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-   -   Starting a new quilting group - advice? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/starting-new-quilting-group-advice-t213680.html)

Jo C 02-12-2013 03:43 PM

Pillows to sit on if the chairs aren't padded and power strips. Enjoy!

ktbb 02-12-2013 03:55 PM

I saw that folks mentions extension cords, but you need to make sure that you have surge protectors with them in order to save yourself and the library problems...

Farmerswife96 02-12-2013 03:55 PM

Shawan where do you have your meetings? I am from western Nebraska and was wondering if you are close!!

ktbb 02-12-2013 03:56 PM

I saw that folks mentions extension cords, but you need to make sure that you have surge protectors with them in order to save yourself and the library problems... noticed that someone mentioned them as I was typing.

One group I heard about gave their meeting site/host a quilt every year to be used as a fund raiser and as thank you and pay for the space...in case you find that they will be charging a fee.

GreatStarter 02-12-2013 05:18 PM

Sounds like you have some great ideas. Meet the first time and from that point on you will have better ideas -if the buildings electrical system can handle more people. And putting the word out thru local quilt shops and hairdressers, plus the library itself will probably add more people to your gathering. Good luck and it sounds as if you have a great start.

Kat

Jan in VA 02-12-2013 06:01 PM

These are the places I have found quilting groups in my area in the past 5 years:

1. on the bulletin board at the library itself and mention it to the staff who checks out the books - if they notice quilt books magazines being checked out, perhaps they'd let the customer know about your meeting there.
2. In the local newspaper's Community News or weekend events section. Sometimes these announcements can be placed online.
3. See if your local guild allows a "public service" type announcement in their newsletter where you could mention the dates and times. Or will they allow "bookmark-type" flyers to be passed out at their meetings.
4. Sometimes local Craigslist has announcements for local groups.

Jan in VA

lots2do 02-12-2013 06:23 PM

If you can have food, bring cleanup supplies and plan to carry your trash out, too or at less ask for a new trash bag and carry the trash to the dumpster. Leave the space spotless so that no one else has to work hard to clean up after you. Then they'll be more likely to welcome you each time if you make it easy for them to host you. I like the idea of making them a thank you quilt -one of those bookshelf quilts would be perfect.

Jackie Spencer 02-12-2013 08:01 PM

I have been meeting with a group now for 4 years. We meet in the Library also. we have a micro-wave and a coffee maker in the room we use. It does not cost us anything. The lady who started it all brings everything mentioned above, and the paperplates, silverware, cups and coffee. Every once in a while we all chip in to help buy supplies. We book our room for a year at a time, but a few times the Library has had something come up to where we could'nt use the room, so we take a road trip and go out to lunch. We have had several ladies come and go, and some still do, but the original 6 of which I am one are still attending. These ladies have become my closest and dearest friends.

shawnan 02-12-2013 10:21 PM


Originally Posted by Farmerswife96 (Post 5857338)
Shawan where do you have your meetings? I am from western Nebraska and was wondering if you are close!!

I am in Alliance, so probably a little too far for you to travel for the day. We do have people from Sidney and Scottsbluff though. Do you know anyone here where you could stay overnight? I'll be glad to put you on the email list. Just send me a private message.

AliKat 02-12-2013 10:21 PM

I agree, check with the library first about food and then check to see how many quilters you can accommodate in that room.

Perhaps having a key person to call who can then screen so that you don't have more that what you have room for. Also, this key person, or someone else so designated, could handle the e-mail notices with such things as what to bring. This list would include such items as surge protectors, extention cords, seat cushions, quilting supplies, and a basic understanding of how their machine works.

I would limit the number of irons in use as they can really drain the electrical system quickly and too many are just plain a fire hazzard. Therefore I would ask for only 2 ironing boards, maybe 3, with irons for those boards only. Small irons can also cause problems.

If you can have 2 cutting stations, that would be nice. If not, then please let the quilters know the limitations before they come.

Depending on how the tables are laid out will mean how many quilters. A few quilters may prefer to bring their own tables, esp if you are using 6 ft long tables. Therefore those who are going to bring their own tables should notify the person in charge.


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