wnott Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 My teaching quilting career has finally gotten off the ground. In late Sept, I lured all my bff's with a Suburban load of designer fabrics and the promise of 'a hunk of every piece' if they would be my guinea pigs (first students). We are gonna learn to crazy quilt!!! My career on the quilt teaching circuit was launched & I drove from TX to GA with all that fabric. Yeah, right! (Going to see one of those 2 new grand babies!) The 1 day class turned into 2 days - we were in a 2 car garage with the dogs, cats, kids, flies and one husband that thought we had all gone off the deep end - 'we cut all that fabric up on purpose??!' The BFF's were happy with their blocks, they got a hunk of every piece & we turned that load of fabric into packaged kits. Let's face it, the BFF's were easy students - they know their machines & they love me already. I'm a procrastinator & very shy by nature so going to the LQS & striking up a deal is not likely, besides, I'm plenty busy, longarming. Low & behold a lady from my Church calls and has a long story about a friend, a class they took, unfinished projects and they are fired up - will I teach them how to do the binding in a private class at her home? HUH? Thrilled & Terrified at the the same time, we scheduled & I went searching for my curriculum from a class I took at QuiltU in 2006 'The Art of Teaching' by Sylvia Landman. (Yeah Sylvia!) I prepared my lecture, lesson plan and loaded up that Suburban again. Yee Haaa! Turns out only my friend and her 1 friend (Joyce) were able to come but hey, I'm not disappointed, stress level just dropped about 2 notches). (Is this is a test for the teacher?) These 2 gals have been BFF's for a long time and my friend wants to help her friend who is having some health issues, recently lost her spouse, wants to produce something with her BabyLock embroidery machine etc. Joyce was thrilled when she got the binding on the little top she made in a class, many many yrs ago. Our hostess didn't fair so well on her binding, has yet to find her 1/4" so I told her that since this was only a practice piece and she did not love it, that it was good to have a sample that was not 'close enough' so we can see & know what to avoid. I helped her with that 1/4" & worked w/her to familiarize she & her machine manual. When I left, DH had left a message on my cell - 'would I bring he & crew some burgers?' - Ahhh, back to reality. My 15 minutes of fame & my $$ are gone, only a memory... NOT REALLY! I guess the teacher passed, I got an e-mail & they want to schedule bi weekly classes starting Dec 1st, maybe do a sampler for 2010! Here I go, thrilled & terrified all over again, but not quite as much this time. Is there anything on earth more fun than this? I don't think so! I had to share with everyone here, you don't look at me funny when I get crazy excited about this stuff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srichardson Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Good for you Wanda. Wishing you success and a great teaching future. Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinneaMarie Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Great job! Good luck! I'm sure you'll do fabulously!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWBowser Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Looks like you are off to a great start. Best wishes teaching. Charlotte Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
appr216 Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Loved your story and good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wnott Posted November 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Much thanks to those who have replied. Encouragement is everything! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennan100 Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Yay, Wanda! You are brave, girl, what if a LOT of people had showed up? I'm teasing, you'd have handled it perfectly! Glad things are taking off for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anniemueller Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 I've been teaching a variety of quilting classes at my LQS for the past couple of years. I have yet to meet a quilting student who was not fun and pleasant to work with. Teach what you love and have fun! The best thing for a case of nerves is to prepare, prepare, prepare. Most of the time being over-prepared takes the pressure off. Good for you for leaping out of your comfort zone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 Teaching is a blast! I haven't taught in about a year but I so love teaching others the love of quilting. I've only ever had one student that I wanted to ask to leave. LOL I didn't have to the shop owner took care of her. LOL many of my students were furious with her. Other than that though it has always been so wonderful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindasewsit Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 How fun, Wanda!! I love teaching!! You will get more and more at ease with it as you do it more!! I remember my first time..... I was ssoooooo nervous! I still get a little nervous on the first class.... but I love it!!! GOOD FOR YOU!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 Congrates for sure....what a happy moment and a spring off for you. Break a leg, and have GREAT fun teaching, its such a blast and when you see the light bulbs coming on around the room...you get to beam a bit yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachside Quilter Posted November 13, 2009 Report Share Posted November 13, 2009 Congratulations, Wanda, and thanks for sharing your great story! My husband is always wisecracking about cutting up into little pieces, too, thought I was the only one, LOL!! So happy you were able to help your friend with the binding. Sometimes getting that first piece completely finished is the hardest, yet most satisfying. Keep spreading your wings, and have fun teaching!! Vickie Oliver Beachside Quilter APQS Rep SW FL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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