Most quilt guilds meet September to May or June. The June, July and August meetings, if there are any meetings, are not really representative of the full guild. I belong to a few guilds, and sometimes it takes a while to make your own place in each guild. Also, note that big guilds have a wider representation of different kinds of members -- quilt enthusiasts (quilt and fabric lovers/admirers) to expert quilters; people who work and barely get any time to quilt, to people who spend several hours a day quilting. A larger quilt guild usually has more guest speakers, big show and tell, bus trips, and retreat, so these are other advantages of big guilds. Usually meetings at big guilds have an agenda so it is easy to attend meetings and see what they have and listen and blend right in. I would go as a guest a few times to several guilds and then decide. Quilters are usually very friendly, but there are some that may be a little intimidating. Give yourself a chance because most guild memberships are not that expensive and a great way for socializing. Go to quiltguilds.com to find guilds in your state and check out their web site, which usually tells about their membership and visitor policy.