scottjudy

I would find another guild in the area. I know that some of the guilds are not very friendly, but there are loads of them that are. I belong to one in Indy and one in Florida because we winter there. I can hardly keep up with them, but both are very friendly. If you really want to be in one, there is probably one that will fit you.

mjsylvstr

Another nice thing that goes on each and every week.....as soon as the meeting is open, our president asks for any new member or a guest of anyone...to please stand and tell us all where they reside and a bit about themselves.

One lady was visiting from Ireland.......was not afriend of any quilt member but heard that we were having a Thursday morning meeting..

.........she came and was so delighted that she returned a few times before returning to her homeland.

gzuslivz

I, too, think that once is not enough to make a decision about a group. However, I have found several guilds to be clique-ish and too many "have-to" projects. We have a group at our church that is very friendly, a large variety of experience and interests and only a few joint projects. You need to find the place where you are comfortable.

Butterfli19

Wow! Beautiful quilts!

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. I had no idea there would be this many and am not finished reading them all yet.

This guild seems to have a raffle, each person brings a fat quarter of the theme of the month and they raffle off the basket. Then they do a show and tell, have snacks which are assigned to different people, talk about upcoming quilt-related shows and things, and maybe a guest speaker. Some of the ladies hold classes but I am not sure of the cost. One is doing a stocking class in October.

There isn't any sewing done during the meeting, unless you bring something to hand-sew.

I'm still deciding. I may go to another one but I won't pay dues until I decide. I figure one more will tell me whether or not I want to continue.

burnsk

You are about an hour from Lansing? They have a great group (the Lansing Clippers). They are part of the ASG. I tried an Ann Arbor group and they were rather snooty. The Clippers are a lot of fun. It's an hour and 20 minute drive for me but I can do it once a month. I'm not sure but I think there is a gal from your area there. PM me and I can get you some info if you are interested. You would be welcome to join. Come visit and check them out. They are big and have some neighborhood group off-shoots.

lots2do

One of our members also came up with a birthday idea. She made a big cardboard cake, covered with shiny fabric and beading. She takes fat quarters, rolls them and made candles out of toothpicks and colored paper flames. Toothpicks go into the rolled fats which are inserted into holes in the cake. When it's your birthday month, you go up, everyone sings and you get to pick a fat quarter (but return the candle). Another fun little thing to welcome all members.

burnsk

lots2do - love that idea. I going to suggest it at our next meeting. What a fun thing to do.

M.I.Late

The same thing happened to me. I went a few times and they warmed up. The nearest town to us was 75 miles away so this was our only choice. I didn't continue as they were very clicky. I found it much nicer to get to know the LQS owner and spend a little more time in the store - learned alot doing that. Good luck what ever you do.

skothing

As an older woman now I find it hard to move as I once could. Sometimes people see me as stand offish. But I am in pain most of the time. It is hard to smile but I force myself to be kind and sweet to those I can get close to. If you ask I will share tips Ive learned along the way. Try sitting by an older lady and ask questions as to how long shes been quilting what her faviote colors are, etc.
Good luck.

MI Applique Queen

Thank you so much for the offer. But I don't like to drive at night, any more than I have to. Night blindness makes it a long drive for me. I work until 5:30 everyday so can't go to day quilds or bee's. I really need to find something close to home. I think I will talk to someone at the 2 fabric stores I go to. I hadn't thought of that. Also we have a senior community center near by. This year I will be old enough to join. I will talk to them also. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful suggestions.