Sunday Studio: The Value of Unhurried Practice

Back when I time to do my own turning! The Sunday Sessions bring that back.

Not every learning experience needs to be structured. Sometimes what you need most is time – unhurried, unscheduled time at the lathe with guidance available but not imposed.

That's the philosophy behind our Sunday Studio sessions.

These aren't classes in the traditional sense. There's no curriculum, no set project, no step-by-step instruction unless you ask for it. Instead, you get access to a fully equipped workshop, a lathe to yourself, and the freedom to work on whatever you want. I'm there to help when needed, to answer questions, to offer suggestions if you're stuck – but the direction is yours.

The format suits turners who've completed beginners' training and want space to develop. Maybe you want to practice a technique you learned in a previous class. Maybe you have a project in mind but need access to equipment you don't have at home. Maybe you just want to turn without the pressure of a formal learning environment.

What I've noticed is that some of the deepest learning happens in these sessions. Without the structure of a class, students often surprise themselves. They try things they wouldn't attempt in a formal setting. They make mistakes in a low-stakes environment and learn from them naturally. They find their own rhythm.

There's research supporting this approach. Self-directed learning, where the learner controls the pace and direction, often produces better retention than instructor-led learning. The motivation is intrinsic rather than external. The questions that arise are genuinely yours.

Sunday Studio runs throughout the year. Sessions are roughly six hours (or as long as you want) so should be  long enough to get absorbed in a project, perhaps short enough to fit around other commitments. Numbers are limited to ensure everyone has space and access to help when needed.

“What would you make with four unhurried hours at the lathe?”

Class Recommendation: Sunday Studio sessions – book your unhurried lathe time.