I taught my first quilt class!

The past two Monday nights I taught Beginning Machine Quilting at the LQS where I work. I had an amazing class and my students learned a lot. The first night we discussed machines, settings, needles, threads, battings, quilting techniques, and I showed a variety of each. I also showed other items, spray baste, safety pins, kwik klip, stencils, marking tools, dry erase board, and bicycle clips. Then we sat down and did echo quilting, cross hatching, and stitch in the ditch quilting. The students used the walking foot, which was a new experience for several. One even said she'll never go back... She loved it that much! They each got batting samples of Hobbs 80/20, Warm & Natural, and Wool to practice on.
Last night we discussed patterns, videos and workbooks, and I showed how to pin baste a baby quilt. We basted one of the students baby quilts in under15 min. Then they worked on decorative stitches, using the walking foot for some, but especially using verigated threads. Then it was on to FMQ. The students did excellent for their first times. They practiced, got the tension right, then moved on to stars, loops, pebbles, and hearts. They did an awesome job. I used my 6600 to show them how I FMQ and they couldn't believe I didn't use the foot pedal.
All of the students learned way more than they expected and one even said she would take it again, so she could practice more.
I love teaching quilting classes! Tonight mom and I are teaching Bag Ladies. It's sure to be a fun night with lots of students.