I went to my first guild meeting last night, Marcie Baker from Alicia's Attic (Colorado) was guest speaker. Since I have never been to a class or guild meeting before, or to a quilt show for that matter, I really enjoyed it. I only wish I had more money with me-I would have loved to buy a couple of the tools/notions she had! Anyway, there must have been about 100 people there! I didn't meet anyone, unfortunately. I sort of felt invisible, and I'm a bit shy, so I find it hard to introduce myself. Anyway, I tried! It would be nice if guild members were a little more conscience of new people attending, to try and make them feel welcome. I'm glad I only paid as a guest for the night.

I'm sorry you had experienced a feeling of aloneness. My guild is not a large one only 90 mbrs to date. Most everyone welcomes a new comer even if a guest. We encourage them to return and usually someone will befriend her/him in the process. Look into another guild if possible.

I just saw Marci for the first time on youtube. I had never heard of her and now I'm reading about her at your guild meeting.
I learned how to close binding with no tools.

Marci's sister belongs to a group I belong to, and she came to help us start a quilt. We got a private lesson about lots of things and it was wonderful. Since then I have purchased a couple of things from her shop.

Please go back and try to talk to some members. Some guilds are so wrapped up in their projects they forget to welcome new members. However, that said, it is up to you to open yourself to conversations, you are the captain of your ship. Did you bring something to share? Show and Tell? Do that at the next meeting. It will give the other members an idea of who you are and what you do.

Maybe because there was a speaker scheduled, there was less opportunity to get to know people. Maybe try another meeting that is not so structured.

I also would probably be feeling the way you are right now. I really have to put myself out there and I'm not too comfortable with that in new situations.

But weigh your discomfort against what you hope to get with the guild. If you want what a guild can offer, give it another try. Or maybe there's another guild local to you.

After I saw someone post about going to a guild meeting (maybe you?) I googled guilds in my state. I was pleasantly surprised to find a good choice within a 1/2 hour drive, allowing for a match of personality to guild.

Here's the link for CA. http://www.quiltguilds.com/california.htm

Lucky! I really enjoyed listening to her-then today looked at several of her videos on u-tube-very clear and precise-easy to understand. She was using the notions she had for sale last night. I really wish I had more money with me to purchase them last night. I know I can get them at a quilt shop, though. There was a workshop she was holding today, but I didn't sign up for it.

I was told I didn't need to bring anything-then I got there and there were several people that had quilts to share-a few brought small hand-projects-there were tables all around the room-one for their library and a small section of second-hand books for sale, sign up for a workshop, for a raffle, for a donation of placemats they are making for senior's meals on wheels, and a table with a bunch of "stuff" (scraps, bits and pieces) I guess were for sale, and a table with refreshments for the break. If I go back (I leave next month for 6-8 weeks), I will be sure to bring something to show and tell, and try to meet a few ladies.

It can be hard going to a meeting like that and feeling like no one notices you (been there, done that). I'm sorry the guild isn't more aware of new members. You'd think that when you paid for one night they might have asked if you were new and then taught you the ropes, so to speak. Did the other members have name tags? If so, make one for yourself and wear it to the next meeting. Do they give new attendees a chance to introduce themselves? It's hard to do, but stand up and give your name. Does the guild have a Web site? See if you can find out who is responsible for Membership or Hospitality or something on that order. Contact them and tell them you're new and ask if they have a reception or pre-meeting for new members. If not, can they give you any hints for finding your way around (for instance, in our guild, we have a "give-away" table, a library where you can check out books, a fat quarter of the month, a block of the month, etc.).

Please give it another try, and instead of waiting for someone to come up to you, keep telling yourself how lucky those ladies are that you decided to join their group. I'll bet there's at least one other person sitting by him/herself. Ask if you can have the chair next to them, sit, and start up a conversation. I'll be she'll be glad you did!

I was given a name tag when I paid as a guest. There was no mention at the meeting of guests, or new members. I guess I should have made more of an effort, but it would have been nice if the chairlady who seemed to run the meeting at least made mention of any new guests/members.

I totally agree! I wonder how many potential members they lose that way.

I have NEVER been to a guild meeting that made a guest PAY to attend....most guilds allow 2 free getting to know US meetings before they ask you to pay membership.

I have belonged to many guilds over the years and currently belong to the worst one ever in the history of quilt guilds. They give a whole new meaning to words "outsiders are not welcome"! Most of the people I get to know in the guild do not come back after 3-4 months....they can feel the lack of care/warmness and would rather forfeit their dues than keep coming back to listen to yet another trunk show while noshing on junk food!

Having said that, I do belong to 3 other guilds in the state and 2 down in TX and they are all different, but way better than my only local guild!

It tried for over a year to contact the lady in charge of the guild here, she never returned my calls. A few years later I went to a quilt show and talked to the new president and she seems so friendly. The meetings are on a Saturday morning starting at 8:30 for new members. I don't do mornings, so I haven't gone. My DH worked midnights for 18 yrs and is now on days, but I'm still on the midnight sleeping schedule.

I joined my local Guild last December and haven't regretted it. I have met many nice people there and they try and make you feel very welcome. I even joined a Friendship group made up of some of the members.

They do charge $5.00 when there is a speaker for non-members.

I found out about this guild from someone on this board. She mentioned a Quilt Show that I ended up going to. I spent 2 days in awe. I also won the grand prize raffle quilt which was appraised at $1875.00.

Please go back! You won't regret it. Plus you get discounts from Joann's and some LQS and shows.

My guild has appointed two members (I'm one of them) as official greeters. Our job is to welcome everyone (old and new) at the door especially concentrating on any guests. We take them on a mini tour of our large room set up, answer any questions and either sit with them during the meeting or partner them up with another guild member. We then call them the next day to thank them for coming, answer any other questions and remind them that we'll be sending them the newsletter with all of the info for the next meeting. This seems to be helping out our guests and potential new members.

I too went to my first guild meeting this year. We meet in Rancho Cucamonga, The Nite Owls, it was amazing!! Now, I did go with a friend, but everyone there was so friendly. They showed us around, told us what was going on, it was great.
A good way to meet people is to attend a workshop. My friend, Pat, and I took a class that was hosted by a member, she taught us the "quilt as you go" method. Interesting, I doubt if I will ever make a quilt using that method, but I learned something new. The project was a tiny little incubator quilt for the neonatal unit at the local hospital. So, it was a win-win situation. Our next class is "mile a minute", and again the finished project, only 24 x 24, will be donated to the hospital. I am looking forward to the learning experience.
Try it again, don't be so shy, most of them don't bite! :D

Well, that is what is so wonderful about guilds: you don't HAVE to bring anything, or join any projects or DO anything, just come and enjoy and get as involved as you want, where ever your heart leads you.

I belong to 5 guilds, although I only attend 2 of them. I belong to one so I can access the newsletters and take advantage of the speakers/classes. I belong to another because they do so many community projects that I love. One of my guilds I used to attend and probably will again someday, but it meets in the evening and about 20 minutes out of town (also, lots of drama there!). The two guilds that do I attend are very different from each other. One is huge (MoonlightQuilters.org) and has LOTS of projects, retreats, speakers, drama, committees, classes, etc. The other guild (my favorite) is smaller (25-30) No rules, no dues, no officers, just lots of support, sharing, camaraderie and ideas. Love them!!

Our guild does make guests pay a small amount when there is a guest speaker that the guild has paid to speak. We've seen a lot of great nationally known people that way and they are costly to get, most of the time so that seems fair.

Our guild is also trying to welcome new people more than in the past. Our new members wear a special ribbon to identify themselves. We have about 130 members but people don't make it to every meeting.

The best way I found to get to know people when I first joined was to take a few classes, sign up to volunteer on a project and go to the annual retreat. The first year I went to the retreat I hardly knew anyone but I had a ball and met people who became good friends.
Good luck~

Sorry you felt so alone, but I am similiar. I will not go up and start a conversation with someone. I have always been shy. But once I know someone, watch out - I can talk your arm off! PM me sometime and we can chat about stuff.

How does one go about finding a quild?

I'm so sorry that the guild you visited was so unfriendly. I've only been in one guild but they always had people sign in.... if you were a guest there was a box to check and the beginning of the meeting was to introduce guests. I remember that I felt a little out of place the first time I attended but there were lots of projects that they were working on and I didn't have a clue what they all were talking about. I caught on after a couple of visits. It was a very friendly group and I still have contact with some of them even though I've moved hundreds of miles away.

Please go to the next meeting....... when you pay at the door to attend the meeting, tell the person that you are new and looking for a friendly group to get involved with. Ask her/him if there is a newcomers group or ask for the last month's minutes so you can familiarize yourself with the projects that they are working on.

It won't take long and you'll be joining in on a project and will get to know people that love to quilt just like you. Good luck.

Do a search (I use Google) for "quilt guild missouri", and you'll find a bunch that way.

Our guild also has an official greeter at the front door. The President always asks for guests and new members to introduce themselves, and we have ladies who are self-appointed "greeters" and make it a point to talk to the new people.

Don't be shy...visit one of the project tables and start a conversation by introducing yourself as a visitor. I am sure they will make you feel welcome.

Another way is to contact quilt shops in your area, or look in the yellow pages (yes, they do still exist!!) under quilter or long arm quilter or similar. They will usually be able to give you information.

What a great idea! I need to suggest this at our guild! I bet your guild grows with all these welcomed guests!

Oh I hope you do go back to your Guild. Once you get to know some people, you will just love it.

That's a great idea. I went to one guild meeting and the only one who talked to me was another lady who was also new. I never returned and I was really interested.

I agree, present members should have acknowledged the newbies. But you had a good time, so thats a plus. Next time maybe you could introduce yourself. There is always a first time. If then you are still feeling awkward, find another quild. I wouldnt want to belong to a group that has a bunch of stuffy old women in it.

OLD??

:shock:

I thought you were going with a friend? I agree that they should mention the guests. We always do and also point out new members. My first time I only knew one person, and her table was full, so I met the other ladies at my table. If you are in rows, I guess it would be harder to meet people. Sign up to work on the raffle quilt or the charity you support. That is a great way to meet others.

Don't feel bad I have been to two churches out of eight ( searching for a new church home) and was not greeted not even by the pastor. Keep in mind I don't blend in as I'm a vivid red head. Needless to say they were not on the return for second visit list.

I know what you mean. I went to a quilt show put on by our local guild and was recruited to join. I went to their website to check on the location and it was different than what was mentioned in the newsletter that I picked up at the show. I sent an email to the president 2 weeks ago to find out where the meeting was and didn't get an answer. So I guess they aren't so anxious to have new members after all.

My guild meeting was also last night and we had a block buster turn out since Edyta Sitar was the speaker and I am taking a workshop from her today...(that's an aside, my how I do ramble!) Anyway, our membership committee sits at the entrance door to sign everyone in and greet newcomers and sign up new members. Then, during the business meeting, she comes to the front, has guests stand and introduce themselves and say where they are from. That way, everyone knows who the guests are and that they need to be greeted.

Go again, and if possible have a show and tell item, most guilds have a show and tell time. And just smile--its amazing what a smile will do. Speak to the person next to you, ask a question when it doesn't interrupt a guest presentation. Most quilters will respond if given the chance. Sometimes they are insecure with new people too.
In our guild we have a "greeter" who has been a member for a while so she knows the regulars (if not by name by face) she will take a newcomer and introduce her to one or two people so it usually makes things go easier. Hope you find some great quilt friends through the guild, also be sure to take in any quilt show in your area. Its amazing what you see at a quilt show. Good luck.

I usually follow the three strikes rule unless someone is extremely rude to me.

A guest speaker probably had everyone excited and chatting with their favorite quilting buddy.

Peggy

I had the same experience & did not enjoy the time at all. It has sort of put me off joining a guild.

This is what I did in Jan. I emailed the president and told her I was interested in coming to a meeting. She sent me the details and told me to be sure to introduce myself. I did, and volunteered for the upcoming quilt show. Then I went to the local bee. If you just tell people who you are, they usually will go out of their way to talk to you. Try again!

This was exactly my experience in my former guild. I attended every meeting for six months and was barely spoken to even though i had volunteered to do publicity and brought snacks, participated in show and tell, etc. When I complained anonymously on a public forum, not mentioning the guild by name, someone recognized me and THAT got their attention--and not in a good way. We parted company after that. (They denied my complaints, saying it wasn't true, but they sure recognized themselves easily enough!)

I'm sorry it happened because I enjoyed everything else about the guild. The people were the only fly in the ointment. There are other guilds in my area, but I've been shy about trying again. Once bitten . . .

I see this come up often when folks go to a new guild, I am shy and no one made it a point to talk to me. Is it possible you sat next to a shy person and they felt the same. You can't fault the guild for not knowing that you shy. Maybe they think you are being unfriendly just like you say they are.

I know how you feel. I joined a large guild of over 200 people and attended about six times and in all that time probably only a few people spoke to me. I am also a quiet person and attempted to initiate a conversation on a few occasions, but find it difficult when I don't know someone. With such a large guild it was impossible to find the person I last spoke to the next time I went so there was never a point where I was getting to know someone better.

I may try another smaller (more personable) guild in the near future though now that I am retired.