jackkip

I would run, not walk away! Personally I have never even tried to go to a quilt guild. The few times I have been around guilds at quilt shows it is not a pleasant experience. There are times I really wished that I had other "quilting" friends, but I am ok with be a loner. The drama is just not worth the benifit. I know there are people that will disagree with me, but this is how I feel. I want to be happy in life and being around unhappy, grouchy people is not the thing for me.

Lucille A

you go girl. What is good for one is not always good for everyone.

Belles.hold

Sounds like you started a Bee not a guild, which is wonderful! I belong to two Bees along with my guild. And you're right, with such a small group it's neat to be wanted and missed. As Lucille A said: "What is good for one is not always good for everyone."

Lois-nounoe

I went to my first ever guild a few weeks ago. Turned out to be a once a year auction of things the others no longer wanted or needed to get money for the treasury. I spent $13 and got so much stuff I started to worry about how to get it all in the front seat of my little pickup! (had a terrific storm while there so wet truck bed!) Did get it all home and the next day had a "Christmas in June" party all by myself! LOL I'm going to go to the next one in a couple of weeks and see if it is what I expect it to be. Hope so. Need to get a social life. We live in the country and no one around with the same interest. Hubby is very supportive but he loves everything I do. Good (or very smart) man!

baubo1234

That is exactly how I feel here. Everyone is so friendly!!

skothing

So glad you went. Good for you on the find of good stuff. My one quild has a garage sale for members in the fall. I usally buy somethings. But this year I will have things to sale. I am redoing the basement into a quilt heaven studio. I have 26 cannon lights that make it daylight anytime of the day. I am donating things to my church quild too. They always can use fabric and the like. With 12 woman they put out unbelievable about of charity quilts. Over 50 for children in hospital last year.

I've read reseach that woman who isolate die sooner with more health problems. We need each other and the human contact. I meet with my friends outside of the quld for lunch or just shopping. Invite someone to go for coffee. If she can't go ask someone else. :-D

Baloonatic

I think it's a common problem, one of my guilds has addressed it in meetings so many times but it still happens! There just isn't a lot of time to make friends in a guild meeting, but being nice to the Newby is a must! Join a smaller friendship group, you can't fail there. After over 15 years in my guild, if my friends (from my friendship group) aren't there to sit with, I feel like the newby!

kapatt

My quilt guild is a little like that. The guild is so big (around 180-200) and many people don't always come to every meeting that I have no idea who is new. In my group, if you do talk to people, they try to be friendly, but they're a liitle anxious to talk to a friend so they don't stay very long.

As for the stunning quilts that they've made...oh, my gosh. Some of them are published in quilt magazines. My neighbor goes with me to the guild meetings and we just look at each other because their quilts are far above our quilts.

Now, after saying all of that, my guild is a great group to go to quilt retreats with. They are helpful, and not snobbish. They are great at giving tips on different things and they always admire what you are making. But you see, the quilt retreats are just a small group (maybe 20 or so). We all chit-chat and sew...(and eat chocolates)...sew..chit-chat. It is a lot of fun.

The best way to join in with the guild, is to get involved at their next quilt show. Volunteer at the many different jobs that they have.

gloria farmer

I had the same thing happen to me overseas, but I waited about 2months and then I went back and now I have fun with all the ladies. when I came back to the states I join another group and now I'm their leader, I'm glad I went back, keep going it will get better.

dcamarote

I just joined a group last november. I felt exactly the same way. I don't think anyone does it on purpose; it's just that they already know one another and migrate towards those they have already gotten to know. I have been there 6 months now and I love it. We have a once a year quilting weekend and I went to that and was amazed at the friendship I found. I am now part of their sewing bee which meets once a month. Also, I volunteered for a committee job which has helped me get to know even more people. But, I know how you feel. But, you should join and I recommend volunteering to help with something. A great way to break the ice.
Diane in Garnet VAlley, Pa. Member of Brandywine Valley Quilters.