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karensantucci
New Pal
46 Posts |
 Posted - 10/30/2009 : 07:49:23 AM
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Hi everyone!
I'm thinking about taking some classes over the next year with a friend and wanted to get feedback from KR members on their experiences - classes they've taken, the good and bad about teachers, what experience level was needed, etc. I've been knitting for a long time, but have kept it very simple, where my friend is much more adventurous.
Any feedback would be appreciated!
Thank you,
Karen |
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LJ
Permanent Resident
USA
1837 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2009 : 10:36:32 AM
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Not knowing if you're going to a LYS or Stitches-like classes I'll throw in my 2cents as a student and an instructor...
Keep an open mind.
You won't fall in love with every instructor. Other's may rave about how wonderful she is and you won't "get it".
Make sure you understand what the class will cover. If it's advertised as "Cables!" what does that mean?
And what supplies you'll need. And do you have to purchase said supplies at LYS.
I have always taken away at least one thing/hint/technique from every class I've taken.
If it's a multi class lesson...say a sweater over 6 weeks...make sure you do your "homework" between classes. If you don't think you'll get the item finished over the length of the class, see if there's a child size you could knit. You'll learn the techniques. (I did this often when I taught top down classes)
I always have a point of frustration in very class I've taken. Usually the 3 hour ones. It's okay!!! Take a deep breath, maybe set your needles down and relax. Don't beat yourself up.
Take a chance with a short class that you think "I'll never need to know xyz" You might surprise yourself.
If you don't "get it" try a different instructor/pattern/technique. For me it's SOCKS. I don't get the need to knit socks. I've taken top down, toe up, dp, 2 circ, magic loop, 1 at a time, 2 at a time. Still don't get it. BUT I learned lots of different techinques (and met some nice people). Now I'm anxious to see Cat Bordhi's new book. Another technique for me to learn!
Whew...hope some of this helps. 
Linda in Va
My Blog: http://wallisknits.blogspot.com
My Patterns: http://www.eweknitkits.com
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susiknits
Permanent Resident
USA
1052 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 9:13:11 PM
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Well..... I've only taken a sock class -- four weeks -- and loved it. But I was (brag brag) the most experienced knitter there, so my experience may have been atypical.
On the other hand, I have taken many quilting classes (tho I no longer quilt). From that perspective, I can say that *classes* are definitely worthwhile in order to advance your skills.
--That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
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~bananaKnits~
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2009 : 08:05:51 AM
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I've taken lots of classes and some teachers I loved, some I liked and there were some that were "so so" in my opinion. But seldom have I heard anybody say that a teacher was really bad. Usually one person thinks the teacher was great and another person may not have liked them at all. I think personality is a major factor here, some teachers are upbeat and fun and others are a bit dry each has their own style. Each class I’ve taken I’ve been able to take away something some little trick or tip that I’ve been able to add to my “toolbox” of knitting.
Read the description of the class and choose from what you may want to learn. Also it depends weather you are taking a class at your LYS or at an event or cruise or knitting retreat. Classes at LYS tend to be more pattern oriented and classes at events like Stitches are more technique based.
Good Luck,
Happy Knitting,
ana
http://bananaknits.com/
If you come and visit my blog please leave me a comment, I love comments. |
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cpknits
Chatty Knitter
USA
289 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2009 : 2:00:29 PM
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Hi. I've taken a number of classes over the years and everything mentioned already is so true. The times I've been disappointed are when I read more into the class description than was really there. I'd get home, ask myself why did I take the class? I'd go back and re-read the class description. Sure enough, the instructor taught what the brochure stated what would be taught. I had made the mistake of misinterpretation. Also, recognize that when you take a group class, the instructor, in addition to teaching the technique, etc. will be spending time with individuals and they need to divide time up between all attending. All of the instructors I have had have been very good at not letting one person monopolize their time. This is quite a skill as I think it takes strong diplomatic skills as occasionally you'll find classmates who believe it is a one on one session and not a group class. Have fun!
Carol, Wisconsin |
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Marg in Mirror
Permanent Resident
Canada
3175 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2009 : 08:09:52 AM
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I've been knitting for almost 50 years, and haven't taken many classes. However, I recently took a class in entrelac at a yarn store in Edmonton (after 3 unsuccessful attempts to teach myself!) and it was very good. It was only 1 afternoon (3 hours) and was the perfect size (8 of us) for the instructor to be able to give each of us 1:1 help after she'd reviewed a particular step. The nice thing about this shop, too, is that you can drop in on certain pre-scheduled days to get 'tutoring' as a class follow-up -- for free. 
M in M
TLWKOTB
http://knitsonthebus.blogspot.com |
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minh
Permanent Resident and Destasher Extraordinnaire
USA
2915 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2009 : 7:48:21 PM
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What a great topic!
As a self-taught knitter, I never thought of taking classes until I took classes at the KR retreat and liked them. Because I don't know what my schedule is going to be like, I prefer the idea of a half-day or day long class rather than classes over several weeks or month.
I just signed up for a day long spinning class in February and I've been looking at the winter/spring knitting classes at local yarn stores. This is the right time to be taking classes (before the nice weather and the fiber festivals kick in). |
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lacylaine
Seriously Hooked
USA
771 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2009 : 10:55:36 AM
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I agree with everyone else, especially Linda. A few years after I taught myself to knit I thought I'd take an Intermediate class at the LYS. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the teacher/owner was covering simple inc/dec and how to read a pattern - stuff I'd been using for awhile! I thought I'd be learning Fair Isle! :-D Turns out, the teacher didn't even know how to do that. Oh, well.
I recently took a "Ms. Beeton"/ruffled wristwarmer class at my current LYS. Learned some great beading techniques plus the joy/pain of using mohair.
I enjoyed the class so much that I signed up for a "Learning to Knit Left-handed" class. I can knit left-handed but I have never mastered purling. I already paid for the class and yarn and really hope that my new job won't interfere!
Melanie in Indiana
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10
FO 2009: small market/shower bag; gray watch cap; magic square potholder; five dish cloths, including two new patterns; Hedgerow Mitts!
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