quiltinghere

I joined the guild of over 100 this past fall. I lucked out sitting at a table with a welcoming group of ladies. I even thanked them for that at the holiday luncheon. The were touched.

If the dues are something you can easily afford, I'd suggest joining, attend the meetings and 'check out THE QUILTERS'. Some people are chatty, some are quiet and shy, some are kind and friendly, and yes, some are just rude. *Watch and learn* who's who. (You can do this with any organization.)

If someone is a commitee chairperson, step up and introduce yourself after the meeting and volunteer to help a little. They'll be so appreciative. You will get to know others when you help.

If your friend has been a member for a while, maybe she can make a suggestion to the Board to remind members how they felt when joining a new group and to be welcoming to new members. Our Board members remind us!

After all how is the organization going to grow and do more for the community if you don't get more members?

mpspeedy

I belong to two guilds. The first started out with about 6 people in a member's house. It has now grown to over 100. Over the years it has moved three different times to accomadate the growing membership. When I started I was a beginning quilter by modern standards. After 30 years I have seen and done just about everything quilt related. I have held various postions in both guilds and find volunteering to help with some project or task is the best way to get friends. Most recently I catered the guild's annual Christmas Party. I finally stopped complaining about the previous chairperson and put my money where my mouth was. It went very well but I won't do that again. I think I was able to break the hold that member had on the affair for at least 20 years. It was more than time for new blood and new ideas. Quilting like other things is constantly evolving. Both guilds have several semi-professional long armers that now finish at least 50% of the quilts produced by the members. All guilds have members at differnt stages in their quilting journey. As a new member you need to feel your way to the smaller group that reflects where you are in your quilting.
Being a member of a guild gives you access to classes and lectures by professional quilt people that you might not be able to afford on your own.

gollytwo

Go back and join. First of all you're in NE - not the talkee-immediately friendly bunch.
Volunteer for something; if they have a retreat go to it. You get to spend time with individuals.
I had the same experience at the first 2 guilds I joined, but hung in there and have over time made alot of good friends.

The next guild I joined SooNipi Quilt Guild in Newport was a different experience. At the time I joined they had monthly home mtgs in addition to Guild mtgs, so you really could get to know people quickly.
Geography is not my long suit - if Newport isn't too far. We meet the 3rd Thursday from 10 to 1. I'm sending you a PM.

Charlee

Here's a link for the NH county extension offices...

http://extension.unh.edu/Counties/Counties.htm

sewgull

Join a group that sews. I have found quilds to be unfriendly groups. Sewing and quilting is suppose to be fun not to be chore. Everone has different views on a pattern.

Find another group, there are nice groups out there.

knlsmith

This board is my guild. Everyone here is soooooo awesome!! Even on our bad days! :)

Boston1954

I have been places that I was made to feel that way. Not quilting groups but other stuff.

I would say go as a guest with your friend just once more. If they still snub you, it is THEIR loss.

shopella

I was 13 my first ever guild meeting I compleated a top and my mom wanted me to come. they were having a quilt day and the ladys would not let me quilt insted I re threded needles for the older ladies who's sight was poor and helped with coffe and tea. I did impress alot of older ladies that I did not complain and did as I was asked but I did not find out about that untill some time later.I like smaller projects too if you want to impress others with your'e work than it is not the size that matters but the quantity and what you do with them...have you thought about making up a large amount of doll quilts and donating to a childrens hospital? or lap blankets for an elderly home. big qudos around Christmas of course you will need lots of photos to show the ladys.If you are looking for a groop that is more open try finding out there intrests and make a smaller version.. or you could bring a pie! I like the Idea of quilted table runners with every kind of pie quilted on it.who is not welcome with such a feast!(and a zero calorie treat too!)

Cuilteanna

I spent two years as a member of one of these unfriendly groups, and even tried to join the board. That went so badly that I quit before my year was up and have never gone back.

The only plus to it was the vendors there, since there are no quilt shops I could sometimes pick up bits and pieces that I needed. There were also giveaways by some very generous people who got drapery samples. I liked seeing some of the members' quilts, but it wasn't worth the high cost of joining.

Prism99

Target used to sell 18" dolls very similar in size to the American Girl dolls, but much less expensive.