Ever attend a quilt class/club etc?

**Kindred-Spirit** · 01-25-2003, 07:39 PM

CJ your feelings are so on track. You were talking about the class your attending and the wanna-be quilters being there and the block is too difficult.
Our library had a class I attended, it was a dollar token a class/month. I really really tried but most the people were already quilters and KNEW the rules/techniques. Each month was a new block, but we barely learned anything, but how to put each one together. I think that all of us that really wanted to learn to quilt, quit.
I can a little, but no where near where I would love to be. I think your so right to do things slowly, even though there are times I wanna hurrry, so we can truly say we know how to quilt.
Thanks for your wisdom. BTW I do think maybe you could offer to teach the newbies or suggest they have a beginner class. The yearning to quilt, never goes away. My class was about 10 years ago and I truly have tried to learn for years.
I have several UFO's only cause I felt so frustrated.
Thanks again, you truly do have our benifit in mind.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-25-2003, 07:56 PM

You know Kindred, its really interesting about quilting class. The first class I attended was a beginner's class. The teacher was awful, not helpful in any way and I was so overwhelmed that the first little quilt I made I kept at home and refused to take any more quilting back. I attended the class and wrote notes!!! I still have that little quilt, with all its crooked rows to remind me of where I was and where first time quilters are.

My second course was with a gifted teacher who loved quilting and her students. If you made a mistake, no big deal, she helped you correct it. She was there was smiles and encouragement and everyone wanted to please her by doing well and bringing their homework each week. It was a course I will always remember and be thankful for and one in where I will always appreciate our gifted teacher. I still see her and we always have a quick chat when we run into each other!!

Thats what I want to give to quilters - encouragement and smiles and the gift of quilting. I only hope I can measure up!

One thing I've learnt along the way, is to always take baby steps in everything you do, be it quilting, gardening, homesteading, etc. Its not that some can go in leaps and bounds, but in taking those baby steps, you learn the true process and you never forget it!!!! Its called patience!!!

**frugalmel** · 01-26-2003, 01:53 AM

Wow CJ! No wonder you are so patient wiht all our questions.

Kindred, I have never taken a class. I will take one at our local quilt store starting in March. They offered one this month, but I wanted to do the tutorial and didn't think I could handle two at a time! So I picked here.

**SewCrafty** · 01-26-2003, 07:04 AM

As much as I sew and always wanted to learn how to quilt, my life style never permitted it before. So I basically taught myself what little I do know about quilting. I am thrilled CJ is giving this class. I am one of those impatient people, but I am forcing myself to go slow and do it right. I want to learn the proper way too.

**Missy** · 01-26-2003, 11:31 PM

I have not yet attended a class or club, but learned from my grandmother. I was fortunate to learn from my Grandmother most of the basics to quilting. She (like CJ) is an incredibly patient person who takes time even now (by phone...she lives in Maine, me in Colorado) to answer my questions about quilting and to help me through my problems and blocks. It makes it enjoyable to learn if being taught by a patient and enthusiastic teacher. And having one that also is willing to learn and grow in his or her own skills makes any teacher that much better. And those kinds of teachers make learning stick. I need to say thanks again to CJ for this class, and her teaching technique....and I need to call my grandmother to thank her again too.......

**TheCottageRose** · 01-30-2003, 05:49 PM

At our Guild we would do minis. Mini fans, mini crazy quilt, most by hand and then turn them into pins to wear.

We learned a lot but not like CJ is doing here, I think most of the ladies new the basics already and were working on several quilts for this or that person or event.

It was quite overwhelming really.

But, I did enjoy the minis!