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Quilting Group dynamics



 
 
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  #1  
Old August 4th 03, 02:34 AM
Liz and Steve Ford
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Default

Hi Wendy,
thought I'd put my two bits in as am doing both. I used to teach at my
retail premises and charged for the class. When I closed the retail,the
classes wanted to continue, the day classes I charged for as it was my
income and the night one which I wasn't that keen on being held to (going
out at night and teaching can be quite hard), formed a group that meets once
a week at different houses. They still ask me for advise and help with
planning but I get advise back along with the flexibilty of not having to
go, should I be sick or just plain tired. I have recently left a office
position and my night group has asked me to start teaching again - being
paid. So I am in the mist of organising premises for my classes.
Hope this is some help

Liz Perth WA
"frood" wrote in message
.com...
OK, I asked this question at my Quilt University discussion forum (class

is
on teaching quilting classes), but I didn't like the tone of the

responses.
I know this group much better, so I know how to judge your responses

better.

Here's the thing. After my (highly successful) book club meeting, several

of
the neighborhood women suggested a quilting group. Since some of the women
are complete beginners, they may need some help getting started. I thought
the group would be a good place for this to happen. I am happy to help in
any way I can, including teaching somebody how to make a quilt. However,

my
QU class is all "don't be taken advantage of" and "you'd better charge

money
for that" and that sort of thing.

I would like to start a quilting group around here. I'm interested in a
group that meets at least once a month, does show and tell, perhaps offers
opportunities for creating group or individual charity quilts, and does

like
a secret santa kind of thing at Christmas. People could bring something to
work on, or not, as they wish. I want a casual group, where kids can tag
along if childcare is unavailable for members.

Thoughts? Advise?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply





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  #2  
Old August 5th 03, 12:58 AM
frood
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Quilting Group dynamics

OK, I asked this question at my Quilt University discussion forum (class is
on teaching quilting classes), but I didn't like the tone of the responses.
I know this group much better, so I know how to judge your responses better.

Here's the thing. After my (highly successful) book club meeting, several of
the neighborhood women suggested a quilting group. Since some of the women
are complete beginners, they may need some help getting started. I thought
the group would be a good place for this to happen. I am happy to help in
any way I can, including teaching somebody how to make a quilt. However, my
QU class is all "don't be taken advantage of" and "you'd better charge money
for that" and that sort of thing.

I would like to start a quilting group around here. I'm interested in a
group that meets at least once a month, does show and tell, perhaps offers
opportunities for creating group or individual charity quilts, and does like
a secret santa kind of thing at Christmas. People could bring something to
work on, or not, as they wish. I want a casual group, where kids can tag
along if childcare is unavailable for members.

Thoughts? Advise?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply



  #3  
Old August 5th 03, 01:08 AM
Queen of Squishies
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Sounds like a wonderful plan to me! Just what we do, only we meet once a
week here. We're addicts and recruiters. Me and Musicmaker keep ourselves
BUSY! But it's so fun. Go for it!

Karen, Queen of Squishies
some people just don't understand the old fashioned sewing circle thing -
ignore them


  #4  
Old August 5th 03, 01:12 AM
Butterfly
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

What are "YOU" comfy with?
Are you in it for the fun/friendship/sharing quilty things or are you in
it for '$ gain'
What do "YOU" have time for Can you also allow the 'extra time' that the
absolute beginners need Can you 'trade' 'newbie' teaching time for maybe
baby-sitting time--or they bring 'dinner' for all of you instead of $
Will it be only at "your place" or can you take turns meeting in
different homes??????????
Butterfly (can "YOU/your family" live with your decision)

frood wrote:
OK, I asked this question at my Quilt University discussion forum (class is
on teaching quilting classes), but I didn't like the tone of the responses.
I know this group much better, so I know how to judge your responses better.

Here's the thing. After my (highly successful) book club meeting, several of
the neighborhood women suggested a quilting group. Since some of the women
are complete beginners, they may need some help getting started. I thought
the group would be a good place for this to happen. I am happy to help in
any way I can, including teaching somebody how to make a quilt. However, my
QU class is all "don't be taken advantage of" and "you'd better charge money
for that" and that sort of thing.

I would like to start a quilting group around here. I'm interested in a
group that meets at least once a month, does show and tell, perhaps offers
opportunities for creating group or individual charity quilts, and does like
a secret santa kind of thing at Christmas. People could bring something to
work on, or not, as they wish. I want a casual group, where kids can tag
along if childcare is unavailable for members.

Thoughts? Advise?


  #5  
Old August 5th 03, 01:38 AM
Elena
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I suspect that your QU class is very aware of the tenuous line between being
a professional teacher and someone who helps friends out. Coming from an
interior design background, I'm aware of the "fighting" that goes on for
professional recognition. Sometimes it leads to a rather deep line being
drawn between what constitutes a professional interior design individual
from the local mom doing interior decorating selling out of her home.
Please understand I am in no way implying that the local mom is in any way
inferior in my comparison.

Quilting is another area in which it is very hard for someone even with
experience and takes the responsibility to treat their teaching seriously to
be treated with that same professional regard. Isn't the whole idea of the
QU class to share ways to become more professional? To offer better classes,
and to avoid the hassles that come when misunderstandings occur precisely
because there's no formal contract, or terms are vague and not in writing?

As far as your group goes, I'd say go for it! If you feel a need to keep
things "even" then offer them ways to help you help them. If they start
asking you to teach things that they saw in a class schedule at the LQS and
are trying to get something for nothing, then you might change your mind.
But first, they'd have to have the 'fever', right? I don't see anything
wrong with helping beginners catch the bug we quilters have. muwahahaha.

If things go right, you could end up with the best relationship possible
with the LQS. That of bringing new buyers and students to their shops, and
giving them a better knowledge of what their customers want.

If the forum seems irritated at this, then they are missing the good side.
That without friendly encouragement and group support, no one knows to take
the classes they are clearly interested in teaching at the quality level
(with the desired income) they strive for. All you would be doing is
showing your friends just what a marvelous world it is out there!

Sounds yummy and I am frankly envious that you have such a good local group!

Elena in Tx

"frood" wrote in message
.com...
OK, I asked this question at my Quilt University discussion forum (class

is
on teaching quilting classes), but I didn't like the tone of the

responses.
I know this group much better, so I know how to judge your responses

better.

Here's the thing. After my (highly successful) book club meeting, several

of
the neighborhood women suggested a quilting group. Since some of the women
are complete beginners, they may need some help getting started. I thought
the group would be a good place for this to happen. I am happy to help in
any way I can, including teaching somebody how to make a quilt. However,

my
QU class is all "don't be taken advantage of" and "you'd better charge

money
for that" and that sort of thing.

I would like to start a quilting group around here. I'm interested in a
group that meets at least once a month, does show and tell, perhaps offers
opportunities for creating group or individual charity quilts, and does

like
a secret santa kind of thing at Christmas. People could bring something to
work on, or not, as they wish. I want a casual group, where kids can tag
along if childcare is unavailable for members.

Thoughts? Advise?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply





  #6  
Old August 5th 03, 02:57 AM
Polly Esther
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

You say "some" of the women are complete beginners. Does this also mean that
some of the women have at least a few quilts under their belts, so to speak?
Maybe the entire burden of guiding wouldn't completely fall on your "already
carrying quite a load" shoulders. It sounds like such a lovely idea. I hope
you figure out how to do it. Polly



  #7  
Old August 5th 03, 02:58 AM
julia sidebottom
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I wish you lived closer to me I would love to be part of your group. You
describe everything I would hope for in a quilting group. Right now I am
very 'quilt group/guild deprived'.
I also believe a gift is freely given with nothing expected in
return. So my thought is that if I am gaining as much from the group as
they are giving why would I charge. Especially if we are all neighbors
or friends or such. Since I don't know how far the boundaries of your
group would reach it would be hard to determine just how $$ would be
considered into the equation.
juliasb

frood wrote:

OK, I asked this question at my Quilt University discussion forum (class is
on teaching quilting classes), but I didn't like the tone of the responses.
I know this group much better, so I know how to judge your responses better.

Here's the thing. After my (highly successful) book club meeting, several of
the neighborhood women suggested a quilting group. Since some of the women
are complete beginners, they may need some help getting started. I thought
the group would be a good place for this to happen. I am happy to help in
any way I can, including teaching somebody how to make a quilt. However, my
QU class is all "don't be taken advantage of" and "you'd better charge money
for that" and that sort of thing.

I would like to start a quilting group around here. I'm interested in a
group that meets at least once a month, does show and tell, perhaps offers
opportunities for creating group or individual charity quilts, and does like
a secret santa kind of thing at Christmas. People could bring something to
work on, or not, as they wish. I want a casual group, where kids can tag
along if childcare is unavailable for members.

Thoughts? Advise?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply


--

Remove (nospam) from address.

now...
come and journey with me from darkness....
.... into New Life http://www.nwlife.com
  #8  
Old August 5th 03, 03:12 AM
Sharon Harper
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Sounds like the group I want to join! Maybe create a "kiddy corner" with
their own plastic needles and fabric squares where they can "sew" too if
they want. Or just some toys, heck even a video!

Help out the ladies who need help (I wish I'd been able to find a helper) as
much as they need it but if they appear to need babying along perhaps
mention that you teach quilting classes and invite them along. Or if there
are several ladies who want to attend a class perhaps offer one at a nominal
sum.

Lemme know how it goes.

--
Sharon From Melbourne Australia (Qof DU)
http://www.geocities.com/shazrules/index.html
Member of the Houston 2004 Party Animals
"frood" wrote in message
.com...
OK, I asked this question at my Quilt University discussion forum (class

is
on teaching quilting classes), but I didn't like the tone of the

responses.
I know this group much better, so I know how to judge your responses

better.

Here's the thing. After my (highly successful) book club meeting, several

of
the neighborhood women suggested a quilting group. Since some of the women
are complete beginners, they may need some help getting started. I thought
the group would be a good place for this to happen. I am happy to help in
any way I can, including teaching somebody how to make a quilt. However,

my
QU class is all "don't be taken advantage of" and "you'd better charge

money
for that" and that sort of thing.

I would like to start a quilting group around here. I'm interested in a
group that meets at least once a month, does show and tell, perhaps offers
opportunities for creating group or individual charity quilts, and does

like
a secret santa kind of thing at Christmas. People could bring something to
work on, or not, as they wish. I want a casual group, where kids can tag
along if childcare is unavailable for members.

Thoughts? Advise?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply





  #9  
Old August 5th 03, 03:26 AM
frood
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I am comfy with helping out my neighbors, just as they help me out. I have
been the happy recipient of many baby-sitting hours, use of dryers and
washers when mine were fritzed, rides back and forth, groceries fetched, and
I have provided similar favors.

I think if we start a quilting group, I'm hoping every person will offer
advice and support in whatever way they can. Some will know more about
quilting, others will have awesome cheese and sausage grits recipes!

I would like to do meetings in each other's houses, like the book club does.
But if somebody can't host, somebody else could step in.

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
De-Fang email address to reply
"Butterfly" wrote in message
...
What are "YOU" comfy with?
Are you in it for the fun/friendship/sharing quilty things or are you in
it for '$ gain'
What do "YOU" have time for Can you also allow the 'extra time' that the
absolute beginners need Can you 'trade' 'newbie' teaching time for maybe
baby-sitting time--or they bring 'dinner' for all of you instead of $
Will it be only at "your place" or can you take turns meeting in
different homes??????????
Butterfly (can "YOU/your family" live with your decision)




  #10  
Old August 5th 03, 03:41 AM
frood
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I am hoping to teach classes at my LQS - which is why I'm doing the QU
course. I think there is a difference between sharing knowledge and support
in an informal group, and in teaching a class. One of my neighbors is an
exercise instructor. I took her class for years, and only dropped out when
the program changed (she teaches a franchised program) and I couldn't stand
it anymore. I hated dropping out because I love her as a teacher. However, I
would never dream of asking her to show me some exercises for free, and I
don't think any of my other neighbors would, either.

Now, I may be in for a rude surprise, but I think these particular women
will understand that a quilting group is a group effort, not a single person
teaching. And that's what I'm hoping for - a mutually beneficial group with
a common interest. If it turns out that others in the neighborhood are
hoping for a class in quilting, well, then I'll just have to decide if I
want to teach a class, and what I would charge and make a lesson plan, and
see if it flies!

If I teach a class at the LQS, it wouldn't be beginning quilting for adults,
although I may consider beginning quilting for children, as I have some
experience teaching that (2 kids so far, 3 State Fair ribbons for them), so
there wouldn't be a conflict for me. I don't even think my LQS offers a
beginning quilting class, but I could be wrong.

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
De-Fang email address to reply
"Elena" wrote in message
...
I suspect that your QU class is very aware of the tenuous line between

being
a professional teacher and someone who helps friends out. Coming from an
interior design background, I'm aware of the "fighting" that goes on for
professional recognition. Sometimes it leads to a rather deep line being
drawn between what constitutes a professional interior design individual
from the local mom doing interior decorating selling out of her home.
Please understand I am in no way implying that the local mom is in any way
inferior in my comparison.

Quilting is another area in which it is very hard for someone even with
experience and takes the responsibility to treat their teaching seriously

to
be treated with that same professional regard. Isn't the whole idea of

the
QU class to share ways to become more professional? To offer better

classes,
and to avoid the hassles that come when misunderstandings occur precisely
because there's no formal contract, or terms are vague and not in writing?

As far as your group goes, I'd say go for it! If you feel a need to keep
things "even" then offer them ways to help you help them. If they start
asking you to teach things that they saw in a class schedule at the LQS

and
are trying to get something for nothing, then you might change your mind.
But first, they'd have to have the 'fever', right? I don't see anything
wrong with helping beginners catch the bug we quilters have. muwahahaha.



If things go right, you could end up with the best relationship possible
with the LQS. That of bringing new buyers and students to their shops,

and
giving them a better knowledge of what their customers want.

If the forum seems irritated at this, then they are missing the good side.
That without friendly encouragement and group support, no one knows to

take
the classes they are clearly interested in teaching at the quality level
(with the desired income) they strive for. All you would be doing is
showing your friends just what a marvelous world it is out there!

Sounds yummy and I am frankly envious that you have such a good local

group!

Elena in Tx




 




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