I belong to a lovely guild (maybe 50 attend) but also to a BEE that is a small offshoot of about 10 people and we do lots of charity work and work toward stuff that the Guild is doing also so the best of both. It keeps me involved more than I would usually be if on my own. We meet 1 X month and have lunch and learn new things and put together projects and visit. The guild by me is very large (300+) and I did not really care for it. They do beautiful work but not warm.

Peg-TX

We have meetings with interesting speakers, who then teach a class.
We also have classes taught by other members. I really enjoy those the best.
Great learning experiences and friendly people in the guild.

I brlong to a limited to 30 member guild and love it. We do new projects, have Christmas in July so that we can work on gifts, parties, and retreats. I drive an hour to get there but it's worth it.

I belong to a guild, we do a lot of community stuff, seems a little expensive for the classes, but the comraderie is nice twice a month

I have never been to a guild meeting,have wondered if it would be something that i would enjoy with all of the advice I've read here tonight I may go and visit one after the first of the year.
I do however belong to a small informal group that meets 2 times a month,we have a great time visiting but there is not really a place to bring sewing machines so we just do some kind of handwork while there for two hours,if anyone has show and tell we all ooh &aah each others projects,it is fun,but would also like to have some classes and be able to take machine sometimes,because I've been in a lttle bit of a slump lately and maybe getting together would help.

I want to stress that my experience was not bad, just not me. They are a great bunch.

Hi, This is the first time I have replied to any comments or questions. You asked about belonging to a guild. I belong to three guilds and I enjoy each of them. They are interesting, they offer alot of educational programs and classes and most members are very willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. I have learned so much and have made very many good friends. We go on quilt retreats and on shopping bus trips or to area quilt shows.
Belonging to a guild can be very rewarding.
There is always clicks and those who may hold the noses to high, but these people are not important. Keep mingleing and you will be rewarded with knowledge and good friends.

I belong to two pretty large guilds. The bigger of the two actually has several groups that meet at other times, some weekly, some less. The smaller of the two has lots of community projects, bus trips, and retreats. But at both guilds I have felt welcomed, but that may also be me because I am pretty outgoing and am not afraid to be the first to speak.
The main reason I belong is because it gives me the opportunity to take workshops at a very reasonable cost.

I used to belong to a wonderful guild that had 225 members, usually 110-125 at a meeting. Loved it, made lots of friends. There were tables around the edge of the meeting area for the charity table, block swap table, gadgets to check out and take home for the month, books and magazines, raffle table, refreshment table. We always had a guest speaker, show and tell. The meeting portion was very brief, as most meeting decisions were made by the executive board/officers on another night.

Moved away and miss that guild!

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

My wife and I belong to a wonderful guild. Its twice a month..no structure...no meeting...no officers...just a nice group that has fun sharing and caring and enjoying 3 hours together twice a month. Another of my guild meeting members belong to this group and I told a few others about it tonight.

I belong to a guild of about 150. I was treasurer for the last two years. A lot of work. What is the best of the guild is finding friends with common interests; and seeing the quilts in Show and Share for inspiration. It takes time to find your place in a large guild. I have recently joined a small group/bee. We are doing small projects while becoming friends and are getting started doing a round robin quilt. It is making me happy. Oh, the worst is when members are cliquey ?sp and witchy.

I belong to a guild that meets three times a month; one of which is the meeting. They have workshops and some very experienced quilters. Most gals are willing to help the novices. I also enjoy having a couple of gals over to my house to quilt all day long. We chat and sew and only stop to eat lunch. This is fun and we all learn from one aother

I joined my guild about 2 years ago and I just love it!! I have learned so much and heard some nationally and internationally reknowned speakers and taken some awesome workshops. We have a show every other year and my first one was last fall and I just can't believe the talent in this group. I am also a member of a small group that meets every other week to just sit and sew and gab. We do a project every quarter. I guess I just love the craft!!

I belong to a guild that meets monthly. I travel an hour to get there. The meetings last about an hour to an hour and a half. A brief report is given on finances and upcoming activities. Sometimes there is a presenter, but the part I like best is show and tell. Members show their quilts they have made and perhaps relate a story as to how their quilt came about. These meetings have given me the opportunity to meet new people, share ideas, and since I am a relatively new quilter it allows me the chance to pick their brains when I encounter a problem. Several of the ladies have been quilting for over 50 years. They know all the shortcuts and tricks. We also receive a discount from Joann's and Hancocks which is an added bonus. Dues are only $20 yearly.

Ours is a Quilt Forum - once a month,and we havn't ever had more than 20 gals; we have show and tell, and discussions about our individual projects. Did a few group projects & mystery quilts - but only if you want to. No dues, no attendance requirements. I love it!

[quote=mommamac]I belong to a guild (20 or less members) & love it - so much so that since I relocated a year ago, I travel a hour to get there (how crazy is that!) We always have a group quilt in some stage of construction, do a challenge every year, have mini lessons at meetings, quilt for charities, share projects & tips, bounce ideas off one another ....

This sounds alot like the guild my mother was in for years. She really enjoyed her Quilter's Guild. She was always pulling out a block she made using a new technique she learned at that month's meeting. Would like to find something like that myself.

I joined our local quilt guild before I actually knew how to quilt because I wanted to gain an understanding of what it was about. Fat quarters, charms, stitch in the ditch were meaningless terms to me then, but through attending the meetings along with watching Alex Anderson on Simply Quilts and reading quilt magazines, it began to come together for me. Our guild offers little workshops called At Home In The Guild, and I've found those very useful. I especially love the Show and Share time; everyone's favorite:-) At that time the chairman encouraged everyone to 'be in a bee', so several of my quilting friends formed one. It has since grown into 2 bees, and I actually like them better in some ways because they are small and not so intimidating.

Over all my guild has been good, and I've met some wonderful fellow quilters; however I've encountered a couple of negatives I've had to work through. They got so involved in producing a sensational quilt show or arts festival that some committee chairmen began applying guilt/pressure tactics to get people to do things. I would find myself tensing up and then think, goodness, this is supposed to be fun and not stress! I know they took on a big job, but we cannot know the situations others are facing, and to put a guilt trip on them is not good. I'm sure there is a healthy balance here. Also, although most of the women were friendly and so willing to help, I encountered a few 'expert quilters' who acted so superior, really downright unfriendly. When you are coming into a new group and you don't know anyone and barely understand what the group is about, it can be very intimidating. I am still a member of my guild and I go when I can and participate as I am able. But the smaller bees and my church quilting group are by far my favorites. One real advantage is that our JoAnn's gives a 10% discount off purchases by showing our guild card, and our local quilt shop gives a 15% discount. I always get my membership dues back and then some! All things considered, the guild has broadened my quilting experience and offers many opportunities. Some years it is better than others, depending on the elected leadership. I try to look out for the 'new ones' and do my best to make them feel welcome and a part of who we are.

A popular guild in my area has 400+ members and is very structured. Newest members somehow get "elected" as officers. How fun can that be? The only advantage I see is members get a percentage off purchases at local shops.

My preference is a small group where you can interact with each other. I don't belong to a guild.

A small shop close by encourages quilters to just come by and sit-n-sew. One day I'll try that out to see if it works for me.

Yes I belong to a great quilters guild. 40 members we meet once a month do the business part then we do show and tell talk have a great time. Some of the members are snow birds so number goes down in the winter.We also meet once a month for UFO day we bring a lunch to share, sew ,talk and we have a lot of fun on a Saturday. We have a Quilt Show every year second week end of August we have a raffle quilt the money we get from that goes to some need in our town.We had our Christmas party on the 9th had a great time everyone brings a 10 dollar gift each of us picks a gift then we do a 10 minute you can steal anyone's gift. Bill our only male member love that part.

I guess my quilting group could be considered a guild. We meet the third Sat. of each month. We started in August assigning several people to bring lunch, before we were all bringing something and had so much food left over. We only have about 15 in our group. Small town and we all have been involved with each other in something over the years. Sometimes we only have about 8 come, we just vary in number.
We have a great time, sometimes we "waste" about the first hour just visiting and showing each other what we have done, or helping one another get a quilt sandwiched or something useful, then finally get started on our quilting. Some of the ladies don't quilt and just do hand work on other projects. We work together well. Have one lady that doesn't sew, just comes to visit and spend time, recently lost her spouse. We begin at 9:30a.m. and finish up when ever we need to go, usually no later than 4:00.
We have had a couple of speakers come, but for the most part it is just our few. We often tell everyone, it is "just a ladies day out".
We don't meet in Dec. because everyone is so busy getting Christmas projects completed. We meet in the Fellowship Hall of the Church I attend, The First Christian Church, have a large area for sewing, and a full kitchen to use.
We made a quilt this past summer for our local Cancer group and sold tickets for it. The quilt was given away at the Rodeo in July on "Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night" one of our big town events each year. Well guess who won the quilt. Me!! but since I quilt and didn't need it, I planned to give it to my daughter, she said she wanted it only to give to a friend who was beginning Chemo for breast cancer, so it did go to a cancer patient, and about $1,000. to our local fund. The money raised for our local cancer group stays in town and is used for those in need of gasoline funds, or motel funds when they have to travel. The nearest place for Chemo about 100 miles away. So we know that the money helps someone in our small town/county.
We took one road trip, two years ago and plan another one soon. I think all groups should have fun when they are quilting or getting together.

Good for you :thumbup:

"I try to look out for the 'new ones' and do my best to make them feel welcome and a part of who we are."

I'm surprised there is so much negative feedback about quilt guilds. I can't imagine quilting life without my large guild. I have belonged to two different large guilds and, at the same time, small quilting groups - each fulfills a different need. Each guild is different and each person takes/gives something different from the guild. You will never know until you check it out and give it a try for a time. My guilds have both had about 250 members (only half come to the meetings). The advantage of a large guild is that it can afford to bring in nationally known quilt teachers for the programs. Many people think show & tell is the best part. I love the programs - nationally known quilt teachers and even local quilt teachers - whatever. And I love being exposed to a diverse group of quilters. It took me a while to feel comfortable in a guild because it can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know anyone. So give it time. But the best way to become part of the guild is to participate in the activities and to volunteer on the committees. There are usually so many different types of activities that there is something for everyone. It will also give you a chance to meet new people who could perhaps join you in a small group.

WOW I read these responses with mixed emotions, since my hubby has been egging me on to join one. Now I know why Iam resisting, I used to belong to groups (not quilting) years ago, but got tired of all the cliquing, and politiking, etc. Looks like some things remain the same no matter where you are, and I guess I just don't have the energy for one more thing. I still belong to interior design group ASID and sit on a board for our city, guess thats enough for now.:)

I have a good time and learn a lot from the other girls. We do a lot of guilts for others that need them. I can't waite for the time to come to go and talk and learn things.We have a good time. Ruth

I belong to a guild and enjoy it very much. This group is fun loving and so caring. We make quilts and donate them to a womens' shelter and to a facility that finds homes for abused children. We meet monthly and have a program. We also have a "bee" once a month where we can work on something from home or on one of our charity projects. Every now and then we have someone come in and teach a class. Belonging to a quilt guild has been so personally enriching. Try one - you will make new friends and have lots of fun.

I belong to a guild. Iit has over 200 members and not everyone shows up at the same time, but when their schdules allow. Ours is a friendly group. best thing about our guild is the learning experiences. Workshops have very famous teachers, Billie Lauder, Sally Schroeder (?), etc. There are 6 workshops per yr for $40. -this yrs prices-. Some are just 1 day; occasionally 2 day. Even if technique is never used again, it is a fun day-lots of laughing, woops sewed it wrong, and goings on. Another extra nice thing is the sub-groups I belong to Commuity Service where we make quilts for charities/hospitals, sericemen's families all the while learning new techniques. There are always some people who have their noses up in the air-those you stay away from and don't let them bother you. Question you need to ask youself is Why is my reason for joining; do I want to learn, new things, see guest speakers and their quilts and hear tips and their mistakes, (we are all mistake makers) see show and tell. We have Bonnie Hunter coming in October 2011 and i'm looking forward to that. Give it a try, you can be a guest up to 3 meetings before deciding to join/not join. Have fun.

PS That's $40./workshop. Guild has a minimial $25.00 yearly fee.

Your description of choosing a "buddy" method of membership is sadly not unusual - I belonged to a garden club that was that way. Didn't miss it when I moved. But a caring fun group is so enjoyable. It pays to shop around.

I've enjoyed reading this post. I belong to a guild with about 60-90 members that has a meeting monthly.

What I've noticed are that there are a lot of chair warmers who don't engage with others but seem to wait for whatever. Then there are those who are willing to introduce themselves and engage others and share their love of quilting.

I guess I am of the latter variety because I am glad I got to meet and interact with so many really different and neat quilters.

For those who are the more quiet ones, I strongly suggest they try to get involved. It might only be making one new quilting buddy each time ... but, keep trying and attend as many events as possible.

I guess it is like when you first went to school. Hopefully you eventualy made friends and had a good time while learning.

I will also admit to attending one guild where I was told point blank that I couldn't sit in an empty chair because "someone might want to sit there." Sinde I felt I was someone, I never did go back to that group and don't miss it at all.

ali

I am president of my guild and have been the last three years. This year I told them I would not run for President. I made quiet a lot of changes in the guild that did away with the stuffiness of the meetings. My main concern was keeping the new members interested and the older members happy. The elderly members do not like change and most are founding members too. The older members are the ones that cause more problems for our guild. I started a mini group at the guild for members interested in more modern fast quilts. Now the mini group has more members attending then the regular guild. The older members sees the mini group as a take over and it won't be long we will have enough votes to change the by laws out voting them. I know then the older members will stop coming. But the guild needs the new members. It hasn't been a dull three years.

That's too bad. Surely all ages should be welcome & all ages learning from each other.When a group divides, it's usually not long till the next division comes along to get rid of the 1st group.A shame we can't all get along & look out for each other....especially quilters.JMO

The American Sewing Guild is not just quilting. We do all kinds of sewing. We do not have meetings as such. There are two big get togethers twice a year, one to elect officers and the other for fun. We have a luncheon both times and always a top name program. Our local 165 members plus break into small neighborhood groups depending on where we live and meet once or twice a month for two hours. We have about 10 to 15 in each NG.
We can go to any NG meeting we want besides our own. It gives us lots of new ideas.

I am surprised that this thread scared you away from quilt guilds since more of the responses were positive. All of life is like a guild, some good things, some bad things. I belong to two quilt guilds and a weavers guild and was welcomed from the start.

I started my own bee. What I was looking for was more a sit and sew and really getting to know people. We also do some social things together like going to a quilt show and share a hotel room. We also set up our own little over night retreats at one of the homes or condo. We have done some small projects together like trying paper piecing and a block swap. The guilds seem pretty big in this area and meet at times that do not work for me.

I belong to a weekly sewing night as well as my guild. A friend of mine cannot go out much; her husband has dementia and is afraid to be alone, so she started inviting a few over once a week for company. It's my "heart to heart" group. Makes me happy just being there. We laugh a lot and really support each other. Even though a guild is great and I love mine, my "heart to heart" group is a God send.

About 20 years ago I was invited to be a charter member of a new guild. It was wonderful for a few years, then it evolved into a night of Robert's Rules of Order. It seems that most of the members were retired and did the fun stuff during the day while we working gals were at work. My really good friend and I formed our own group, and had the best time after that. Now because of a 12 hour rotating schedule, guilds are too difficult to remember to attend. This is now my "guild".

I could live the rest of my life, never hearing the phrase "Roberts Rules of Order", and die a happy woman. That phrase has become my exit line. I want to share quilting and friendship, not learn to live with new rules. The world has enough rules for me to follow, without those words. I LOVE this board, and thank God for leading me here. YOU are all part of my 'quilting bee'. Thank you.

Hi, I am the vice president of our local guild. We have about 40 members and it is a very social group. Being vice president means I am in charge of planning the workshops and programs at the general meeting. We have a blast! We are very supportive not only of our craft, but as a person. If we have a member stuggling with personal issues, we are there for them in whatever way we can. We also do a lot of charity work for our community. This month we are collecting diapers, food, and blankets for various needy organizations. I love it. Once a month is all we meet, but a lot of us have made very good friends there and socialize outside of the guild. Sorry for being so wordy. Blessings~

I went to a guild meeting once and nobody was very friendly. I like to quilt in small "friendly" groups.

I neglected to mention more things to be happy about our guild. We have quite a philanthropic endeavor. Beside all the Comfort Quilts we make for the Doves (retreat for abused women and children) We also donate grocery store gift certificates for those in need to the paster of the church where we meet, also donate to our local Historical Society, to our local Zoo which cares for animals who no longer can live in the wild, to our Middle School for programs about changing how our kids look at life and also to the Moms & Dads project, helping with their programs to teach new parents.
Our annual quilt show and our Opportunity Quilt provides the wherewith all for these donations...........and besides that, we have so much fun!!!!