I went on a bus trip last year where the lady running it wrote down everyone's name on a sheet of paper three times, then cut them up and put them in a hat. After we were on the bus for about 15 minutes, she pulled out 12 gifts and just handed them to who ever, but they couldn't open them.

Then she started pulling names out of the hat and that person got to take which ever gift they wanted. We did this until the hat was empty. Twelve people got a gift and before we even knew how much time it took to play the game, we had arrived at the quilt show!

Is this the same LQS that you wrote about on another thread -- the retreat center that just opened a conference room? Sounds like a dream. I looked up how far Danville is from me - about 3-1/2 hours. If I go that far south, I might as well keep going all the way to Paducah.

I've been hesitant to try the local guild because I tend to be shy and don't always fit in with big groups (that's why I like the anonymity here, I guess). The positive comments about guilds may make me give it a try.

I see a road trip in your future! :D

Guilds are supposed to be lots of fun. Sometimes there is "politics" involved and the only thing you can do about it is walk away. You should at least go as a guest to get a feel for how it is, then make up your mind. You should be able to go as a guest to 3-4 meetings.

I kinda do, I havn't paid my $20.00 for the yr. MY BAD!! But life has kept me out of it, I havn't been going to any meetings,sit & sew on wed. mornings I loved. The whole group are super nice people. But I am hesitating abt. pay my dues. I really didn't realize how exspensive it can be. Most of the members can afford to take the classes and go to the retreats but I can't. I can't be a productive member because of money and being a caregiver for my Mother. But the Withlacoochee Quilters Guild is a Great Guild wish I could go. They are a lot of fun if you get in with a good group of people. BillsBonBon

Please don't let negative remarks turn you off of a guild or group. Even if someone else doesn't like a group, it doesn't mean you won't. Different people enjoy different things about getting together with a guild.

I belong to the guild closest to my home, but I have visited all of the guilds in my area. We have approximately 80 members and we welcome beginners who want to learn to quilt. We are not an official guild so we don't have to conduct our business meeting at the guild meeting. We have the business meeting on a different day, but anyone who wants to come is welcome.

Some guilds are not teaching guilds and want only experienced members. You just need to find the right group to meet your needs. If you don't like one, try another.

Raptureready, Your LQS/retreat center sounds great. I wish one of our LQSs did that.

If you can find a phone number to call someone at the guild, you may be able to check and see if you already know someone who belongs. Your local quilt shop could probably give you information about local guilds, and which ones might be more welcoming to new members. We have a greeter who takes visitors under wing and makes sure they feel welcome. :-) :-)

I belong to the Guild in my city. We have about 145 people on the roster but only about 30 people come to the meetings. We have a business meeting, a short break, drawings (fat quarter, block of the month, ticket drawings (for every three tickets you get one super ticket for a drawing for a large (Ott Light, for example) prize). Then we have show and tell, then a speaker if one is arranged. During the summer we have a ice cream social because a lot of people leave here for cooler climates. We charter a bus to take us to Road 2 California each January. Every other year we have a Quilt Show in March (not this year). They have charity quilts for Wounded Warriers and Women's Shelter. Once a month we have a "quilt in" on a Saturday where you can bring whatever you want to work on or get help with.

We also have a Fall Retreat up in the mountains, but I haven't gone to it yet. I understand some women go just to get away and don't even quilt.

So we are a pretty busy group. There are those that have to RUN everything, but you can avoid them pretty well.

So, it is worth it to me

I'm like Debbie. I do better away from bigger groups. Even tho' my schedule is flexible inevitably as soon as I make plans, then "something" comes up.

There is a LQS that opens their space weekly to just come and sew with others but I talk myself out of that too, even tho' I think it would be fun. Besides, I need all the help I can get. I know where the mistake is but haven't thought it thru enough to not repeat it. I have faith, one day I will. In the meantime, I'm just having fun.

I belong to the same guild as zyxquilts, so you've already read about us. There is a board member that I learned was in our vicinity, and she may be coming as a guest tonight. Yippee.

Yes, we have around 300 members. Large enough to bring in top namess. there are lots of Small Groups that quilt together and we donate over 1200 quilts to charity each year.
I can only attend occasionally and have never been able to take a class or workshop because of work.