The best way to begin training in ceramics is to learn to throw a cylinder and then to make a board full, all the same size. This is the way I was taught over 40 years ago and it has served me well.

Sophie surprised me by controlling the clay when throwing 22 cylinders on her first day. There were a few faults. These were discussed and corrected so that the next day the same project produced pots which were near enough perfect. It is important that mistakes should be ironed out early since it is so difficult later to get out of bad habits.

Her personal preference is for pots without handles and she was reluctant to tackle the daunting task of handling. She was shown the method I use where the handle is pulled directly off the pot - not the easiest way - and after a while resigned herself to improving each handle.  She asked me to choose some music while she worked.

Result!