Group Class vs. Private Lessons – Virtual or In-person?

Which one is right for you?

I went to a small liberal arts college, and loved it. When I say small, I mean my biggest class was orchestra with about 30 of us in it. My smallest class (upper division child development seminar) had 6.

One of the things I did at the end of my time there was help with tours for prospective students. I remember talking to one prospective freshman who wanted to play football and sleep through class. I told him, “This probably isn’t the school for you.”

Then I told him about an experience in my first semester.

“It was the last day before Spring Break and I decided to skip Philosophy to finish my paper for my Child Development class. When I went to turn in the paper I ran into my Philosophy professor who had an office next door to my Child Development professor. ‘Nicole, are you feeling okay? I was worried when I didn’t see you in class!’ So, this isn’t really the kind of place you can sleep through class.”

I don’t know what that guy decided to do, or if my story would have been his. But the point is, what we want influences where we’ll find it.

But what about knitting and crochet lessons?

Group Classes vs Private Lessons

Group classes are a fun place to meet other people who are interested in the same thing you are. It is also a great way to dip your toes in the water – often they are a little less expensive (at least per hour/lesson) and you will learn a specific skill or technique and see if you want to continue or expand from there. They also provide a venue for you to share some of your skills and knowledge to assist and motivate fellow participants.

One-on-one attention found in private lessons is really helpful if you have hit a snag or want personalized attention. I get a lot of students who have been watching videos and just need someone to watch what they are doing and answer questions in real time. This can also be a great option if what you want is some accountability. Some external pressure (in the best way possible!) to motivate you to put in some time each week and help deciding on some reasonable (or attainable) next steps between lessons.

In Person vs Virtual Lessons

In person learning allows for hands-on assistance. 

Not ready to pick up your own dropped stitches yet? No problem, I got you!

Need help undoing a mistake and want a little boost getting back to where you left off? I can do that for you!

This can allow you to get back on track and moving forward faster. Nothing like making progress to motivate you to keep learning!

Virtual lessons give you access to more options (locations, timing, teachers) and can help you learn more “fixing” skills from the beginning. While this can make some things go (or at least feel) a bit slower, it can be a great way to really learn how to keep moving forward in the future and not getting stuck and having to wait until someone can fix something for you.

None of these are better options overall, but one might be best for you!

So, ask yourself what kind of experience you are looking for, and pick up that yarn and hook or needles!

Some options to learn from and with me:

• Check out my tutorial on my YouTube Channel
  • https://www.youtube.com/@knitbynickwhole 
• Check out upcoming virtual classes through Michael’s MakerPlace
  • https://www.michaels.com/makerplace/storefront/knitbynickwhole
• Sign up for 1:1 Virtual Lessons
  • https://tidycal.com/knitbynickwhole 
• Sign a child up for virtual group or 1:1 options through OutSchool
  • https://outschool.com/teachers/Nicole-Smith-2021 
• Community Education Classes taught in Watertown, MA
  • https://www.watertown.k12.ma.us/adultcommunityed 
• Check my Facebook Page for upcoming events I’m hosting
  • https://www.facebook.com/bynickwhole