Quilting group
 

There are some community ladies that are wanting to form a quilting group. Out of 20, there are only 2 of us that do a quilt from start to finish. The others range from non sewing (don't even know how to thread a machine) to sewing a few garments but not any quilting. Their plan is to make a simple 9-patch quilt and hand quilt it. Now all this is fine and dandy, but the non sewers expect the two that can quilt to sew all the blocks and put it together. So question:
1. Would it be more beneficial to those non sewers to start at the beginning and learn the basics? Start with a simple pattern with a simple table runner/topper instead of a queen sized bedspread?
2. Is it "fair" for the two sewers to do all the work for all the others?
This is the first time I have been involved with a group sewing project. And it's not that I am above working with these gals, but it seems to me if you want to learn to quilt, you start at the beginning. The have NO idea the amount of work that quilting entails. Helpful hints would be appreciated. If my thoughts are wrong, please be gentle. Thanks.

If they are joining a 'quilting group' then it would seem logical that they be expected to learn how to quilt which includes, but is not limited to, selecting fabric and pattern, cutting fabric, piecing, basting, quilting and binding. If they don't want to learn these things then I would question their reasons for joining or forming a quilting group. Yes, some people excel in certain areas and that is what they may want to focus on, but to expect 2 members of the group to do all the work except the hand quilting sounds somewhat off to me.

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........

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.

I agree. I cannot understand why anyone would form/join a quilting group if your intention was not to learn the basics, improve your skills and make your own quilts/quilted projects. Of course there is the "social" aspect, by that is a by-product, not the primary goal........and i would also think that each person would have their own (small to begin with) project.
My reaction to your description of their "expectations" was a feeling that I would want to back slowly but firmly away.

I don't know the ages of these women but there are some women that may just be seeking companionship. I am a member of two groups not exclusively quilters. I enjoy both of them. We make items for ourselves and charity. I would check out EB Quilt in a Day because she is an excellent teacher for beginners. You might want to look at something simpler than a 9 Patch pattern since seams need to be match with seam accuracy.

There must be some interest on their part to join a quilting group. I'm with Onebyone they made need some elementary instructions. The first pattern may need to be small and simple. Good luck maybe you will help create 18 new quilters.

It doesn't sound like their plan is to make a 9-patch quilt. It sounds like their plan is for you to make a 9-patch quilt that can then be quilted by the group. So apparently they don't want to learn to sew/piece, they just want to learn to hand quilt? I wonder why? I would put forward the idea that it makes sense to first learn how to construct a quilt if you want to learn how to quilt a quilt.

I agree with everything everyone else has said. A small project like you mention - table runner or such - and the appropriate supplies list will probably filter out the 'ladies' from the 'girls' and you'll get to see who really wants to learn this craft/art/skill.

If they just want to hand quilt why not a whole cloth quilt. I had no idea what I was doing when I joined a group and it was individual enough that I didn't learn much either.

I was apart of a group of lovely ladies, but only two of the 6 of us actually quilted. We chose a fairly easy pattern and taught the other ladies how to cut and piece. They also learned how to press blocks. That first quilt was sent to a long armer and auctioned off to benefit the church where we met every week. The next quilt we did everyone pieced a block and we then taught them how to hand quilt. It didn't turn out perfectly, but it was still a nice quilt that was also auctioned. I really enjoyed the time I had with them.

I don't think I'd want to be one of two people responsible for putting the whole quilt together for the group. That's a lot of work, and I'm sure they don't yet realize how much of your time it would take. I'd have them do something like a placemat or mug rug first that they can hand or machine quilt. Giving them a list of supplies for them to get and bring to the first meeting is a fantastic idea. I had one lady come to a class I was teaching on making sweatshirt jackets with absolutely nothing!

Due to personal time constraints I have very little exposure to group quilting.

The two different groups that I was a part of for a short time, one was everybody bring your project on the specified day and each work independently while visiting with one another.

The other group was primarily non sewing folk but was focused on creating banners to be hung in various places around the church. The organizer had specific tasks that individuals could do - for instance, trace around appliqué pieces and cut them. Then others arranged and pinned them on the backing. Someone else had ironed the fusible beforehand. Seemed to work nicely. I think they did a different banner each meeting until they had all of them done. They were also going to do pieced charity quilts and one lady had the pieces cut ready to sew if anyone wanted to work on that.

For the group you are talking about, I can see how you could have the newbies first cut the squares (or strips) to be used, then choose the ones for each set, and teach them how to sew them together. That way they can be productive very quickly and learning at the same time. Also if they don't all have sewing machines, they can rotate tasks so each has a chance to do all parts of the process, and the experienced ones don't end up doing all the sewing. Yes you experienced ones do end up as teaching the 'class', but that's part of sharing the love of quilting.

I agree with the folks on this thread. Give your friends a supply list of what they need to purchase in order to get into quilting and they might run in the opposite direction. When I worked, I had numerous friends say they "wanted to learn how to quilt"......I spent one Saturday afternoon at work printing off instructions from various sites, collating them into the 5 sets for my friends, provided them the supply list and even told them where there were sales for fabric. Guess how many actually followed thru...........0! Then, I guess as the years went on, I continued to make baby quilts for their babies (boy they were a fertile bunch of women) and they again said "I want to learn how to quilt".......This time, I gave them a few web sites via e-mail and told them to check those out and let me know when they have all their supplies. Again.......0! So, my last attempt included 2 sisters who "wanted to learn how to quilt"...they had sewing machines and we actually went to the store and purchased their supplies.....This was going to work! They came to my house to learn the basics and then we all decided to take a class at our local quilt store. I knew I was in trouble when one of them showed up with the sewing machine in the original box and it was UNOPENED! Needless to say, I spent my class time working with her to read the users manual on how to thread the machine, how to load the bobbin, etc. Since then, they've moved to other companies and I've lost touch with them. I seriously suspect that they have NOT continued and are NOT interested! I've send numerous e-mails over the past 2 years and there has been no reply! I'd LOVE to see if they need help (I will help them) OR if they want to sell me all the wonderful kits and supplies they purchased. They went top of the line....ginger rotary cutter, rolling cabinet with wheels, etc.). Oh well, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make 'em drink". Good luck with your ladies.....it is so enchanting to share your love of quilting with others (as long as they "get it"). Nora

Do the others have a sewing machine? If not DO NOT GET ENVOLVED! You will be doing all the sewing for them. If they don't sew at all, why would the join a quilting group? If they really want to learn this, give them a list for the project and put it to the point that they get a machine. The cheap ones at Wal-mart will be a good start. A 4 patch will be the best to start with. Good luck.

Sounds like they have all read 'Little House on the Prairie' and want to have a quilting bee for the social aspect. I would do a whole cloth or have them purchase a top on ebay or etsy, and suggest that they start with something smaller than a queen.

My story is similar to "mike's girl". A group met at my house so those who did not start out with machines had access to one to use. We did a simple log cabin and each person did one row of blocks and sewed them together. They cut, sewed correctly, and pressed their blocks under my supervision. I then sewed all the rows together and LA quilted it. Auctioned off for charity. Only two of the ladies didn't continue to sew and quilt. The point is: you could be bringing some new quilters into the realm of quilting. However, if they don't want to try and do the work along with you then they probably aren't interested in a "quilting group". Give it a try would be my two cents worth.

I am very careful which groups I get involved with because usually I end up doing all the work.

I think I would ask a few more questions before commiting to this group.

Do they each want to have a queen size quilt?
Do they have any idea how much supplies cost? Or were they planning on using yours?

Where would you meet? Would this be a "doing/leaning" session? (For everyone - or just the sewers?

One can hand- piece a quilt. The first class I took - we made a six-block sampler- templates and all. I did learn a lot.and I had been sewing garments for years.so one could do it the old-fashioned way .

Your story is very familiar. We started a quilting group and have "never nevers" (never even owned a sewing machine) to very experienced quilters. Fortunately a few if the newbies took it upon themselves to take a few basic classes at the LQS and they are progressing with their skills. The experienced quilters offer help and advice along the way. It is so important that newbies take a basic class so they understand what quilting is all about. Two should not do all the sewing, quilting etc. I agree give them a list of needs/supplies and help as needed. You will weed out the non quilters soon enough. Good luck

My mother and aunts and friends would get together and hand quilt a whole clothe quilt. It wasn't an outstanding design and the quilting was more like big stitch quilting but they enjoyed getting together.

I am now in a wonderful quilting ministry through my church. It is a group of about 20 women and we meet once to twice a month, averaging about 10-12 coming each time. We make about 15 quilts a year, which are given to sick of the parish or those in need outside of the parish. We make the quilt tops and two of the girls have long arms and quilt them. The leader chooses easy piecing patterns (that look intricate) and one person does all the cutting at the meeting. Everybody does something different. Some people pin, some machine piece, some iron, some rip, some hand sew bindings on. There are various levels of sewers/ quilters. Some have no experience (but are learning) and are the ironiers or lay out the blocks and others just sew. It works for us. We also make small items to sell at a craft show which gives us money for fabric and quilting tools. Over the years, the leader has picked up used sewing machines on Craigslist or at garage sales and we do have a locked closet with shelling at the church for all our supplies. I do feel badly for the two long armers but they don't seem to mind.

Schoolteacher, someone has to take the lead. It's like that always. I'd say pick an easy pattern and go with it. Good luck.

I have taught 4-H quilting to 9-16 yr olds for a few years. We start out simple with a finished 12" block that is made of 2-4patches and 2 6" blocks. They learn to sandwich and quilt by machine and put on a binding sewn to the back by hand. Cannot imagine, as so many people have said, starting with a 9-patch quilt!! So I agree with everyone who said that you need to find out who wants to learn to piece and quilt by giving them a list of supplies to buy first, explaining in a nice way that you are interested in teaching them how but not doing the work for them. And that maybe they are wanting to form a different kind of group than a quilting one.

They could always quilt a whole cloth if they only want to do the quilting!

These people need to start at the beginning and learn the steps. They cannot rely on you two for all the sewing. Maybe you need to join a real quilting group where everyone works on their own projects.

It's fine that they want to socialize and have a place to go each week but for those that want to work on their own quilt or other project(s) that's not fair. In our quilt group, we quilt, embroider, knit and crochet or do any other type of craft. We help each other when someone is unfamiliar with something. It's a time to learn and share. As others have said - they need a supply list. You can be there to help them through the process. Good Luck

In my opinion, I would want to join a quilt group where all the members could participate in all the aspects of making a quilt. It wouldn't be fun to be in a group where a few had to do all the work.

Love your idea. That should weed out the ones that really don't want to learn.

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 like the survey suggestion.
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.......

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.

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.

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......

Been there done that and was a sorry but smarter person. Number of new quilters acquired? 0 sigh

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.

I agree with Onebyone.

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