Wish you were a little closer as I am in the same boat. I went to a guild meeting and it was small and friendly and I will join, but the driving distance is a little more than I like but it is only once a month. So I am looking to start a group in my little town as I have not been able to connect with the quilters here yet as I just moved here. I prefer small group quilting and have been quilting with a couple of groups back in AK just as you described. So I say go for it and I am doing the same. Also you might try the guild again. It can be awkward at first but then again a larger group might not cut it.