pocoellie

I haven't taken any classes, my reasons are 1- I'm a tight wad, 2- no quilt shops in the area, 3- no time

sandpat

And yet another lone quilter. Self taught for the most part. I have taken a couple of classes on machine quilting and 1 class from Libby Lehman. The shop that offers the classes is not all that close to me, but it was fun to go. I always combine the class with a shopping spree..so it gets quite expensive. Some of the same people show up for the classes, so I kinda met them, but I only see them at the rare shop visit.

This board is the most socialization that I get...scary isn't it??

canmitch1971

I love to quilt in a group but I do quilt by myself. I love to be yacking with friends while I am quilting.

Jim's Gem

I havn't taken many classes because of working and no time and the money factor. I would like to take some someday. Most of my sewing I do at home, however I have a great group of quilty friends from church and we get together once a month an quilt an also go on quilt runs and shows together and even shop together now and then. I love being with my friends and we are so great at helping each other pick out that perfect fabric choice or pattern or whatever. Of course we are also really good and getting each other to buy stuff we think the other needs.

Dorothy of Kansas

I'm a lone quilter, but I used to teach classes!! Go figure! I had one BFF who I would get together with and quilt, but she passed away about 11 years ago. I tend to listen to books on CD and quilt the day away...no conversations (other than with myself!!!! :lol: ) I love attending quilt shows, but again, by myself, so I can go as fast or slow as I want...hmmm, maybe I NEED to get out more with people!!! I see a trend going on here!! lol

Kara

I'm a lone quilter. Never had a class. Taught myself.

The "quilt police" scare me, too. My piecing may not be good enough. My quilting may not be good enough... I really do worry about what other people think about my skills, etc...

sewjoyce

I've taken classes and some of them were quite good. But I HATE dragging my big machine around or I'd take more! I also don't much care for the idea of people watching me sew. Silly, huh?

My first class (outside of home ec in grade school) was a 2 1/2 day class on Heirloom Sewing given by Martha Pullen teachers. Did NOT know what I was getting myself into. By the end of the second day, I left in tears. The other girls were so fast and self-assured and I just didn't have a clue. Felt like an idiot I did return the next morning though and did fine! (I still have the certificate stating I completed this class framed and hanging in my sewing room....it's dated Sept. 1999)

BlueChicken

I'm a hermit quilter too... maybe we need to start a new group! LOL

I read a lot of tutorials and information on the web, as well as books, magazines, pretty much anything I can get my hands on. But I've done a couple of classes too. My first ever was an absolute laugh, the whole day was filled with laughter, cake, sewing, and fun. It was a great group of people, with a tutor who wanted to have a good time too. I've taken another class where I got a lot of really good information and tips, but wasn't nearly as much fun and everyone was serious and focused.

I'm a lot more productive on my own, in a group I tend to talk too much and fall behind, or not pay attention and make mistakes. But if you get the right bunch of people together, you can't beat a class. :-)

Ninnie

I am a loner, no classes near here, but probably wouldn't have the nerve to take one.

I have lots and lots of books and even more magazines, i love going through them. never have made a quilt that I don't change the pattern some, always thinking what can I do different. Sometimes a quilt starts one way and then I have to change it, can't help myself, don't think that would be good in a class! :lol: :lol: I tend to get lost in my own little world when planning a quilt, and wouldn't hear if someone were talking to me. The "Quilt Police", scare me, all I could do to post my quilt on here, :lol: :lol: when I put them on my blog, it doesn't matter if people don't like them I don't know it.

This board is the most socialization I have gotten with fellow quilters and I think it has been good for me! :oops: :oops:


Ninnie

quiltswithdogs

classes.......
Never having been around any quilters- ever, I did take some classes to learn the basics. Then my daily Great Fatigue started when I got Rheumatoid Arthritis and I found out, twice, that I cannot make it through a class. After that, I stuck with familiar patterns. Eventually, I began to try new, easy patterns I found, so my repetoire has broadened somewhat. My opinion is that classes are valuable for the beginner with nobody who can teach basic techniques. For example, I don't think I ever would've thought of chain-piecing on my own. After beginnerhood, a class is useful to learn newer or more difficult methods or patterns.
socializing ......
Before RA I also went to a LQS block of the month lesson and a monthly gathering to group quilt for local homeless shelters. I had to stop those too. So now, all of you are my only quilter friends, for whom I'm very grateful. I still have much to learn. It's really too bad I didn't start earlier in life instead of at age 50. I only had 2 years before things changed so much for me. I could've already learned so much by now. Well, at least I'm back to quilting and I found you to chat with and learn from... yeaaay! I've already learned new block patterns on the BOM here. (I know, I know, I'm supposed to post photos... and I will as soon as I can borrow a camera and learn how). Besides this great opportunity here, I think that socialization might be better obtained instead of classes, from clubs or friends and Quilt Retreats (sound so fun!).
Cathy