Hi, I wish we lived closer so that we could start our own group or you could join our "Has Beens" group of diverse ladies (and one gentleman) who needed more than what our local guild has to offer. Like you, I did not fit in nor did I like what I saw in the guild itself. Oh, yes, I know they can be great and supportive, but the level of nitpicking and outright anger at some of these meetings was a real turn-off. They were not welcoming to newcomers considering their select circle to be such advanced quilters that they did not seem to want to teach or to mentor a new quilter. Happily, we have smaller, less formal groups who meet, and thank goodness--no by-laws, no dues, no filing a tax return, etc., etc. So happy quilting to you. :D