I started a small group to do exactly what you describe. I announced in church about starting a quilt group and had several people ready to join. We now have 13 gals, give or take depending on the day and we meet twice a month in the church's social room. No rules or formal meeting. Then we plan on two trips a year to various quilt shops and a different gal plans the trip so we have a variety. Lots of fun and nice group.