My story is very similar being a younger quilter. I wasn't always welcomed but you will find places that will welcome you. Just keep getting involved. I joined a quilt guild when I was 25 and now at 30, I'm then head of our quilt show. Some people don't like the changes being made like having information on websites and putting entry forms online but most are open to it.

Who ever mentioned clique, hit it on the head. Whether they are quilting or whatever, they are in a clique and won't take anyone else in. DON'T BE DISCOURAGED! Keep on going. First thing you know, you will be hanging in a show. Go to a church and start one. Ours has a group, I don't go because I'm too old to go so much. But I encourage them. Keep it up and stay on here and show us your quilts.

same here.when I was young they thought I was crazy to want to quilt.been a solo crafter all my life.til my daughter learned to make quilts.I am proud of you-keep on plugging along.at least we have our online quilting friends now-did not have that when I was young.quilters of all ages should be equally welcomed.It makes me happy when I see young ones learning our hobby/craft

Maybe some of "us" older quilters are jealous because you have gotten off to such a young start and they wish they had. I did not start quilting until 10 years ago, when I was already half a century old...lol...because I had a family to raise and I also worked full time my entire life while raising 4 children. I am so grateful now to be at this point in my life and I am happy that you have the time and ability to start out so young, I think it is wonderful.
Now, I learned a long time ago that our attitudes are very much like mirrors. For example, when you are treated with distain or rudeness over a period of time by a certain group, you come to expect that treatment and mirror it back, without knowing, then you get more of the same mirror treatment back...make sense?
Put on a happy face, keep company with those whom you can feel comfortable and make comfortable, and as for the rest...put them out of your mind...and don't mind...because if you don't mind...they don't matter! BUT let me say one more thing...I have been guilt of thinking someone did not like me or was rude, when actually I found out later...they had a hearing problem! People who cannot hear well, often come off as aloof and uncaring.
Most importantly...give everyone the benefit of the doubt and if all else fails, take the offensive and ask a person, very nicely, "have I done something to offend you?" If I have, I did not mean to." That ALWAYS works when a person has a sour attitude, because most of the time is is unconscious. Many have been through a lot in their lives and it has left scars...while you are still fresh with your whole life ahead of you. Be patient with us oldies, we really are not that bad. I love new quilters. I recently taught two 11-year-old learning disables girls to quilt and they were delightful!

I quit going to one quilt group, mainly due to their "clicks". gathering into groups and talking and ignoring me even when i tried to "join in". so i'm home again and here. fine with me. I learn more online and from books. i just liked being with other quilters.

I'm always glad to see younger quilters because that means quilting isn't dying out. Glad you stuck it out with the guilds though. I notice some people take a while to accept others, mainly because they are not sure if they'll stay around. Not a lot of guilds in my area so feel you are lucky to get into some. Glad you joined with your aunt also. When you get my age that will give you some good memories. Happy Quilting

I think I know how you feel. I don't belong to a quilting group except on line. But I do know an elderly lady who does belong to one. The very first quilt I did on my short arm quilting machine I took it to my weight loss group where she belongs. She started picking it apart. Granted it was a "cheater" top, because I didn't want to practice on a real top. I also just folded the back to the front for a binding. She said "humft" we bind ours by hand with "real" binding. She belongs to a quilting group and brags that EVERY thing they do is by hand. But that's OK I sold that quilt to a lady in the same weight loss group for 150.00.

So what I'm trying to say is sometime I think some of the women that have been quilting for 100 years think they are a little better that the younger ones. They forgot they were young once. I have only been quilting about 6 months and I'm 67 yrs. old. I think it's wonderful that we have young people starting to quilt so we can keep the art alive. I have some young granddaughter I would LOVE to teach to sew and quilt but they don't seem interested in it.

I have found that guilds can be very clicky. They get comfortable with the status quo and don't even realize that this attitude inhibits the guild to grow in knowledge and members. I have heard remarks like , "well that one didn't last long", or, "guess her life is just too busy to come to meetings", in that tone that sets my teeth a gnashing. I don't belong to any groups now, I am a loner, and my life is made up of many facets. I am not just a quilter, I am so much more.

I love young quilters. I am 69 but did not want to belong to the older quilt guilds in my area as they didn't seem very friendly. I looked for the Modern Quilt Guild and found one in my area. Many of the members are young married with babies but we also have middle age and older members. I wanted to be with a young, enthusiastic guild that wanted to try new methods as well as traditional. We all help each other with anything. Right now we are doing a traveling quilt. We recieved premade quilt squared from a swap challange through the Modern Quilt Guild. The blocks are all sizes and we are challenged to put the blocks together. We have had to make additional blocks and add sashings to connect the blocks and make it work. The quilt will be beautiful when finished. Keep looking. You will find the right group to work with and like the others here have said, you do have us.

I used to be in your position. People would say i should be out with my agegroup,drinking and hanging.
I think some of the people are jealous of your age, skill and ideas. I felt the same way about joining a group
post a meeting of quilters in your area on the board. Maybe you'll be lucky and meet some nice people in your area.
good luck, dont give up. And happy new year.

It is so sad that people can be close-minded. Some groups are more welcoming than others to newcomers. I don't belong to a group, keep meaning to join the local quilt guild but haven't. I've been to many quilt shows and some of the comments I hear about quilts/displays amaze me. I guess the quilt police are all over. I do hope you can find a friendly group of quilts to join. And remember, you are always welcome here.

When we moved here 30 some years ago I tried to be a part of the crafting community and got the door slammed in my face without any one even looking at my work. I was judged when I walked through the door. I've been soloing since and it didn't stop me from doing what I enjoy. And I'm still doing it today. So don't give up!

At our guild you draw a seat number when you sign in and you are always seated next to someone you may not know very well during the business meeting. Our group is about 30 per meeting and groups of friends were always sitting together. That's just natural to do so. Having assign seats really work to get to know other members, and who to avoid later. LOL
My first guild meeting felt lost and confused. Right off the bat the person next to me said I need you on my committee and volunteered me. I said sure just tell me what you want me to do. My second meeting I was doing the demo table as the chairman was sick. I've been involved ever since and have held every office at one time or another.

I had gone to a quilt guild in town and didn't feel welcomed. I am not young. I'm turning 45 this year but my friend and I both felt as if we were being snubbed. We were definitely the youngest people in the group.
A year or so later I started a local chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild and we have a nice wide range of quilters. Most of them are under 35 which is super. I find it refreshing and love the modern movement.
Long story short.. you might want to seek out a group that is more welcoming. If you lived closer to me, you'd be welcome to hang with us. We're a very off beat group - but not all groups are like that.
Don't give up :)

I second that you would probably enjoy a chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild. They tend to skew a lot younger. I think it also helps if you seek out a sizeable group--that way you are more likely to find people who are welcoming. I'm also a member of a not-modern guild; I find that some of them are kind of indifferent but others seem really excited about passing their knowledge on to "the next generation."

I'm 28... I've felt VERY welcome in our modern quilt guild. There are quilters of all ages there with a bit of a different mindset.

You may have had some unpleasant experiences in person but not here. We all are young at heart and ready to offer positive renforcement to every new and "old" quilter. Welcome to the board!

The age thing works in reverse, too. Older quilters get ignored as fuddy-duddies at Modern Quilt Guild meetings...even those of us who have been designing and making very contemporary style quilts for decades.

I don't think it's your age. Some long-standing quilting groups are quite "cliquish" and just aren't interested in having anyone new join them. I would try another group or start one of your own. If a group really wants new members, they should take special care to make them welcome. Just don't worry about that old bunch and find you a new one.

Hang in there! I wish you lived in my neck of the woods. I love helping others with there projects, sometimes more than my own! I recently joined a small group of women who meet to quilt, knit, crochet, stitch, whatever your heart desires. It's fun, very informal and no rules! Keep looking, there are others out there who would be a good match!

Well you know I had much the same experience with the first LQS I went to for classes. I felt uncomfortable (I'm in my fifties) but being the person I am I went out of my way to welcome new people that came along and soon the other quilters started to warm to me. Unfortunately the LQS has cut down on the classes and so I went to another shop who from the moment I worked in made me feel welcome. The shop owners are completely different personalities and I think that has had an impression on the students. The new shop even has classes for young ones and it is so nice to see young girls 12 and up making quilts and garments and making them really well and with such passion for what they are doing. It's a joy to be in that enviroment.

Im 27, keep your chin up! keep quilting! on this board everyone is amazing! I am not in any groups but once I joined this board its all the group I need! the people on this board are soo helpful and nice, they will give advise and support! its wonderful, but I do hear you when you are the youngest in the room haha...sometimes my friends joke about my quilting but when they see my work its always "wow, you really do a great job, make me one one day!" hahah...happy quilting!

I'm sorry, MissSongBird and Dolphyngrl, that you both have had those experiences. Some of the quilting groups are hard for "new" people to enter. And age doesn't really matter. When I first started my quilting journey about 5 or so years ago, I encountered some of the some experiences with younger, same age, and older ladies in different groups. I was actually laughed at on 2 separated occasions. I am 69 1/2 years old, so age doesn't matter. It reminds me of being in middle and high school and the "mean girls" attitudes sometimes. At first, it bothered me but now I realize how some women tend to stay in the "insecurity stages of adolescence" and never mature to reach out to others fully. I think it has to do mostly with trust issues in their past. My advice is for you to just keep quilting and don't let anything sway your confidence. Before you know it, you will become the "older" ladies and there will "youngins" that will need your help, guidance, and encouragement. I am in a wonderful Quilting Guild now and always enjoy going to the meetings. We all have a tendency to stay with what is comfortable to us and some people just have a harder time reaching out. I don't think it is you. You are next generation of quilters and the art needs young people like you to continue on. Please look for and find a group that you feel comfortable with for I believe there is one out there for you. With kindest regards, :)
JoAnn

I find that very sad that you feel uncomfortable in the quilt group - but I'm not so sure its just an age thing just that its hard to break into an established group I have been going to one now for over a year and still only a few of the members talk to me properly but I'll keep going in the hope that the rest will accept me at some time!!!

I'm sorry that you've had such bad experiences along the way, but be proud that you haven't been discouraged and are still quilting and finding alternatives. I have had some of the same experiences, but I was a lot older than you. However, I would find 1 or 2 people who accepted me and let it grow from there. Don't get discouraged. I once joined a local quilt guild, was welcomed by most of the women there, in fact I even served as president for 2 years, but I have to say there were certain cliques that did not welcome new people. Keep quilting, keep searching and you will find a great group of quilters who welcome you with open arms.

What a shame!. But remember this, people who ignore you are probably doing so because of their own lack of self confidence. You probably still have a full head of hair (chin hair does not count), you probable still have your own teeth and you probable do not have body parts that drag the ground ----- and then too, some of these people are just plain twits. And the next time you are given busy work speak up and say you have done your share of this type of work and would like to move on.

Does your story ever mimic mine! I didn't come from a family of quilters but at age 19 I struck out on my own now this was in 1965 - so I'm your granny! Isn't it funny - I have also found that if you do not come from a long family history of quilting there is a bit of a stand offish-ness. What is this! It reminds me of 3rd grade playground bullies. Can you believe I owned a quilt shop - loved loved loved it I'm now retired. I always catered to the young-uns. I taught several "home schooled" kids we always had a great time and I had 4-H girls take their projects to the state fair. There were times I'd be helping one of the girls pick fabric and I actually had the older group resent this. However I'm of the belief "train up a child in the way they should go - and when they are old they will not depart from it" and that works in all areas of life. As I have retired and moved to the sunshine state I visited the local quilt club and boy what a turn off. So my dear age has nothing to do with it just remember 3rd grade, smile and keep creating! My dear "quilt buddy" died a couple years ago - she was a long arm-er before it became popular and she faced the same shunning - do you think it may have something to do with the green eyed monster? Mmmm.

I'm sorry you weren't made to feel part of the groups. To me it doesn't matter your age, we all started at the same place... the beginning, no matter our age. In time you will be a seasoned quilter and more than willing to help the younger crowd of new quilters. DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!

Many people can't even sew on a button and sewing/quilting is a great skill to learn. We (borad members) will help you all we can, just know you are welcome HERE and will not be judged.

BTW, would love to see some of your quilts!

I have found that the ladies on this board have been super nice. Young or old, People are individuals. You just can't make some people be nice. I don't know if it is a superior attitude or a secret society syndrom or what. But, all in all, the members on the board are just SUPER. Perhaps you can find someone on the board who lives in your area or close to you so that the two of you can meet in the middle or start a quilt retreat. Good Luck Just think, you could be an old lady (70) who just started quilting a few years ago. Everyone expects the old to be smart about quilting. NOT

I wonder if it is your age? I was in my late 60's and joined a Thimbleberris group. MY first quilt I'd ever made. It was an "established" group and I never could "fit in." When that particular quilt was finished, I never went back. The main leader was very nice but the other two were not at all friendly and there were definitely "clicks". I'd hoped to learn but found myself once again being self taught. So, not sure it was your age. Don't give up. I moved and now I do not have a quilt shop close enough to try again and after that experience, not sure I want to.

It's not a sad thing to look younger than you are. Enjoy it while you can.

I don't think it has as much to do with age as it has to do with cliques. Some people are still living in their grade school days when cliques were formed on the playgrounds to bully others because standing alone they must feel small.

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry that any quilter of any age would make you feel unwelcome. The only way quilting will continue as an art form is if older women and men teach younger women and men how to quilt. I belong to a Tuesday morning group at my quilt shop that is made up of women of all ages (and we've had one man join us occasionally). We learn so much from each other because every one has different eyes for fabrics, colors, quilt patterns, etc. Keep looking for a group that you feel comfortable with and feel comfortable sharing with.

I am 70 and have had the same experience with 2 different groups. I was just not made to feel welcome. I was also given the "most difficult" task of ironing scraps. So I sit in my quilting and sewing rooms with my TV or radio. I am great with this. I get along good with Myself. We hardly ever disagree.

Some of our members bring their grandchildren and they get to show off the first quilts they have made. We LOVE them. I have given sewing machines to two little girls who wanted to quilt and they were so proud to have their own machines. They are still growing and learning and sometimes they sew and sometimes they don't and that is okay. At least they are learning the basics.

Sorry you feel that you have not been accepted. Join us, we want our craft to keep going and gladly accept anyone wants to join. Good Luck with your search.

I am glad you found one that is nice to you. I have tried several and though I am nearly 70, I have yet to find one that will welcome some new. You need to be a friend of someone already a member. On the other hand, the online groups are ALL friendly, nice and willing to work with anyone with a problem. Thank you to all of the members. I hope you'll know how wonderful you are and how appreciated you are.
Gammaginny

It's not quilters, per se, but WOMEN! (Now I know I'll get bashed for this, but hang on, just a sec.) I have lived all over the USA, but mostly on the coasts. What I've discovered is that women in any group where there are not men (oh, keep reading. I hear you yelling at me.) to modify/influence the behavior of women...well, it can get nasty. It seems to depend on the leader. If you can somehow be friends with the leader (and I don't mean brown nose, but be genuine) and get her approval, you'll be set. Otherwise, it'll be a tough road. I LOVE younger folks. They keep me alive, stretching, growing, learning. Now go ahead and bash me...but it's what I've experienced. Sad, very sad that women are their own worst enemies.


Eyes...you are SO right!!!

I am so sorry that u had such a negative experience, I wish you lived by me I love younger people they are so fun and make me feel young. I spend more time with my daughters and they friends and family than with my own friends. Though I am only 58 ! Lol. I love this board! I have been sewing since probably I was 9 but only started quilting this past June. You probably could teach me a lot. Hope things improve!