Need help with Quilt Guild Ideas.
08-03-2009, 02:22 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Posts: 437
I may be a little late but would like to add some suggestions for your guild (by the way - Congratulations on becoming The Prez!). My guild has 250 members and we just celebrated our 26th year. We have nationally known quilting teachers lecturing and teaching workshops five out of the nine months we meet. The remaining four months are either auctions, yard sale, school days (member demonstrations); Pot Luck Dinner for December and/or community service night where we prepare/sew/tie quilts for charities - Ronald McDonald House, Hope Hospital for Children, Crisis Centers, etc. Some of the side activities we have are Show'n'Tell each month; Block of the Month; Library; Round Robin Groups; five-inch squares exchange (which is usually follwed by a show'n'tell of quilts made of the squares using "Nickle Quilts" book; Secret Sisters (we bring a small - $3.00 gift - to our Secret Sister every month starting in October and in May our Secret Sister learns our identity). Every other year we have a Quilt Show of over 350 quilts and it is attended by over a thousand people. Our web site is www.SCQG.org, give us a look/see. We always have a 50+ waiting list of prospective members! Take your pick of any or all of the above and Good luck!
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 04-29-2018 at 02:16 PM. Reason: remove shouting/all caps
08-04-2009, 05:59 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: rural Maryland
Posts: 1,564
Congratulations Madame President. I belong to two guilds. Both now have 100 to 100+ members. One meets in the daytime and always has a covered dish luncheon. The other meets at night and usually only has light refreshments. Both have, hopefully a short business meeting, some kind of program either with a formal speaker or demonstrator and then show and tell of members work since the last meeting.
Both guilds have a block of the month, an annual Tea Party and a fund raising Quilt Bingo. Only one still has a semiannual quilt show.
The one without the show has a monthly raffle basket full of goodies that members buy chances on at the meeting. Members donate quilt related items, fabric and notions they no longer want. I actually won the first raffle basket when we started it at least 5 years ago. It even included a bottle of wine. The guild usually makes between 50 and 80 dollars each time they have the raffle basket. One of my guilds has a Secret Sister program. I don't participate but some members really enjoy that program.
As for programs. Both guilds have a special budget for speakers etc. They have done the round robin demo tables with success. Both guilds try and have an outside speaker at least every other month. I have been program chair for both quilds. There are a lot of quilt teachers and or designers out there who will do trunk shows or demos for your group. Most are at least several hundred dollars plus mileage and lodging if necessary. We always encourage them to bring patterns, gadgets or even fabric if they have some to sell. They usually give the guild members a discount. I belonged to a professional group the Mason Dixion Professional Quilt Network. They have a website and most of the members do trunk shows, classes or demos. I also found the names of quilt pros in quilting magazines. With the internet it is not hard to find contact information for them. There are probably lots of them within an hour drive or so of your group.
My more local quild has two meetings a month. The first is the formal meeting and the second two weeks later is a more informal one where members demostrate a project and teach it to anyone who is interested. Several times they have actually run a year long class that produced a quilt for those participating. They are just starting a year long class that will result in a quilt made from Civil War Fabrics for those who participate.
Both guilds have a block of the month, an annual Tea Party and a fund raising Quilt Bingo. Only one still has a semiannual quilt show.
The one without the show has a monthly raffle basket full of goodies that members buy chances on at the meeting. Members donate quilt related items, fabric and notions they no longer want. I actually won the first raffle basket when we started it at least 5 years ago. It even included a bottle of wine. The guild usually makes between 50 and 80 dollars each time they have the raffle basket. One of my guilds has a Secret Sister program. I don't participate but some members really enjoy that program.
As for programs. Both guilds have a special budget for speakers etc. They have done the round robin demo tables with success. Both guilds try and have an outside speaker at least every other month. I have been program chair for both quilds. There are a lot of quilt teachers and or designers out there who will do trunk shows or demos for your group. Most are at least several hundred dollars plus mileage and lodging if necessary. We always encourage them to bring patterns, gadgets or even fabric if they have some to sell. They usually give the guild members a discount. I belonged to a professional group the Mason Dixion Professional Quilt Network. They have a website and most of the members do trunk shows, classes or demos. I also found the names of quilt pros in quilting magazines. With the internet it is not hard to find contact information for them. There are probably lots of them within an hour drive or so of your group.
My more local quild has two meetings a month. The first is the formal meeting and the second two weeks later is a more informal one where members demostrate a project and teach it to anyone who is interested. Several times they have actually run a year long class that produced a quilt for those participating. They are just starting a year long class that will result in a quilt made from Civil War Fabrics for those who participate.
08-04-2009, 07:40 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,521
At one of my Guild's Round Robin Workshop I demonstrated how to make plastic bag holders, provided handout with step by step instructions and also had the a sample bag in various stages of construction. One member demonstrated how to embross velvet and make wine bottles with it and another a thread catcher bag. Guess what? I was surprised when I received a check for being an instructor at a guild workshop.
We also have a bi-annual quilt show in the historic park where our Guild holds it's meetings and workshops and an annual tea where we dress up with hats and gloves and bring our favorite tea cup or mug and tell our table mates a story about it. May in Jersey
We also have a bi-annual quilt show in the historic park where our Guild holds it's meetings and workshops and an annual tea where we dress up with hats and gloves and bring our favorite tea cup or mug and tell our table mates a story about it. May in Jersey
08-04-2009, 08:21 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lincoln NE
Posts: 865
I just joined my local quilt quild this year, but on their web site, they have their newsletters going back several years. You could read that (http://www.lincolnquiltersguild.org/...wsletters.html) and other guilds, for ideas on speakers.
Also, internet search for quilt teachers or speakers. And find a book you like, and search to see if that person is a speaker.
I know some of the speakers try to get other guilds in the area around the same time, so the cost it spread out a little.
The speakers most of the time offer a class (half or whole day) besides the presentation that they give to the guild. There is a cost for the class. The speaker sets up the cost, and tells the needed supplies to be brought.
We have a monthly show and tell of members latest projects. This is always inspiring (as well as a little intimidating). Everyone shows their projects and gets lots of ooohs and aaahs no matter how small the project or how beginner the quilter may be.
We do a block exchange using a pattern given out where for each block turned in, your name is put in a pot and at the end of the months allowed, several names are drawn to receive 5-6 blocks with which they can create the whole quilt.
I think they also do a nesting robin type challenge quilt, this year they did a house block as the center, then had to add certain borders each month. It was interesting to see the different quilts that had used the same basic instructions, and how different they were.
We have discussed some of our members doing mini-demos before the regular meeting begins.
Also, internet search for quilt teachers or speakers. And find a book you like, and search to see if that person is a speaker.
I know some of the speakers try to get other guilds in the area around the same time, so the cost it spread out a little.
The speakers most of the time offer a class (half or whole day) besides the presentation that they give to the guild. There is a cost for the class. The speaker sets up the cost, and tells the needed supplies to be brought.
We have a monthly show and tell of members latest projects. This is always inspiring (as well as a little intimidating). Everyone shows their projects and gets lots of ooohs and aaahs no matter how small the project or how beginner the quilter may be.
We do a block exchange using a pattern given out where for each block turned in, your name is put in a pot and at the end of the months allowed, several names are drawn to receive 5-6 blocks with which they can create the whole quilt.
I think they also do a nesting robin type challenge quilt, this year they did a house block as the center, then had to add certain borders each month. It was interesting to see the different quilts that had used the same basic instructions, and how different they were.
We have discussed some of our members doing mini-demos before the regular meeting begins.
08-04-2009, 12:17 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lincoln NE
Posts: 865
I sent all your ideas to our guild's president, becuase they were all so great. She loved them. She also wondered where your guilds were located. Maybe we should start a thread listing our guild name, locale and web site if there is one. No reason we shouldn't all share ideas and learn from each other! What do you think?
08-04-2009, 01:59 PM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: rural Maryland
Posts: 1,564
One guild I belong to was started by Mimi Dietrich. It is called Village Quilters and meets in the daytime the third thursday of each month September through June. In Ellicott City, Maryland.
The second is Everybody's Quilt Guild. We meet twice a month year round, at night, in Westminster, MD. Both guilds started out in homes and have grown to at least 100 members. Both groups have yearly dues the first is $30 a year and the second is $24. We have to pay rent for the meeting places.
The second is Everybody's Quilt Guild. We meet twice a month year round, at night, in Westminster, MD. Both guilds started out in homes and have grown to at least 100 members. Both groups have yearly dues the first is $30 a year and the second is $24. We have to pay rent for the meeting places.
08-05-2009, 08:36 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lincoln NE
Posts: 865
I just stumbled on this page...
http://www.lakeviewquiltersguild.org/links.htm
it has a very extensive list of quilters - maybe that would be a good place to start the search for speakers.
http://www.lakeviewquiltersguild.org/links.htm
it has a very extensive list of quilters - maybe that would be a good place to start the search for speakers.
08-05-2009, 08:59 AM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Saint Charles, MO
Posts: 1,374
We have different things going on every month at our guild meetings. We have had quest speakers but some of my favorite activities from the past year have been
1. Heirloom Quilts - Members brought in quilts that have been passed down to them from a previous generation and told the history of the quilt and most of the time we had a picture of the original quilter. A drawing was held for all members who particiapted for a prize.
2. First Quilt - Members brought in the first quilt they have ever made. This was a hoot when everyone started talking about what they didn't know when they first started.
3. Christmas in July - Members were divided into 3 groups and were given demonstrations on cute quick gifts to make for Christmas. There were handouts that went with the demonstrations. The demonstrations were presented by quild members.
4. A local quilt shop came in and showed quilts made with various patterns and they also set up a mini store where we could buy kits for the quilts, fat quarters, patterns etc.
5. English Paper Piecing Night - I contacted Paper Pieces and they sent enough sample kits free of charge for every member to learn how to paper piece by making a flower like the ones in Grandmother's Flower Garden pattern. The following month members brought in what they turned that flower into(ie. pincushions)
6. Flee for all - Members bring in quilting or sewing related items that they would like to sell. Each member must mark their items with their name and price.
7. Free Table - table set up at each meeting for things you want to get rid of but can't bring yourself to throw away. If no one takes your item you are responsible for taking it back home.
8. Charm Square Swap - We usually do this at Christmas but have done it at different times of the year. A theme is chosen ie. Christmas. You place in a ziplock or sandwich bag 12 - 5" charm squares of the chosen theme with your name on the baggie (everyone always uses an address label) - we allow multiple bags from each person. So if you bring one bag you may take one bag from the big box we have set up for the baggies. There is no picking through the box for what you want. You stick your hand in and pull out a baggie and that's what you get. The only way you would get to put it back is if what you pulled out is your own baggie. If you bring 15 baggies of charms than you get to pull 15 baggies from the box. Great way to built up your charm stash.
1. Heirloom Quilts - Members brought in quilts that have been passed down to them from a previous generation and told the history of the quilt and most of the time we had a picture of the original quilter. A drawing was held for all members who particiapted for a prize.
2. First Quilt - Members brought in the first quilt they have ever made. This was a hoot when everyone started talking about what they didn't know when they first started.
3. Christmas in July - Members were divided into 3 groups and were given demonstrations on cute quick gifts to make for Christmas. There were handouts that went with the demonstrations. The demonstrations were presented by quild members.
4. A local quilt shop came in and showed quilts made with various patterns and they also set up a mini store where we could buy kits for the quilts, fat quarters, patterns etc.
5. English Paper Piecing Night - I contacted Paper Pieces and they sent enough sample kits free of charge for every member to learn how to paper piece by making a flower like the ones in Grandmother's Flower Garden pattern. The following month members brought in what they turned that flower into(ie. pincushions)
6. Flee for all - Members bring in quilting or sewing related items that they would like to sell. Each member must mark their items with their name and price.
7. Free Table - table set up at each meeting for things you want to get rid of but can't bring yourself to throw away. If no one takes your item you are responsible for taking it back home.
8. Charm Square Swap - We usually do this at Christmas but have done it at different times of the year. A theme is chosen ie. Christmas. You place in a ziplock or sandwich bag 12 - 5" charm squares of the chosen theme with your name on the baggie (everyone always uses an address label) - we allow multiple bags from each person. So if you bring one bag you may take one bag from the big box we have set up for the baggies. There is no picking through the box for what you want. You stick your hand in and pull out a baggie and that's what you get. The only way you would get to put it back is if what you pulled out is your own baggie. If you bring 15 baggies of charms than you get to pull 15 baggies from the box. Great way to built up your charm stash.
08-05-2009, 09:44 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Posts: 437
grammatjr says:
I sent all your ideas to our guild's president, becuase they were all so great. She loved them. She also wondered where your guilds were located. Maybe we should start a thread listing our guild name, locale and web site if there is one. No reason we shouldn't all share ideas and learn from each other! What do you think?
I think that's a great idea! My guild of 250 meets at the Hinsdale Community Center in Hinsdale, IL, although we started out in Western Springs, IL. Both are suburbs west of Chicago. One thing I forgot to mention in my first posting is that we also have an Education Committee whose members make a presentation of quilts (usually 45 minutes including questions/answers) at Assisted Living Centers And bring their machines and fabrics to grammer schools, kindergardens, Girl and Boy Scout meetings, etc., showing them how to sew together blocks. We then bring all the blocks home, sew them together, make the quilt sandwich with batting and a muslin back and envelope the quilt. We return to the group for their signatures on the back, letting the children use as much creativity as they wish. The school/Scout Troop display the finished quilt and some have had a raffle. Check www.saltcreekqg.org for more info.
Valerie
I sent all your ideas to our guild's president, becuase they were all so great. She loved them. She also wondered where your guilds were located. Maybe we should start a thread listing our guild name, locale and web site if there is one. No reason we shouldn't all share ideas and learn from each other! What do you think?
I think that's a great idea! My guild of 250 meets at the Hinsdale Community Center in Hinsdale, IL, although we started out in Western Springs, IL. Both are suburbs west of Chicago. One thing I forgot to mention in my first posting is that we also have an Education Committee whose members make a presentation of quilts (usually 45 minutes including questions/answers) at Assisted Living Centers And bring their machines and fabrics to grammer schools, kindergardens, Girl and Boy Scout meetings, etc., showing them how to sew together blocks. We then bring all the blocks home, sew them together, make the quilt sandwich with batting and a muslin back and envelope the quilt. We return to the group for their signatures on the back, letting the children use as much creativity as they wish. The school/Scout Troop display the finished quilt and some have had a raffle. Check www.saltcreekqg.org for more info.
Valerie
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 04-29-2018 at 02:15 PM. Reason: remove shouting/all caps
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