I'd like to join a quilt guild. However...
 

A few years back a friend, my mom and I went to a guild meeting in our home town. Although we live in an upscale suburb, the woman on the phone who invited us sounded nice. We were told to bring something for show and tell. It didn't matter if it was a wip or completed. We all brought something to share.

When the show and tell portion was happening, and it was our turn, as you could tell the order women spoke in, one of us started to stand and show and talk about her project, we were completely skipped over. The woman leading this stopped her from talking and had a guild member speak instead, the woman on the other side of all 3 of us. None of us had our quilts in a bag. They were all very visible.

I'm wondering 3 things; is there a local (non-religious, non-snobby) quilt guild that is accepting more members or should we just start our own? How difficult is it to start your own guild?

We live in Perinton NY.

That happened to my DIL and me too. And the president went on to tell us after the meeting, we couldn't visit anymore, we had to join. Only one free visit. We went home and did our own thing, then I discovered a quilt club, nothing like a guild, and I've been going ever since. The women are very nice, we have show and tell, a lesson, and a project or challenge. We can participate or not. BTW, this quilt club meets at my dealers place of business. You might ask about something like this at your dealer's if they have room or are already doing this. Also, our dues to join are $30 a year and we get a discount at the store, so we basically get our money back during the year depending on how many supplies you get.

The phrase "you can draw more bees with honey, than vinegar" comes to mind.
When I hear of such things happening, I wonder what exactly are these people thinking? Shouldn't quilting be about community and family? Sharing information and inspiration?!

Bet you will be able to find people that you feel comfortable with and gather to share your love of quilting.

Thank you for your kind words. There are many LQS's in the area.

I guess I had high expectations. I've been a girl scout leader for 14 years and was always accepting of new girls and encouraged all girls to be as well. I guess it's just one of life's lessons that some have to experience. Not everyone is accepting.

I feel I should also add that none of us smelled dirty or looked unkempt in any way. I was recommended to look into a guild that's on the opposite side of the county. Not sure if I'm up for an hours drive in good weather though.

i agree. Ask around. There may be other quilters looking for someplace to feel welcome, comfortable and included,

Same thing happened to me. After going to the quilt show held here in February, I asked about joining. They invited me to the next meeting to see if I wanted to join. I was not informed I had to bring "samples" of my work and do a "show and tell". I lugged my sewing machine in case I was going to use it. I saw a couple people I knew who immediately acted like they didn't know me. I mean I've known them for many years but truly standoffish. Didn't take long and I didn't even take my sewing machine out. I never saw so many people give me such a cold look and it was "suggested" I try another guild. I asked why and was told it was because they were a "Christian Group". How dare they! My reply was that I was going to check around and see if I couldn't find a "Really True Christian Group" who was not just a bunch of gossipy B*****s, who actually knew what "Christian" meant. I was not even given a chance. And yes I guess I did pass judgment by calling them the "Bs" but was only for a moment. At least one thing for sure, they knew I called things they way I saw them. I wasn't even there 30 minutes. 100 degrees outside and below freezing indoors. I called a couple other guilds and asked if any of the people I knew from the other guild were members and of course they were. I did go to another guild where the meeting house was 30 minutes away but got to be too much lugging the machine. Am looking for a light-weight and not wanting to pay a whole lot but too many things really going on. So will put off. I still hear from this last guild though. Really need to get back into it. Take my mind off things that have arisen.

I would have stood up and said I'm a visitor and I have something to show or is that not allowed for visitors? I'm not shy and certainly don't mind confrontation when I feel a situation is just plain rude. I went to big guild and had my hand up at least 5 times asking questions. I sat on the front row. I told everyone at show and tell I sat on the front row so everyone wouldn't have to turn their heads to look at the crazy quilter in back. By the second meeting I felt I belonged, everyone knew my name too. LOL Never sit back and wonder, act and know.

I am so sorry you had such a rude welcome. I belong to a guild and the people are fantastic. We even have people who volunteer to sit with newcomers just to be sure they feel welcome, etc. Look for another group or as you said, start one of your own. Don't judge all the guilds by this one. I don't think I would want to join them anyway if this is their usual behavior.

I can't believe they did that to you.....HOW RUDE! And they call themselves Christians!