I am from a small college town in northern Arizona.
Retired from working in public schools as medical asst./married.
Been quilting since late 80's
I first joined the quilting community when my best friend and I took a sampler class at a local quilt shop and went for 4 Saturdays.
Not many classes offered that I am interested in from our only quilt shop in town.
I have met about 6 ladies that I meet with once a week and we sew or do crafts of our own but it is my social time since I have 3 granddaughters that live with me and I enjoy getting out to meet with other ladies that have the same interest.
Don't do social media but I do enjoy this quilting board and they are the best if I have a question or I am looking for some certain fabric or pattern.
I try and sew a couple of hours a day when the grandchildren head off to school.
I agree with Maniac about the joining of quilt guilds-they are too clickish.
Good luck on your research and hope you get alot of good feed back from these members.