skothing

Each meeting, and each guild is different. I have been invited to jion groups that are closed to most because of the type of art quilts I do. I haven't had time yet to go. Each quild does different things. Church quilds do projects for the community;s benfit while a stand alone has many different focuses. I now belong to 2 guilds. The church welcomes all as well as my stand alone. But some quilds are closed to new people as they don't have the room. A local quilt shop is a great resourse to find a guild that is open and friendly in your area. I love my 2 guilds and have developed warm friendshipships. Keep trying. It is worth it!

LeeAnn

I had the same experience. I felt like an outsider. A few people spoke and seemed nice but no one went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I think only 2 people spoke to me. Very uncomfortable. Sad because I was so excited to go and the outcome was not even close to what I expected. I don't think all guilds are like this. I've never gone to another. Maybe someday I will try it again.

Lucille A

Of course Guys can join. Some of the best quilters are men, Ricky Tims, John Flynn.

Lucille A

Absolutely keep trying. The local quilt shop is a great idea. I have belonged to 3 Guilds, and although there is an occasional stinker, by and far, the nice outweigh them. Bee's can also be a good alternative.

Denise85

I had the same thing happen to me. I joined with my stepmom because someone had invited us. I went to one of the meetings by myself because my stepmom was sick and not one person sat with me or even spoke to me. I have not been back since.

grannyshep

Butterfli, you may enjoy the larger one more. I belong to a large group in the winter and each week we bring whatever it is we're working on at the time. Our projects DRAW on lookers and conversations. Try the small group one, more time and take it from there. The small group I belong to works around a frame and that seems to make for friendly conversations. Also, the other members accomplishments don't intimidate me as much as encourage me to try different techniques and larger projects.

MI Applique Queen

I have contacted a few small quilds and quilting bees in my area in the last 2 years. Not one has responded. I have tried to contact someone at the West Mi Quilting Guild and no one has responded. I had questions. I too do not want to send money and find out they will not accept me. It is disappointing to be ignored but would be worse to be rejected. I would like to figure out a way to meet quilters in my area and start our own quilting bee. Anyone know how to go about that?

reach for the stars 2

Keep trying different guilds you may find one you like. I have found that they tend to be clicky. I was born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. About 10 years ago we moved to central Illinois. Every time I said something they say Oh you're from Chicago(didn't know I had an accent)and that was that I was a Northern. I didn't know we were still fighting the Civil War, but here in these small towns I guess we are.

MI Applique Queen

No it's not but if they ignore you they won't get to know you. Also it it rude to treat people like that. I have found quilters to be so friendly and helpful in most situations, except for guilds and bee's. What is with that?

MichelleJ

Every guild is different - whether quilting, embroidery, sewing. I never joined American Sewing Guild when I lived in one state because I had heard they focused mostly on quilting, which I didn't do at the time. Joined it in another state - found no emphasis on quilting, and it was a terrific group. Belonged to two very large quilt guilds in Colorado (state guild, and another multi-state contemporary guild) and loved them. But, I wasn't seeking friendships - I joined for the learning. They offered wonderful speakers and workshops I couldn't access any other way. The guild I am in now - good friends, and good speakers and programs. Do I like every meeting? NO. Do I agree with some of the programs we are involved with, and some of the donations we make (requiring the membership to do a lot of fund-raising)? NO. Do I always like the programs? NO. Are some of the members not so nice? YES. But on balance, it is more than worth the dues to belong to this group. We have an annual retreat (reasonably priced) that I enjoy very much, I have made some really good friends here over the 6 years I have been a member, and I have heard some really good speakers and attended some wonderful workshops. We also have a terrific library that all our members can access - an advantage of larger guilds. (My guild has around 200 members, with more than 100-120 in attendance each month.) And of course, some people find this too big for comfort.
I think it is worthwhile to ask yourself why you want to join a guild. Is it for social reasons (perfectly valid!), or to learn more, or to be energized to do more when you leave the meeting, or.....? Will you be uncomfortable in a big group? (Most large guilds also have small groups that meet monthly or weekly, and our guild helps new members find a small group to join.)

Good luck - and for all of you who have been reluctant to consider guilds - give them a try, at least!

Sorry this is so long....