quilt guild programs
 

I was at my Quilt Guild meeting last night and have been toying around with the idea of taking on responsibility for programs. Our guild meets year round and I am relatively new to this guild. Two meetings are already spoken for with in house garage sale and a pot luck dinner. I would need to have 10 more programs to round out the next year. I know I could get a couple of trunk shows lined up. What other kind of things are done for programs. Any ideas will be taken seriously. We also have a fabric dying program scheduled and another speaker so far. I will still need 10 however. You help is appreciated

I found an old Quilting Board thread on this subject that may be helpful. Link below.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...as-t23378.html

I just looked up this thread and there are many great ideas!!! I am making notes. Our guild is very small. I know it has been around for awhile. The people I have met so far are very nice many very talented quilters. Many have gone inactive. I don't think right now there is a lot of publicity about this guild. I have only been a member for 4 months. Some of the Ideas I have just been reading may work very well. I may need a lot of help getting things going if I do decide to take this on. More ideas are so welcome. I am making a list!

one thing we discussed at the last board meeting: don't schedule an important/expensive teacher during a month where the meeting may get cancelled due to snow... seeing that you are from snow country :)

You can check and see if your Guild allows vendors to come in and talk about products. One of my Guilds do allow and those programs have been really informative on what's out there without pressure to purchase.

Since you are a new member, you are still learning about the other members (Do they like change? Are they adventuresome? What do they expect from attending the guild? Did the guild "already do this"? Did members like it when it was done before?)

If you do take on this position, you might ask for honest feedback from the participants after each program. This will help you determine what type of programs work for your guild and help you choose successful programs.

I went "inactive" at our guild years ago. Same thing happening same people showing/talking every single meeting. I asked a member recently what a meeting was like now, still the same thing. If there were something you are willing to offer I might get interested again :) Go for it!

I have been program chair for four times in our guild. I did Meet your Member programs. One or two members showed their quilts and talked about their quilt journey. Everyone loves those. We had a physical therapist do a presentation on proper sitting, cutting and pressing height and exercises to help with aches. I scheduled local shops to show new notions and tools. We had a social with ice cream and everyone brought a tote or bag they had made to show it off. As far as the same ones do the talking and doing, they are probably the only ones who will do anything. Most members will not get involved but then complain about the programs or lack of them. In my opinion the guild is better without them. We have sew days, members doing demos, have make and take classes, hand sewing classes, embroidery classes, all free from members who donate their time and love of doing.

I love sew days!!

Always have a back up program that you can do planned. You never know when it will be needed. I did a program of EQ7 and it was well received. Of course, now there is EQ8. I like the programs where they show a new, free, pattern that we could all get off of the Internet. One lady did some cool little zipper bags. Some with see through sides, and some all fabric. Just too cute. One lady came and showed how she developed her doll collection with movable arms and legs. I wasn't even going to go, but her talk was fascinating. I was glad I didn't miss it.

Like Nan says, have "in-house" programs when there is danger of weather creating problems for presenters. In the KC region, there is the Heartland Quilt Network, which yearly holds a "fair" for presenters to showcase what they do and for guild program chairs to "shop" for programs. We feel very lucky to have this!
A favorite at my guild was a videoed "Our Quilt Studios"--where the filmer visited several members sewing rooms and showed ideas for storage, etc. Vendors with new products is good, if you don't think their presentation will be long enough, you can have 2-4 vendors showcase their new product at the same meeting. I'd suggest you start with a survey of members of what they'd like to see in the program--keep it kind of generic--ie. machine applique; designing quilts; how to use precuts; negative space in a quilt; binding; etc.

A bit different idea for the pot luck dinner......my guild started having a picnic/cookout for the pot luck dinner. We meet at the town recreation center which has a covered outdoor picnic area with tables, grills, etc. This is not where we normally meet and it has been a success. We have it in the summer months. One year we just did pot luck and the next we did a cookout with the guild buying hot dogs and hamburgers for grilling (even had a volunteer do the cooking) the guild also bought the buns and the rest of us brought sides and desserts. It was a fun day for all.
We played Quilt Bingo with the blocks we made and brought, afterward, the blocks were made into donation quilts.

As a fill in program for a winter speaker cancellation our guild had us count each person by six, then we had to meet up with those of the same number and make a list of sewing/quilting tips. One person was in charge of writing them down. We were given a specific amount of time. Then we regrouped and each group choose 2-3 items from our list to read out loud to the group. The guild secretary kept the list and posted it in our newsletter. Even as a long time quilter/sewer I learned several new ideas. Example: Did you know there is a right and wrong side of a sewing needle? If having a problem threading the eye, turn the needle over and try from the other side. Who knew?! It was not only fun and informative but also by counting out it made for better scoslization with members.

We also chose one long time member to show us her quilting journey. New members are often amazed that expert quilters had shaky beginnings just the same as every one else.

Have fun and not be afraid to think outside the box. You never know what may inspire you to try something new. And kudos to you for jumping in with an offer to help. As past President(twice), Secretary and treasurer for my guild, I know it is hard to find volunteers.

Inviting vendors to speak on specific topics has been successful in our guild - such as cleaning your sewing machine, importance of proper needle, use of different threads, demonstration of new products, etc. They come at no charge and often bring gifts to raffle. Our guild members are mostly traditional quilters - invited members of a newly organized modern quilt guild to speak - introduced new ideas and did a trunk show.

Our small group (8) just gets together, shows projects they have done, talks about things they are working on and once or twice a year we have a sew day with a potluck. Sometimes we go on a shop hop for whomever can go. Nothing formal so no one has to be stressed out about planning. We take turns bringing a snack for our meetings. It works good for us.

I am going to have to have a 'sit down' with the pres and the person who is currently on the way out of this job to see what all is going to be entailed. I am a bit nervous to take over this program since I am so new. This person has been doing the job for several years and has done a great job at it. I don't want people to be disappointed if I do take it over. I want this group to grow and be something that other quilters are going to find 'exciting'. I know the guild has a good budget for speakers and programs. So I don't believe that will be a problem at all. I would also like to include fund raiser and community projects. I am thinking even as I type I may be getting in over my head. What I don't really want to tell the guild is that I was an Activity Therapist in my former life before retirement. I am making a list o all the ideas that I have picked up from here. Any other ideas that are creeping into your mind that could be a source of fun, community or fund raiser would be a great help.

I would ask the former activities coordinator (or whatever she's called) to maybe address the group with a small speech saying she's retiring from her position, and everyone should welcome you as the new coordinator, and be as helpful as they can be because not only are you new to the position, you're new to the group, etc.

If you do get anyone who expresses anything other than enthusiasm for what you're doing, then sweetly say something along the lines of "I'm really sorry you were disappointed, I'm new and I'm trying my best, perhaps you could help me with the next program and show me how to do it better?" Suck them in to helping you. Ha!

Our guild had the program chairman quit mid year because he didn't have anything planned, so we had to do some 'quick" ideas. Our guild has about 100 members and about 80 attend each meeting. Last month we did a wool project. Most of us have not done wool. We made a book mark or you could make a sewing kit for needles. It was fun, we sat 8 at a table. We had a simple pattern and the supplies provided. It was a lot of fun.
This month we are doing demo night with 4 stations and we will alternate between them. One is tools from the $ store, free motion quilting ideas, doing machine applique and maintaining your sewing machine. One meeting we did quilt trivia. We had a local quilt show do a trunk show. Try to hit a variety of skill levels and of interests. I did it for 2 years for our guild and had a lot of un doing it.

All of the ideas presented can be a good program, but when guild night deteriorates to Meet Your Members, ad nauseum, it becomes a chore to go and sit through it. We pay dues, and a few years ago could look forward to a well known speakers from some aspect of quilting at least 3 times a year, but now it is "garage sale, auction, Christmas party," and all of the money made is spent to finance "retreats" that most of the quilters would rather skip.

Ouch.
No, you couldn't get a word in edgewise with these women. You could bring show and tell, no they all had to go first, If there was time left over they'd talk over who ever was left.
They would go to retreats en masse, then spend the whole next guild meet time up in front talking about the whole thing from the time they got in the car until they got back home.

They were a guild unto themselves, and yes they probably were better off without me.

One guild I was in had a group of four members like this. The new President put a stop to it. She called them out when they tried to take over and ask them to tone it down or take it outside She really did LOL. They of course got miffed and left the guild. No one was upset about that. We have a few that complain about the lack of programs they like but never raise their hands to plan any. What really gets me irked is we have several members at a time volunteer to bring snacks and one member always brings leftovers from her kitchen. Some have been open and stale. She noticed a member tossing her stale cookie in the trash after taking one bite and said it was a waste and rude. The whole table heard her. The member casually said sure was a waste of my time trying to eat it and went got an Oreo from a new package. LOL She became my best friend from the guild.

That is exactly what I do not want to happen here.

I guess I didn't read how many people are typically coming to guild meetings--but fair warning, in any larger group there will be those that are enthused, supportive and engage in whatever you provide. Then there will a smaller group that are cliquey, tend to complain, not be totally supportive--yeah, generally act like 7th grade girls (spent 27 yrs as middle school counselor so know it when I see it!). Then there are those that really are supportive but may be talking during the programs--I found this is mostly cause they have hearing issues themselves and don't realize how loud they are being. Use some humor here!

Kudos to you for volunteering! We do beginner classes every year for any members--we find that about 1/3 fade away after the classes--quilting is not their "thing" for whatever reason; a 1/3rd stay as members but are rarely seen due to work, family, etc and a 1/3rd plunge in and actively participate, not just showing up at meetings. That 1/3rd is what keeps the guild alive and dynamic. Also, don't hesitate to ask someone to help with something--being new you have the advantage of not knowing all the "old history" that may keep someone from volunteering and sometimes people just need a specific request to help! Good luck--sounds like you will do great!

You just stated all my concerns in a single post. Also my health is a serious problem and I have not considered myself dependable for almost 30 years now (I had a stroke). I cannot handle stress well and am afraid to take on this without at least one person. I am good at organizing thing and delegating and sharing responsibility but cannot take on the entire show anymore . I sent my list of ideas off to the president of the guild yesterday. I hope he gets back to me soon. He is off having a wonderful time for the summer camping. I am sure some of the projects that I propose will be repeat programs. I would of course need a list of speakers and workshops that have been done in the last 5 years. That is enough time to pass before you see the same speaker or workshop again. That accounts for membership changes during that time too. Thanks for the encouragement. I still have to decide if I am gonna jump in yet.

Something our guild is doing next month is a field trip to a shop in the next town over. So we will have a light meal and after hours shopping specials. The shop owner is delighted to have us and will showcase new items as part of the "program".

My Modern quilt guild did this last month. Batting comparisons. several board members contacted batting manufactures, obtained free samples & literature. Each speaker read up on merits of each companys batting & presented. Was a very interesting program and not boring since there was more then one speaker. They also did handouts. Each speaker spoke less then 5 minutes.

Julia, since you are a little concerned about the demands this position might make and your health concerns, why don't you ask for a co-chair to work with you. I'd just explain my concerns about health, etc and emphasis that you'd be glad to be an organizer but will definitely need some help from someone that has the history that you will need, too. Good luck--you sound like a good program chair--or any office! Wish you were in my guild!

A good reason to be Program Chair is you get to meet new people and get programs in topics you prefer. I'm more of an Art Quilter, so when I was Program Chair, I had speakers that filled my interests, even tho the majority of my Guild are traditional quilters. One program that we con't. to do and is great is have several members demo a technique. The members at the meeting divide up and visit the different stations after 15 - 20 min. (or whatever your time limit is). We've had members show different kinds of fabric paints, colored pencils for fabric, making a flange binding, how to dye fabric, how to paint fabric, how to marble fabric using shaving cream and Japanese inks. Contact Quilt Shops in your section of the state and see if they'd come do a trunk show or demo patterns/techniques. Do you have any people that are pattern designers or fabric designers in your area? Ask the membership for ideas of programs they'd like to hear.

I had a quilting friend over today and she told me about a program one of her guilds held that she really liked. I had never heard of it but I thought I would pass it on.

Have you ever watched the HGTV show "Love It or List It"? This program is based on that. Members bring their UFO's that they are struggling to complete and the audience offers suggestions as to what can be done to improve the quilt. After their suggestions, the owner of the quilt decides whether to "Love It or List It" ..... take it home to love to put it on the give away table at the guild.

Have you put it to the group "what things would they like to see/happen" and take it from there. Perhaps the "formula" that the previous person was using worked and your group wants to continue along those lines or it is time for a change.

Iissuing challenges every couple months such as giving each person the same piece of fabric and see what they came back with in a few weeks. A paint chip challenge - very popular. Some members are always willing to teach a technique that others are unsure or not confident about as well as organising guest speakers.

Enjoy the new position and look forward to encouraging your group.

Hello juliasb, I know your posting was from 2019, but thought I'd add my 2¢ worth. with about 28 members, our guild signs up for one month (one or two each month) for a program. andwe take turns. Our leader keeps track of the monthly volunteers and their subject topics.
Our programs do NOT have to be about sewing or quilting... could be a travelogue; music inspired; terminology; history of machines; etc. ALSO, a test (no grading) on quilt terms; all sorts of quilt tools; procedures; different ways to make HSTs or flying geese, etc. Good luck.