What do you look for in a Quilt Guild?
 

I am looking to join a quilt guild.

I have gone to two different ones so far and get very very different "feels".

There is one more I'd like to visit before I make up my mind, but I am just curious if any of you have "must haves" when you go and consider joining one?

I want one active, but not so much so they expect me to do "everything" they do, and I'd like a lively bunch.

What are your thoughts?

I want one small enough to know the people who come. I don't want to be involved in a large quilt show or head up a committee. I want to learn new things and be able to sew while there. My group I belong to now is just like that. I did join a bigger group but felt lost.

1. Friendly
2. Offer workshops, classes, and retreats and expect members to pay for them not have fundraising all year long to pay for those that don't pay for anything.
3. Emphasis on Show and Tell

I belonged to a guild many years ago and the most important thing to me was how at easy I felt with the other people. I would never want to be around a bunch of people that made me uncomfortable. I left the guild because they insisted that part of being in the guild was being on committees and being in charge of stuff. It was just to big. I just wanted to quilt and make friends. I learned guilds were not my style and I am a lone quilter now and very happy that way.

Hope you find a nice guild.
peace

I hated my first guild, that I joined when I first moved to Florida. It was over a hundred people and full of cliques. Including the president. When I realized the board was holding the list to the retreat until all their friends signed up, before letting the rest of us have choice of 3 seats, I decided to leave. The next guild I joined is the one I'm still in. It's about 35-40 women, and a great group. We stay pretty busy with classes and ladies day out activities. We have show and tell and we help with Quiltfest every year. We are encouraged to head up a committee or hold a board position. But we are not forced or made to feel bad if we don't. But I feel like it's my duty to help where I can, not just fill a seat. If we all don't help to make the guild run, then pretty soon we won't have one.

I have found that most guilds have clicks. Those I avoid.

I haven't found a guild I didn't like. When I lived in Oregon, I belonged to 3 guilds. One was very small - under 30 women. The second was very large - close to 300 - and the third was probably around 100. Each had its advantages. The small guild was like a bunch of friends getting together for show and tell and an occasional outing, but lack of funds meant that there would never be any prominent quilters to lecture or teach. The other guilds had frequent top-notch speakers. It was natural that not everyone knew everyone else in the larger guilds, and people who already know each other are more likely to hang around together. I wouldn't call that a clique.

Now that I've moved to California, I've joined two guilds. One is large, and one is still small, having just started up this year. The new one is a branch of the Modern Quilt Guild. Again, there are people who know each other and people who don't know each other - yet. But I haven't met anyone who isn't friendly when approached.

Edited to say: I just realized I didn't answer the original question, which was what do you look for in a quilt guild. The answer, for me, is that I don't look for anything specific. I get something different out of each guild. I expect to find friendly and creative people, and I always do, because quilters are generous with their time and talent. I also realize that a guild can't function unless all of its members help out in some way, so I volunteer where I can. Every guild is going to have its own unique personality, and for me that's a good reason to join more than one guild.

Good information, ladies~!

Never thought of the whole 'size being an issue thing', but I can see where it has advantages and disadvantages.

I left cliques behind in high school. I tend to avoid those who still believe in them, as it seems to give a false sense of power.

I'll probably check out this last one before I decide to join. Not sure I can handle more than one, but....never know!
Thanks!

I really love my guild. It has 80-90 people in it which means we're large enough to be able to invite really amazing quilt teachers to run workshops & present at guild meetings without having to pay ridiculously high annual dues. The people in my guild are super friendly & we have a lot of mini gatherings outside of our monthly meetings where I can get to know members a lot more. It is really great about supporting some charities (not so much that it gets overwhelming, but enough that everyone who wants to has a chance to join in) and we have a large quilt show every 2 years that everyone can enter. I love the show & tell, too!

I am thinking about joining a second guild that is connected with TAS (The Applique Society) because my main guild has almost no one who does any applique and those who do mostly do it by machine; out of the nearly 90 members, only 2 of us do any needle turn and I really wish sometimes I had more people to share ideas with than just one other person. The TAS group by me doesn't have any presenters. They don't do workshops. They just rent out a space in a church and people come & do show-and-tell, handle a few items of guild business and then most of them stay to have lunch together and spend 3 hours in the afternoon just working on hand applique. It's a lovely slow paced time together.

I don't belong to a guild and have no desire to, at least right now, but I am lucky enough to be one of four gals who love to get together several weekends out of the year to work on a current project or start a new one. We work independently...rarely do we do the same thing. It's all about getting together and getting totally immersed in our sewing and visiting, and also to see what each other is working on. Oh, and did I mention that it is also all about the food?:thumbup:

I have belonged in a Guild for over 10 years..I was in charge of membership for a while and then left that for a younger person. We have a quilt show every two years. None of the quilts in our show are judged and we are all encouraged to enter as many as we want. Four ladies in our guild have won prizes in national quilt shows but they don't snub any ones' work.. We are in a rural area but we have grown to over 100, have 2 retreats a year, a bus trip to big quilt shows, etc.

1. I like the friendliness, but like all things one must want to be friendly also.
2. No quilt police, just encouraging others.
3. Activities that you choose to participate or not.

I belong to two MQ Guilds, but not the one in my home town. Why? Because the one at home meets during the day and I had to work and now I go to university.

I joined my first guild 2 years ago, the dues are $40.00 per year (for each guild), which I feel is reasonable for what I get.

I went to my first guild meeting 5 days after my ex left me. I was completely traumatized, but being around a great group of people who knew nothing of what was happening in my personal life, and therefore did not ask questions about it, was cathartic. I have attended workshops, charity sew days and sew ins. I am not on any committees, but am happy to volunteer when an extra helper is needed. This guild has about 130 members and 50-80 come to each meeting.

The second guild, is an hour north of home and is a new MQG. The membership is still small, less than 20, but will grow over time. I have not yet attended any of the 'extras, sew ins etc' but have put my name forward to do a demo in the fall.

Things I like about my guilds:
Friendly
Charity oriented
Activities - workshops, sew ins etc
Volunteering
Encouragement
Block Lotto

I joined my guild in order to take advantage of free beginner classes since I wasn't a quilter at the time--just a wannabe! That was 6 years ago and I've been the newsletter editor for 5 1/2 yr, secretary and next year probably president. What I like about my guild"
1. it's large enough that there are all types of quilters (we are a rural community) and anyone would help if asked
2. we do several community service projects (winding down a huge one that has taken 3 years and we are not doing that extensive of one in the future!)
3. we focus on learning about & promoting quilting--us, via demos at our annual quilt show, outreach to youth, etc
4. we have an annual show that is open to anyone--and isn't real focused on winning but on showing what we are doing.
5. there's always groups doing stuff--and while in this big of group (150+) there are people that see each other outside of guild, everyone tries to be very friendly and welcoming to each other and newbies or visitors
6. we try to do monthly workshops, 2 retreats and have a monthly program--everyone can participate at the level they desire.
7. we respect that about half the members are unable to attend daytime meetings (which we need also for those that don't drive at night) and we have regular night meetings and workshops are on weekends.

I would add that any group's ability to be dynamic and continue will depend upon all members getting involved to the best of their ability--so if you do not want to get involved in the activities, then maybe what you are looking for is just a small group of 4-6 that get together to sew only.

I'll be quick.....friendly quilters with a variety of skill levels.

I am in a group of just 8 ladies. No dues or jobs just a monthly get together of sharing what we have made, are working on or plan to work on. One may share a new or different idea and we go on a road trip or have a quilt day at one of our homes with a potluck every so often. We meet monthly at one gal's home who has created a chicken barn to a quilting studio. To me it's a perfect setup.

Cliques are just groups of people who are uncomfortable stepping beyond their comfort zone. We have all belonged to them ..if we are honest with ourselves. Nothing new. It is human nature. We all tend to gather with our personal friends, etc. My personality is to talk to people in elevators. I am not "shy". And, no, I never expect to "belong" with every group. Seek out others who are sitting alone, introduce yourself and start a conversation with small talk. You will find your niche. And you will make others feel welcome in the meantime. My fav line is..."Step out your box"!


I, too, prefer the quilds that are smaller and loose. I don't have time to sit on a Board, a committee, run a Quilt show, etc.

Sandy

I find that there are no longer "Bees" that they all go under the Guild name. I belong to a bee, that is about 18 people and love it. We meet once a month, have a lesson and lunch and have a great time. I feel like I know the ladies in that Bee. Then I belong to the large Pensacola Guild. There are two meetings a month, a day and a night meeting. We are said to be cliquish. But I find that visitors come and sit and don't interact. A Guild is like a large church. If you don't meet in small groups or join, you will never find friends. You can't meet anyone by sitting by them once a month and only exchanging pleasantries and small talk. So my advice for anyone that finds a guild too big. Join a class, volunteer and meet others.

Please do not join any guild--or any organization for that matter--with the intent to only attend and take advantage of programming offered. One of the best ways to get acquainted is to volunteer to serve on at least one committee. Organizations don't run successfully without a lot of members sharing the work of the group. Being a member of any group should mean more than just putting your name on the list. Actively participate, please!

I belonged to three guilds in Missouri before moving to Texas. One of the guilds had 70+ and I belonged to that one the longest. There were clicks, but there was enough other members that I felt part of the group. The other two were 20-30 members and I did not feel welcomed to either one of them. I only the clicks wants were taken care of. If one of the click members did not want something done, it was not done. Here in Texas I joined a group of 200-300 members. They are very active, there are clicks, but I am not bothered by them. They offer great meeting programs, and wonderful classes at a really affordable price. They do a lot of charity quilting for different organizations. The meeting last 2 hours with programs that last most of that time. I guess you need to look what it is you want. Everyone is different.

I think friendliness is an important part of a guild, no matter the size. The first guild I joined was lovely and they had a great leader who was funny. We could take a class after the short meeting and there was always show and tell. The ladies were very friendly and kind. Then I went to a guild that was very large and they wanted me to join at the door but I told then I wanted to visit first. There was no friendliness at all. A woman came and sat by me for about 10 minutes until her friends arrived and then she left me there, no introductions to her friends at all. I sat by some women during the meeting who made fun of another woman. I finally got up and left and never went back. I did join another guild that had just started but it was too long a drive for me with my sciatic issues. Friendliness to me is the most important thing. If they aren't friendly, leave.

I've just joined a guild for the first time and some of the things that are important so far are that everyone is friendly (check), they offer numerous classes throughout the year (check) they offer lots of opportunity to get involved (Still trying to see where I fit in there) they have a vigorous outreach programme within the community for charity quilts and other items that everyone takes part in (check) and they do a Show and Tell at every meeting (Haven't got up the nerve yet, but I will.)
So far it's been a good experience and I've enjoyed the speakers and local quilt shops that they have had come in. I haven't noticed any "cliques", but who knows?
I plan to offer my help with the upcoming quilt show and investigate another committee that may need help. I think that's how you really come to know whether a guild or group is for you...by becoming involved.

Watson

I joined a guild a couple years ago as a way to meet people when I moved for school. The main thing I was looking for was a friendly, welcoming environment, which I got in abundance. Other things that I hadn't thought to look for, but that I really enjoyed, included:
- members with a variety of skill levels. There were people with less and more experience than me, so I never felt intimidated, and there were people I could help as well, so I felt useful.
- regular learning workshops, and free sewing times
- a charity component, where I could donate my time and improve my skills using provided fabric, and knowing that my work was going to a good cause.
- a well-stocked library - I spent quite a few hours just looking through books, and learned a lot!

I've since finished school and moved back home, but I really miss my guild. There is a sewing/quilting group here, but it just doesn't fit in with my work schedule, so I sew by myself. I'm still a member of my guild, though, so I get the newsletter, and my dues help keep them going. I try to go to a meeting once a year, but it's 1500+ km each way, so not an easy task!

Also want to add "non-political"...don't quite know how to explain this, but some guilds are run by the "quilt police" and things have to be done their way only.

I LOVE the guild I belong to! Great group of people, lots of programs, lots of charity quilts made, retreats, trips, etc. Would love it if they had a category for "lifetime" membership!

I once joined a Guild.....one that had a stellar reputation, but try as I might, I just could not fit into any of the cliques. Everyone was nice and there were lots of workshops that I participated in. I did everything I was expected to do and more...but still felt like an outsider.....so....after a year, I dropped out and I don't think anyone cared....at least, I didn't hear from anyone......I'm a lone quilter too.....do make quilts now for charities with what I have stashed.

you are lucky to have choices. I get involved in guilds by the areas of quilting I enjoy. Appliqué, sample quilts, quilts that go to a specific Charity. I learned years ago if you go to a meeting or party as a new person, look for a wallflower. They are feeling uncomfortable too. Ask them what type of quilting they like and the rest will take care of itself.
I am splitting my time between two states. So I joined a guild in each state. One has 120 members of which 80-90 attend in a day meeting 10-20 in an evening meeting. Days have a mix of national and local teachers. Evenings are all projects taught be members. There may be what some would call clicks, but it is because some have been members/friends for almost 40 years. There are small groups inside the larger guild, but you must get involved to meet new people.
The 2nd guild I have just joined. Has about 60 members 30 are very active. They have two sewing days every week so it is easy to meet a few members. One person has really taken me under her wing. It takes a friend to be a friend.

I really don't. It needs to be in a reasonable driving distance and have a lot to offer. I am happy with my guild, but am in several other quilting groups.

If you have the time, join more than one! I'm going to be checking out a quilt guild next month and wouldn't rule out joining more than one even though until I retire my time is a bit limited.

I also don't like groups that "require" certain participation. I was part of a wearable arts group back in the day that "required" that you did their challenge every year. I don't particularly like challenges and don't want to spend my limit sewing time doing them and eventually quit because of that.

You nailed it! As far as cliques go, the two guilds I belong to have groups that hang out together, but it's ok to wander to a different group and socialize. One guild is small, and I enjoy that one because it's more relaxed, more a social outing where people do what they want while visiting.

The other group is larger, more goal oriented, offers classes and speakers and so on. It was overwhelming to walk in and not know anyone. But eventually I made friends and eased into the guild activities. As for the political stuff, just be nice to everyone and ignore the bs that some people thrive on. Much easier said than done, I know.

I've attended two guilds: Both I really liked but have not been involved with either one for a long time. I've become too busy playing pickleball! I still quilt but on my own time!

Our ManitobaCanada guild is 300+ members and the halls keep getting too small for the new joins. What I like about our guild is their huge and growing all the time tool, book library we can all benefit from created by members donations. Every mth they clear out the old book/magazines for under 50cents. Of course the show/tell is the highlight. Baby donation another good item.. We get vendors every year for our shopping pleasure. What I dislike is when other quilters with the fortune to own lovely machines and the satellite groups that can at times make me feel a little cheap and black sheep. Something I had to work around by vltr at the hospitality table to avoid issues some might have with myself.. I get to ride with someone when they are available so not alone, otherwise I save money for a taxis and it is my holiday event for the mth. I miss them during summer mths.

Unfortunately the guilds in my immediate area meet during the work day. I've met some of the members of one when the condo I manage had a quilting presentation including show and tell. They seemed very nice. The closest one with evening meetings turned me off before I even visited; the first year I attended a retreat hosted by a local quilt shop, the guild president said 'aren't you brave coming to an event by yourself'. Really? I would think she would have asked if I knew about their guild etc. and while I realize that people will usually gravitate to others they know - organizations should make an effort to reach out to new members/visitors. So I'd be looking for a medium sized group who are welcoming from the beginning, don't pressure you to lead/chair a committee etc until you feel comfortable.

I have tried to join a quilt guild in my area, which I mentioned in another post. I have a slightly different issue in what I am looking for. I may look like everyone else in the quild, but as a gay woman, who lives in a very diverse community, it was really really uncomfortable to be in group meetings of 100 or more all white women, being consistently asked where my husband works, hearing concern expressed about a proposed venue as it is was perceived to be in an unsafe area, a few blocks from my home. (Many police friends have assured me the area is very low crime, but does have a large black population, i.e. Diverse)

If the group had been more friendly, had asked for feedback, or even just acknowledged they would like to increase their diversity of age, race, gender etc, I might have stuck it out, but it makes me feel distinctly uncomfortable to be in a public group that looks like it is self segregating. I know they are good and kind people, but not my cup of tea.

I look for friendliness, too, but have to remember that as a newcomer, I need to introduce myself and ask questions about the other person. There are probably cliques, but generally, if one goes up and asks someone a question about quilting or complements a project they've brought for Show and Tell, it opens communication.
My guild has bus trips, retreats, national speakers, a quilt show every other year and two meetings a month. There's a weekly sewing group that everyone can attend, but I am too busy to schedule it in...that's how to get to know others. One on one or in a small group. I do take almost every class offered, because there are always little nuggets of information. I hope you visit as many guilds as you can. Then decide.

There are quite a few guilds or groups in my area with different sizes, goals, agendas, and so on. Currently, I belong to a large guild which has a specific agenda for each monthly meeting, usually with a well known speaker, as well as committees. There is enough time provided for some socializing. Members are encouraged to help on committees but no one is made to feel bad if she does not want to be on a committee or hold an office. The best part are the "bees" which are much smaller groups with different purposes, such as piecing group, charity group, etc. Participation is not required. I belong to the piece lovers group and it is so fun. Our goal this year is to have fun with scraps.

The next group I joined is for longarm quilters but everyone is welcome. Approx. 10-12 ladies attend the 2-hour monthly meetings. A specific topic is provided each month for sharing ideas and tips along with shows and tells of all kinds. A very lovely and friendly group.

I recently joined a charity group which has no agenda, no dues and no bylaws. It is a very flexible group whose main goal is to make charity quilts for children (there are helpful guidelines) which are donated to over ten charities in the area. In 2015, over 1500 quilts were donated. I understand that machines do not have to be hauled in for sewing but the ladies can make as many as they want and bring them to the meetings. My first meeting was lovely, and the ladies made me feel very welcomed.

So if you are looking to join a group, try a couple meetings before deciding to join. Some groups will charge a guest fee to attend a meeting before you decide to join. It takes time for ladies to know you and time for you to know them. If you don't find one you like, try another group.

That is old biddyness talking. Most guilds have a few old biddys with tunnel vision. I've learned to ignore them, they don't contribute to me having a nice time.

I have tried a couple of guilds in my area. Both were very clicky. Everyone went off into their own little groups. Myself and another lady was sent off to a seperate room and given a quilt to baste for a cherity. We never seen anyone until it was time to go home. We never went back. I decided to spend time with a couple of really good friends once or twice a week. We sew and have a lot of fun. Forget the guilds. It us too bad that guilds have to be that way.

I would have raised my voice and said I don't know anyone and it seems that is the way you want to keep it so I'll be leaving you to your own company. There is no excuse for such rudeness.

I don't expect response to my posting as I am "one of THOSE Smoking people", I haven't joined any guilds as I'm sure that I would offend someone with any smell of smoke that happened to be on me and I had my fill of Cliques when I was in school many many years ago. IMHO those cliques make a person feel so inferior and I feel that way enough on my own that I don't need complete strangers treating me that way. I would love to have some comrade feeling friends to help me learn new aspects of quilting beyond what I have learned myself from You Tube and following blogs that I can glean information from. Perhaps someday I will get brave enough to seek out a guild to attend to see how I'm treated (hopefully nicely) and possibly join since I am at the "sponge stage" just wanting to soak in any knowledge that I can in every aspect of quilting. Thank You members of this most wonderful place of learning called The Quilting Board!
Jeri

I would like quilt guild meetings during the day or early evening not after 7.00pm. When they begin later they don't finish until 11.00 pm which is too late for me to function.