I love classes, mainly to get together with other quilters with like interests. I only go to a class that has a subject I am interested in, even if I already know how to do it. I like to get the tips and techniques presented from another's perspective. Some I could teach myself but it's still fun.

Classes have taught me applique, fabric dyeing, piecing accuracy and technique, FMQ and color value.

Our guild is big and hosts many famous people so it's an opportunity not to be missed. I often sign up for something and wish later I hadn't. It's easy to be caught up in the moment when the presentation is made but when looking at the list of materials and supplies, I am often turned off and wish I hadn't.

I think I've learned something from each class. I started quilting by attending a class for something simple and it gave me to courage to pursue quilting wholeheartedly.

I have never taken a class. However, they would really be helpful to me! In our small town, there is not much opportunity. The few classes I have seen are on weekdays when I am working, or they are only one specific project rather than a technique. I will someday.

Years ago I took a few classes at a LQS but more recently IÂve been taking classes on line at www.QuiltUniversity.com. Someone on this forum mentioned QU several years ago and I took a class and now IÂm addicted to on-line classes. Seriously, rather than a Âfabric diet IÂm on a QuiltUniversity class diet. I have told myself I need to finish the UFOs before taking another class.

I like these classes because they span over several weeks and the instructor posts the lesson and then every class member has a week to work on the skills/assignment, post pictures, ask questions, etc. before the next lesson is posted. If you fall behind, it is not a big deal, you just work at your own pace. I can work on these classes when it fits into my schedule even if it just means 15 minutes here and there. The "classroom" stays open for 3 weeks following the end of a class. Many instructors have given their personal email address in case you need additional help after a class has closed.

I also like these classes because I can read the posts/questions of my classmates and learn from them, but if someone has an individual problem, it is not taking away limited class time. I have felt that the instructors give excellent personalized attention to everyone in the class. There is also a feeling of camaraderie  similar to this forum  where classmates encourage each other and comment on each otherÂs work. To me, it is a good value at $27-$46 depending on the number of weeks in the class.

I am not affiliated with QU. I know I sound like a commercial. I just get excited about it because I have really enjoyed taking these classes.

I've never taken a quilting class. Partly I'm too lazy to drive thirty minutes, but it's partly because I've been able to figure out my easy projects so far with books and my mom to help. I think a class on applique or trapunto would be be interesting for me, since that's what I'm thinking about these days.

I've taken one long arm class at a LQS, hoping to be able to go in and use their machine. But I waited too long and now would have to retake the class to rent time on it. It was interesting and fun though.

Then at a quilt show I took 2 classes on free motion quilting. Although it was geared towards using a LA again, I learned things I've used on my regular machine and I think it made me better at free motion.

I would like to take an applique class but not badly enough to give up precious weekend hours or evenings!

Kate

While I've never taken a class, I have taught them from my home/studio.

I just got back from a class (everyone gasp at once!)~ Stack N Whack. BTW - it is fun - fun- fun! For those who like contemporary quilts - it is so unique. But, more about that later.

As a new quilter, but a very advanced sewer for most of my life I started a beginners QAYG-BOM year long sampler quilt class last Nov, given by my Pfaff dealer. I have taken a few other classes there when time allows, even if I don't care for the quilt, just to expose myself to the variety.

I have also taken a few very specific skill level technique classes at the LQS - which is a competing Bernina dealer - me & my Pfaff are the odd one :). Depending on the instructor, that may or not matter. I've learned PP there and loved it.

The camaraderie at the Pfaff dealer is more relaxed, the studio is much nicer, even thou it is a very busy sew and vac center, with many walkins. I've learned to feel at home there.

We have a very large Guild, which I have thought about joining, maybe to meet some other quilters.I am still working, so my time is limited. They have known speakers and instructors, but I think I would benefit more when I have more time and have achieved more skill and exposure.
As toolgranny stated - my fear is getting caught up in their excitment - Like I did on this Forum~LOL~

Taking any kind of classes is new to me, since I am a self taught in all my achievements person. I like the classes, but I am there to learn, so it bothers me when too much loud chatter occurs - usually form the worse sewers. That's a huge negative, but there seems to be all skill levels in these classes. I am a very neat & precise sewer & presser, so the haphazard style of some of these women gets on my nerves; maybe if I was retired, I'd feel differently. I am a salesperson - I got the gift for gab, but there's a time and a place. That's what I don't like.
I think the money for classes is alot, but I could have much more damaging habits!

I haven't had time to read all the responses, I wanted to post mine, since I just returned from a class - can't wait to read your opinions.

Great question~I love these QOD!!!

lola - Quilt University would sure take care of the loud one!
I have to look into it. What classes have you taken?

Many, many, many years ago I took a quilting class at the local commm college and dropped it after 3 weeks. There were so many that took up the teachers time that I was frustrated. The class was designed for imtermediate quilters but more than half were beginners and were lost. I have taught a 10 and 12 yo to quilt so I have patience, but it has to be a beginner's pattern.
I have been tempted by QU and I look at what they offer. The quilt shows and books are helpful for me, but I would love to sit in a FM quilting class with a good instructor. I am trying to start a quilting group in our small town. Newbies, wanna bees, all levels are welcome to join.
Rosa

Many years ago I started quilting via classes and I am greatful that I started when things were done "the Old way" as I learned the basics. Along the way I have taken a few classes but most are tought quite far away and I dislike the travel, although I would enjoy some of the classes about applique and time saving techniques. I have not taken a formal class with a well know instructor. That would be interesting.
I am glad to see the QOD back.
Jayne

I've never taken a quilting class. I probably never will.

I'm not a people-person, and not a joiner, and I absolutely know if someone else wasn't "getting it" in the class, I would be impatient. I would bite my tongue, LOL, but I wouldn't enjoy the class. So there's no need to inflict myself on others.

For these reasons, I won't join the local quilt guild, either.

Quilting isn't rocket science. I can figure it out myself.

I do have a few quilting buddies in the neighborhood, and I enjoy meeting with and discussing projects with them -but only over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

I have taken a couple of classes at my LQS. Two of them were technique classes (FMQ and finishing and binding) and I learned a lot. Another class was making a specific quilt from a pattern in a book and I found myself explaining the easy way to do it to other students while the instructor was trying to find the correct part of the book. Most of the classes seem geared to beginners and I want someone to teach me something that I can't learn on my own. In addition the LQS classes are expensive and always require you to buy a book or pattern.

Ocasionally I do take a class with my guild. They are usually taught my guild members and very inexpensive. The facilities are not very good, however. I may try Quilt University this winter.

Mary, I had to laugh at you not being a people person. lol Since I've retired and don't 'have' to deal with people anymore, if DH is in the house, I don't even answer the phone!

I've only taken one class since we moved and the room was crammed full so they could get every cent they could! Made me mad and have not taken another one....I wasn't really impressed. I really don't know if I'd take another class, probably not.....

I have taken a lot of classes. I belong to a guild that brings in well known instructors. I enjoy spending the day sewing with friends and making new friends. I take classes at quilt shops to learn a new method or technique. As a new quilter, I did a Saturday Sampler class that taught some of the basics of piecing. They do a demonstration on how to assemble the block along with tips on easier ways to do it. That was helpful when I was starting to quilt.
Linda OH

I took a beginning quilting class many years ago and make a simple wall hanging and got hooked. Then I took a sampler quilt class and made a beautiful queen size quilt for my bed. But these classes were taught by local girls and I didn't learn about squaring a quilt, using a rotary, cutting mat until I took a class at Comm College. I quilt with a good friend now about once a week and we are looking for classes to expand what we already know. She reads alot and passes the knowledge on to me.
I find classes fun but I also realize i have to tune out the silly people and those there just to talk.

Magothyrivergirl, you are right, QU is perferct for not getting irritated at your classmates who chatter too much!

Off the top of my head, I've come up with 8 classes that I've taken at QU. There are probably a few more as well that I've forgotten about. The ones I remember are: design your studio, beading (on quilts), design your own Hawaiian quilt (great applique class), combing through your scraps, free motion quilting, a class on pressing, Flower Power, and a landscape quilt class.