When I called about joining my guild I was told that this was not a group for beginners! I went and kept my mouth shut for months to see what the group was like. I still belong but I am not close to anyone in it.

Best thing I ever did was join my guild......great people, great fellowship and have learned so much....Most of all they have accepted me with such warmth...
I e-mailed first and went to the monthly meeting....

At our guild you just turn up and can have two visits as a visitor before joining. A lot join up before then

I just showed up at one guild that I belonged to, at first meeting felt welcome after that found out that most folks seems to stay in little clusters and found it hard to fit in, and heard lots of negative comments about the people that were demonstrating different quilting projects, so I just didn't go back, I hope the guild you are joining is better.. I do belong to a small LA Guild and everyone is very friendly.. I really enjoy it.

Quilt Guild
 

Either just showing up, calling or emailing someone is acceptable. I found some of the nicest people at my quilt guild in Texas, and they've become life-long friends. What you can learn, glean from others and contribute to a guild is invaluable!

I belong to the Pittsburg Ks., guild. We have people just come to the meeting and the door greeter gives them a name tag. Then the Membership Chairman introduces them to the members.
They can come 2 times before deciding if they want to join. October is our Birthday Month, and the best month to join. We have members join anytime, tho.
Hope this helps; nothing formal about it. We wear blue jeans, slacks, ect, just whatever we want to wear; definitely not dress-up.
Mariah.
Pittsburg, Ks.

I would go (sometimes there is a guest fee if there is a speaker) and se if you like it, then talk with some of the members, different guilds have different focuses.

Just show up, usually they have a sign up table and you can jot down that you are a 1st time visitor/guest.

Both the guild I belong to currently and the one where I used to live, love to have new people drop in. My old guild is now charging $5 for guests, but they do provide refreshments at the meeting.

If you are uncomfortable just showing up, go to your LQS and ask them about the guild, usually someone who works there or someone in the store may be a member and can give you some insight. Also, see if the guild has a website that provides information about the guild.

I just went to a meeting at the last place I lived. It was kind of a test. If I felt welcome (I did), then I would pay my dues for a year and see how it went. The people in that guild (in a rather exclusive area of NC) made me feel like any question I asked was important, even though I obviously didn't fit into their "social set". They could not have been nicer or more informative! I have not joined a new guild yet because it's so far away, and I have all of you!

I think I'd do this. Although, in the 5 guilds I've belonged to in the course oif my quilt life I just showed up.

There are 2 large guild in our area and you can just show up. There a a couple of others that meet in smaller places and can't take more members due to lack of space. There is an art quilt group that used to be by invitation only. I don't know if it still is that way.

I have to agree with this suggestion. Our 2 local quilt guilds have reached capacity...not necessarily that they wouldn't like to have more members but the Fire Marshal sets a limit on the number of individuals that a particular room may have in it at any given time. Sometimes it is fewer members allowed if tables are set up but a larger number if only chairs. I feel sure that you would be welcome as a one time visitor but they may have a quota for their meeting room. If you know who to call or email, please do so but if not...just show up. I was lucky to "get in under the wire". Good luck in finding a place where you are welcome and that you feel comfortable; there is one out there somewhere for you.

Law me! Just show up. The chances are 99 in 100 that the guild will be tickled to have a guest and a potential new member. If they aren't, shake the dust off your feet. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. froggyintexas

Just my opinion mind you, but I wouldn't just show up at a friend's home expecting to sit and visit and I think it's the polite thing to do in phoning a member of the executive asking if they'd be fine with having a guest.

I have never met a quilt snob. I belong to two quilds & people are soooo nice. One quild will only takes 50 but I have never seen anyone set away. Our room isn't that big & everyone signed up doesn't always come. I think quilters are great people. Rowena101

Most guilds welcome drop-ins. Do you know anyone in the guild that you can ask?

I'd just show up, but it all depends on the folks in the guild. If they seem put off by it I'd question if I even wanted to join them at all. Quilters, on the whole, seem like a super group of human beings who love sharing their love of quilting with others.

I emailed a member that i found some info on in the guild and they verified that visitors are welcome and where they meet. (I think that it has changed since last quilt show.) I am soooooo psyched about going. I can't wait to see their work and get feed back on some of mine. and to learn new things.

i belong to 2 guilds. Both like 'drop in's. One is a small group, the other is larger. Both are friendly and both welcome everyone. But there is also a guild that is 'invitation only'.

Send and email beforehand, though. The first group I joined had changed their schedule, something I wouldn't have known if I hadn't sent the email!

The guild I belong to is open to anyone and we take time to welcome visitors and new members. There is rarely a charge to visit, except for certain speakers (we just did for Bonnie Hunter) and the fee is usually only $5. The cost of membership is well worth the low cost we pay for nationally known teachers.

Ditto that!

What quilting guilds do U have in Port Ludlow WA

The guild near me encourages quilters to just show up and then visit a time or two before deciding to join.

I have just started quilting, but my natural tendency is to immerse myself in new interests. I stumbled over the Modern Quilt Guild in St. Louis just a few days ago, and their next meeting is this Saturday. Perfect timing. I'll be there and just assume they will let me in.