Thursday, March 12, 2009

BEGINNER QUILT MAKING

BEGINNERS QUILT MAKING CLASS
I will be teaching a beginners quilt making class at the Senior Center, along with another "quilter". We have envisioned this class to be for real beginners. Real beginners (maybe some men) in the sense that they have never used a sewing machine and/or never tried to make a quilt. That's our idea, and is our intended focus. Others seem to feel that the class should be open anyone interested, regardless of their experience level. It looks like I have "drawn a line in the sand". I am standing firm on the real beginner entrance requirement. I have been in too many classes that were advertised as for beginners. Once I enrolled I find out that there are many very experienced folks in the class. How very discouraging, to a true beginner.

Am I correct in my thoughts?

8 comments:

Not Lucy said...

I think having some experienced quilters in the class can be either a help or an hindrance depending on their expectations. I think if you let everyone who is registering know that this will be a very basic class, starting with getting your machine threaded, 1/4" seams, sewing two pieces of fabric together, etc., experienced quilters are going to be less interested. I know I wouldn't sign up for a class that was going to be doing the basics because I already know that stuff. Maybe after a few months when you are doing more advanced stuff others might want to join in.

Sandy said...

I agree with you. I also have been in those classes and felt very intimidated by the more experienced sewers. I don't know why anyone with experience would want to be in the beginner class anyway.

Holee said...

Dig a ditch and man it with alligaters...us seniors who think we are experienced have an ugly way of taking over and leaving the others in the dust.

Tom H said...

I have a meeting this PM on the class. Holee, I'll let you know if I have to dig the ditch.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Why don't you do 2 classes...one for Real Beginners and one for Almost a Beginner? blessings, marlene

Janet said...

I found you from Kaaren's. Stick with the beginners, they need to not feel intimidated or inadequate.
I hope this is resolved but it is advertised for beginners.

Tom H said...

HOO RAY! Class will be for real beginners. Max class size 10. Two instructors. Second class to begin 4 weeks later. "Ringers" if any will be asked to wait for the second class. Thank You for your comments and suggestions.

Kaaren said...

Ditto here Tom and stick to your guns. I remember when I signed up for a "beginner" quilting class waaaaay back in 1984 and I was the ONLY beginner. I found it very intimidating. The teacher catered to the majority who were the experienced quilters and then there was me. That was my infamous quilt that I did complete, 20+ years later.