I really enjoyed this thread because each of us is different and different is okay with me. I am a 'closet' quilter because I'm a newbie and I hand piece and hand quilt small quilts from kits and I can't afford to make a wrong cut and I'm not to crazy about having to rip a seam out either. It has nothing to do with being ashamed of anything. It's my happy zone which I need every now and then or I would become a miserable person.

Guild and 2 bee's.

I belong to three guilds, one bee and two online organizations.
Each guild is different. Two are 501 C's, one loosely organized.
They each have their unique emphasis. Some require dues. Others, not.
On some days, I like one more than the other. On other days I may not like any of them.
I participate in each one to make it better. I try to always be friendly.

Sometimes I have found that I have to be the one to initiate a friendship...It seems that some of the people I felt were non-friendly ended up some of my closest friends...If when I move there is a local guild, I will be sure to try it out. Not everyone opens up to new people easily. Perhaps compliment what they are working on or ask a question to break the ice...I always figure there are no strangers, only friends we have never met (and strange people!! LOL)

Francie, you never told me you wait on people hand and foot. I could make a day trip to your place for that!!!

I belong to 2 guilds. One is small the other very large. I am in charge of the newsletter for the smaller one. I like different things about each one. I also go to an independent group (no meetings just get together and sew). As a professional (quilt for others) LA Quilter I still take the time to do this for myself. I get out and meet new people with common interests and learn so much from them. I'm also looking to take some classes on purse making at LQS at some point.

I am a closet quilter and that suits me fine. I am taking classes through Craftsy for quilting and sewing. I enjoy doing things in my own time at home with on line learning. The only issue is they offer too many good classes and I have a tendancy to sign up for a couple too many. Eventually I'll get caught up! : ) . The Quilting Board is a great site for information and a bit of bonding too.

I also share my sewing space with a pair of parrots. I can put on the music and sew away and look over at my birds and we all start head bobbin' along to the music. I can have a great time with the birds being silly... Why go else where?!

Love your response!

I was shocked to discover the animosity toward my NOT being okay with the terminology.