I have been fortunate with meeting internet quilters. We have met at a restaurant or quilt shop. Here in my town, we met and then started a sewing group at the local senior center. I never knew these ladies before meeting them in a yahoo group. Now we are best friends.
I have been to a meet and greet of quiltingboard members in Lansing and met some wonderful ladies too. We met at a quilt shop. The owner gave a demo in the classroom. One lady brought snacks. Then to a nearby restaurant for lunch and show and tell. Was a fun day.
I met other QB members in Florida the same way. Now I sew with them occasionally in the winter.
Hang in there. Good friends can come from strangers met on QB.