Quilt in a Day Forums

Hi, quilters I am recuperating from Christmas gift sewing and now planning a class using a log cabin pattern. This is the first class teaching at a quilt shop. Attended Paducah teachers training and have been looking for others on line who have taken that class. Would like some hints for teaching 1) the log cabin block (should I begin with a one day? a wall hanging? a lap quilt? 2) What other patterns have you used that brought a good sized class? 3) do the tote bag classes get good attendance? Which patterns have you had the most success with? Would like to get some of new teachers as resources so we can share our ideas etc.
If you have not taken the teacher training which classes have you enjoyed the most? One day? several days? a retreat? anything you would like to share about classes you have taken? Which are your favorite El Burns patterns and techniques? Thanks Kay from Va.

Hi there!

I took the class in San Diego last February. I have yet to start teaching as we just made a major move from California to Utah.

I have taught other quilt classes and I would suggest a lap size quilt to start with, but give them the different sizes so they could add to it, if they chose to do so.

A log cabin block is a simple block to teach - the straight strip cutting may give some a challenge - so I think that one day may be enough time for them to get a few blocks done and play with some of the settings that the log cabin block gives.


I would have in my class teaching materials - many blocks that could be set on a design wall and show them many of the settings and let them play with some of the settings too. This should spark some of their creative ideas for their own quilts.

I am leaning to teach many of the packet patterns that El has put out to teach the beginning quilters - get them hooked! LOL One class that I am planning for later in the year - after I get settle in my new house - it is being built right now - is the Radiant Star - this will be a challenge class for the beginners, but also could draw in some of the more experienced quilters too.

Any other questions - just ask - and I would love to hear how you teaching goes too!

Jana

Hi Kay,

This is Ann from the Teachers Training class. Your idea of Log Cabin for a first class is great. If the students start making just the number of blocks from a strip of each fabric, they will have learned the method. Then they can make whatever size quilt they choose. Have them purchase the book from the quilt shop and let the store personnel help them figure out how much fabric they need for the size they want. The charts in the book are excellent (and generous).

Classes for smaller projects, like tote bags, purses, place mats or table toppers have been popular in my experience. Just take a sample in to the shop and let the owner display it with a sign up sheet.

The store where I teach only has room for 8 students in a class, so I can't help you about 'good sized' classes. I really like to teach a class with 6 or 8 students.

Send me a PM if I can help you in any way.

I've been dying to go to Paducah for the instructors training by Eleanor. I've been watching the website for the dates it may be offered this year but so far I haven't seen anything about it. Does anyone know when it will be offered? Thanks, and by the way I love this forum, it has so much information!! LOVE IT!!

Hi Ladies -- The March 2012, San Marcos Teachers Training Classes just finished up...It was GREAT!! However, I need to contact one of the ladies from South Dakota...I accidently picked up one your books, please contact me so that I can get it back to you...thanks jacquie

Do you think we could each talk about what class we taught and the success of the class. I would love to know what everyone else is teaching. I just taught my first class and I am going to teach another class in September. Just getting started but I love it. I'm so happy that Eleanor taught me. She has made this easy for me.

The first Class I taught was A Better Star For All Seasons table runner and placemat. I had 5 students it was a 3 hr class we did go over by 20 minutes. But had a wonderful time.

Let me know what your teaching.
My next class is Kylee's Kite in September.

Let me know if you took her class and what your plans are.Just curious. Thanks Bev

Beverly, Sharon and I have taught a lot of classes over the last three years. We started with Quick Quarter, then..... Dessert Time, Tossed 9 Patch, Orion's Star, It's Elementary, In the Pines, Maple Leaf, and several from Quilts Through the Seasons. A lot of it depends on the amount of time you have. One group wants us to show them everything and meets 3 or 4 times for each quilt. The other group has to be able to finish in one to two meetings. We also do lots of bags, gifts, wall hangings and placemats.

Hi Karon, Wow you are so busy. I am scheduled to teach my next classes in Sun City Az in Sept. I am teaching on a Thurs evening and a Saturday.I am either teaching the braid in a day or the pumpkin Farm quilt.The Pumpkin farm quilt is so cute I saw it in Paducah when I took the teachers training class. The other quilt we are making is the Kylee's kite quilt. How often do you meet with your group? More than once a month. I am going to be teaching in Missouri and in Az. I will be in Az 4 times a year. I love your ideas. Just maybe we could start posting pictures of our classes here. I think that would be fun. Thanks Bev