I'm not a loner but love people and do wish I had a "quilting buddy(ies)"

Both I guess.

I love the progress I can make in my own sewing room on my projects however it is so much fun to take classes. I try to get to a class every few months as a social outlet and to pick up some tips or techniques. There are always new ideas and inspiration available there.

I took a class at Joanne Fabrics once and it was horrible. I have learned so much more from all of you than there. The teacher treated us like we were supposed to already know how to do everything and it was a beginner class. I was not happy.
Judy in Ohio

Wow! I didn't expect this many responses, but it's nice to know I'm not completely a loner, at least not here!

It's funny, I think nothing of spending $50 on fabric, or on my kids, but to spend it on a class seems odd to me and I don't know why. I then asked myself if the class was free would I take it, and said no. (c'mon, I can't be the only one who talks to herself :wink: ) Anyway, I guess being a lone sewer gives me the opportunity to be particular about corners and seam lines and pressing, and I don't have to worry if someone else doesn't care so much. I figure if I'm going to put the time into it, whether it's for me or someone else, it needs to meet my definition of "perfect". Now, not having quilted with anyone else that may be "obsessive" or "sloppy" or just regular, I don't know, but I would hate to judge or feel like I was being judged by people I don't really know.

I also learn from books and magazines and this board, and maybe this board is my social quilting. Sometimes I log on just to see what you all are up to, like you're my neighbors. I like it here, it's friendly, warm, fun, educational, inspirational, and full of excitement and passion. What could be better?

Wow! I had to read through this whole thread! Interesting comments!
I do all of my sewing, piecing, etc., alone. But I belong to a guild that meets monthly and I take classes when they are of interest to me. They are quilte inexpensive, and have really great supply lists, so I know I will be prepared. I take classes at the LQS if the time fits my schedule. I have taken an Heriloom sewing class with Pullen teachers! I LOVED it!
I don't cotton to having to tote my machine, but I now have a Featherweight, sew it isn't too terribly bad.
I have participated in retreats that my guild sponsors and have had a GREAT time. Quilters are WONDERFUL people, some just take longer to get to know.
I do hand quilting with "church ladies" and they are a hoot!
And I LOVE this forum! I LOVE SHOW and TELL! Hint! hint!
AndI think I can finally share some of my work! Found out how to post pictures! HIP HIP HOORAY!!!

I too am a lone quilter. I've never taken a class or joined a group other than this one. I think I MIGHT like to join a guild but I get the impression that there are things you HAVE to do. I don't do well with that as I don't want someone else picking out what I do. I dropped out of this year's BOM here because I just didn't want to work on blocks that weren't of my choice.

I'm mostly a lone quilter too. Now I did start with a sampler class to learn the basics and every once in while I think I need to join a group event or class. But I much prefer the jammies and slipper sessions at all hours of the day/night. I am a visual learner and can spend my time reviewing and trying out a pattern (on occasion, there is a loud commotion and all my supplies fly through the room :twisted:) You-tube, blogs, and of course the wonderful tutorials on the QB make classes almost obsolete for me.

well, I am just gonna jump in and start replying, maybe read others later.
I have so many answers to this question.
I have known for forty forevers, that I work best, in an empty house, however, when my girls were growing up, I was never alone, but nobody actually bothered me, when I was at machine...but let the phone ring...most popular person on earth!!! :roll:
Now, if there were classes available here, and I had the money, would love to spend some time with other quilters, but when i was in high school, I always talked all through study hall, so don't think I would actually get much done.
Oh, I definitely would give the teacher my full attention, while she was explaining something, but then put us on our own? yack, yack, yack...
I'm the same, if at mo-sheen, and phone rings, even though it is portable, I can't talk on phone, and quilt...some sewing projects, yes...quilting, no...takes too much precision, and I am a ripper. If it ain't right...unless I'm almost dead,...and have felt like that at times...it's coming out.
Did something recently, and was so tired, didn't see something until I saw it in a picture! Too late to change that!
So, all in all, don't think i would pay to listen to my own voice. I have a karaoke machine, i can do that with! :lol:

And so say all of us! Perfectly put Butterfli! :D

K x

I like to take an occasional class to learn something new. Sometimes they're just one-day classes for things like placemats or pillowcases or runners. I learn a lot and pick up a lot of helpful hints just from being in a group of quilters. I'm also relatively new to my area, and it allows me to meet other quilters, as well as get to know the LQS.