White Threads

I had an interesting conversation the other day about recommended expertise levels for classes. The lady I was talking to had recently done a class with a very talented teacher, who requires very exacting technique. After struggling through the class, she realised that she was probably not experienced enough to do the class.

Often classes are advertised with a recommended level of stitching expertise. For example, some of my classes are most definitely for all stitchers, as I teach in a way that assumes the students do not know any of the stitches. But some of my classes are for intermediate to advanced stitchers.

There can be a number of reasons for this. There was one class I taught that had a small project, but I knew that with the time we had for the class, it was going to be difficult to get through it all – however it was the project they wanted to do, and we only had the one day. I therefore set the level of expertise at intermediate. I was very particular about this, as I knew that a less experienced stitcher would not cope with the pace we were going to have to have. If we’d had two days, there would have been no problem, but we only had one.

As it turned out, two of the students that did the class were not so very experienced, and predictably they struggled. I was disappointed for them, and I could see that they were disappointed too. I had wanted all students to go away from the class feeling that they had a good grasp of all the required techniques, and feeling good about the day. I know that this was not necessarily the case for these two lovely ladies. One even said to me that she realised that she should not have done the class.

I understand that the class organiser had probably wanted to fill the class a bit more for me, and therefore these two students were encouraged to do the class when they probably shouldn’t have. It made me feel sad for those students. I spent as much time with them as I could, but for the sake of all the other students who had also paid to be there and learn from me, I needed to share myself around with all the students.

Another reason why a teacher might set a recommmendation for intermediate or advanced expertise level is that the basics will not be covered in that class. An example of this is one of the classes I will be teaching at Beating Around the Bush next year: “Beyond the Basics: Mastering Challenging and Unusual Stitches”. This is most definitely not a class for beginners. Some of the stitches that we will be working are very complicated! If I had a longer time for the class, I could certainly teach some of these stitches to beginners, but given the time we have, and the material we need to get through, the class is only offered to advanced stitchers.

Once I was running a drawn thread technique class and the level was set at intermediate. The class was an intermediate class in that technique. It required students to know the basics of the technique. The shop that was running the class knew this, and explained it to prospective students, but unfortunately some students who were experienced stitchers *but not in that technique* also talked their way into the class. They struggled. It was frustrating for me, because it meant those students needed extra help, which meant that the others who were at the right level missed out on some of my time.

If you are considering doing a class, and are not sure if it is for you, talk with the organisers about it. Be prepared to talk realistically about your experience in *those particular techniques*. The organisers may be able to advise that you are perfectly suited to the class, or they may recommend you need some more experience before you attempt it. However, the organisers may not really have a good understanding of the technique either and what is required for the class, so it may be worthwhile to get in contact with the teacher if you are at all unsure. I am always happy to discuss a class with a prospective student. You are welcome to contact me to ask about my advertised classes!

Being quite blunt here, sometimes organisers try to fill classes with as many students as they can, regardless of the expected expertise level. More students are seen to be a more successful class and bring more money, which is always useful for a business! However, as a teacher, I see a successful class as one where the students finished the class with a good understanding of the techniques and the confidence to continue on with the technique. The class could have had 3 students in it, or 20 – student numbers are not my measure of success.

If you are not sure, ask. If you don’t think that the organisers are really hearing you, or you just want more information or reassurance, ask if you can contact the teacher, or if their contact details are readily available (e.g. through their blog or website) contact them yourself.

Teachers set expertise levels for a reason. Students should understand that if they attempt a class where they don’t have the required level of expertise it will likely be that their experience will not be as positive as it should be. This will affect not only them, but also the rest of the students in the class.

Please choose wisely and carefully. With correct choices, you should have a wonderful time of learning and fun!