The guild idea was a bad one for me as well. On the fourth meeting a "founder" of the guilt presented a program and it seemed as though she used "When we started this..." almost every other sentence, and it was with a sneer each time. She was a complete stranger to me; she hadn't been to the other meetings I'd attended. When she stopped at our table I realized that I physically pulled away from her. My friend and I both decided that that was the deciding factor. We had not been spoken to at any meeting, except this one, and then it had a negative connotation. I been guild shy ever since.

I had just the opposite experience; too many and too friendly. I did join at the first meeting and have been a member for over 5 years. I'm in Florida so in the winter we have around 100 in attendance; in the summer we are lucky to have 25 present. My suggestion is to watch what the gals are working on and try to get into a conversation with one doing something that would interest you. Also, do they have lectures/classes for education; a library for you to check out books. There are lots of advantages of a guild, just make sure you find one that's really got activities going on that interest you.

Will ya let guys join, too? ;-)

Yes, have. I joined a quilt guild as a new quilter and was very keen about the whole thing. The VERY first thing that I hand quilted, the leader told me I had done it all wrong and that I would have to redo it. Didn't take that advice! And while it took me more than a year to finally accept that I was not going to get any encouragement from that group, I have since joined a group that is absolutely awesome! Hang in there, you will find a group that is worth joining.

I would go back again a few more times. People are diffrent. Some people find it hard to talk to someone they don't know while others find it really easy. Some people need someone to come in between their little twosome or threesome so by going a few more times they will get to know you and you will better be able to assess the group. Go to the other guild also with the same itinerary and see where you feel the most comfortable. Maybe you will join both or maybe none but at least you would have given it a honest try.
Good luck.

My 1st guild experience was similar-it had HUGE membership.
Does this guild have a new member intro, try talking to members about what the guild offers, check out their library, etc. Our guild now announces visitors and has special people to welcome them, then intro them to others. My current guild I went on their retreat first so got to know members over 3-4 days before even going to a meeting-it was great. Visit several area guilds before joining if you can. I bet you have much you could share on techniques learned creating your fiber art. Discussing your dolls and how you came to do them could be a conversation starter. Don't give up, it takes time to develop friendships.

I was a member of one for 2 years, only 2-3 people talked to me, others acted as if I had something contagious, and they never called when I didn't renew my membership. Some guilds just don't care to have newcomers in their already established group.

Maybe, that's why there were only 10 people there. Visitors felt like they were intruders too.

A friend of mine went to a Senior Ctr. quilt group, and she was treated the same way. They're not all like that, just try the larger group. I'm sure you will enjoy it, if you feel welcomed.

That's too bad but I know the feeling. I have thought about starting a little quilting club on my own but not real sure how to go about it.... hang in there - I think you will find your place in the group - gotta give it at least one more chance!

Hi, I just wanted to say that I met a lady at the quilt show here in Annapolis and she invited me to the Sr Ctr here. They have a quilting group there that meet on Fridays and I can say it was very enjoyable and many there belong to the same guild. They say it is a small one and I am thinking I may join it in September. I may go on a bus trip with them in July to Hershey, a quilt show there or something. So it is not to say there aren't people out there that will open their arms to you and welcome you to their group. Good luck and I too would like to see your dolls.. I will scan back over the pages to see if you posted any :)