Does anyone else get butterflies before a class? I'm doing a monthly one at the moment with two lovely, patient teachers (and only four in the class), but I don't want to take my latest project (paper piecing top which needs squaring and then borders) as I think it's not good enough and have been up since 6 a.m. cutting fabric for a new project so that I have something to do. I'm nuts today.

Sure. Really, I've never taken a class. But, I would be nervous.

why are you taking a class?

because you want to learn.

if you were already an expert you wouldn't need the class.

sooooooo ... there's no need to be embarrassed by what you believe is "not good enough". (besides ... it's probably a lot better than you think it is. :lol: )

you're paying for help to develop the skills you want. let the teacher earn her pay. take your "worst" to class so she can show you how to fix it.

trust me ... if she's a good teacher, she will jump for joy at the opportunity to help you.

:-)

Think you've made good points. I've put it in my bag and will probably/maybe get it out in class.

its great you have nice teachers but remember you are employing them to teach you to do new things to do things better---if you stress and only show a perfect piece how are they going to teach

You could be missing the chance to get help with the top you mentioned.You are paying for the class & 2 nice teachers should be more than willing to teach.

Please take your original top. May be there is nothing wrong with it, and if there is, who better to help find a soluton than the teachers?
Don't be nervous. I know it's easy to say, but they are there to teach you. I think they would be nervous if every body came with a perfect top LOL.

you should take the paper pieced project...you will get advice and help to square it and advice on borders and probably find out you are being your own worst critic and it is much better than you think...and if it's not you will get advice and help to find out why and how to do it better next time. it's normal to be a little nervous but if you never take the plunge you never get anywhere.

I used to get nervous before college classes if I was facing an exam, but when I started quilting I decided I would have fun. I've never been nervous before or at a quilting class, except for one. The instructor was like a drill instructor, and others felt the same way as I did. It was not helpful to me in any way, so I dropped the class. Life is way too short to put up with her nastiness.

i agree w/everyone!
dar

I am starting a class today, not nervous, totally excited and can't wait to get there....I get nervous when I go to the doctor....lololol.....

Look at this from a different perspective....Take your quilt and with pride, I doubt it's as bad as you think, as we are all our own worst critics..That's what the teachers/instructors are there for, to help you with any problems you may have...This is a great learning opportunity...Grab it, run with it, and then apply all of this wonderful new knowledge to your next project...

Hope you have a fun day!

Sandi

I know how you feel. But then I thought to myself...Hell I'm at an age I don't care what other's think...I'm paying for a class and advise and so are the other students.
And you will find that everyone is the class is in the same boat and your there to have FUN....your not in school having to pass a test...Even if you learn one new thing it's worth it...I love taking classes now with my attitude because I look at it as a day out with new people.
I even got up enough nerve to show some of my stuff to the owner of the QS and now I'm giving classes and believe me I'm a basic, find the easy way to do things and no presser and have fun....
Short story...took a class on turning a Sweatshirt into a patchwork jacket. Well everyone did a fab job with using 2-3 colors and made lovely jackets they could wear in public.
Me...I used every color scrap in my basket along with some trim of lace, did some machine embroideries a true crazy quilt...a coat of many colors...WhenI showed it to the teacher and class I told her she could use it as an ex: of what not to do...and we all got a good laugh. I wear it in my sewing rm on cold days....it never leaves the hse.

I am a 'quilt teacher' and we LOVE to help in any way we can. The best compliment I received from a student was, "I always walk away happy and glad I spent the money for any class as long as I learn ONE NEW TRICK" Now the trick I shared with this class had absolutely nothing to do with the project I was teaching, it was just a general quilting trick...

So, take your project and SHARE so YOU and OTHERS may learn.....

You are PAYING THEM to teach you! I agree with everyone who told you to bring your latest project. Just remember that anything they tell you is part of the learning process. They are not pointing out mistakes, just opportunities for improvement. If you are shy about showing your work in front of the other students, then arrive a few minutes before class and corner one of the instructors one-on-one.

Thanks so much everyone. This forum is so supportive. You're all correct. I took the pp top and have ended up with it squared and with borders attached. I've learnt so much today and will banish the butterflies from now on.

i agree all the way with her

I'm happy it worked out for you.You've found some nice teachers,so you know you'll get your moneys worth at any class they teach.

We are all critical of our own work. We know every little pucker, larger than should be stitch and stretched triangle, but that makes it ours. No one else sees the flaws cause they aren't really that big. I am sure yours is just fine. Go to class, take your quilt top and have fun.

Its a class!!! Take what you have and if the teacher is nice and wise, she will make gentle suggestions if you have some errors. I teach and would not criticize a students work, only offer some suggestions to what she might try to make it better. In my book there is NO bad work, just work that may need some tweeking. I also have samples to show of when I started quilting years ago. Gives them lots of encouragement to see that I started at the same place they are starting.

I would be nervous too. I think that everyone has times when they feel that their projects will not measure up to the expectations of the teachers or other students. Even as long as I have been sewing I feel that my work could be better. Jeanniebelle

I get totally excited. Nothing to be nervous about, like everyone says-you are there to learn and learning takes mistakes,trial and error. It feels really good later when you look back and see the progress you've made.

Teachers are those who have been there, done that, so they know how to fix everything and if they don't, you can work out a problem together. I teacher never should criticize, always say, let's try it this way and then show you how to make things right.
Be patient with the teacher and she will be with you. To learn is why you are going to the class. If you knew it all, you wouldn't go.

Carol J.

RELAX....this is supposed to be fun!!

besides, you're paying for the class, so you must want to learn what they have to teach.

Mostly found classes fun.

I understand. I took a class with some "good" friends and the class ended for me when my now former friend got up and "critiqued" my work loudly and rudely. I was crushed. I have a really decent IQ but I learn best by observing (assuming there's something to see) and then practicing at home alone. Different strokes for different folks...I wish you well either way. Trust your instincts. PS:I'm a retired teacher :thumbup:

I have been taking classes for 15 years. I take classes all the time, but I am like you before each one, even if I have taken a class from the instructor before. I'm not sure "Tizz" is fear, excitement, anticipation or whatever. Maybe all of those. I know that I can hardly wait and I think the "Tizz" makes me extra vigilant when I am doing pre-class cutting and sewing. Once I get to the class it is all excitement.

I'm glad you said "former friend". I've never seen anyone do that in a class or on a site. It's just rude, uncalled for and thank God, rare. She was probably trying to make herself feel better about her own work.

Never be embarrassed by your work. It is unique! Mine never look right untill they are done. then I am even amazed.

I don't get nervous going to the Doctor, but the Dentist is another story. I just want to go somewhere and hide.

You are not alone. I get real nervous in a class setting too. An example...I was taking a border class. The teacher hovered. I sewed my finger. My seams did not match. Only one in class not to finish. I have been sewing since 5 and quilting since 1986. I have received several blue ribbons and a best of show so it definately is not my sewing ability. My advice...make your class project the sample and make another at home for your masterpiece. Just don't give up. There is no such thing as an ugly quilt.

I look at this like I look at doctors--I am employing them! I fired one once and he didn't know what to say--he had lied to both my regular doctor and to me. I also leaned against the door and wouldn't let him leave until he answered questions to my satisfaction. It helped that I'm 6' tall and he barely hit 5'.

You are taking a class to learn - I wouldn't worry about what anyone thinks or says -YOUR opinion is the only one that matters.

Relax and have fun. Maybe you will find a new friend among your classmates.

You are paying to learn about quilting - let them teach you.

I am sending a big hug through the computer to you.

Just sit down sweet lady and have a cuppa. You will be fine. Hugs to your fur baby from a once resident of beautiful England.

Don't be nervous. I know that is easy to say, but let me tell you a funny. I attended a quilting school where the teacher started a new project every other month. One month we all were having a problem putting the project,a table runner together, even the teacher. It turned out the measurements for the center square were wrong. I drafted the center and sewed it together. Perfectly. The teacher? She had problems with the table runner because some of triangles were backwards. She had to re-make them. That evening we each learned from each other. You are going to do great!