Who should attend a quilting workshop or class?
Two types of quilters are perfect candidates for a workshop or class:
First, anyone new to quilting will benefit from learning about the sewing and artistic techniques used to create quilts. You usually do not need to be proficient in a technique to take a class -- you simply should be open to the possibilities of all the different ways available to create any quilted item. If you have never used the particular method being taught, save yourself a lot of time and frustration and learn from someone who does know. Taking a lesson before you dive right into a project will save you from grueling hours trying to unlearn bad habits.
Second, every quilter -- regardless of their skill level -- can benefit from learning a new technique or honing a skill with a professional or more highly skilled quilter. If you have perfected one technique, attending a workshop on another may spur your imagination. Attending a workshop on your favorite quilting technique may be all you need to jump to another skill level -- or to get the courage to teach a class of your own.
What is the difference between a workshop, a class and a bee?
In an effort to differentiate between sessions taught by visiting artists who are invited to the Villages by the Guild's Program Committee and sessions taught by talented Guild members, we refer to one as a workshop and the other as a class. Guild-sponsored events are known as workshops; and our members teach classes.
Workshops and classes are often limited to a certain number of people. If more people sign-up, it may be possible to conduct more than one session to help ensure that every attendee will get the maximum attention they deserve. If you sign up for a workshop, it is your responsibility to check your emails as the date nears to be sure you are aware of any necessary changes to the schedule (time or location).
A bee is a new category of learning opportunity that allows members to form groups to work on specific types of projects or activities over a longer period of time than one class. Bees are activity driven; hosted by In-House teachers, bees will cover a range of quilting styles and issues. For instance, Suzanne Brown started a Tangle Bee that will begin with pencil on paper and help members work up to free-motion quilting their doodle-like designs and Pat O'Connor leads a Trash to Treasure Bee.
Where do I go to register?
Attend a monthly Guild meeting or your Chapter's weekly meeting to register for workshops, classes and BEEs. Sign-up tables are along the back and far side at Guild meetings and every Chapter's Program Committee representative can help you at your Chapter meeting. Don't know who your rep is? Go to your Chapter's Homepage on the Guild website to see a list of all your Chapter's officers and Guild Contacts.
Program Committee representatives need your registration fee and contact information to add your name to the list of students for Guild-sponsored workshops. For a class, you register directly with the in-house teacher. It is important that you provide a valid email address and monitor your emails for any program updates.
Where are workshops and classes held?
We now have two rooms for workshops, classes and bees:
1st Wednesday of every month: Ashley Wilkes Room at the Savannah Center for visiting artist workshops
3rd Wednesday of every month: Clearwater Room at SeaBreeze Regional Recreation Center for in-house
teachers and Standing Committee meetings
NEW Every Sunday: Torch Lake Room at Sterling Heights Recreation Center | To schedule time, email Esther Meinhardt at Sundays@QGOTV.org
When not fully in use for a Guild purpose, these rooms will be made available to Chapters and individual Guild members for quilt projects (please check the calendar for FREE TIME sessions or talk to your Chapter's Program Committee representative).
Workshop and Class times may vary, but often are 3-5 hours in duration; bring your own bag lunch if needed!
When are workshops and classes held?
Specific dates for workshops and classes are included on flyers available on your Chapter's Bulletin Board, at Guild meetings and on the Guild website under Guild Program News/Calendar. Information about bees will be added as they are developed.
Usually, three-five hour workshops are now scheduled on the first Wednesday of the month at the Savannah Center
In-House classes are now scheduled on the third Wednesday of the month at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.
Please Note: When you register for a workshop, you will be asked to provide your email address for notifications. If enough people sign up to warrant splitting a group into two or more sessions (and the instructor is willing), you will be contacted directly with revised dates and times. The Program Committee will email all registrants with the latest date, time and location of their session.
How much do they cost?
Guild-sponsored workshops typically cost $25 per student and an additional Kit-Fee may apply. You must submit a check made payable to QGOTV to register for a workshop.
Guild instructors who conduct In-House classes usually collect $10 per student. You must pay the instructor directly.
Sometimes a workshop or class may require attendees to bring certain items -- from a sewing machine to a specific type or quantity of fabric. Supply lists are available through your Program Committee representative and they are online in printable format at the Guild's website under Guild Program News/Learning Ops.
The bees are new, some may have a minimal supply fee and others may be free. The leader of each bee -- have we decided on the title of Beekeeper? -- will include any fee on the flyer, along with appropriate skill levels for students and supply lists, as needed.
The actual cost of any workshop, class or bee will be clearly indicated on the notice. Please check with your Chapter's Program Committee representative if you have any question about course or kit fees.
