doesn't really sound like my idea of a fun day

i would find a differant location and set up some ground rules

lol, sounds like your group lost connection somewhere along the line. I would either get together with those who are serious about the group and why it was started. Friendships are to be made between quilters that last. Helping Each Other is the theme. If that is not the understanding then those not willing to participate with that in mind need not join in. Just my thoughts.

Not if it isnt fun. Not worth it...life is too short.

I agree that you should set some rules and meet at different places. I also agree that meeting once a month is a good idea. Two other ladies in our church have ask that we get together once a month to work on our projects. We have decided to meet at different places. We will not begin for a couple weeks due to waiting on one of the ladies to move back to our town. I so excited and cannot wait to begin. I pray that things do work out for you. I say that if someone shows up drunk that you should ask her to leave.

"One of the ladies showed up drunk and fell off her chair and we had to call an ambulance.. ."

Honey, you're still calling her a 'lady'? You don't need that trouble! I don't have any good advice, but if they want it started up again, I'd make sure it was in SOMEONE ELSE'S HOUSE or hall...

I thought those things only happened in these h'ar hills:) I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you.. it's just that this is about the most surprising situation I've heard about a quilt group -- at least there was entertainment!

rusty (i consider myself a hillbilly but i bet my forefathers kept all their white lightnin' at the still and didn't attempt to bring it to granny's quilting party!)

Our group meets in the dining hall of the church, and it is the most fun and best comaraderie of any to which I've belonged.

It's most distinct advantage is that there are no rules and no "responsibilities." Here's how it works and works so well.

It's strictly BYOP (Bring Your Own Project). There are tables and electricity available, so bring the whole sewing room if you wish. While others may be there to help you carry it in, be prepared to do it yourself just in case.

We have a definite start time and an approximate (within an hour) wrap-up time. Everyone cleans up their own mess and someone always pitches in to take down the ironing board and drain and put away the iron. If you're late arriving, you'll likely miss lots of what the others have brought to show and less time for your project, but come on anyway. You've only shorted yourself, but sometimes lateness is unavoidable.

It's also BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch). Somebody / anybody will notice that it's about noon and start setting out the lunch bags from the frig onto one of the empty tables. We take 30-45 minutes for lunch and continuing great conversation.

We help each other. Show different things we're working on, share pattern modifications, help newbies, share our disasters (some of our best laughs) and help with other life events as we may be personally led - or not.

No obligations, but just great sharing. We wouldn't have it any other way. Lovely times for all of us.

Those who attend all chip in a buck or two toward the church's utilities and when we begin to see a winter slow-down because of all the snow birds who return to Florida, we retire it to one of our homes for the winter months. Pretty much the same basis.

Someone usually undertakes getting out email notices, but there are others who will gladly fill the gap if needed. Nobody ever has too much to do if anything at all.

I have enjoyed some of my greatest learning experiences with this group as well and had the joy of introducing a couple newbies to the addiction.

Just stay loose and don't take yourselves too seriously.

Since your first quilting group was not able to meet your needs I might suggest that you talk to a few of the members that you relate to and ask if they would like to start something small, with some of the rules that have been suggested. We have a group of 5 or more ladies and we get together once a month to sew. With a small size group you can meet in homes and the hostess provides lunch, we rotate from house to house depending on individual schedules. Recently we have started taking road trips; even make a point to go to destinations that are not quilt stores. The sewing is great but more than that I love the friendships that we have developed. Good Luck and don't give up!!

Since it was a weekly thing, perhaps u can set aside one week for " group " things and a week for personal items" break it up a bit....

My group meets each week in a different person's home. We bring our own simple lunch (a sandwich or yogurt). Hostess provides coffee and tea and dessert. We work on individual projects but help each other if needed. We meet from 10 to 2 PM. No one talks negatively about anyone . I know how lucky I am !