Chance to teach hat making

[amandamoose]

Hey guys I contacted the local community college up here after seeing an ad for a need for people to teach classes. You don't need to be any credentials you just have to know a craft and how to make it.

I thought this would be a good way to find interest in the Era in my area...I just got a letter from them asking for info on the class (How much materials will cost and what we'll be doing) I've never taught a class before...I actually forgot about this till the letter came and don't haven't done any home work regard material costs etc and I've never taught a class.

I have Stephanie's Stovepipe hat pattern and that's what I'd be teaching (giving her the credit for the pattern of course). I guess I"m just wondering if anyone has any advice for me...or any reasons why I should teach the class? Not sure it would get many students to be honest with the economy the way it is...but it sure would be fun to sit around with a bunch of ladies (and gentlemen if they were interested) and make up hats. I'd use any money I made toward my costuming which is very slow to take off

I was I'd have cut outs of the two patterns for everyone to make their first hat and then suggest they buy the pattern them selves to make more. Anyway, your comments and opinions are greatly appreciated!!

[ladyirish]

Hi! I'm giving a drawn bonnet workshop this month and so know the feelings of "am I ready?". You can do this though! I must warn you... Teaching workshops can become very addictive!!! Lol
I like your idea of having cut-outs for the class only and then encouraging them to buy the pattern. Very smart! You may want to provide a website or such for them to easily find said pattern. As to cost for the class, that all depends on a lot of factors. For instance, how long will the class be? What materials will you provide or what must they bring with them? How far do you have to travel to teach? Those are some starting places for you. If you were to provide all materials for your class--fabric, buckram, needles, thread, pattern, etc-- and have a day class (which is probably necessary with the style you're aiming for) you're going to need to charge more than if the students are to provide their own materials. Take a look around at what other instructors are doing throughout the country to get a good idea of fees.
I hope this helped at least a little! Good luck with your class!

[amandamoose]

That did help thanks!! I can add materials needed for the class and that could be part of the cost of the class or it would be money I'd collect at the start of class...I'd prefer for the students pay up front though. You've given me more to think about that's for sure

[dawnluckham]

Here’s my understanding of how copyright works: If you teach a workshop and you use a pattern that is not your own, you need to sell that pattern to everyone in the workshop.

So for your expenses for the workshop - If you want to have buckram already cut out, that’s great: you can do that. But you must include the cost of a pattern for every person and they will have that pattern to take home with them.

You will also want to charge for the millinery wire and batting used for padding the buckram.

Ask participants to bring enough silk (or other fabric) to cover the hat. They will also need to bring thread to match their fabrics.

Will you want to make a sleeve of needles (will you be using curved upholstery needles?) and perhaps thimbles or other necessary tools for each student or do you want to tell them to bring these tools with them? Will you have an opportunity to send out a supplies list?

As the instructor, you will need to go through the process of making a hat and listing every single type of tool you use during the construction. This will be your supplies list.

I hope that helps... It wouldn’t hurt to have several examples of bonnets for your students to see. It always helps with visual learners...

[amandamoose]

I do plan on making a few samples to have for the class to see. I was thinking about cutting out the buckram for one type of hat (they'd bring needles and thread themselves) for the first class. then I'd hand out a supplies list. I wanted them all to buy her pattern as well...but maybe it'd be better if I provide that as a needed supply on the class description? Ugh I have no idea if people in the area will sign up for the class...good thing I have till the 5th to get my ducks mostly in a row.

[missmardi]

I have considered teaching a class with Steph's pattern also. She is more than willing to get you more copies for your class, and she had some great advice. Send her a message.

[amandamoose]

I sent her an email last night I wanted to make sure she was okay with me teaching the class and that I hadn't dreamt she was okay with it LOL