classroom info

Sewing Machine Repair Classes

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2014 CLASSES

I will be unable to schedule additional classes in 2014.

In order to keep class fees low, it becomes even more important to locate a classroom and have a class scheduled near your home very early. We must schedule most classes at least six months in advance. Please let me know if you wish to host a class near your home.

Collect the classroom information first, then provide that information when you contact me:
1. Cost to rent the classroom for three consecutive days. Lower classroom rental cost means we will more likely be able to schedule an affordable class for our students. See "Advantage to a free or low cost classroom:" below.
2. Size of classroom should be at least 500 square feet. (please provide dimensions)
3. At least 8 tables and 12 chairs must be available for the class.
4. What days and hours will the classroom be available. (Any days, weekdays only, weekends, etc.)
5. Some civic centers and churches reserve the right to bump a reservation at the last minute if someone wants the room for a wedding etc. I will not schedule classes at those locations. Ask if the classroom reservation may be confirmed and guaranteed.
6. Provide the address and contact information for the classroom location.
7. Once you have collected this information, call me or e-mail me with the classroom information and your phone number so I can call you. We can then discuss reserving the classroom and scheduling the class dates.
8. Providing local motel information I can pass on to students is also helpful.
9. If my experience indicates a successful class could be held at that location, we must reserve the classroom and I will schedule the class on the website. (Classes must be scheduled at least six months in adavance.)

Three ways to save when you host a class.

1. Hosts who locate low cost classrooms (under $100 total classroom rental for the three day class) will receive $50.00 in free repair tools and supplies at the class.
2. Hosts who locate or furnish a free classroom will receive $100 in free repair tools and supplies at the class.
3. Group rates: Please contact me for dates I have available for private classes. Quilt guilds and other sewing groups hosts may receive the class free. The flat rate group class fee may be divided among the total remaining number of people attending the class. The host must collect individual registration forms and mail them with a deposit check to confirm the class.
Although it is your choice, I recommend limiting the total class size to no more than 12.
Please contact me for the group rate and available dates for your area.
See Private classes: below.

Group rates for private classes:
Several quilt guilds, businesses and organizations have requested "private" classes for employees or members. I offer these classes at a low fixed fee for the class. Please contact me for a quote. The classroom must be provided and a deposit fee must be paid in advance.You may choose the number of students who will attend, within reason, although I recommend a maximum classs size of ten people. I request receipt of registrations and a list of students names 30 days prior to the class so I may print graduation certificates and obtain adequate supplies for each person.

Suggestions for possible free or low cost classroom faclities:

1. Church: Usually have a fellowship room with tables and chairs. The class can be scheduled around church activities. For example, a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday class could be scheduled.
2. Fraternal organizations: Masons, VFW, etc. Usually have a dining room with tables and chairs.
3. School or college: Usually have classrooms with tables and chairs.
4. Privately owned buildings: May have a vacant room. Tables and chairs may be borrowed or rented.
5. Library: Usually have a room with tables and chairs.
6. Private residence, garage or family room: Tables and chairs may be borrowed or rented.
7. Quilt shops: Usually have classrooms with tables and chairs.
8. Fabric stores: Usually have classrooms with tables and chairs.
9. Workplace: May provide a conference room available to employees.
10. Fire station: Usually have a dining or meeting room with tables and chairs.
11. Community centers: Usually have a dining or meeting room with tables and chairs that may be available to residents.
12. Local chamber of commerce: May be able to offer suggestions.

Many of these places will host a free or low cost classroom as a community service, to raise additional income or to bring additional traffic to their business.

Note: Tables and chairs must be available.

Several students who hosted and helped organize past classes around the country found various ways to reduce their class fee by lowering my travel expenses. They provided or located free or low cost classrooms and reduced the class cost for everyone who attended. You can help reduce the cost of holding a class near your home by locating a free or low cost "classroom" and researching other lower travel cost alternatives in your area.

We currently have over 500 people across the U.S. who want to attend a class near their home or within a reasonable driving distance. Most classes will fill, if the cost of the class can be reduced by lowering expenses. Since I cannot research these low cost alternatives in various locations, I cannot schedule a class or compute the cost, until a future student locates a place to hold the class near their area.

The classroom should be a well lighted room with electric outlets and heat or air conditioning, depending on the season.
We would need use of the classroom for three consecutive days, and if possible, the evening before the class to set up. A class held on a weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Saturday, Sunday, Monday) usually accomodates more people who must schedule time off work to attend. However, many people can arrange to attend any consecutive three day class on weekdays.

Each student will need about three feet of table work space and the instructor will need an 8" table. The tables must be positioned so there is room to move around them when people are seated.

Tables and chairs: 10 six foot long folding tables or 7 eight foot long tables, plus 15 chairs must be available in the classroom.
We would need the room for three consecutive days, and if possible, 2-3 hours to set up, the evening before the class starts. Normal class hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, although additional evening hours may be offered for those who wish to go back over procedures. In other words, it is best, but not required, if we have access to use the classroom from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

Hotel/motels usually charge $300 - $500 + tax per day (total cost $1500 and up) for a meeting room, which can add $150 or more to the class fee for each student IF 10 people register for the class. If few people register, the "classroom" cost must be shared by a lower number of students, which means the class fee per person could be much more. This is not an acceptable option.

Several people have suggested the "free" meeting rooms offered by Hotel/motels when a block of personal rooms are reserved and paid in advance. Most people would require a room for at least four nights to attend the three day class. This requires I must pay an average "up front" cost of $6000 - $12,000, in advance, to reserve ten rooms and receive the "free" classroom. Also, students do not have the option to seek lower cost accomodations. This is not an acceptable option.

Travel costs have doubled since I started the repair classes in 2002. In order to keep class fees low, I must schedule classes in groups along my travel route. Dates must also be scheduled to avoid possible bad weather seasons.
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