Classroom Conduct

It is expected that everyone will be respectful to one another and to staff within the studio. We take pride in our core values of authenticity and inclusion and while we always assume positive intentions and good faith, impact is greater than intent. Please be mindful of your words and behaviors towards others.

Hoop & Bee absolutely will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, natural or protective hairstyles, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, neurodiversity, psychiatric diagnosis, education or educational pathways, military status, or any other status protected by applicable law – or any other aspect for that matter, protected or not. Any form of clear and unrepentant harassment of other students or staff is considered intolerable behavior and could be grounds for removal from class without refund. 

It is expected that everyone is considerate of the studio as a shared community space. We do our best to provide students with all of the tools, equipment, and materials they need during their class to meet their goals. We ask that you never touch or interfere with any other materials or equipment within the studio that is not part of your specific class, including but not limited to longarm machines, longarm frames, display quilts, display fabric, staff desks or workstations, or other students' projects and belongings. 

Textile work often involves the use of irons, sewing machines, needles, scissors, and/or rotary cutters. The use of these tools includes risks that can lead to injury. We share the same tools between all classes and strive to keep all tools in good working order for the community. Students are responsible for reporting any damages to tools. All students agree to release and hold harmless Hoop & Bee, instructors, and staff from any and all claims and liability related to any accident that may arise as a result of your or your child's participation in quilting classes, rentals, or studio time.

General Classroom Policies

This is a very large space with very few windows. Please be conscientious of others and wear low-scent or no-scent products. Please do not wear cologne or perfume to class. 

Snacks are not allowed within the classroom space at or around the sewing machines or sewing stations. Absolutely no open-top beverages are allowed within the studio. Closed-top beverages may be kept at stations and must remain closed when not in use.

All equipment necessary for quilting is provided by Hoop & Bee, including but not limited to: irons, sewing machines, rotary cutters, scissors, snips, cutting mats, pins, clips, and rulers. No personal equipment is necessary for classes, unless otherwise noted in your registration email. Please be considerate of others' mobility and help us mitigate tripping hazards by only bringing what you need to class that might fit safely underneath your assigned table.  

Hard-soled shoes must be worn within the studio. Not only are pins, needles, and other small sharp tools used and sometimes dropped, but our floors are over 100 years old and can sometimes snag socks and soft-soled slippers. 

We are all here to gather and learn. Please be respectful when using your phone in the studio. NO calls are allowed (except in the case of an emergency of course). If you need to make or take a call, please step out of the studio into the hallway. During classes, please keep your phone on silent/do not disturb. No recording of audio or video is allowed without permission. All photography must be consensual. All video and photography taken by staff for outreach purposes will be clearly stated as such prior to being taken. 

We believe that COVID-19 had a real and lasting impact within our communities. At this time, we are a mask-encouraged studio. Masks are not required. 

PLEASE NOTE: Some classes and guest educators might have different policies regarding or requiring masking. If you are taking a class from one of our guest educators, please refer to your registration confirmation email for clarification. 

In accordance with Eastworks policy, there is no smoking or vaping anywhere on premises or within any bathrooms or suites. There are designated smoking areas outside the building–look for the green signs and smoking urns for your cigarette butts. Violators may be fined by Eastworks $100 per incident.

Registration & Payment

Registration is required for all quilting classes, rentals, or studio time. This ensures enough seats and equipment for everyone. Payment for registration is accepted online on our website. You can also reserve your spot via phone or email and pay with check or cash at the door. Registration for classes closes 24 hours before that class is scheduled. 

We’re committed to creating an equitable quilting opportunity for everyone, regardless of means or other barriers. If you are motivated to learn but feel that you can’t afford classes or the cost of materials or kits, get in touch - let’s work something out. We have limited financial aid available during the year, but will work for equitable barter and are happy to explore alternatives.

If you experience any technical difficulties during your registration process, please reach out. We know that website errors can be very frustrating and nerve wracking -  especially when payment is involved - but we ask that you please be patient! We are a small team and will be happy to help you during our regular daytime staffed hours, Monday - Friday from 10am-4pm, to get the issue resolved as quickly as we are able.  

Refunds

In the event of inclement weather resulting in Easthampton Public Schools being closed for the day, Hoop & Bee will also be closed. 

Every attempt will be made to reschedule a class that has been canceled due to inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances, etc.. In the event that Hoop & Bee must cancel a class, rental session, or open studio time, individuals who have registered will be contacted and given the choice of a full refund or the equal substitution of another class, rental session, or open studio time. Any kits purchased during registration will also be refunded in full, or held for another class. 

If a class has less than the required minimum number of students enrolled 24 hours before class starts, you will be contacted to discuss moving your seat into the next available class of the same title held at a different date or time.

PLEASE NOTE: Some guest educators may have different policies. If you are taking a class from one of our guest educators, please refer to your registration confirmation email for differing cancellation, attendance, and refund policies. 

If the class is part of a multi-session series, in most cases, an additional week will be added to the end of the program. Individuals who have registered for the series will be contacted with the updated class schedule. 

Hoop & Bee is not responsible for classes missed due to a participant’s inability to attend. Any withdrawals made 7 days or more prior to the class start date will receive a refund, minus a 6% processing fee. No refunds will be given when a withdrawal is made less than 7 days prior to a class. There is no fee for you to transfer your purchased seat to another class of the same title held at a different date or time with more than 7 days notice of the class date. 

All class seats purchased are giftable or transferable at the purchaser’s discretion. If you cannot attend your purchased class or wish to purchase the class seat as a gift, you may transfer your seat for the date and time purchased to another person. You may not transfer your seat to another class at a different date or time without prior staff approval.