Tactfull ways of explaining why not to share supplies at crochet classes

[donnalynn2]

So when I got to my first crochet class earlier this month several people thought it would be ok to share their hooks and yarn. UGH! Believe it or not, there is a misconception to newbies that you are supposed to unravel all your yarn and wind it into a ball before starting a project. When I got to my first class 2 of the 3 people were already about 1/2 way done with rolling their yarns into balls. (Umm, these are all pull skeins they were using)

Anyway, sure enough, I have already had 2 people ask me if it was ok to share their materials. They also told me they didn't need to buy the Lion Brand Wool Yarn as they already had some other wool/acrylic yarns at home.

Ok, first of all we all know if you don't use 100% wool you won't get good felting results. Secondly I think we all know it's not possible to share a crochet hook and a skein of yarn.

How in the world can I tactfully alert those in my class that they really need to purchase the supplies I have listed?

Also, one thing I have to keep in mind is that Hobby Lobby gives me 100% of the tuition IF the students purchase their supplies there. It isn't good business for them if the students all come in with supplies purchased from Wal-Mart.

Suggestions? Advice on how to address this issue? THANKS!

[auntbubbels]

Donna - I would make a list of Helpful Hints for Crocheters listing what would happen if you dont use the right materials for certain projects. You should write down each hint along with the reason as to why they shouldnt do it.

Just like you stated

Don't use 100% wool - you won't get good felting results.

Certain yarns need to be used in order to get the best results for the project you are completing

I think if people understand the ramifications of improvising, they will learn and understand

Good luck

[Suebee42]

All you can really do is offer as much information as possible, and pray they read it and follow it. Some people simply WILL NOT read. It's extremely frustrating! And what makes it worse is, THEY are the ones that lose out by it, not you.

Be sure your list says -- maybe even in ALL CAPS -- that 100% wool MUST be used, and blends will simply not work. They may still ignore it, but you put it there, so it's their own problem if they can't read.

In addition to teaching crochet for a few years at my store, I have also been the education coordinator at my store for five years now (almost 6). Half my existence there is composing supply lists, making sure all the relevant information is shared, and even adding extra information to make it crystal clear... yet time after time, people simply DON'T read it, and bring whatever they want. It's maddening!

Rest assured, you are not alone. :D

[tinkerpuppet]

That is really frustrating! I just took a refresher class about a month ago, and while the instructor was great, the supply list was vague and gave no indication of what we'd be doing (ie, "bring a pattern IF you're working on a project". Well I wasn't working on a project, so I didn't bring a pattern, then at the class she wanted us to work from a pattern. Why not just say "Bring a pattern"??).

A very clear supply list is helpful, but be prepared that there will always be people who don't pay attention. If they still bring the wrong yarn, they can still learn the basics, but tell them that they won't have proper results. Another thing about beginners is they don't want to buy new stuff if they have stuff they can practice on at home. But if they take your class and love it, they'll be motivated to go out and get all the proper materials.

Also, is it possible that your store could offer a 5% discount or something to students who buy their supplies at that store? Its not a big discount, but people like to think they're saving money.

[donnalynn2]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I always make sure to alert my students ahead of time that Hobby Lobby usually has 40% off one item coupons. Also, if you are buying supplies for a class to be held there, they will give you 10% off them.

Honestly, what gets me is that so far most of my students and prospects don't want to shell out $6 for a skein of wool yarn. They really think that they can use Red Heart from Wal-Mart and are shocked when I tell them it won't work for what we are making.

When I took the Bob Ross class at Michaels you could either buy the Bob Ross supplies or use the teachers with an extra $10 cost. I had no problem paying the extra $10 as I wasn't going to shell out over $100 for the starter kit if this was something I didn't like and wouldn't do again. It's amazing how many people really don't want to spend any money.

Suebee, I think I will take some of your ideas and use them as well. For my advanced beginner classes I'll make sure the supply lists are very detailed (even though the ones for these classes were spelled out pretty plainly!) and explain in CAPS that in order to achieve the desired results you must use what is listed.

This is all a learn as you go thing for me. I learned so much from my first class and I'm sure I'll keep learning.

I also think I need to find a way to explain in their materials list that they need to pay me in cash. Almost all the students in my first class paid by check. The only problem with that is if for some reason the check doesn't clear I'm going to have to pay a fee for it to be returned then have to holler at someone to pay me. Or I could drive all over town to each bank and cash them. I will accept checks again this class but the next one I'll make clear that cash only. I am not going to risk having to pay for someone to take my class for their mistakes. Banks charge so much nowadays for returned check fees it just isn't worth the risk.

Arghh! So much to think about!

[SheCrochets]

I think if you very clearly explain that acrylics don't felt ~ that 100% wool must be used ~ you will be helping them a lot. People who are just learning probably don't know a great deal about yarn and its properties, so actually explaining why this is necessary (i.e., it is not some plot to make them buy more expensive yarn!) will hopefully help.

I have to say, I can understand your students' reluctance to purchase more expensive items on the list (though I understand how frustrating this is for you, too!). When I took a Knit I class at Joann's it was required that you purchase the LionBrand Knit kit. Which was $23 dollars for some ugly, bulky yarn and a set of plastic needles. On top of the $40 for the class. There wasn't even a yarn color choice! Of course, I bought it, but I grumbled about and still grumble about it. (If you couldn't tell!:lol )

Anywho. Just my gripe of the day, I guess. Good luck on the class!

[smyz64]

Maybe you should charge more, and supply their yarn and hooks.
I took a knitting class at a LYS, and they told me what book I would need to buy, and then I could choose any project from that book, and the teacher would help us with what supplies and hooks when we decided on our project.

[vigilant20]

Maybe you should charge more, and supply their yarn and hooks.

Including supplies is a good idea if it's possible. Or making the supplies required materials. You wouldn't go to a class at a uni or tech school with the wrong supplies. I've taken art classes that specifically tell you the brands and types of materials needed and you just get them if you want to take the class. It's just plain rude to you as a teacher if they don't do the same for you.

[donnalynn2]

I actually offered to provide supplies for an extra charge but not one person has taken me up on that.

You know, I hadn't thought about that, but when taking any kind of class you have to use the right materials. Heck, when I took the Wilton Classes they weren't cheap and you had to purchase quite a lot of stuff so I ended up buying the big kit that had everything in it as it ended up saving me money in the end. However, there were some students who would share tips and such. The instructor would get very frustrated as that would slow down the rest of the class.

I think for the Advanced Beginner class I will be sure to outline what materials need to be brought to the class and explain why there are no exceptions. I mean, come on, why would people not want to buy their supplies at HL? Not only do they have a better variety than Wal-Mart but they are the cheapest place in town. I think a lot of people really think that Wal-Mart is the cheapest out of habit...

[Empress Busy Bee]

I think if you very clearly explain that acrylics don't felt ~ that 100% wool must be used ~ you will be helping them a lot. People who are just learning probably don't know a great deal about yarn and its properties, so actually explaining why this is necessary (i.e., it is not some plot to make them buy more expensive yarn!) will hopefully help.
That's about what I was going to say. As many years as I've been crocheting I knew nothing about felting/fulling until I came here.
Just typing it out on a paper won't ensure they read it, sad but true. Another thing rather we like it or not, most people need to be explained things to almost as if they're in kindergarten. That doesn't mean talk down to them, just explain things carefully, step by step, and completely.
Also remember some people are visual learners and some are not.
So yes, I would actually explain it to them in class. In my opinion, it is part of your job. :)

[Suebee42]

When I took a Knit I class at Joann's it was required that you purchase the LionBrand Knit kit. Which was $23 dollars for some ugly, bulky yarn and a set of plastic needles. On top of the $40 for the class. There wasn't even a yarn color choice! Of course, I bought it, but I grumbled about and still grumble about it. (If you couldn't tell!:lol )


Thank goodness they dumped that!!!! That was such a waste. Ugh. May/June/July Knit I is a cute bag with bamboo handles! It looks great!

[shebear]

I feel for you. As a student in these classes, I've nearly strangled some of my classmates. It's embarassing that women can be so stupid...and no it's not that they don't read or weren't told. (Sorry no men have been in any classes so I've been blessed in not meeting the stupid ones.) All I can say is try to deal with them if they'll meet you halfway but if it becomes a control issue then set them straight and move on with the rest of the class. They'll talk about you but the rest of the class will love you.

After all it's not like they can't just leave the classroom for a few moments and purchase the correct supplies. They are just out the door.

More than likely their husbands have put them on an allowance. I have friends like that.....money runs through their hands and since they don't work, their husbands have limited their access to cash and credit.

[eyenowhour]

I agree with providing a reason for having each material on your list. I never took an art class, but in my other classes, I rarely ever bought the book. I learned early on that often times teachers put items on their list of materials that are "nice to have" but not necessary. True, those items may be very useful in the future, but since I have a budget, I chose to check the books out from the library instead.

Especially if it is a new hobby for people, they will be reluctant to spend money on more expensive items. They simply don't know whether or not they will enjoy the hobby. There is no Hobby Lobby in my area, however, Walmart does have some yarn and items which are cheaper than Michaels/JoAnns in my area. I try to remember the price of items I am likely to buy so that I can find the best deal.

I'm assuming you're teaching the class at Hobby Lobby. You could put on the sheet that people who do not have the required materials will not be able to take the class until they have the materials. That way they will have to have the materials and will buy it from Hobby Lobby if they don't have the items.

[linderkay]

When I worked at Michael's they had the crochet and knit nite and every person was given a list of materials to BUY when they come to the class. (That was sort of a not so subtle hint) and, the store gave them a 10% discount on anything they used in the class. Does HL do that too? You could also start out by saying, now, does everyone have their own hook and yarn for this particular item? If not, you may have time to go purchase it now. ???Just a thought.........I used to teach cake decorating and the ladies would borrow eachothers supplies and I had a hard time also and they did things their own way too, if I said bring RED icing for the rose tube, there would always be someone with bright blue icing in a star flower tube. Some people just will not follow. The instruction sheet helped, as i used to say "it is very important that you use the exact materials listed on this sheet as the instructions do not work for other tubes." You you probably still have the one or 2. Don't know why. :manyheart

[jacqui]

Donna just tell them out right at the beginning of your class and anyone who wants to go on and do a more advanced class will have to buy a small kit on the day at $?. Sometimes you have to be firm but usually if you explain no frills up front why and it will make your job a whole lot easier. That way you know they will all have the same stuff and will hopefully end up with the same results whayt they do after that is their business.

[sunshine1977]

I agree with some of the others, Donna. Instead of stressing yourself and worrying about if everyone will come to class with their supplies, I would up the price of the class and provide the materials myself. That way you KNOW they have what they need...no excuses! I would probably pick one color and provide everyone with the same so no fighting over different colors or whatever...

Laurie:hook

[JCB]

I have taken lots of classes (not in crochet) where there is a class fee and a fee for supplies. Put together a kit of the supplies they will need. For the wool, have a choice of colors. State it upfront in the publicity for the class. You can have them pay you the class fee, and go to the register at HL and pay for the supplies. Now, if the hook requirement is a specific size, and they bring in that size, I suppose you could let them use their own.

If you are teaching felting, how are you doing that. Do the students take their project home to finish and felt it themselves? I don't think HL's have washing machines, do they :)

If students are allowed to bring in their own supplies, and their yarn is not the correct type (wool) or size, they will not have a successful project... and then who will they blame?

Good luck with it!

Joan

[losingmymind2]

Donna, you have to explain to people that different yarns do or don't felt properly; and that different brands of say 'K' hooks won't be the same size. You need to explain that they must use the same hook to finish the whole project or the gauge won't be correct. I had that problem until I realized that different hooks are not the same mm even if the same letter; now when I stop a project I note what KIND of hook as well as size.

[sakurasaku]

I agree with some of the others, Donna. Instead of stressing yourself and worrying about if everyone will come to class with their supplies, I would up the price of the class and provide the materials myself. That way you KNOW they have what they need...no excuses! I would probably pick one color and provide everyone with the same so no fighting over different colors or whatever...

Laurie:hook

I agree. My LYS states CLEARLY on their registration form that all supplies for their classes must be purchased at the store. At first I found the tone a little off-putting, but after reading this thread, I understand that some people may not follow instructions, and that there are business reasons as well.

[SaxDragon]

Be sure that if your class project requires speciffic supplies, that the store actually sells those supplies. Twice now I have been at the one store and have seen people searching pointlessly for yarn bobbins because that store doesn't carry them - not out of stock, they just don't sell them. The people get frustrated because they don't have time to go to another store before their class starts.

[CraftyShannon]

Not that you have much control over this, but in addition to making sure the supplies are at the store, try to see if the people working in the yarn department know what the supplies are. I took a class once and had to ask a clerk for help, and all I got was a blank face. While actually in the class, the teacher spent more time pushing "other useful products" we could buy at the store, than actually teaching us anything. I felt like I paid to go to a Tupperware party, not a sewing class.

I understand your need about accepting only cash for the lessons. I don't think I'd make people pay you for a kit unless you are going to accept another method of payment. There are a lot of people who don't carry that much cash on hand or live by credit cards, whether it's because they are in debt or they are collecting rewards for using a credit card. For something that isn't a neccessity, you might lose students if they think the fee is too high and you're being strict about the accepted payment. I'd just provide a detailed list and let them buy from it.

I hope the next class goes easier for you!

[donnalynn2]

Wow, so many helpful hints! Thanks so much! This is a live and learn thing and I will be sooo much better prepared for the next classes now.

I actually speak to the manager before the sign up for the classes start and give him a list of what I am needing for students to buy. I also will impliment a few of these great ideas for the next months classes.

I have to have my paperwork ready to put up in the store this Saturday so I have a lot of things to put together.

Since I offered to buy the beginners supplies if they paid me for them and not one person wanted me to, I don't think I'll offer that option again. I will, however, make sure that I explain in the supplies list how important it is that each student have their own supplies and that they need to purchase what is on the list for specific reasons. I am also going to put in CAPS and BOLD lettering that they must purchase supplies from Hobby Lobby unless they are bringing a hook or something already in their possesion.

Now to determine price. I charged $15 for the beginner class which was 2 hours.

For the advanced beginner class it will also be 2 hours but 2 sessions as well so a total of 4 hours. I know I charged low on my intro classes but I don't want to charge too high on the next ones. I've been googling crochet classes and have seen beginner classes at upwards of $45 for an hour! I'm thinking $40-$45 for the advanced beginner class? I guess we'll see what kind of response I get.

Off to work on my flyers! Thanks for all the suggestions!

[donnalynn2]

If you are teaching felting, how are you doing that. Do the students take their project home to finish and felt it themselves? I don't think HL's have washing machines, do they :)

Joan

Since this was a beginner class I provided detailed instructions on how to felt their items at home after class. I also gave everyone my e-mail addy and cell phone # so if they had problems with it they could call. I also offered for this class that if they had problems or needed more help they could attend my next beginners class this weekend at no charge. I wanted to make sure that everyone felt like they got their money's worth.

Since this was a beginners class and I had to teach everything from how to make a slip knot to chaining and stitches nobody had their project finished and ready for felting at the end of the class. Most were about 1/2 way done but I didn't expect them to finish in 2 hours...

[laffingliz]

Hello there, In my experience students never read anything - they have to be told, then told again, then again, then you need to question them to see if they have got it!

I can't believe you charge so little for your classes! you should be charging that per hour at least.

Tell your students that if they don't bring in the proper equipment you can't teach them and they are wasting their time and yours. You need to be clear in what you want from them and stick to it by being firm! (It is hard at first!)

Good luck again.

[donnalynn2]

Hello there, In my experience students never read anything - they have to be told, then told again, then again, then you need to question them to see if they have got it!

I can't believe you charge so little for your classes! you should be charging that per hour at least.

Tell your students that if they don't bring in the proper equipment you can't teach them and they are wasting their time and yours. You need to be clear in what you want from them and stick to it by being firm! (It is hard at first!)

Good luck again.

Thanks so much! I am still struggling with the prices for my advanced-beginner classes! 4 hours total over 2 weeks. I was thinking maybe $40-$45. Do you think that's too much or too little?

[butterfly_girl]

I was just thinking about school supply lists, and that how on that list they just put a note saying that they know what works and what doesn't and not to buy the cheap, no name brand products, and that name brand ones work better. (worded more politely than i have here, but that's the gist of it)I agree with making the list of hints and tips....sort of an just FYI, or FAQ.

[Suebee42]

I can tell you that a 2-hour class at Jo-Ann's is $20, a 3 hour class is $25 ($30 wasn't working), and a 4 hour class is $40.

I think Michael's charges half that, though, so for teaching a class in a retail craft store, you're not far off. Right in the middle. :D

[JazzRizz]

Another helpful tip might be to have a "felted" acrylic yarn swatch as a sample to show what it would look like after the felting process. A lot of people learn by visuals, and if they see a swatch of 100% wool felted and the Red Heart equivalnt with equal stitches, they'd see first hand the results they'd end up with. Just my opinion, some people have to be shown what they'd get. It'd also be an interesting teaching tool.

[Jimmie Lu]

O know this is a bit off topic but How did you get to be an instructor at a craft store?
I am just nosey I guess!

[donnalynn2]

O know this is a bit off topic but How did you get to be an instructor at a craft store?
I am just nosey I guess!

When Hobby Lobby opened I went in right away and talked to the manager and asked him if he had a crochet instructor. He told me no and then I asked if I could do it. He said "Sure" and gave me all the details!

Just go into your local craft store and see if they need one. If not, maybe keep an eye on their class schedule and keep in touch with the manager. That way if they have an instructor who leaves they'll know you are interested.

I'm thinking about talking to the Rag Shop about teaching there as well. Now wouldn't work as I already work 6 days a week plus have the crochet classes at hobby lobby but maybe once I don't have to work full time anymore I'll be able to do both!

[Jimmie Lu]

I was only wondering as the closest is over an hour away and I dont think Wal Mart offers anything like that. Thanks for sharing maybe someone else will benifit from my question!

[classic crochet]

I was offered the chance to teach at Hobby Lobby..Do you have a steady flow of students? I would love to do it but am not sure I would have very many students :blush How long have you been teaching?

[donnalynn2]

I was offered the chance to teach at Hobby Lobby..Do you have a steady flow of students? I would love to do it but am not sure I would have very many students :blush How long have you been teaching?

Well, so far I've only got one class under my belt. Class #2 is this Saturday. My first class had 5 people in it (which was plenty large enough for beginners) and this week I only know of 3 that are coming. Then again, when I went into HL last night to get my list my whole easel with my ad was gone. I guess all the easels kept blowing over as they were put by the doors so what does management do? They take them all down and throw them in the back by the classroom. I thought they were "up" by the classroom but they were actually "all taken down in a pile". No wonder I only got 3 people that I know of. And my sign up sheet was gone. Nobody knows where it went.

I don't get it as there is a ton of space right where you walk in and they could easily put all our easels there. If people don't see that a class is being offered how in the world can they sign up?

I talked with the manager of the needlework dept last night about it and she was shocked. She said she'd talk to the manager about it today.

My advice is to make sure the bulletin board you put up has full colored pics of what you will be making and as much info as possible.

Have fun!

P.S. Give a couple of classes a try. You'll never know what kind of response you'll get if you don't try for it. Each store is different. IMO you don't want any more than 6 for a beginner class as trying to literally run from person to person to help them takes a lot of time and for that person to want to take another class you have to make it worth their while. I mean, just teaching my class how to make a slip knot took at least 15 minutes. This kind of class really needs personal attention so I would not try to cram as many people as you can into each class. But that's just my opinion!

[classic crochet]

One more question for you..how did you pick the project they worked on? Thank you for all your help with my questions:hug

[donnalynn2]

One more question for you..how did you pick the project they worked on? Thank you for all your help with my questions:hug

Well I wanted to do something fun and hip and totally opposite of what Michaels does. They ALWAYS teach how to make granny sqaures. Ummm, who really wants to learn how to make one of those? (When I worked there the crochet classes were empty and very rarely did anyone ever take one. I'm convinced it's due to the subject matter of what to learn to make.)

I taught how to make a felted cell phone cozy. This taught them the basic stitches and working around and around. I explained the process to everyone and gave them full written instructions. Everyone was excited about it.

Look and see what an "easy" project would be that is small enough for a beginner to finish. They probably won't finish it before the class is over, but if they get a good enough start and are making progress they'll feel like they got their money's worth and will continue on with crocheting.

If you'd like my pattern for my cozy let me know.

Good luck to you! :hook

[Qmare]

Another helpful tip might be to have a "felted" acrylic yarn swatch as a sample to show what it would look like after the felting process. A lot of people learn by visuals, and if they see a swatch of 100% wool felted and the Red Heart equivalnt with equal stitches, they'd see first hand the results they'd end up with. Just my opinion, some people have to be shown what they'd get. It'd also be an interesting teaching tool.

This is an excellent idea. I have taught many classes over the years and most people benefit from a visual example.

Donna, I get the impression that underlying some of your anxiety about this is not wanting to scare away the people that can't afford to buy the right supplies... I've been there. But, the truth is, all hobbies and crafts cost money. If they can afford to pay to learn, they can afford to buy the right supplies. Truth be told, many of us taught ourselves because we either couldn't afford or didn't have access to a class. So, these folks should just anty up and do it right.

Another thought I had is that doing a felted item in a beginners class may not be appropriate. Most of us "cut our teeth" on acrylic projects that were not expensive to make and could be completed quickly. Dishcloths, potholders and afghan squares are a great way to teach beginning stitches and allow the student to get their feet wet with less outlying expense. IMHO, a felted project - while not complicated - does incorporate a bit more expense and commitment on the part of the student.

I'll bet you are a great teacher!

Hugs, Mare :hug

[classic crochet]

Thank you..I have never felted before..hmm now you have me thinking..time for more yarn:hook
I am amazed at the beautiful projects you complete AND you work 6 days a week. Do you ever sleep? You are very talented!

[donnalynn2]

Thank you..I have never felted before..hmm now you have me thinking..time for more yarn:hook
I am amazed at the beautiful projects you complete AND you work 6 days a week. Do you ever sleep? You are very talented!

Gee thanks... :P I'm very lucky in the fact that I work alone in an office where most of the time it's quite quiet. Even though it's 6 days a week and I have a 45min-1hour commute to and from everyday, it does help that I can crochet here when there are no customers and my work is done.

Give felting a try! It is soooo much fun and really quite easy to do! Just be sure whatever you use can be found at Hobby Lobby.

Oh and be sure to get in touch with the needlepoint dept manager. They ran out of hooks and everything for my first class so now I speak with her and let her know what supplies students will need to insure they have enough!

[Qmare]

OK, Donna, so now I read to the post where you explained why you chose the project you chose and your reasoning is really good! I just want to add one more thing here...

Depending on what you are teaching, set a reasonable max for your class (as you did) but also set a minimum. For instance, in some of the beading and quilting classes I've taught, I set a minimum of 5 students. These classes were one night a week, 2 hour sessions, for a series of x number of weeks. The goal was to complete the project so the class ran the length of time it would take the average student to finish. My charge for classes in this type venue was $5/hour per student ($2/hour per student would go to the shop). In retrospect, I would insist on a larger split for me as the shop was also getting supplies revenues.

[donnalynn2]

OK, Donna, so now I read to the post where you explained why you chose the project you chose and your reasoning is really good! I just want to add one more thing here...

Depending on what you are teaching, set a reasonable max for your class (as you did) but also set a minimum. For instance, in some of the beading and quilting classes I've taught, I set a minimum of 5 students. These classes were one night a week, 2 hour sessions, for a series of x number of weeks. The goal was to complete the project so the class ran the length of time it would take the average student to finish. My charge for classes in this type venue was $5/hour per student ($2/hour per student would go to the shop). In retrospect, I would insist on a larger split for me as the shop was also getting supplies revenues.

Thanks a bunch! You raised some good questions and ideas there.

When I worked at Michaels they had a standing policy that a minimum number of students had to be there or they would reschedule the class. (The crochet and knitting classes were the only ones that didn't have a min) The more popular classes like One Stroke and Bob Ross always filled up quickly so everyone had to pre-pay in order to reserve their spots.

I am going to teach another beginners class next month along with an advanced beginners class that will be held over a 2 week period. I'm thinking since Easter is just around the corner to teach some Easter things in the new beginners class. I really like those cute little pillows that a fellow crochetviller created (the bunny and egg). I think the bunny may be a little advanced for beginners but I'm thinking the egg would be easy enough. I'm finishing up the advanced beginner project right now (short sleeved duster/jacket) and will work on the Egg Pillow and see if it's something a beginner can grasp. Since that pattern doesn't require any shaping as you crochet, just inc and decs I'm thinking it'll work.

I definately think I am charging too low as others have stated but I don't want to charge too much either. I know Michaels only charges $15 to learn how to crochet or knit but then again, their classes are not exciting and nobody really takes them so maybe I'll raise it to $20 and see if it flies.

Please give all the suggestions you can! They really make me stop and think from someone elses point of view instead of my own all the time! Likewise, if anyone else has questions, I'm more than happy to give input on what I've learned so far!

Now to work on sign up sheets and such!

[PBLKNP]

So when I got to my first crochet class earlier this month several people thought it would be ok to share their hooks and yarn. UGH! Believe it or not, there is a misconception to newbies that you are supposed to unravel all your yarn and wind it into a ball before starting a project. When I got to my first class 2 of the 3 people were already about 1/2 way done with rolling their yarns into balls. (Umm, these are all pull skeins they were using).

I roared when I read this...my sister did the SAME thing. For Christmas, I bought her a set of hooks, a skein of Red Heart, a "How-To" pamphlet, and a tote bag to carry it all in--with the promise to show her how to use it all. When we sat down later, she proudly whipped the Red Heart out of the bag, wound into a ball! And this was the Super Saver one! You should have seen the size of the ball...I still laugh, remembering it...

[craftybutterfly]

For the advanced beginner class it will also be 2 hours but 2 sessions as well so a total of 4 hours. I know I charged low on my intro classes but I don't want to charge too high on the next ones. I've been googling crochet classes and have seen beginner classes at upwards of $45 for an hour! I'm thinking $40-$45 for the advanced beginner class? I guess we'll see what kind of response I get.

$45??!!?? I missed my calling. Think I'll call my local craft store and offer my services.

[CraftyShannon]

I don't get it as there is a ton of space right where you walk in and they could easily put all our easels there. If people don't see that a class is being offered how in the world can they sign up?

I talked with the manager of the needlework dept last night about it and she was shocked. She said she'd talk to the manager about it today.

My advice is to make sure the bulletin board you put up has full colored pics of what you will be making and as much info as possible.

I'd ask for a place to display the project and the announcent up front. In one Hobby Lobby store here, they have a display case near the entrance for the classes. Another stores hangs them on the wall behind the shopping carts. High enough so people can't take the items, but low enough so the signs can still be read. Both tell you to talk to a sales associatate or the manager for class sign up.

[sfgwife]

How about Having a "kit" for them. Yes it would increase the price of the class but by how much? Obviously you aren't going to do a large project when they are learning. so how about including a hook, yarn, pattern, and small canvas bag (all from hobby lobby) with the class and talk to the store about prices they would give you for these items for your class. That way you would get 100% of the profit cause all supplies came from there and no worries about sharing items and everyone has a keeper for their thing. The supplies could be the same colors or different ( I would worry about someone not being happy cause they didn't get the "color they wanted" with different though) You can make the item in advance and have it in your flyer about the class telling them what they are making and such. HTH. Nikki

[kazily]

I would go with projects that use inexpensive supplies like acrylic yarns. Definetly one skein projects as well. Most newbies don't know if they will like crochet (or be able to learn it) so even if they have the money, they may not want to pay $6 for 100% wool when they see skeins that are .99 ---they do not grasp the concept that the fiber is different even if you tell them the differences. Yarn is yarn to a beginner. I would reserve a felted item for an advanced beginner class or an intermediate class. There are plenty of cool things to make with plain old acrylic. Including a nice cell cozy. Since people are trying to share supplies, your "student base" is mostly made up of people that either do not have much money or they do not want to spend on a project they are not sure won't end up catching dust bunnies in their closet lol

Good Luck with your next class, I hope they get that sign up sheet out there so you can get more people for your next class!