I Like #4

I Like to Take Quilt Classes ...

... In Person

I am a traditional quilter, for the most part.  Over the years I have attended classes with many of the big names and some golden oldies:  Bonnie Hunter, Alex Anderson, and Jinny Beyer, for example.

But I think the ones who made the biggest impression on me were
Joan Wolfram (color), Ricky Tims (Caveman quilting),

My Chantal - Ricky Tims class

and Gwen Marston (liberated quilting), all who have influenced the modern quilting movement.

Gwen's House - Gwem Marston class

I know, the trend today is to learn online.  Between YouTube and Craftsy, there's hardly anything you can't learn about quilting online.  Not wanting to be judgmental, I also realize that both time and circumstance play a part in one's decision to take online classes or watch YouTube tutorials.  While that's better than nothing, I believe there is little substitute for learning directly from the teacher.  In person.  And this doesn't mean the teacher needs to have "national" standing; there are many talented "regional" teachers with excellent skills and original ideas.

I like to study at the knee of the master (or should it be mistress?). In the presence of The Master you get "the rest of the story," in the words of the late Paul Harvey.  The one who developed the technique or pattern will share so much more of her/his experience in person than you can ever get in an online class.  You will get extra tips about the process being taught and so much more, based on the teacher's personal experience.

Recently I attended a class at the North Carolina Quilt Symposium taught by Ann Holmes, a NC resident and former stained glass artist, who developed a fused, turned edge applique technique that is stabilized with the quilting.

Asian Bullseye

Even though she has a DVD and online tutorials, I don't believe I could have completely comprehended her technique without one-on-one instruction.

I like to learn from others in the class.  I am always impressed and sometimes amazed at the fabric selections of other students in the class.  So many times I see (and like!) color combinations that I would have never considered .

Nieta's Bullseye in browns

Two more Bullseye variations

Yet another Bullseye under construction

Other students will also offer tips about shortcuts they have learned from experience as well as new products they've discovered.

I like the social aspect.  It's hard to beat a day with other quilters.  'Nuff said!

Well, I hope I've convinced you to take advantage of the opportunity to take a class from a qualified teacher when it is available to you.

And I encourage you to hop over to Not Afraid of Color to read about what other bloggers like.