Same experience going in, but the difference is that I took a stick of dynamite (figuratively speaking, of course) and blew my way in. I can't say that there were ever any close friends for me in the group, except for my best friend forever, nor in the much smaller guild 20 or so miles away. Part of the reason was probably that most of the members were older and had known each other for a hundred years and really had no room for anyone else. Still, the workshops and the sew days and the show and tell were fun and there was enough socializing to make the two hour meeting once a month worth the time and effort.