be sure to visit first REALLY at least twice. check the membership application to see what is required along with the yearly dues. sometimes hours of service at quilt show, sales of books of "opertunity quilt" tickets, sales of tickets to guild show, guild show shirts and totes, etc. it can really add up,(and no senior discount LOL). see if the charity quilt activity has as much "luv" as the quilt show activity, if that is a priority for you. city guilds usually do have great speakers at the night meeting with a workshop the next saturday pertaining to what was presented ( the cost for the workshop is in the $50.00 range with a supply list that can run another $50.00 especially if a book or pattern is needed) ok, that is all i know on the subject :) and for the record I really like my guild most of the time:~

I've been in only one guild over the past 6 years and I really miss the interaction, the friendships, the classes, the volunteer work, etc. The guild offered so much to so many, including yearly quilt shows at the city hall and museums, plus classes with well-known quilt experts that I would not have been able to met. Personally a guild has a lot to offer and its the volunteers who give so freely of their time to organize the meetings, the workshops, the charity events, etc. Definitely jump in if you can!

I belonged to one guild for several months. Didn't like it at all. It was pretty much an advertising and discussion for a LQS. I recently joined another one. Sooooooooo much better. People are friendly, I felt welcome. I like it so much better. It is a little further to drive but I think I will stick with this one.

I have gone to two quilt meetings as a guest, and the last one I brought a guest. They seemed very nice and I think I am going to join. When my guest, Lois stood up and introduced herself and that she was a guest of mine. I stood up and said, I am a guest too, "Can a guest bring a guest, oh well, I guess I just did" Everyone just roared laughing. Kind of breaks the ice. We had a great time and I am meeting people slow but sure.

Joining a quilt guild is a wonderful way to meet others with the same interests. It's a good way to learn what's going on in the quilt world. Our guild has speakers, trunk shows, workshops, charity projects, bus trips,parties and always show and tell at every meeting .We host a quilt show bi-annually and make a raffle quilt to benefit charity. By becoming involved, you contribute to the quality of a quilt guild.
Cindy
www.sewitis.com
P.S. I was the first member of the guild to ever win the raffle quilt in 25 years.

I joined in February of this year and I love it!
The classes, the girls, the comradery, it's all great!

Gosh, if life were always that simple. In the guild we have if an experienced quilter joins, there is resentment. If you do speak up with some new ideas, there is resentment. This particular guild seems to have had an on-going feud with one side or the other in charge. This "them or us" attitude even spilled over into the local quilt shop where you would be ignored if one of their friends came in. The sniping and gossip about the current guild president was so offputting that many folks, myself included, decided that life is short and we do not need this type of turmoil in our lives.

It's as another poster here wrote, when you find a good group become active and stay with folks who are encouraging and friendly. :lol:

I love the Dixie Quilt Guild that I belong to. When I was a real newbie they were so helpful. I have been to 2 fabulous retreats also classes they have held. They are wonderful ladies!
Doreen

Guilds are like any other group.. There are great people all over, you just have to be patient enough to make new friends. I think quilters are generally open to new people, love others to join.. but some of the people who are already there may be a bit on the shy side to and don't make friends that easily either.. I say, go, have fun, keep introducing yourself.. share something, volunteer, and pretty soon you'll find yourself a part of something wonderful.

On the other side, like all groups, you may just happen to run into a group with a problem leader that is making everyone miserable. Or just isn't your cup of tea. Or is too social/political/demanding/uninvolved/not actually quilting any more, lots of things. That's okay too.. try another guild!! We all need each other and the encouragement of friends. Don't allow one experience to color your feelings about guilds in general. They are all made up of people so there is bound to be one you'll love, and some that aren't for you.

I have found friendship, members who are willing to give help to beginners or help the experienced with a new technique, members to just simply bounce ideas off of, quilt instruction that is always just a little bit challenging but comes with lots of help, planned quilt activities, mystery quilts, block exchanges and quilting week-ends. Nothing is mandatory except the very minimal dues. You produce work at your pace and enjoy the company of others who have an interest in quilts and quilting.

I have found no negatives to my group of about 30. We participate at the level we wish and always learn something new each time we are together. This is a good place to "show and tell" our quilting efforts.