I am 65, and I had heard horrible stories (like yours) about quilt guilds. So it took me a while to join one. I met someone on this board, two ladies actually, who invited me to come to the group. I've loved it, and all the ladies there. I don't think there was a person in our group that would do that to you. I don't think it's you or your age. It's the other people. We would welcome you with open arms, and it would be so exciting to have young ideas. I don't know why some groups are so huffy, but don't give up looking for someone else to quilt with. It's nice to have someone to show what you've done and teach you, and you teach them. By the way, I enjoyed our group so much, that I am now the President of our Quilt Club. And I by no means am an expert. I won't enter contests because my work is just for me and my family. I don't need it judged to know my flaws. I just love to quilt. I've also learned so much from this board, so keep checking everything in here. Join a BOM, if you've been quilting for 5 years. You probably know more than I do. Keep the faith! Katie