Moving to a new area, I didn't know anyone, so my sister's friend invited me to guild meeting that she USED to belong to a couple years before. I told the lady (she turned out to be the chairwoman of the meeting) I had just moved here and didn't know anyone and was really excited to be coming-anyway, after paying my $5.00 as a guest, I wasn't spoken to the entire night-I tried to make conversation with a few ladies, but really felt I was invading their "clique", the chairman never bothered to introduce or welcome any new people, and I never went back. It was worth the $5.00 to hear the guest speaker, though. There were about 60 or so ladies (and a couple gents) there. Really burst my bubble! I still would love to get plugged into a group, but I think I am now a bit gun-shy! Hope you find a good one that makes an effort to make you feel welcome!

Wow! We don't charge anything for our guests to attend. And we do call their name and make them stand so everyone can see who they are. I have been a member for over a year and still don't know everyone. The way I got to know the ones I have is by getting involved in our quilt show. I volunteered for a couple of things. It really helps. I don't do too much, though, because I still have 4 kids at home to schedule around.

It is interesting. Two people can go to the same guild and come out with entirely different perspectives on the guild. Even the same person going to different meeting of the same group can have different experiences for each meeting. Life seems to be like that a lot.

If you tend to be shy then you might want to take a class or 2 at a LQS so you meet some quilters in the community before going to a guild. Maybe a classmate belongs to a guild and can meet you there or help you get to know others.

Most LQS's know of various quilting groups in their area and can recommend some to you.

I met someone in a LQS who told me of a quilting group and encouraged me to go. I did and I love this group even though at times I do get frustrated with some things that happen there. I have met many new friends and we share our love of quilting with each other. We also support each other in our non-quilting lives.

I did contact my state quilting guild and got a listing of the various guilds associated with it in my area. Too funny in that one representative of a nearby group flat out told me I wouldn't want to join them before I could even introduce myself or ask any questions. Needless to say I never even went to that group. I have heard they have since disbanded. Hmmm.

I sincerely hope you find a group that you love and can grow in.

ali

That is the way I found mine to be. Also, seems like all they do is talk about raising money, still not sure what they do with the money but bring in guest speakers. The quest do just that ...speak. If you want hands on help or demostration you have to sign up for the lesson, held the next day at $60 or so. And then there is only room for so many in the class. Also all the small groups are "full" and not taking any more members with the exception of 1 or 2. I no longer attend the meetings and am not joining up this coming year.

Quilting is so much more fun with friends. It may take going to a couple of classes or going on a retreat or getting involved on a committee before you feel comfortable. As soon as I went to Quilt Camp for a weekend and then signed up to help with the Quilt Show I had friends all over the place.

I go to 4 groups, and each is unique in its own way. I don't feel left out of any of them. I am a joiner, and always try to contribute anything I can. I don't wait for them to come to me. I want to give as well as take from them.

Try it and see.You don't have to stay if it is unsuitable.

I joined my local Guild a couple of months ago. I have to say that the Program Chair does a FABULOUS job. The first month I went they had a nationally known (but local) LA who did a trunk show. This month was a mini-workshop introducing Zentangles and how it applies to quilting - again, a nationally known speaker. The next day there was a full day workshop but I wasn't interested enough to take the day off.

Was fortunate to sit with a fun table and meet some new people. But you do have to be approachable and approach others as well.

I think the advantage to belonging to a guild is that you get lots of information from really good local quilters and also get the benefit of nationally known speakers and workshops. We just recently had Terry White (thread painting) and her 2-day workshop was GREAT!

I have been with my quilt guild for many years. The best part is the show and tell. It is just amazing how much talent all of the quilters have.
Sometimes the meetings are boring, but that is part of the package deal.