WARNING RANT: Frustrated at quilting class

I started taking a quilting class at LQS 4 weeks ago. It was billed as a beginners class but all levels welcome. I really didn't care because I think we can all learn from each other no matter what the level. We were not given a material list for the classes. I brought what i thought i would need but ended up going back home for a few things because the others ladies didn't bring anything, First week i got to help everyone cut strips for a fence and rail. Second week i got to help sew those strips together. Third week i got to work on mine and then it was decided by the group that we would do a different block every week so that we could learn different blocks and techniques. We were told to bring 7 fabric scraps to make a block, we used 5 . We were then handed a photo copy of the block that was broken down into 4 smaller blocks and just cut them and assemble them like the picture with the sizes given, but wait please notice that i had to change the size on one piece in each block go by the hand written size. (guess who didn't get one with the adjust to the block...yep you got it.) Keep in mind that each week we have had new people join and they have been from people who know how to sew to someone who has never used a rotary cutter before.

I guess i was expecting to be able learn something each week. I feel like the instructor is not instructing but just being there just in case we have an issue. Are all classes like this? Don't get me wrong I LOVE to help newer quilters, i would like to learn also.

This is the first quilting class I have ever taken and I don't want to go back next week because it is just too frustrating. I thought as we went along it would get better it hasn't and i don't want to be a bitch and i realize that there is one instructor and all of us but i just wish she was more organized with her materials requirement for each class. Tonight we were told that next weeks block we would need 3 or four fabrics. I am so tired of lugging what seems like half my sewing room to the LQS just so everyone has the opportunity to do something. I also realize that it is not my responsibility. This is every week.

I;m sorry that this is soooo long, not coherent, and a ramble, i just needed to vent. I do want to know one thing is this the way most classes are done? or what? I just want to decide if i should try a different type of class.

Our classes are not like that at all. Beginning quilting is that- introduces you to the implements, how to follow a pattern, etc. we have a handout sheet that says knowledge of xxxx is required. If you do not know these xxxx things, please sign up for sewing 101. And a supply list.

Advanced quilting is for people who have mastered the basics. The instructors teach, and if you're not up to speed, they don't wait and coddle you- you signed up for an advanced class, you should know what is expected. Same thing here-a supply list and knowledge of xxxx is required. If you do not have these skills, please sign up for a different class.

It's to fair for a class for a teacher to not teach, and I don't think experienced students should have to hold back for non experienced unless they choose to.


Try a different class with a different instructor? I am OCD about materials, lists etc. I guess not everyone is prepared like that lol.

Stop doing the instructors job. She should have made a class list for items needed at the beginning of the classes, or at least hand one out for items needed the following week. If someone doesn't have what they need, she should supply it or they could buy it from the quilt store.

It sounds like you've had a lot more responsibility heaped on you, just because you care that others have a good time and you are missing out because of it. You aren't getting paid to teach or supply the class. Let her do her job.

Maybe next time skip the beginner class and take the next level up and it might be a bit more organized.

I've never attended a class, so I can't comment on whether they are all like that, but I can say that I would be just as frustrated as you are. I would hope that any class would be organized and planned in advance, but obviously from your experience not all are. I don't blame you for not wanting to return, because it seems like you are doing more teaching than learning. Is there anyone you can talk to about the instructor, maybe the owner of your LQS or something?

Your teacher sounds very disorganized. Since you're frustrated, consider taking a week off, see how you feel, and then make a decision about continuing or not.

Don't go back. Classes aren't supposed to be like this and why do it if you're not having fun. Maybe you should see about getting a partial refund with the shop owner..but really if the dollars aren't that important to you, just avoid that instructor in the future. The thing is, you never know what you are getting. I've had both good and bad. I wouldn't give up on classes. You can learn so much from a good instructor.

You need to speak up. It's not your job to cover the teaching and materials. You're suppose to be there for fun and learning. I once took a serger class at Joann's to learn different techniques. They tried to pack in 12 women into a space for 6. That was bad enough, but then one crazy woman monopolized the class for 2 hours with her constant yells for help. No one else was getting much of anything from the instructor. When we broke for lunch, I announced that there were 11 others who paid for a class and would like some instruction. If she was going to continue for another 2 hours with one woman, I wanted a refund.

The class changed very quickly after the lunch break, however, I'd never take another class there. Find your voice.

I've taken several classes and before the first class, everyone was asked to come into the LQS and pick up the handouts from the instructor containing the materials/tools to bring. I've been to beginner & advanced classes and some people were asked to leave the advanced class because the instructor felt they were holding others back and felt they would do better in the beginner's group. I would definitely recommend talking to the owner of the Quilt Shop...I've really enjoyed going to the classes...meeting other quilters and learning new skills...maybe he/she is not aware of what is going on.

My LQS classes are nothing like this. When you sign up you get a supply list which includes REQUIRED items and preferred by the instructor...her recommendation.....they are usually right. Then at the bottom it states to bring the items on the list and to not rely on your neighbor for items or help...as they paid for the class to learn as well. It also states to have a working sewing machine, manual to it and to know how to operate as the teacher will not spend time"working" on your machine. Our basics piecing class has a pre-required rotary cutting class. I loved my class when I took it. I learned 4 "methods" and was able to apply it to 12 blocks and I made a sampler quilt with it. They were BASIC blocks....as that was what I signed up for. I have probably taken at least 8 or 9 other classes since on different blocks or patterns. In that time I did have one teacher I didn't care for. She spent the time talking about herself and teaching me very little!!! Sorry for your frustration!!

Sorry to hear this, being a long time teacher it peeves me that this is still happening. All they care about is making money instead of setting up structured well organised classes with competent teachers!!

If the owner of the QS is there ask to speak to her, or ask when she'll be there. Tell her what you've told us and ask what she's going to do about it. Let her know you are not only disappointed but also very frustrated at not getting what you signed up for. And if the owner is also the instructor, politely but firmly ask for a refund

Huggs, pami

Part of the frustration in this isthat the LQS owner is also in the class. The owner lets the instructor use the shop for class and we pay the instructor. It is not a lot of money but i still feel ripped off at this point.

You sound lie you should be the replacement instructor! It sounds very frustrating! A lady sat across from me at the VERY EXPENSIVE Eleanor Burns workshop I attended, and announced that she forgot to wear her hearing aid that day! Knew it was going to be a very long day! So sorry your experience was so bad. I'd want to tell the owner how bad the class as been, so that teacher won't be teaching there again!

Hi Kellie. Our hard earned money is too precious to hand over for goods or services that are not up to scratch. In your case, even though you are not paying a lot of money, it sounds to me like you are not getting anything at all for what you are paying. It actually sounds like you are taking on quite a bit of the responsibility that belongs to the teacher. Perhaps look at a class that is aimed at intermediate and above - that way people will have experience already. Having said that.......if the intermediate and above classes are not taught by a teacher who gives out a complete requirements list prior to the class, then I'd probably give it a big miss.
My other suggestion is put yourself forward as a teacher for beginners classes. You're already half way there. Might not be as silly as it sounds you know...

I have taken a lot of classes, mostly for how to use my serger (8 threads). So for one, how to make a bathing suit on a serger, the instructor , who is the manager of the store made her own instead of helping. Total waste of time. I was trying to learn it so I could show one of my dd's.

As far as quilting classes I'm coming up on my second one (paper piecing) The instructor is coming from somewhere off island. So that will be interesting. When I was in the store one time I was chatting with a guy quilter and it came up that he thought the manager was a terrible teacher. The fact that I was talking to a guy (no offence guys :))and he said that made me smile because I couldn't agree more. She wasn't too bad on the FMQ class though. So not horrible, but could be better.


To add.. In the email flyers they ask for volunteer instructors. lol

I am really sorry for your bad experience with that class. I would not go back, because it is not fair to announce a class and that the more trained once have to teach the newbies.
If I choose a class, the theme must be clear and I am expecting a clear material list, what I have to bring. And at least I am expacting an example from the result done by the teacher, that shows what the ready Project should look like. This Piece tells me, if the teacher is able to teach me.
I wish you good luck for another quilting class

Sounds like a crazy way to teach. When I teach my classes I have done a finished article of whatever we are making. This is because 1. I want one and 2. I know if there are any issues. I also make a full copy of instructions for everyone and at least 1 page is color. I also supply the iron and ironing pads. I send by email to everyone in advance a supply list. My girls are all different levels so some work well on their own with a little instruction, some need more help. They all pitch in and help if I am busy with another. I just have a great group of girls, we have a lot of fun and sometimes I find it hard to take their money, but I teach them so I can continue my fabric habit and they love it. I do things I choose and things they choose.

I've never been to a quilting class, but I have been to other "craft" type classes and there has always been - at least a supply list and a general lesson plan of what is going to be covered.

I think I would definitely speak up - privately with either the teacher or the shop manager/owner because he/she should be at least concerned that the the disorganization and unpreparedness could cost them customers. Who knows, maybe they will even offer you a job! :)

I have never taken a class and your experience is one thing I am afraid of. I frankly do well learning on my own as long as I have the resources I need. I almost failed algebra every year in school. I got a C in calculus that I only attended 4 times. Finally in college I was directed to a self paced algebra class. I sailed through, finished before anyone else and had 3/4's of Algebra 2 done before the course ended. That is when I realized I learn well on my own.

I am really chicken to try a class. I get those first day at a new school jitters just thinking about it. Yet I can and have taught. Such a different experience being the one teaching a subject.

My quilting classes were nothing like what you've described! How unfortunate you had this bad experience. In my classes, no one was allowed to join later. Everyone paid up front & came with the required materials. In my beginner's class we made a sampler of 8 different blocks, one each week. We did some work on our own at home. It was a worthwhile experiece & I learned so much. Better luck next time. The owner of the your LQS needs your feedback. JCY

When I took a beginners class, we were given a list at the time we signed up, of materials we needed to bring to class. This included all the different tools you would need (plus some I have still never used!) and all of your material. I made it thru the first four classes, and then signed up for the next four (both classes were quilts), but by the time I was finished w/the second series, I had had enough.

The main instructor was the owners daughter in law and she and her helper spent a lot of time joking around amongst themselves and sometimes you would have to wait several minutes to get a question answered or some help. By then, I was involved in the BOM and another club, so I quit signing up for the beginner classes.

This weekend, as my family enjoys a long weekend at the lake while I'm working, I'm finally going to quilt the top from the first class and get it done for my husband for his birthday next week. Hopefully Matilda will play nice.

I've taken both beginner and advanced classes. They have always been well run and well organized. Some have had a few material glitchs on the first day but sort themselves out. If you wish stick to the class and work on your own projects or speak to them about what you thought it would be and opt out till a more advanced or project specific class comes along.

This is exactly why I ran a class.

All these ladies had paid a lot of money for a beginners quilting class, learnt almost nothing, produced absolutely nothing and were all confused and frustrated.

I ran my class free of charge for 12 weeks, this Friday is the last week and they have come along in leaps and bounds. All of them thought that quilting was too difficult and or they were useless. It annoys me so much when people take money for classes and don't teach.

Rant over lol

UH UH The "beginners" class I went to was limited in size, and a handout was given way before class started indicating the basic supplies you need including your own sewing machine. The instructor was a thoroughly competent quilter and seamstress and offered many tips and techniques. My only complaint was I was truly the "beginner" and the others were not, so the class sometimes went a little fast for me and I felt very inadequate. I did come away with knowledge that sure helped me and then I found MSQC and Jennie, the rest is history.

Thank you all so much for your input. Overnight i have thought about it and gotten a different perspective. I'm going to one more class and the next block has HST in the block and i know that it will be challenging for the other quilters so i want to ssee if she muddles through it or actually teaches. I'm always looking for different ways to do HST's for better accuracy. The add 7/8 and the three dudes way i have found to be best for me. Maybe she has a better way.

I have never taken a class where there wasn't a materials list unless it was a seminar where supplies were provided. I'd ask for my money back or for a free class with a different teacher.

I recently taught two friends to quilt, bearing in mind that its years since I took my quilting course. I told them not to bring anything to the first class, I was going to go through basic equipment, safety rules when using cutters, threads needles etc height for a sewing table and a cutting table and simple patterns. I gave them handouts with all the info I had spoken about and reccys about buying mats, rulers, rotary cutters, fabric etc.

I included a hand out for the next weeks lesson listing everything required. They also had tea and homemade cake during a break when we had a general chat.

This was how I went through each lesson, we made a sampler wall hanging of 9 x12" blocks some hand sewn some machine sewn, some applique. The last few lessons were layering up, having spoken about wadding and what to use for backing. Then covered pin, sewn and spray basting........and hand quilting and machine quilting in the ditch and scribble.

This was the way I was taught, The girls did their own sewing and pressing, if they needed help I was there to do just that......we did have some funny blocks but a bit of squidging and we managed to get them square, Both ladies went home with a good grounding in quilting making and a finished quilt to hang on the wall.

It was my first forray into teaching someone else what I had learnt from a very good teacher, they were happy and so was I.

One of my pupils had a great job cutting squares when we first started....... then suddenly it clicked and boy was she away. Both of them have gone on to make other quits. One made a single bed quilt for her mother, the other a 'zoo' quilt for her first grandson and with a bit of long distance help via skype a set of table mats for a friends birthday.