Arleners

My philosophy is to teach the proper way to do things, and then deal with what happens in reality. The secret to having a beautiful quilt is being able to fix what goes wrong. Some students want to rip out the seam until it is right. Others don't. I don't put down the people who are happy with good enough. It is their choice. I do show them how to make allowances where possible and advise them what will look wrong if they choose to not rip. It seems to work. I have people who keep coming back and each time their work looks better. If I had been super tough on them at first, I think they would have not kept up with quilting. They are doing it for enjoyment, not perfection.

mltquilt

Even if a quilt shop is the friendliest one around sometimes they get a bad teacher. Hopefully she was a guest teacher and not a regular employee. Steer her to the board. Also there are lots of things on You Tube. Tell her how to get on Missouri Quilt's website. Lots of good tutes there.

mltquilt

brushandthimble

I am sorry your sister is having such a hard time with a difficult teacher. I always encourage my students even if I don't like their progress I keep that to myself.
I have also been the "difficult student", LOL.

gramarraine

I like taking classes but not from teachers like that. Fortunately my beginner teacher was understanding and taught us how to correct mistakes without being to critical. I have and would recommend this teacher anytime.

nanna-up-north

I've taught several beginner quilting classes in 3 different states. Quilting is a skill that is LEARNED!! You will get better the longer you work at it and the more you work at getting better. My first quilt was so bad that I threw it out before it was finished...... and I'm a VERY good sewer!! I didn't realize that sewing and quilting are very different. There are so many techniques to learn with quilting to make it easier, or just plain more perfect if you want your projects to be more perfect.

I'd say, find a different teacher. It sounds like there are more shops in the area..... seek out one that has classes you will enjoy. I always wanted to turn people 'on' to quilting....... but for sure, I didn't want to turn them 'off'.

valsma

I've not taken a class and most of what I'm learning is from books and the wonderful people on the board. I would like to some day to learn certain techniques but am glad I haven't yet. I've learned the importance of the 1/4 inch seam, matching points and cutting accurately. I think if I had a teacher like your sisters I would have quit learning to quilt. I had a home ec teacher who almost kept me from learning to sew because of a similar attitude, I'm glad I didn't let her. Keep encouraging her and helping her, you may be able to help her enjoy quilting, something her teachers seem to be sucking out of the experience.

sewbizgirl

Unless the teacher was abusive, sarcastic or nasty, I think I would at least try to put my Big Girl Panties on and learn from these ladies. At least for the duration of the class... The level of their standards may be new to your sister, but if she puts aside her offense and listens and applies their "perfectionism" she could learn a lot. It may even help her bypass some of the bad habits that she might have otherwise developed.

Teachers are just people-- all different kinds. You will find some you relate to a lot better than others, but you can usually learn something from all of them.

mouseface

quilt should be fun perfection comes in time we all had to start some where

Baby Catcher

Don't let a bad teacher discourage you. I took a one night class at a lqs and she was so rude. I am self taught and had been quilting for 2 years. During the class she mentioned chain piecing and I asked a question about it. In a loud, rude incredulous voice she stated, "Have you never taken a learn to quilt class!? When I answered no she stated, "It shows!" The other women in the class all looked appalled that she would be so rude. Also during the class a customer came in to pick up her machine that was being repaired and after she left the lqs owner told us "There was nothing wrong with her machine that reading the manual couldn't have fixed. Some people shouldn't sew." There were lots of uncomfortable looks around the class as we all wondered what she would say about us after we left. Needless to say I have never gone back ( I have a good job and I purchase alot of quilting stuff so her loss), I told everyone at work about her and they told their friends and families not to shop at her store. Oh and the worst thing she did was insult "Betsy" my Singer Featherweight.

Rose Marie

Never had a class, Ive learned from watching free videos on the web.
The very best teacher is Eleanor Burns. She makes mistakes and shows them in her videos even though she could edit them out. She laughs at herself.