zz-pd

wow I would show that to a attorney and ruffle there feather with a note about discrimanation.Penny

Eddie

Well, the way I look at is that I'm 49 years old and have lived all my life in this relatively small town, and plan to spend the rest of my years here as well. So I don't really want to rock the boat. I have to continue to live here with these people. :) However, the majority of members were unaware that the policy exists. I don't expect it to be changed, though. I know that there are some there who would not only say "No", but would probably say "H@ll, no." Life in a small town.

May in Jersey

I know when you're a new member it seems as if no one notices you (been there, done that) but if you take part in a Sew In, make a charity quilt, show your latest quilts, volunteer to help with something or join a small group you'll find you'll get to know some of the other members much more quickly than just attending meetings and not participating in the guild's functions.

I belong to a local guild and enjoy it. We have 10 monthly meetings a year that consist of business, Show and Tell, break for coffee and then a program by a guest speaker or guild member. Guests are always welcomed and asked to stand and introduce themselves to the members. We are associated with a local historic park and have use of 1 building for our monthly meetings and a small ranch house for our stash, supplies, Wed. Bee's, and Sat. workshops or Sew Ins. Our bi-annual Quilt Show is held in all the 4 buildings on the grounds of the park. We have an annual raffle quilt whose proceeds are donated to the park as our "rent". Guild has been at the park for almost 25 years so the arrangment really works. Raffle quilt is sometimes made and donated by a guild member or made by guild members. Packages of fabric and directions are given to all members who want to make blocks for the raffle quilt and volunteers are asked to help assemble the raffle quilt. About 100 charity quilts in all sizes and hundreds of pillowcases donated locally each year but members are not required to make something and many don't. We have many "Small Groups", several members get together with an interest in common, applique, art quilts, etc. These are very informal with less than 10 members who meet in each other's homes.

From what other quilters here have said guilds vary just like anything else in life. I encourage everyone to give their local guild a try out - if it doesn't fit you then at least you tried. May in Jersey

BellaBoo

Eddie I know the guild you are excluded from :roll: It's not you it's them. ;-)

Eddie

Thanks. :) That was my thought as well. :D

quilterguy27

I can so relate. When I got turned down I thought of raising a stink, then I thought why bother. They are the ones missing out on me. Their loss, I'm moving on.

earthwalker

I tend to shy away from group activities, and I also don't follow new trends. I plod away with my handquilting and on days when I have the time am now having fun with my machine (thanks to everyone here for help and inspiration). I understand how important guilds can be, but for some people I think belonging to a guild could be quite stressful, and a bit of a financial burden too. Zoe's group sounds more my cup of tea. It's been really interesting reading about how they work and I am sure for many are a really good way to meet like minds and contribute to the management and organisation.

zz-pd

that is true, I did not think about that. so sorry. Penny

moosegirl

Guilds are great places to make connections, learn the art, share ideas and like any organization their are always the controlers, the nasties and the know it alls but if you ignore the attitudes in general quilters are caring, sharing & loving people. I belong to many guilds in four states over the years, jumped in for all kinds of committees & offices and made life long friends-people who picked you up when things got bad, shared their homes and food, swapped fabric and trips to the quilt shop, watched your child grow and even chipped in for a sewing machine. I wouldn't let anyone stand in my way of making a quilt friend. My life has been very interesting because of guilds and the wonderful people in them. Moosegirl

May in Jersey

I second what Moosegirl said!, May in Jersey