Joan

I have just moved to a new area and joined one of the guilds here.

Everyone has been very welcoming and the meetings are well organized and informative. Like others mentioned, I do like the show and tell part best and every creation is appreciated equally whether it is a complicated "work of art" or just squares sewn together.

We do comfort quilts, there are always fun raffles and we have just completed an opportunity quilt. (I worked on it!----very fun)
The guild offers workshops at resonable prices, too, taught by quilters from other areas. All in all it has been a great experience. Be sure to volunteer and get involved.

It is a good way to get acquainted with other people that share your love of quilting!

Cindy57

I believe that "perfect" is not something that most guilds look for....they are looking for "sharing" of knowledge, ideas, etc.

I do belong to a guild and have made many friends there and have gotten untold knowledge from those that are there.

I recommend you join....... :-)

isewman

Just to fill in your question..I belong to 3 guilds,And every body that I have met, are wonderful people.. Some people I've noticed, arent as friendly, but the ladies tell me, dont worry about those people.. It will take some people a little longer to get to know you..Here's another little comment. I'm the only guy in 2 of those guild's, and I'm treated just like one of ladies(ha-ha)..The 3rd guild, there's 4-5 other men, and they say there treated not any different.. So enjoy, the guild's.. Thing's will eventually mellow out.. Don-isewman1

Dodie

I am a member of 2 guilds and love them both and I joined for the learning which is great but it does take awhile to get to know the ladies but it does happen especially in the classes we encourage new members and the purpose is to help and teach beginners so I say go and enjoy Dodie

May in Jersey

I've belong to a guild for about 8 years. You can learn so much by attending lectures, workshops and trunk shows given by guest speakers and guild members, not to mention viewing quilts each meeting during Show and Tell. Best of all, you get to talk about quilting to people who understand what you're talking about, not like your family and friends whose eyes roll when you talk quilting. Exception would be when that family member or friend wants you to make them a quilt.

Give it a try as most guild allow you to attend their meetings as guests before you decide whether or not to join. If you do join the best way to get to know other members is join a small group. I belong to 2 in my Guild, Crazy 8's (that's because we very rarely have 8 members) who decide upon projects we do individually and Story Weavers, who read books and get inspiration for quilts. My Guild also has several applique groups and an art quilt group. I say, Go For It.

May in Jersey

Scissor Queen

I belong to 4 guilds right now. Guilds are the best places for inspiration, encouragement, information, and help when you need it!!

It's really fun to take a "problem" pattern or quilt and get advice from a whole bunch of people on how to fix it. Everybody will have different ideas on how to fix the problem and you get to choose the best one for you!

And nobody makes perfect quilts!! They may not have big, glaring mistakes but there will always be minor imperfections in anything made by hand.

Yarn or Fabric

I went to our only (That I know of) guild meeting last month to check it out. It was pretty boring. I keep watching online to see if they are doing workshops that I might want to get in on but have not seen any at all that interest me. As large as our local guild is I have found the workshops to be far and few between.... In fact their next one will be in NOVEMBER!!!

My friends and I have pretty much decided that we probably need to start our own not so long and boring with a ton of talking - and mix it in to a sewing group instead - this way we can all actually learn or do something each time we meet.... I was saddened that the guild didn't talk about techniques or anything. Having said that I was not able to stay for the lecturer since I was only a guest... but I'm also not much of a lecture type of a person. I prefer hands on.

I was really really wanting to like it but after watching their website looking at what their lecture speakers are talking about and not being interested in any of the speakers since last January I should have already known I was going to be less than impressed. I had hoped for a lot more I guess.

The only positive thing I got out of attending the meeting was they did a show and tell time and I saw a few quilts that were very pretty. They also have a large lending library of quilting books... they had a few that I was considering purchasing. The $25 dues for the year might be worth it just to be able to borrow books instead of purchasing them.

I don't think I'll be joining the guild though. I really really wanted to like it but I was super disappointed.

oksewglad

I joined a small local guild last fall. Since I live in a rural community I knew a couple of members, but have met new women as well. We hold meetings during the "school year". It's been a fun experience-lots of sharing, suggestions, and support. Looking forward to the Sept meeting. Go for it

Jim's Gem

I belong to our local Guild. Though I don't get to go all that often because I volunteer at mentor mom for a MOPS group and unfortunately they end up on the same day alot.
The guild I am in has over 300 members. We bring in some real talented speakers, some nationally known. I get lots of inspiration when I go. I have only shared 2 of my quilts personally. Everyone was really nice and encouraging and wanted to see it up closer. I do have 2 of my best friends that are member as well so I sit with them. I have a great time when I can make it there!!!

judithb

We have a large guild group. They are very friendly and helpful. Love the show and tell time. Wow! I am always inspired by the talent in our guild. Have not met any unfriendly ones. We have great speakers who usually teach 1 or 2 days, an awesome quilt show each year and the usual quilts for kids, library, door prizes, etc. There are individual smaller groups within the guild as well. I have learned so much just by attending the meetings. It is well worth the few dollars a year to attend. We have several men attending too.
There is another smaller guild near that I have attended as well. Haven't joined yet, but will eventually. Just due to time, they meet the same week.