I've organized and belonged to two small groups since moving to NH 16 yrs ago - we'd meet from 10 to 2 every Thursday in each other's homes. Hostess provided coffee/tea and often some breakfast sweets; we all brought our own lunches. We brought handwork and sat and sewed, talked, shared info, laughed and had a wonderful time. Over the years most of the members moved away.
I tried several times to start another group - always failing.
Was telling Gail Peck, the owner of Quilters Workshop in Newport, that I'd actually become depressed not having friends to quilt with.
Gail, bless her, told me about the open sew in her shop - meets every Wednesday from 9:30 am to 9 p.m. (store itself actually closes at 5:30 or 6 and I don't last past 6). There's an ironing board w/ iron and large cutting table with rulers and rotary cutters. We all bring our own machines and projects.
We're a small group, usually 3 or 4 and we have a wonderful time and get alot done. I drive an hour each way almost every week.