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Ironic but good-On Topic

Setting the scene. The middle of Yearbook class with 28 students asking questions, uploading photos, checking out cameras, selling ads, entering sales, layout and color and design decisions. In other words, controlled chaos. But good at that as we approach our first deadline of 48 pages.

In the midst of all of this one of my other students, from first hour and my business club who is a hard worker at the coffee stand, quietly sneaks up behind me and when I turn around she says she was sent up to me because I would be able to help her. She had fabric, pattern and wonder-under in her hand. She was sent up to me by the Home Ec teacher so that I could help her figure out her quilt pattern. Yes, a quilt pattern. It's not especially quilty since it is a design that is traced on wonder-under and cut out and flipped over and ironed on the backing fabric and stitched all around the raw edges, but it is a start. So, I explained the process, explained the difference between ironing and pressing, explained the importance of pressing very flat and not pressing in wrinkles, cutting carefully, even all the little snippets, and that patience would be needed. She was shocked to learn that she would have to cut out all those little spots around the eagles wings and moose horns and the like. And yes she would be satin stitching around it all. "But that's so much to cut out." And I replied, "Oh my dear, yes it is for your first project but you'll do fine, and I'll bring in a picture of my fireweed quilt to show you a whole lot of cut outs."

So on Wednesday she got her pattern traced and today she got the pattern pressed on the fabric and started cutting out. There were a few snippet problems but I got her started on an easier spot and will bring in my short fine-point applique scissors tomorrow for her to use. One step at a time. Apparently it is a pattern that her Grandpa and Uncle designed but she is making it for herself.

So I thought, how ironic that the Home Ec teacher would send a student up to the male business-computer teacher to be taught a few things about sewing. I love it. It was a funny but bright spot in the day.

Steven Alaska

Reply to
Steven Cook
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Steven, What a compliment from the Home Ec teacher! Having seen some of your photos I can understand why the HE teacher would send the student to you. Similarly the other day my quilting 'mentor' asked me to help her cut fabric for her next project. Now, she's been quilting far, far longer than I. As well as another friend, new to quilting, was asking me to help her with her project. I chuckled to myself and asked 'how did I become the teacher'?????

I'm sure your student's project will be a masterpiece with your help, skill and advice.

Kim in NJ

Reply to
AuntK

Any GOOD teacher knows their areas of expertise and their limitations, and knows where to find expertise in areas beyond their competence. A sensible teacher says so and points their students in the right direction. Your Home Ec teacher may be a very fine dressmaker and an excellent cook, but know little or nothing of applique or quilting. They are certainly sensible! :D

If you can answer a question with 'I don't know - but I know a man who does!', you are a better teacher than the one who gives the student the brush-off.

Talent recognition: always a good thing.

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

Reply to
Roberta

It's great that teachers are helping each other! Yeah, I agree it's also kinda ironic. So, are any of your guys interested in learning to quilt or sew? That was something I insisted on my son learning to do and as an adult he mends his, wife's and daughters clothes and sews simple things for the house. Barbara in cool FL

Reply to
Bobbie Sews More

Thank you for starting our day with a laugh. That Home Ec teacher is smarter than the average bear. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

How neat! I wish you had been my home ec teacher. Then maybe I would have started sewing before I was 50. She just taught me to hate sewing.

Sherry

Reply to
Sherry

Reply to
Taria

Thanks for pointing out that it was a compliment. With the week that it has been, I haven't been thinking well and didn't think of that. Also thanks for the compliments about my work. Most appreciated.

Steven Alaska

Steven, What a compliment from the Home Ec teacher! Having seen some of your photos I can understand why the HE teacher would send the student to you. Similarly the other day my quilting 'mentor' asked me to help her cut fabric for her next project. Now, she's been quilting far, far longer than I. As well as another friend, new to quilting, was asking me to help her with her project. I chuckled to myself and asked 'how did I become the teacher'?????

I'm sure your student's project will be a masterpiece with your help, skill and advice.

Kim in NJ

Reply to
Steven Cook

Yes, and students couldn't often understand why I couldn't/can't answer some computer questions. I explained we're all good at something and Mr. Krueger is good at the innards of the computer and I am good at the applications and we trade skills when needed. I guess that this is just another example.

Steven Alaska

Reply to
Steven Cook

Oh, Yes! After all the stressful classes I teach and Yearbook deadlines and Yearbook Seniors Mothers, and maintaing the school website, etc., it sure would be fun to teach a quilting class at school. Lesson planning would be soooo much fun and just think of all the sewing I could probably get done too.

The scissors are really nice, and I want them treated well, and I know she will, and I am looking for my duplicate pair, and I also have a nice "old fashioned" pair that Mom bought me several years ago so I'm covered.

Yes, I'm going to try to get a photo of it too, and I will explain to her, but it probably won't be until the end of the semester.

Steven Alaska

Reply to
Steven Cook

I don't know about many of the guys, but when I took my Salmon Quilt in today, and a couple of others in progress to show this student, most of my students in computer class stopped and looked and there were a few questions, and some from the guys, and all positive.

I know this sounds awful looking, but there was a boy in sewing class last year that sewed a plum colored corduroy blazer. But it was stunning and the workmanship was fantastic. Wish I had a picture of that.

Steven Alaska

Reply to
Steven Cook

I'm impressed with her. Only her second year with us although about her ninth year, but she's one tough cookie, no pun intended, and the kids are learning a lot.

Steven Alaska

Reply to
Steven Cook

Oh dear! We have a few of those teachers too. Those are the ones that shouldn't be and it should be easier to get rid of. Glad you're making the most of it now though.

Steven Alaska

How neat! I wish you had been my home ec teacher. Then maybe I would have started sewing before I was 50. She just taught me to hate sewing.

Sherry

Reply to
Steven Cook

Having time to work together to share ideas and work together like this is something that we've been pushing for all the time. Our in-service meetings are all about writing goals and objectives and putting them in plans and calendars, etc, etc. AAAGGGGHHH!!! Couldn't we just have some time to create together. I would be in heaven then.

I'm optimistic about her quilt. It's an ambitious style for a first time, and I'm "teaching" how to do and how to fix boo-boos along the way. She's trying hard and I'm really being encouraging each day and having her go slow, little chunks each day so she won't get overwhelmed.

Steven Alaska

Reply to
Steven Cook

Remember that all the best tailors in the world are men! Never underestimate their interest or their skills. :)

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

Howdy!

Like: 0 questions, uploading photos, checking out cameras, selling ads, entering

Reply to
Sandy E

Well, not ALL the best are men... it just seems that way because sewing machines are power tools.

Reply to
amy in SoCal

And I have a bunch of women friends that are much better with power tools than many men.

Well, not ALL the best are men... it just seems that way because sewing machines are power tools.

Reply to
Steven Cook

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