When to Arrive
Arrive when the teacher instructs you to- not late, not 2 hours early with lunch that you spread out on a class table that the teacher is trying to set up on. Sometimes the teacher will allow a time period before the class starts to come and setup your machine and supplies.
Call ahead if you need/have special considerations, i.e. you would like to eat your dinner before class because you came straight from work. Chances are they are happy to accommodate your needs and even have somewhere you can eat.
Seriously, don’t be late. It’s rude to other classmates and the teacher. There is usually a setup period for equipment and machine stitch settings, putting away of supplies/getting organized for the class that needs to be done before class or in the beginning of class.
Special Considerations
Don t bring someone along to class that is not registered, i.e. a spouse or a friend or a child. Check before class if you would like to bring someone with.
The class may be full or space may be very limited. Maybe there are multiple classes going on so even though the space is large it may be occupied.
Teachers work on commission a lot of times and if you bring someone and they don t pay it can be rude to the teacher and other paying class attendees. Zede recalls this happening a time or two and explains that as the shop owner she felt the need to pay the teacher for that extra person attending.
Baby grunts!!!
That’s right, baby Jerome was on set while recording. Cute baby squeaks lie ahead.
Can I bring my baby to class? Always ask! There may or may not be enough room for you, your baby, your machine, sewing supplies, and baby stuff. Plus as cute as babies are they can sometimes be distracting.
Distractions in general should be kept to a minimum. Cell phones are a definite no no. It is best to keep it off or silent and if you must take a call step away. Loud and personal phone calls rob others of their learning time.
Student Input
Mallory and Zede both say to “remember who the teacher is”.
It s ok to disagree with information the teacher gives. Its ok if you have preferred and different ways to do things but remember you are not teaching the class. This is not a time to share your way of doing things.
Sometimes student input may not coincide with what the teacher is demonstrating. This can cause trouble for the teacher. Teachers you may have to diplomatically try to stop the student input and relay your information again.
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THIS BROADCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

***Click Here to Purchase the Made to Measure Leggings Class***
This kit will get you 2 pairs of leggings, one made with the basic technique in the Made to Measure Leggings Class and one with a power mesh waistband.
3 yds of Black Double Brushed Poly Spandex (should make 2 pairs of leggings)
1.5yds 1″ Cotton Swimwear elastic (for the basic construction technique)
1/2 yd Black Power Mesh (for the power mesh band hack)
1.5yds 1/4″ Cotton Swimwear elastic (for the power mesh band application)
1 spool of Black Maxi Lock Stretch Thread (Use it in the bobbin of your sewing machine or order more for all the loopers/needles on your serger)
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Troubleshooting
What do you do as a student or teacher when there is a complete machine meltdown?
Zeds s policy was to try and do basic troubleshooting – rethread the machine, put in a new needle, visit the owner’s manual, etc…Sometimes it was necessary to replace the students machine with a store machine if those quick options didn t work.
Class time is not the time to repair or diagnose a machine problem, unfortunately there is not enough time when you have to teach the class.
Another policy Zede had since they allowed all machine brands in class not just the ones they sold at their store, was to bring a machine in good working order with the foot and power cord and owners manual. As a student you should know how to use your machine before going to a class, unless you are going to a get to know your machine type of class.
Labeling
It is a good idea to label all your stuff that goes to class. It can also be beneficial once home to recheck your stuff just in case you are missing something important like a power cord. If you are missing an item call the store right away to ensure that your item gets back to you as soon as possible. It may be hard to locate a missing spool of thread 2 years later.
Tip for teachers- right down borrowed shop supplies on a dry erase board. When class is over things can be hectic.
Appreciation
Thank your teacher if you liked or learned something from the class. If you didn t like something in the class share it after the class and not in front of other students. Or send an email saying the class wasn t quite what you expected. There is nothing wrong with constructive criticism.
Class Supply Lists
Backing up a bit. Mallory reminds us that you will usually have class supply lists. If you don t want to buy the required items that the teacher feels are necessary for success in the class, unenroll or don t sign up. The list is there for a reason. And sure, there are shops and teachers who want to sell stuff with their classes because thats how stores work and how they stay open and are able to offer classes.
Some stores want you to buy fabric and thread from them because it will ensure the quality of the materials you use are good which ultimately has to do with your success in class.
Time and Money
If you feel a class or the supplies for a class are too expensive don t take it. It s ok to find another class that fits your budget and needs. Don t expect to go to class and not have the needed items or feel like the class wasn t worth the money when you have been there all day. Think about the time the teacher has put into learning the skill being taught and how much time they used for class prep and how much time they spent teaching it. Break it down by the hour. You need to pay for their expertise, plus you learn the skill more efficiently than if you had to learn it on your own. Remember t’s their lively hood, every one likes getting paid to work.
Teachers- think about your time. How much time did you spend learning and developing your skills, prepping for your classes and teaching them. This is your lively hood. Value yourself and your skills.