A friend asked me to speak to a group of senior citizens about quilting. First, I am not a public speaker, I sweat, turn red and stutter but I said I would. Second, I am not sure how many people will be in the group, male, female, or ability. Some of them may have been quilting since before I was born so I am intimidated but I said I would.
So I am asking for advice on a couple of things. If there were 20 to 30 participants..is there a project I could have them do while I spoke? (Nothing like distracting the audience). Something simple that would not require my hands on.
Next, I would like your thoughts on one thing I should definitely share with them. I have decided to randomly reward two people who respond here with a small token of my appreciation. Thank you and I look forward to reading your ideas and ponderings.
About Me
- LiteMotif
- I enjoy sewing, knitting, and quilting. I have a adoring husband of 43 years, 8 beautiful children and 13 grandchildren (so far). I also enjoy studying my Bible and practicing yoga. The LORD is Good All the time.
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Since you aren't sure about the audience's abilities and aren't comfortable with the public speaking thing, I would not try to do a project too. You'll drive yourself crazy. The one thing I'd share with them, is a can do attitiude. If they see a quilt they love, there is no better incentive to start. Maybe do a small trunk show of your quilts (in general) and the quilts and tops you've made with Inklingo
ReplyDelete?? Don't understand...
ReplyDeleteWhy would you want them distracted if you want or need to speak to them?
Usually, when I speak in front of a group, I "hope" they're not distracted and will listen attentively... *grin*
All that being said, I would say a slide show or an exposition.
Hmmm... you could have a quilt basted and ask them to "tie" this quilt. Once it's all finished, assuming it's a small - perhaps lap quilt? - you could draw a name for whoever wins this quilt. Mind you - I'm guessing that you'd have to bind it first, before handing it over to them... Although.... *wheels are turning here*.... you could make a lap quilt, baste it, bind it and THEN, get them all to tie the quilt with colorful yarn... How's that for an activity?
Rosa
If you had a bunch of scraps and cardstock and glue sticks, they could make greeting cards by gluing scraps to the front of cardstock in the form of quilt blocks.
ReplyDeleteYou should share your love for quilting. And of course your many quilts.
I wouldn't do a project. I'd start by asking your friend what she had in mind when she asked you to speak about "quilting". A trunk show of your quilts is probably the best way to go and perhaps a talk about how you got into quilting, the joy you get from quilting, if you are involved in any special projects, etc.
ReplyDeleteAs far as public speaking goes -- I don't like speaking in front of a group either, but I learned a long time ago that if I know my subject, my nerves don't give me much trouble. My enthusiasm for the subject takes over. So, I'm sure you'll do fine.
Don't distract them, you want them to be interested in what you're saying. If you have a display of quilts around the room you will find they will go from looking towards you to looking around the room as you're talking. Keep things simple and basic, don't start talking about the finer details of quilt making.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely talk about what you get from making quilts - for me it's the best way to relax, rhythmic sewing, the hum of the sewing machine, clears my mind of any stresses of the day. And also what you get from giving a quilt you have made - for me it is an expression of love, I give quilts so they can be used as a hug from me when I'm not there.
You'll do fine, it is easiest to talk about things you love.
As a teacher, I would definitely NOT distract them while you are talking. It's easier to talk if you have props -- a show of your quilts, a slide show of quilts, a PowerPoint presentation on quilting, etc..........
ReplyDeleteFor sure be enthusiastic and smile. Look perky, even if you are nervous. Just smile. Fake it til you make it. Senior citizens are an easy audience. The will love whatever you do.
After you talk, you might have a simple project for those who want to participate. I'm thinking tieing a quilt, suggested above is a great idea. Other ideas might include a simple stitching project, etc. Nothing hard or complicated. How about bring quilt blocks and a design wall, and let them play with various arrangements? Or borrow a bucket of those pattern block tiles from an elementary school and have them create quilt designs with those. It's good for hand dexterity as well as wakes up the brain to different possible arrangements and patterns.
Door prizes might include a quilted bag for women. If it's a mixed audience how about a fleece throw?
A trunk show is probably the EASIEST presentation to give. (There's a reason why so many quilters give trunk shows.) I would stay away from having a project to do. That's just asking for trouble, since you don't know the abilities of the attendees. A trunk show, with letting them pet and fondle your quilts after or during the show, would more than keep an audience interested.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure a "distraction" is your best answer. But I do know, that stress balls, plastic slinkys, whatever, are great items to have at a presentation. I have gone to MANY interactive business conferences where the center of the table is covered with little things for fingers to fidget.
ReplyDeleteInstead of "making" something...unless you have the time to devote that day...how about bringing along some quilt books to peruse. Or printing a few simple, free, patterns from a fabric producers webpage that they could take home for inspiration?
I'm not sure about distracting them while you're talking, but what about talk for a little bit and then have a design wall of sorts set up with lots of pieces that they can go to and arrange in various designs? Maybe some hexagons, some tris, some rectangles, some squares and let them play.
ReplyDeleteHow about listing a some quilt block names and then creating a story using them - but leaving where the names go blank. Such as Sun Bonnet Sue, Log Cabin, Ohio Star
ReplyDelete? lived in a ? where she would gaze at the ?
Sandy
First of all --- Smile. Be sure to look at each and every person as you talk TO them (not AT them). Make it fun and interesting. Tell them about you and your quilting. How did you start, how did you get interested, how did you learn, what kind of awful things did you make and throw away, what are you most proud of making or doing. Make them laugh with you at some of your "horror" quilt stories. But..... also make it informative and interesting and leave them wanting to hear more. A trunk show or at least one quilt you are proud of would be great to pass around and let them handle it and look at it closely. Ask questions - maybe someone has a quilt story to tell or a wish to learn - get them involved and thinking. Offer to come back and teach them how to tie a quilt or some sort of project. Above all - make it fun and have fun - I bet there are some sewers or quilters in the group. Enjoy yourself - I'm sure they will!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, a lot of great ideas going on here! I would have to agree - just be yourself :-) Don't put too much pressure on yourself by trying to create the perfect presentation. Share your love of the art form, how things have changed over the years to make creating soooooo much easier. Show some of your work, but not just the finished products - take a work in progress so they can see the beginning stages too. I don't think that working on something 'while' you speak, but perhaps a small project afterwards for anyone who would like to participate. Maybe even something using Inklingo - how easy would that be for them!! Good Luck - I'm sure you will do just fine no matter what you choose to do for your presentation!
ReplyDeleteSome fantastic ideas and I'm sure you'll be wonderful when you do it. Having some books to view or pictures is a great idea, it gives them an idea of what they can do.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to do something outside the box...you could involve the seniors in your talk. Ask them about the quilts or quilters in their lives and what they meant to them. Sometimes seniors are lonely and don't get to share their memories often. Your quilts can spur those memories and give them a chance to share and you can be blessed by them. You just have to be diplomatic and don't let any one person take whole time. Just an idea.
ReplyDeleteThe suggestion that I would make is to always put a label on their quilts. The label should have the name of the quilt, who the quilt was made for, the date, and the individual's name that made the quilt. I have so many friends that do not label their quilts, but I think this is a very important last step.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWhy not do blue and white hexagons which could then be put into snowflakes and appliqued on a background later. Members of our guild saw this and were gobsocked. If you e-mail me at YAK1953@aol.com, I will send you the link to the pattern inspiration (which is certainly NOT necessary). Don't present yourself as an authority with absolutes. Recognize that there are many ways to do something, none being right or wrong! Encourage them to explore on their own.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't try to distract them... as a mom, I want to be heard (I can be ignored at home). I would showcase different styles -- modern vs tradtional, talk about complimentry vs contrasting colors with a color wheel, machine piecing vs hand piecing, embroidery,and hand quilting vs machine quilting. I definitely think a trunk show is awesome. Remember this is the fieldtrip that comes to them, because they can't walk around to all of the quilt shows! Good Luck, have a great time, and remember to breathe! Please do a follow up post to let us know what you chose.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you have a show and tell. Ask them to bring along their own needlework, patchwork or whatever and talk about it.
ReplyDeleteJulie
A trunk show or powerpoint with lots of photos would keep their attention. Don't try new features in powerpoint, a basic presentation would be great. I was recently at a guild meeting and the presenter had decided to try out all the interesting transitions in her presentation, some were distracting, others didn't work right... Relax and enjoy. You enjoy quilting and you'll be sharing your love of it... they will be a great audience - remember they know how to sit still! (oh my audience tonight was 5 & 6 year olds)
ReplyDeleteIf somebody ask you to speak for a group, you do it ! Last year 3 ladies ask me to give lesson for patchwork, i'm not a teacher but I do it, for friends. You do also it like for a friend. hugs, Fernande
ReplyDeleteHave lots of show and tell. That will keep them interested and in a sense distract their attention from you if you get embarrassed speaking in public. You can also pass round small items for them to examine closely.
ReplyDeleteSince you don't know anything about this group, then I would not assume that they know anything about quilting. You could give some history, talk about the process and show examples. While you really don't want to distract them, you could pass around some small samples that they could look at more closely and touch/feel. That could make them feel more involved and perhaps be able to see what you are talking about (you don't know how well they all can see).
ReplyDeleteI would stay away from hands on quilting this time around, since you don't really know the audience's capabilities and interests.
Rebecca, I think it's always easiest to talk about something you know about. You could talk about how you got into quilting and show your quilts chronologically. You could also tell about what you like to do best - paper piecing, applique or whatever - or the kinds of fabric you like to use. If you have quilts made by family members, you might bring those, too, and invite people to talk about the ones in their families. You may have some quilters who would like to share their experiences or those of family members. Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteI did one for a church senior group. Even the men loved it as they knew quilts - they lived with them as youngsters. If you do show and tell (and you should) have at least 2 young people to help hold the quilts. You can't do that and talk. Tell them about your machine - and if it does it by itself or you have to hand guide it. They are fascinated but don't understand.
ReplyDeleteDon't give them something to do while you talk - they can't concentrate on both and will be chatting to see if they are doing it right.
I do Quilts of Valor (that's what I was mostly talking about) and didn't have blocks for them to sign - what a mistake. So you could have them sign blocks after the "show" and make them a wall hanging for the center.
What about some quilting Bingo?
ReplyDeleteI hear seniors love it!
If all you know about the group is that they are "seniors" you should ask your friend for lots more information.
ReplyDeleteIt's a big mistake to underestimate your audience's experience or intelligence.
I have been fascinated by my antique quilts that have come from my g-g-grandparents.....where, when, what was happening at the time in history etc....not sure what you might be basing your talk about, but that might be an idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat about cutting up different colors of construction paper and having your audience design a paper quilt? You could give them squares and triangles (an AccuGo would be a boon!) and have them do a block or whole quilt. I've had fun playing with the painted wooden blocks that children have...
PS I like Janice's idea!
Sue B in Texas
I totally agree - no projects during your talking. You'll become distracted. Having been a teacher I always liked keeping the attention by not just talking but asking the group questions. There is a lot about the history of quilts. Maybe gear your talk around their memories of quilts and how they were most likely made - newspaper patterns, little scissors, cardboard templates, etc. Then work into the changes of how quilts are made today - plastic template, rotary cutters, purchased patterns, machine quilting, etc. A picture presentation to go along with this would be very nice. Pictures say a thousand words. Definitely have a few quilts for touching and admiring. You might also include some fabricswtches showing how fabrics have changed - repro fabrics, civil war, todays funky and bright. Some of the older fabrics might spur some great memories. Maybe you have a quilt or two from your grandmothers - compare those with how you make yours today to show how much easier we have it.
ReplyDeleteI would do a short presentation followed with a project where the seniors could work on the project, ask questions, and talk. The project wouldn't have to involve any sewing, cutting, etc.
ReplyDeleteI would have drawn out on paper different quilt squares and also provide pre-cut shapes which would allow the seniors to 'design' quilt squares. I would provide a 'blank' square that could be filled in anyway and also provide some squares with the outlines of shapes. This way if you were talking about spools and bobbins square, the seniors could place the pieces on that drawn out square so they can see how it comes together. Think puzzles! Your presentation could be on the different types of quilt squares and how fabric brings the squares to life.
Before deciding on a power point find out if the facility has the equipment to provide a good presentation. Even if the facility has the equipment, if you are not confident that you would be able to make sure everything ran smoothly I wouldn't bring a power point. Don't depend on the staff where ever you are giving the presentation to know how to trouble shoot if things don't work.
As for the presentation, introduce yourself, and give a brief bio which includes the why you started quilting and how long you've been quilting. This should only last a minute (two max.) Don't discuss anything using too much jargon. Make your topic very narrow.
If you're really not sure what to present on, talk to your friend and see what types of presentations they've had in the past. Her answer will give you a rough idea of what they are looking for.
These general presentation tips apply to any group: Practice your presentation in front of a mirror. It will give you the feeling of someone looking back at you when you're speaking and will help you be a bit more comfortable. Don't be afraid to move around the space while presenting, but staying in the front in case someone with a hearing loss is there they can see your face (lip reading.) Talk slowly and speak clearly. Bring some notes. That way if you go off track, you can bring yourself back to the topic (or if you forget what you wer going to say.) Allow plenty of time for questions.
I've been to many quilt talks where the 'talker' told about her quilts and showed many of them, that makes you more comfortable since you know your quilts. You could borrow a few. Talk about the first ones, hand quilted, tied, to keep warm. Choose a theme; i.e.People quilt because... they want to show love, they want to decorate their home, they want to remember their activities (t-shirt quilt), remember a loved one(memory quilt). Or Quilting is part of our history....
ReplyDeleteIf you decide that while you talk about quilting they can do some needlework I suggest to let them make a block for charity. I'm willing to mail you information/patterns. The chance of interaction is little when people are sewing in the meantime. Perhaps is creating time for sewing after you did talk a good idea and you're then able to walk around; talk and perhaps show how you do stitches or so. The most important of quilting is enjoying the needlework/fabrics and that nothing is wrong. I like to know what you decide and how the day was! For sure you don’t realize that you’re talking to the group after a min. I do wish you a wonderful day, you can do it! Best regard, Charlotte acschmidt@ziggo.nl
ReplyDeleteOh, boy, tons of great suggestions. I never turn down an opportunity to speak even though my knees knock, my voice cracks and they might think I'm going to pass out, but I won't. It is a matter of facing a ridiculous fear that I won't let scare me away! Just do it!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely bring (traditional preferred) quilts for show and tell. You know all about these and it will help keep you going and they will love it. Then throw in a T-shirt quilt for a more modern example. If you have older sewing machine(s) I'd sprinkle those on tables plus other sewing/quilting supplies to keep them interested and remembering years gone by.
Depending on how long they want you to speak there might not be much more 'speaking', just move to Question and Answer.
If you have the time/energy it would nice to have signature blocks for all. Choose a charity and then have them sign their name plus family members with military service (QOV) or number/name of children and grandchildren (baby hospital), etc.
Best of Luck, you will do fine, do not sweat it!
Cindy
I'd definitely suggest a trunk show. My daughter recently gave a beginner quilting class to a group of teens who were interested in learning how to quilt. She started with a showing of all her quilts (she's only 25 so there weren't many...but enough to pique their interest). Then she showed them how to make just one simple quilt block. Everyone in class ended up with a block to take home and maybe make into a pillow front. Anyway, the most compliments she received from the moms in attendance, too, was the trunk show. They loved seeing what they could eventually learn to make and have themselves. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any other reply yet but the only project I could think of was making yo-yos You would want to have the needles threaded and have them a nice size so that it would be easy for them to hold and sew.
ReplyDeleteIf there are quilters in the group I would ask if anyone would like to speak a minute or two about what their memories are about quiltmaking in the past. It is funny that men have lovely stories about playing under quilt frames and helping thread needles for the ladies who were quilting and you might get some fun stories out of it.
Good luck and enjoy the chance to share something you love with them.
*will you people BE QUIET????*
ReplyDeleteSheeshe!!! I had to tell your fans to be quiet.... they're all in an uproar!
They wanna know - when's the big draw!??!?
*grin*
Rosa
Get your participants to bring a fat quarter of their choice, a pencil, a pair of scissors and a piece of cardboard in a baggie. They copy the template onto card (hexagon, square, rectangle whatever), draw the shape on their fat quarter and cut them out. They then swap like for like. This ensures that, if someone only cuts out ten shapes, they get ten shapes back. The exercise is fair, not taxing and they will have a project cut out ready to sew.
ReplyDelete