I'm thinking about finding a Guild to join. What are the advantages? Any disadvantages?

I am thinking of attending my first one this week so let me know what you find out.

I'm out of town right now and won't be able to attend the first one until the 4th Mon in October. Sent an email to the contact person. Sounds like they do a lot of charity quilts for veterans, stuffed animal/blankets for EMS and police. Does it sound too good to be true? Will attend Oct and Nov and by then should know. Let me know how you liked your first meeting.

It can be hard to break in as groups have already formed. Join activities such as classes, retreats, committees, etc. That way you get to know a lot of people at once. Also make sure to participate in Show and Tell. I love My guild, it's under 100 folk, and easy to relate to. Wish you well.

Guilds definatly have their pros & cons. If it is a large one, but has smaller evening groups, you can probably find a great group of people to meet w/& share ideas. I've found SOME can be kinda cliqueish(?), especially in larger cities. I've heard a few negative comments on here about a some.

But that said, I belonged to one many years ago that was great, very supportive, sharing & helpful - this board reminds me of a lot of the ladies in that one. However, it was in a rural area & after moving from there many years ago, I tried a guild in a larger city & found out they were somewhat on the snobbish side & had A LOT of 'quilt police'. Now I don't belong to one.

All are different & you'll never know till you visit one a few times. You may find a group of people who become a 'second family' to you.

Good luck & happy quilting

I think of it as a good experience, you'll learn and see different things. May be you just want to attend a couple of times, before joining. They always welcome new people.

I belong to 2 of them, one large and one small. I thought the larger one would be more clickish, but no so. Everyone there is really nice and I enjoy it and get alot of good ideas.

Zhillslady - I LOVE your Avatar - would love to see a close up of it!!

I did 3 meetings at one near me. I'm sure it was just the group, but they were clique...... No, I didn't join...

I was involved in an evening quilt group. It slowly became a social outting so I quit. But it was fun while it was a quilting group.

Every guild is different. You will just have to visit and see if it 'fits'. There used to be a quild in my town, but they did not want any new members so I probably wouldn't have liked it anyway. I don't have any local quilters to share things with. This board is my guild.

Most new guild attendees come in with the I don't know about this attitude and won't say more then Hello and I'll just sit in the back and wait for others to come to me. I've seen so much time and effort go to showering new members with attention never seeing them again that it gets to be why bother if they aren't coming back. A large guild is usually better for new members as they have a set procedure to follow for new members. Don't be a wallflower at your first meeting.

I've belonged to 3 different guilds over the years. The only reason I just go to the one in my own town is the price of gas. But I have to say I belong to a great guild with some really wonderful ladies - we share ideas, do show and tell and also yearly do some sort of community project. Quilts for the soldiers, the shelter home, and the local St. Vincent de Paul. -- I would say find yourself a guild. And the thing is if it's not for you you can always stop going.

Oops

Each guild is a little different - some do more charity work, some have gobs of classes, some are "stitch & bitch" groups .

My suggestion for any group/organization you join is to VOLUNTEER for something right away. People complain that clubs/guilds/groups are cliquish(?) but that's generally because they show up for a meeting, never volunteer, never speak up, etc. When you want to be part of a group - put yourself out there -- ask what you can do.

I truly believe that with (almost) any guild, you will get out of it what you put into it. I belong to a large guild and a small guild, and both have their advantages. I enjoy participating in both.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

I belong to a guild that has just over 50 people. Some are new to quilting and we have some that are really good. We also have cliques that have their own retreat and then talk about it. It is by invitation only. Only a certain do any of the volunteer/charity quilts. You have to be able to take the good and the bad. We have workshops and we offer beginner classes.

I went to my first quild meeting last week. It is a very large group. Could be hard to break into for someone shy.

I love the one I am in...really small, under 8 of us, but we all are very close...as far as "cliquish", I was the last one of our current group to join...at 1st, I felt a little bit uncomfortable, but I just joined in, and my sense of humor is to laugh at myself 1st and foremost...now they all will "tell on" themselves for little goofs they make, since I started off sharing mine, and always do!...They couldn't seem to believe I had no problem telling when I made a big "uh-oh", and shared it with all of them while laughing! I think humor is a great ice breaking tool. I mean good-natured humor, nothing hurtful, and I poke fun at myself a lot!! I agree all are different, I had visited a couple of others, and they were ok, but not for me...

Moving to a new area, I didn't know anyone, so my sister's friend invited me to guild meeting that she USED to belong to a couple years before. I told the lady (she turned out to be the chairwoman of the meeting) I had just moved here and didn't know anyone and was really excited to be coming-anyway, after paying my $5.00 as a guest, I wasn't spoken to the entire night-I tried to make conversation with a few ladies, but really felt I was invading their "clique", the chairman never bothered to introduce or welcome any new people, and I never went back. It was worth the $5.00 to hear the guest speaker, though. There were about 60 or so ladies (and a couple gents) there. Really burst my bubble! I still would love to get plugged into a group, but I think I am now a bit gun-shy! Hope you find a good one that makes an effort to make you feel welcome!

Wow! We don't charge anything for our guests to attend. And we do call their name and make them stand so everyone can see who they are. I have been a member for over a year and still don't know everyone. The way I got to know the ones I have is by getting involved in our quilt show. I volunteered for a couple of things. It really helps. I don't do too much, though, because I still have 4 kids at home to schedule around.

It is interesting. Two people can go to the same guild and come out with entirely different perspectives on the guild. Even the same person going to different meeting of the same group can have different experiences for each meeting. Life seems to be like that a lot.

If you tend to be shy then you might want to take a class or 2 at a LQS so you meet some quilters in the community before going to a guild. Maybe a classmate belongs to a guild and can meet you there or help you get to know others.

Most LQS's know of various quilting groups in their area and can recommend some to you.

I met someone in a LQS who told me of a quilting group and encouraged me to go. I did and I love this group even though at times I do get frustrated with some things that happen there. I have met many new friends and we share our love of quilting with each other. We also support each other in our non-quilting lives.

I did contact my state quilting guild and got a listing of the various guilds associated with it in my area. Too funny in that one representative of a nearby group flat out told me I wouldn't want to join them before I could even introduce myself or ask any questions. Needless to say I never even went to that group. I have heard they have since disbanded. Hmmm.

I sincerely hope you find a group that you love and can grow in.

ali

That is the way I found mine to be. Also, seems like all they do is talk about raising money, still not sure what they do with the money but bring in guest speakers. The quest do just that ...speak. If you want hands on help or demostration you have to sign up for the lesson, held the next day at $60 or so. And then there is only room for so many in the class. Also all the small groups are "full" and not taking any more members with the exception of 1 or 2. I no longer attend the meetings and am not joining up this coming year.

Quilting is so much more fun with friends. It may take going to a couple of classes or going on a retreat or getting involved on a committee before you feel comfortable. As soon as I went to Quilt Camp for a weekend and then signed up to help with the Quilt Show I had friends all over the place.

I go to 4 groups, and each is unique in its own way. I don't feel left out of any of them. I am a joiner, and always try to contribute anything I can. I don't wait for them to come to me. I want to give as well as take from them.

Try it and see.You don't have to stay if it is unsuitable.

I joined my local Guild a couple of months ago. I have to say that the Program Chair does a FABULOUS job. The first month I went they had a nationally known (but local) LA who did a trunk show. This month was a mini-workshop introducing Zentangles and how it applies to quilting - again, a nationally known speaker. The next day there was a full day workshop but I wasn't interested enough to take the day off.

Was fortunate to sit with a fun table and meet some new people. But you do have to be approachable and approach others as well.

I think the advantage to belonging to a guild is that you get lots of information from really good local quilters and also get the benefit of nationally known speakers and workshops. We just recently had Terry White (thread painting) and her 2-day workshop was GREAT!

I have been with my quilt guild for many years. The best part is the show and tell. It is just amazing how much talent all of the quilters have.
Sometimes the meetings are boring, but that is part of the package deal.

be sure to visit first REALLY at least twice. check the membership application to see what is required along with the yearly dues. sometimes hours of service at quilt show, sales of books of "opertunity quilt" tickets, sales of tickets to guild show, guild show shirts and totes, etc. it can really add up,(and no senior discount LOL). see if the charity quilt activity has as much "luv" as the quilt show activity, if that is a priority for you. city guilds usually do have great speakers at the night meeting with a workshop the next saturday pertaining to what was presented ( the cost for the workshop is in the $50.00 range with a supply list that can run another $50.00 especially if a book or pattern is needed) ok, that is all i know on the subject :) and for the record I really like my guild most of the time:~

I've been in only one guild over the past 6 years and I really miss the interaction, the friendships, the classes, the volunteer work, etc. The guild offered so much to so many, including yearly quilt shows at the city hall and museums, plus classes with well-known quilt experts that I would not have been able to met. Personally a guild has a lot to offer and its the volunteers who give so freely of their time to organize the meetings, the workshops, the charity events, etc. Definitely jump in if you can!

I belonged to one guild for several months. Didn't like it at all. It was pretty much an advertising and discussion for a LQS. I recently joined another one. Sooooooooo much better. People are friendly, I felt welcome. I like it so much better. It is a little further to drive but I think I will stick with this one.

I have gone to two quilt meetings as a guest, and the last one I brought a guest. They seemed very nice and I think I am going to join. When my guest, Lois stood up and introduced herself and that she was a guest of mine. I stood up and said, I am a guest too, "Can a guest bring a guest, oh well, I guess I just did" Everyone just roared laughing. Kind of breaks the ice. We had a great time and I am meeting people slow but sure.

Joining a quilt guild is a wonderful way to meet others with the same interests. It's a good way to learn what's going on in the quilt world. Our guild has speakers, trunk shows, workshops, charity projects, bus trips,parties and always show and tell at every meeting .We host a quilt show bi-annually and make a raffle quilt to benefit charity. By becoming involved, you contribute to the quality of a quilt guild.
Cindy
www.sewitis.com
P.S. I was the first member of the guild to ever win the raffle quilt in 25 years.

I joined in February of this year and I love it!
The classes, the girls, the comradery, it's all great!

Gosh, if life were always that simple. In the guild we have if an experienced quilter joins, there is resentment. If you do speak up with some new ideas, there is resentment. This particular guild seems to have had an on-going feud with one side or the other in charge. This "them or us" attitude even spilled over into the local quilt shop where you would be ignored if one of their friends came in. The sniping and gossip about the current guild president was so offputting that many folks, myself included, decided that life is short and we do not need this type of turmoil in our lives.

It's as another poster here wrote, when you find a good group become active and stay with folks who are encouraging and friendly. :lol:

I love the Dixie Quilt Guild that I belong to. When I was a real newbie they were so helpful. I have been to 2 fabulous retreats also classes they have held. They are wonderful ladies!
Doreen

Guilds are like any other group.. There are great people all over, you just have to be patient enough to make new friends. I think quilters are generally open to new people, love others to join.. but some of the people who are already there may be a bit on the shy side to and don't make friends that easily either.. I say, go, have fun, keep introducing yourself.. share something, volunteer, and pretty soon you'll find yourself a part of something wonderful.

On the other side, like all groups, you may just happen to run into a group with a problem leader that is making everyone miserable. Or just isn't your cup of tea. Or is too social/political/demanding/uninvolved/not actually quilting any more, lots of things. That's okay too.. try another guild!! We all need each other and the encouragement of friends. Don't allow one experience to color your feelings about guilds in general. They are all made up of people so there is bound to be one you'll love, and some that aren't for you.

I have found friendship, members who are willing to give help to beginners or help the experienced with a new technique, members to just simply bounce ideas off of, quilt instruction that is always just a little bit challenging but comes with lots of help, planned quilt activities, mystery quilts, block exchanges and quilting week-ends. Nothing is mandatory except the very minimal dues. You produce work at your pace and enjoy the company of others who have an interest in quilts and quilting.

I have found no negatives to my group of about 30. We participate at the level we wish and always learn something new each time we are together. This is a good place to "show and tell" our quilting efforts.