Question: Round Broom or Flat Broom?
GUY: My wife and her mom and two sisters want to sign up for a class together but wanted to know is the round vs flat broom knowledge somewhat interchangeable? I.e. Can you figure out a round broom if you take the flat broom class or the other way around?
HOLLY: I will say this: Regarding the weaving part, the knowledge itself is totally interchangeable. The only difficulty with the flat broom (as far as the weaving) is that you're adding the need for physical strength. Because adding that third layer of broomcorn can be a BEAR.
GUY: Oh dang! That makes sense.
HOLLY: The other difficulty is the stitching. Stitching a round broom is usually a piece of cake. But stitching for the flat is oddly difficult, and surprisingly more difficult than even the weaving part.
That said, I would encourage people to tackle the flat if they want the crash course. I've seen many people do it very successfully. It takes some grit. Some people find themselves emotionally processing just because of the physical nature of it. But it is always a growth experience.
And I LOVE my students. I am there for them every step of the way. No one has failed in any way in any of my classes. And because I'm the boss, I can pivot to whatever anybody needs as much as they need it.
So here's what I'd say: For a SUPER FUN AND LIGHT EXPERIENCE, pick a round broom. And for students who'd like a challenge, I'd recommend flat broom. If there are a mix of desires within a group (like four people taking the class together) I would recommend going with the round broom, as everyone will have an enjoyable time.
All this said, you can always message me to find out when I'll be doing my next broom making demonstration if you would like to see for yourself, firsthand, the nature of the task. This is always very helpful. Because the physical nature of the task is made very obvious.
Question: Can I bring my own stick?
The reason I don't recommend bringing your own stick for your first class is this: You are taking your newbie energy (i.e. new-to-making-brooms) and combining it with perfectionism (because you're SOOOOOO in love with the stick already). This is a recipe for NOT having a fun time and putting way more pressure on yourself than necessary.
I would LOVE to see you enjoy making MANY brooms throughout your life. So my recommendation is to come to class and pick one of the sticks I've prepped that comes with the cost of your class. That way you're not so attached to the stick itself nor to the end-product of the finished broom but rather to YOUR OWN LEARNING. You can have a great learning experience with a stick you're not so emotionally invested in, knowing that when you're at the level you like, you'll be fully ready to tackle that broomstick of your dreams!
Question: What if I already took a Round Broom Class? Do I have to pay for the full Flat Broom Class?
Nope! We now have a Flat Broom STITCHING ONLY session available! All you do is prep your FLAT BROOM at home and bring it to the Flat Broom STITCHING ONLY session that we set up according to a time that works for both of us. Shortly after you order this class, you'll get an email from me so we can figure it out. OR just message me in the chat.
Question: What if I want to make a Flat Broom with a swishy end?
I'll have a class set up specifically for that really soon. I do NOT recommend making a swishy-end broom for your first class, so I am providing that one ONLY as a "SWISHY STITCHING" class. You will come with your OWN broomstick with broomcorn already attached and we'll tackle the swishy part together! (If you don't see that class available and you want it, just lmk and I'll get it up ASAP.) The cost for that class will be $100. It is FIDDLY and takes longer and is more effort to get it right than it may appear.
Question: What if I'm not seeing a timeslot that works for me?
Message me, Holly, in the Chat and we can set something up.
Question: Do you do any of these classes in foreign languages?
Yes! I can also teach these classes in pretty darn good Spanish or Russian. If you'd like any other language, I'll fumble around with it as best I can using love and broom making skill alone. Everyone and anyone is welcome!
Question: Where are these classes held?
I hold these classes in my very own kitchen and living room too if we need it. If it's really nice weather, we'll be outside. I send you my home address as soon as I receive your registration for the class. I also send you my actual phone number so you can reach me with any questions at any time.
Please let me know any other questions you may have and I'll answer them here.
Sincerely, Holly Robbins at Twichery Brooms
