I belong to a quilt guild. The group is 250+ members and have a morning and evening meeting once a month with a speaker. The speaker is usually from out of town or a member with something unique. National speakers are getting expensive. We have a Quilt Show every 2 years and that helps with the expense. It is inspiring to be among other who share your passion. We have small groups open to members or others at various days and times of the month that helps you find people nearer to where you live and helps make the larger groups. Less intimidating. Usually you can visit a quilt guild a couple of times before joining to see what they are like. I will say the best way to meet people is volunteer to be an officer or a helper.