Sometimes disappointments in life can be turned into wonderful and exciting success stories. That's the way its been for my 'career' as a guilting instructor!
My chosen career as a Realtor is certainly still the activity that puts food on the table but being consumed with quilting I thought it would be fun to work for a couple of days a week in a quilting store in nearby London. I prepared a terrific resume with pictures, packed up my best work and made an appointment for a job interview. At the interview the shop owner made it clear that she would never have me act as an instructor teaching students in the store; if hired, I would be 'just' a clerk.
God bless her, I wasn't hired. Instead I spent time dwelling on the question of teaching: why couldn't I teach? I certainly felt I had something to share with others. I believed I had an ability to share. That's how my teaching started, and I thank my lucky stars I never got an opportunity to work in that store but instead was challenged to be an instructor.
I approached Ted Brouwer of Brouwer Textiles and asked him if he had a room I might use to teach a quilting class. He allowed me to use his lunchroom upstairs for classes, and to advertise it by creating a quilt display in the front window. My classes have drawn people into his store to buy fabric and quilting supplies, and have created an interest in quilting in general. I continue to offer classes through Brouwers.
Today I teach between 2-3 classes a week at The Marsh Store generally using patterns of my own design. Teaching has proven to be very exciting and fulfilling for me. I especially enjoy seeing students finish their first projects. They are so surprised at their newfound artistic abilities. They discover what a tremendous feeling it is to create your own quilt. I have seen quilting inspire confidence and creative thinking in my students. I know the effect can be profound.
Quilting has traditionally been a social and creative outlet for women. Sadly, we don't often take advantage of the few opportunities we have for practical creative outlets in today's busy world. So many women have been conditioned to doubt their own creative ability. Quilting can unleash undreamed-of potential!
Genesis reminds us God created us in His image. God is a creator; man or woman -- given opportunity and encouragement -- can also be a creator.