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From: Melissa Maher
Date: 04-26-2006, 06:16 PM (1 of 11)
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I'm doing another magazine article, this time on sewing schools/classes/seminars/retreats, and would love some feedback. The point of the article is to encourage sewers/embroiderers to get out there and flex their creativity. But how do you make the time? How do you spot a good class from a dud? Any tips for getting the most value from an investment in a class? Tips for being well organized when going to a make-and-take? Has anyone been on a destination sewing retreat in an exotic place? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Just researching this one has me eager to book a few seminars. Melissa Maher |
User: Melissa Maher
Member since: 02-08-2006 Total posts: 4 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 04-26-2006, 06:45 PM (2 of 11)
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I haven't taken a full course or seminar yet, but I've taken a handful of those little classes/lectures at a sewing expo. I think seeing a speaker present at a local expo (let them all come to you) is a good way to get a snapshot of what to expect from that instructor. There were one or two that I'd really look forward to taking courses with in the future, and at least one that appeared to be a dud. The classes cost me very little, rolled into a package with my expo admission. The tuition for private seminars is considerable, expecially since you still have to come up with the money for travel, acoommodations, and time off from your daily responsibilities (career/family). It makes sense to lock in a good experience before you sign up!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Sancin
Date: 04-27-2006, 01:10 AM (3 of 11)
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I will make a comment from my perspective. I am an experienced sewer and don't enjoy going to lectures (ever / prefer discussions and interaction) unless I know the expectations of the audience and the experience of the teacher (hopefully varied). In other words I think all classes should indicate the level of sewing expected of the audience. I am afraid there are a lot of people teaching and writing who have found something they love and want to share with others, not realizing others may know more than they are presenting. In education circles it is known as 'know the level of your learner'. I don't mean this to sound 'snooty', but my time is valuable as are my finances as Andrea mentions. I do think the real way to motivate people is to have them 'do' something so events that are more than an hour (or even less) should include some hands on trials or experiences. Back to Reva singing South Pacific - an glad I am alone! 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 04-27-2006, 06:58 AM (4 of 11)
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If there ever was a seminar or convention type event around here I would certainly be there and take a few classes. Nothing like that comes to this part of the state. We get the farm show and snow mobile conventions. About 20 miles from here there is quilting store that has all kinds of classes and I have been tempted to take classes there but so far I haven't. I did sign up for a couple once but they were canceled because not enough people signed up. If I were to take a quilting class it would be more for the social interaction with other sewers than to learn how to quilt. Can I ask who you are writing for or are you doing this on spec? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Melissa Maher
Date: 04-27-2006, 02:20 PM (5 of 11)
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The story has been assigned for Vogue Patterns magazine, so as far as know, that's where it is to appear. I have written for this magazine before and the editors seem to handle things well. I think social interaction is a perfectly valid reason to take a class. Have some fun--which many of us seem to run short of. Thanks for your thoughts! mjtm |
User: Melissa Maher
Member since: 02-08-2006 Total posts: 4 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 04-27-2006, 09:23 PM (6 of 11)
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I just started taking a class through our community college. It is called Professional Garment Construction the Bodice. Last night was the first night. I am excited to take this class. I figure it would help me fine tune some points in my sewing and maybe give me some new and easy tips. If you are still asking for thoughts I will let you know as the class goes along. After we complete this class we get a certificate and can go on to earn as seamstress certificate, with taking more classes. I took one online class and I didn't really get as much as I would have had if I had done it with hands on. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: Sancin
Date: 04-28-2006, 03:49 AM (7 of 11)
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I agree with Dorothy that part of taking courses is for the social aspect. That is why I prefer hands on and discussion. One can learn a lot from other participants. And the reason I do occasionally take workshops. I have found that at convention seminars, some of the teachers are 'on the circuit' and either don't have the ability or the inclination to adjust their 'talks' to the audience. Their own creativity seems to be most important: eg. at recent workshop seminar I sat down at a table with other 'old birds' that I didn't know. The talk was on colour. The presenter then began to lecture on the colour wheel. One of the women at my table commented 'oh no, not another primary school teacher'.  The best presenters make an attempt to get to know the participants and it can be great fun. At that same conference I attended a hands on seminar on free motion machine embroidery. It was fun and I learned some good techniques. We also all learned about each other's machines and some techniques and attachments from each other. I also found some of presenters at conferences are selling things - this is OK, but it should be mentioned up front that the presenter will demonstrate and have products available. And they should be gracious enough not to sulk or demonstrate anger when someone doesn't purchase or simply don't care for their product. I don't go to their booths. But overall sewers are a gracious and enthusiatic bunch. One suggestion I would make for participants is to always take a pad of paper that they can fold and make notes on (and that the teacher allow for the time). I find that sometimes my written notes would be more helpful if I had a 2 or 3 dimensional 'piece' that replaces what was shown. Not all courses have written material presented. If a participant is a auditory learner and takes a tape recorder it is polite to ask the teacher if they mind. From a teachers perspective it can be very disconcerting to hear various clicks and wondering who is recording what. Don't know if this helps you, Melissa but learners should be prepared for many things at conferences and seminars and have fun. They may learn more from classes at local shops or schools if they are beginners and they should be prepared to attend all classes. Our school district seems to have trouble with sewing classes (finding teachers I expect, but may be lack of interest), but years ago I took a pattern drafting course from a wonderful Asian seamstress and every day I sew and fit things I thank her for what I learned from her. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 04-28-2006, 07:37 AM (8 of 11)
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In the past couple of years, I have taken quite a few quilting classes. Some were taken at a yearly needlecraft show and others at local quilt shops. I started taking them to learn the basics and then to learn more advanced techniques. But now I take them more for the social aspect than anything else. I prefer a class that gives hands on practice of techniques. I've taken a couple of classes that did not and I have remembered almost nothing from those. I am disappointed and consider I have wasted my time and money when I get a person just lecturing and not providing any handouts. I figure the least they can do is provide something written on what they are demoing and then I can add my extras to the notes.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: skiNsew
Date: 04-28-2006, 08:09 AM (9 of 11)
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I took a couple of online courses and was not impressed. Basically the material was posted on the internet and then participants were given the opportunity to ask questions. In general not many questions were asked and at times the questions that were asked were not answered. I felt that I could have purchased a sewing book for 1/3 the cost of the online course and received about the same amount of benefit. For this reason I suggest that you might want want to post a survey to find out if other people find these online courses helpful or if it is the type of information that is best presented in a classroom setting. Mary |
User: skiNsew
Member since: 06-09-2005 Total posts: 33 |
From: Melissa Maher
Date: 04-28-2006, 11:34 AM (10 of 11)
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Sewing Friends, You're giving me some great thoughts and ideas, especially the one about written materials. Thank you! I have also attended and organized many educational events in the past for the commercial embroidery world and would not dream of staging an educational event without printed hand-outs for the students. Re the on-line angle, I have a friend here in NM who is taking 2 on-line quilting classes and he loves them. (I will have to find out who the teacher is and let you know, if you're interested.) He is a veteran of many seminars/conferences/workshops, so would call it like he sees it. Thanks again for your responses! best, Melissa p.s. to Sancin: Wasn't the singer playing Emile DeBecque a babe?? |
User: Melissa Maher
Member since: 02-08-2006 Total posts: 4 |
From: MartySews
Date: 04-30-2006, 01:36 PM (11 of 11)
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Being a member of the American Sewing Guild has given me an opportunity for hands on sewing classes, chapter retreats, and lecture/demos on all aspects of sewing. From my perspective, I gained the most information with the hands on classes. Our chapter retreats have been planned with sewing on one's own project as the primary emphasis. This allowed participants to receive another's point of view, helpful hints, help in fitting, and constructive criticism if necessary without feeling threatened. I'm a visual/hands-on learner and this works best for me. I think if everyone could find a small group of friends who sew (whether in an organized guild or not) and make an appointment to get together to sew at least monthly, their skills would improve. Hope this helps with your research. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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