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All I know for sure is that I SURE wish I could take this class!!
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Just one more suggestion.
One of my classes, the instructor taught a technique for piecing with very tiny pieces. There were so many in the class that most of us could not see the way she was laying them out. my suggestion is, exaggerate the size your are demonstrating with, but show a finish that is the correct size. Use a background that has a dark shade for it if you are using a lot of white or light fabrics. Light color if you are using bright fabrics and set up the room with the planning board on a plain wall the windows won't interfere with the seeing the actual work and getting pictures. I'm a visual learner, if I can SEE it even when I'm working it, I can work it out properly so encourage them to bring camera to get shots of the work in progress, especially if they aren't doing them at the time. |
Originally Posted by jbsstrawberry
All I know for sure is that I SURE wish I could take this class!!
me, too!!!!!!!!!!!! |
make sure everyone can see and hear (assuming the students have normal vision and hearing)
if the class will be very large, perhaps have an assistant? will this be a "do in class" or "lecture" type of class? If a "do in class", have the room set up so you can get to each participant and see what she/he is doing - if necessary will you be needing an ironing board? check out the space you'll be using ahead of time so you know what you will be working in |
Originally Posted by BellaBoo
I've been teaching a community quilt class for several years. I have a mixture of beginners to advanced. I have a beginner block and a more difficult block pattern at each class. Everyone can choose which block they want to make or both. I show them the finished block and during class fabric is cut allowing the beginners to learn that. It's a fun time and very informal. We try out different methods and lot of different rulers and tools. The blocks can be sewn there or taken home an sewn. I have big box of scraps that I let everyone pick through for different colors and many bring more scraps to add to it. I learn a lot from everyone too. I encourage the class to bring show and tell, anything they want to share and of course bring the blocks from the previous classes to show. Before class everyone pins their blocks or items to a piece of felt along the wall. One thing that is a big hit is to have a drawing each class for a simple door prize! It's something I find a free pattern for and make. Everyone gets a copy of the pattern and the door prize winner gets the finished item.
I have a big easel with every step of the block pattern made in advance. that really helps the members to go look at it and see exactly how it is done. I may have four to eight blocks of the same pattern in different stages of piecing. Teaching is a lot of prep work and be prepared for the smallest detail to throw you off! :shock: What a great idea for those of us who are visual learners. Love the quilt in your avatar!!! |
omak, don't feel bad at all - that was *exactly* what I need to hear before the class, not after! I've been going over the classes I've taken in my head, not only for what worked but specifically for what didn't work so I can plan to do things differently. I appreciate your post so very much!
Mimisharon, what a good point on the tiny pieces. Hubby is making me a portable design wall to take with me (gosh, have I told him that yet? Maybe I haven't...LOL) and the only block in the project can be done in several sizes, so doing a bigger one is a great idea. The project will be sent out to test sewers before class, because you can only look at and revise something so much before a fresh set of eyes become very important. Instructions I'm not worried about; making everyone in the class feel as if they had a good class is what I'm concerned about. PS: jbs, I'd love to have you come - then I start having visions of you cracking a joke, me cracking a smart response back...and drinks being spewed all over sewing machines :twisted: :twisted: It sure would be a hoot, wouldn't it? :lol: |
Go Girl,
I am sure you will get them all hooked to be wise quilters. Sometimes when I have do a series of classes, at end give each student small thankyou, Mini pin-cushion, or small fabric pin, just to let then know I did enjoy teaching them. |
I was going to add: make sure the printed instructions are accurate and the pattern pieces or templates are accurate - but you already said you are going to have a "test run"
handouts are nice I think you will have a good class |
Be specific re tools. The supply list for my first class just said rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat. When I got to the store, I was bewildered by the different sizes. Of course, I bought the wrong ones, e.g., a huge mat and ruler when we needed small ones. Of course, they won't be wasted eventually, but for someone who's not sure if she wants to continue this crazy passion, tools can get expensive in a hurry.
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After reading through some of the other responses, they are all very good, my question is where are you teaching this class? If it is at your LQS you need to know what she has available for students to buy, and try very hard to encourage the brand that she carries. After all, you are being paid by her, using her space, etc. so it makes sense to me and I know that they appreciate the extra sales.
It is very important that you know what level of experience each member of the class has, so I always have each person in class introduce themselves, tell when they started quilting, and how much they have done. Always watch their faces, you can tell if they understand you or not. Also watch for that timid person who is afraid to ask, especially if you have someone in the class who is always talking or giving you advice! :x It seems that some classes have those people who know a lot or think they do and want to help teach or tell you a better way of doing things. I teach for one quilt shop and the owner always lets me know if I have one of those in the class! :) The main thing is to go into class over prepared and have samples and show them how to do each step. Good luck. Jan |
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