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Originally Posted by carolynjo
(Post 7106116)
Perhaps a "survey" of the girls would be helpful and you could, with your questions, find out who is really serious about learning our craft and who is not serious. My beginning quilt class members make a 9-block wall hanging which teaches the basic skills. The girls do their own work from start to finish..They are able to go on by themselves when they finish the beginning class. They do their own sewing, basting, and quilting. Yes, some do not finish, but the majority of them do.
I was told by a quilt shop owner that most people want to make a quilt in a day. One weekend is the most you can get out of them so I would be very careful what you are getting involved in. I was lucky. I had a lovely lady who taught me a few things during her battle with lung cancer, which she lost, and let me hand quilt with her on a floor frame. On my own she made me make a table runner. I continued because I was always interested. The younger people are different...it's more I did this to show and tell and then they move on to the next. If you take a survey you may find the one or two who really want to learn. |
I am with you in this, been there and done that and did not last.......
Originally Posted by Geri B
(Post 7103388)
In my mind there are 18 people who are just looking for a reason to go somewhere, not learn a new skill......hand out a list of supplies needed and see how fast the group dwindles........
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I say, that if the "community ladies" want to join a "quilting group", then who ever wants to join, they need to know HOW to quilt, not expect the 2 of you to do all the sewing, etc. This is my opinion, and if the ladies weren't willing to learn and work as a "group", then I would say adios.
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After reading your post, all I could do is laugh because I have a family member that thinks because I have some sewing skills that I should be doing all her mending and anything that she decides I should make for her....all free of course....and now she is expecting a new grandbaby and expects me to make her a new diaper bag, bassinet pad and skirting, etc.....I told her to buy the fabric and then I will start.....that was several weeks ago and nothing from her since!.....I would take a few steps back and examine the group of ladies again....what will be the purpose of the group?.....do they just want to make quilts, or do they want to make and donate to charity?....does everyone at least have a sewing machine (with a dsm they can at least learn quilting basics)....do you know any of these ladies on a personal basis, enough that you can determine if they have any committment issues ( there are lots of people out there who will tell you that they will do something and then disappear).....after answering these basic questions you should be able to determine what your involvement will be and if you really want to start this group.
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Lots of good suggestions here; read back through them, and go with it if you feel you (and whoever is interested in sharing the work in this effort) go with it. Gerib and onebyone had excellent ideas. That has worked for me a time or two--I love to give quilting lessons and jump right on the bandwagon when someone says "let's do some quilting lessons".....but everyone is right in saying there will be lots of enthusiasm going into it, but if they haven't spent the time and money to get the supplies, etc. together, they'll be outta there, and you won't have enough ladies left to do a good class. Know what I mean......
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Been there done that and was a sorry but smarter person. Number of new quilters acquired? 0 sigh
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OMG! LOL at the person who showed up with the machine stil in the box. Sorry-couldn't help it.
All I could think was "When does the Quilting Fairy come?" |
Do you have any interest and skill in teaching quilting to a group? If so, I would survey the group (privately, on a paper questionnaire, not a show of hands because there is a peer pressure) as to how much they're willing to spend, what they want to learn, how many times a month do they want to have a lesson? Give categories: 0-$20, up to $50, $100, whatever. That will tell you a couple things: a) how much they already know is reasonable for quilting a simple project and b) what their commitment level is.
At the very least, each person should own a basic sewing machine. I wouldn't want to be stuck doing the lion's share of the work while others chit-chat. |
Originally Posted by Onebyone
(Post 7103391)
Every one should be responsible for making their quilt from start to finish. Have a class and demo for each step and they are on their own to do the work. To me, a group is being able to sew together, get help when needed, and to socialize. I would set the guidelines if I was expected to be the 'pro'. Someone has to be the lead for the beginners.
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I belong to a quilting "group" that meets once a week. Nobody has a specific project, but we help each other out, make fun little gifts for one another and sew and learn from each other. We have a wonderful time, but no one is expected to do anything they don't WANT to do
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