Greenheron

I had a DM like that. She wanted us to learn the right way to do things but pointing out errors without any positive feedback has a demoralizing effect. I KNOW she didn't do it to hurt but it did. People treated this way loose confidence and may quit trying. Don't let this happen to you--if she doesn't change you must go to someone else.

patricej

We are hearing only one perspective here. It's quite likely the teacher would be very surprised by the description of events. Whether she's a sweetie-pie or a sweat-shop slave driver, she might be totally unaware of how you perceive and receive her delivery.

there are too many unanswered (and unanswerable) questions for any of us to give you any reliable feedback. for instance ...
is she actually mean or are you actually insecure and overly sensitive?
is she merely straightforward in order to not waste the time you are paying for?
do you want to be spoonfed and coddled vs taught?
or is she, in fact, an imperious dragon who chose the wrong profession?

we can't know.

have a calm, factual, heart-to-heart discussion with her.
provide clear, accurate examples of the things that bother you.
give her a fair chance to meet you on common, satisfying ground.

MadQuilter

I've caught myself saying that I want "constructive criticism" but when someone criticised me constructively it was a different story. Since the things she is pointing out apparently ARE things you are doing incorrectly (or could be doing better) then you are really getting what you asked for. I'd say just talk to her. She is possibly focusing only on the things she sees that need improving because she thinks that's what you want to hear.

abdconsultant

Separate the technical from the artistic. Use her for technical only. Remind her if you need to! Same as going to the doctor give me the facts only!

Sewflower

It's always good to learn new things, but with that said some people are a little to critical to teach leading to frustration on both parties. All I know if there was only one way to do quilting we all wouldn't have the collection of quilting books, magazines, and articles.

LindaM49

My 4th grade teacher was the best teacher I had all through my school years. She criticized with love. Like others said...she pointed out things I did well. And she would always give you a hug (which of course now teachers are not allowed to do) All of the teachers before her were really great too. Then I got to 5th grade and everything changed. She pretty much said she didn't have time to waste on kids that weren't getting all A's. I told my parents and my mother met with her. She told my mother pretty much the same thing and said I wasn't even trying. Honestly, I WAS trying. Anyway...my mother told her that she and my dad did NOT expect me to be an all A student. And she also asked her why she couldn't take some time before or after school to help kids that needed some help. My weakness was science and for a whole marking period we had a man teacher come into our class to teach us the solar system and space....he even had a small TV each week to show us stuff. I got all 100% on his tests. Different style of teaching and I grasped the material.

Sorry I can't say anything about sewing or quilting classes...but I've never taken any type of class except the lesson on using my new Janome 7700.

jaciqltznok

my thoughts exactly...if you hired her to help you hone your skills, the learning to be extremely precise and detail oriented is what you will be learn....this is not kindygarten cut and paste...this is a life time skill ...if you want it to be!

twoxover

I'm a horseperson...i ride competitively. as such, i work with a trainer. In my past, i rode competitive dressag and worked with a three time olympian. And here is the thing.....buck it up, learn from her, and take it as a compliment. she is teaching you--and as your skills progress, she IS going to get pickier and pickier--BECAUSE your skills are improving. she's pushing you to do your best.

now, having said that, if you aren't enjoying it, you're allowed to stop the ride and get off <grin>. I switched from dressage to western riding, because i enjoy the family atmosphere that this type of showing brings, and that dressage did not. It's not easier (heck, in a lot of ways, it's harder), but having way more fun. and oh yeah, i've brought those skills over to this sport.

Ruby the Quilter

It's a fine line between being the quilt police and giving constructive advice. You might just talk to her and explain how you are feeling.

JanTx

I teach school and have a piano studio for my "second shift" job. It's a very fine line between stroking the good and pointing out the bad. With my younger students I use this approach: this is what you did best, here's the place you can be proudest of, your playing will sound more "grown-up" when you are able to add this..... With my older ones I use this: tell me what you are most proud of ... now, I get paid to move you past that here's how to add some "wow" to your playing.

I agree with everyone. You want to move on to more "Grown-up" skills, but you need recognition for what you do well. Only you can determine how much of each of those you need to happily move ahead. Share with your teacher (but I'll be surprised if she "gets it" - in my experience once a teacher has a set style it's hard to change.), finish the course in whatever manner you can stand, then find someone whose style matches yours more comfortably.