couple hours drive. Go to all the national quilt shows too. Now I'm taking care of my grands during the day, the other has elderly mother to care for, and the other friend has a very sick DH. We can't go and do like we use to. I'm so glad I took all those classes and trips. I learned something in every one that has helped my quilting be better. Craftsy classes are all I can do right now and I'm so glad they are available. Grands will be in pre school soon and I'll be back to going and doing.

Don't be nervous, what's the worst thing that could happen? I took my first quilt class in 1998 with a Singer from the 60s. The instructors & class members could not have been more helpful, they knew I didn't know much & went out of their way to be sure I was understanding the program. Put your machine & gear in a carry-on size suite case with wheels & drag it to that class & go for it!

This has all been great advice. I practically mugged a facilities staff member at work when I saw his rolling tool box as it looks perfect for totting a machine. Poor man looked a little frightened, worried I was complaining about his spreading out his tools in my office. When I finally explained why I was asking a numb look came over his face, "oh, for sewing" he said. I suspect he has a sewer in his life, as he looked resigned, almost beaten. This was the face of a person who has watched some one disappear into a fabric store for hours at a time.
I am a fairly experienced sewer, and certainly can ride herd on my own machine and its desire to occasionally create rossettes of thread with bobbin thread. My goal will be to 1. Have that not happen, 2. Remember my polite words rather than the words I say alone in my sewing room when that happens!