I don't belong to a guild, and don't think I ever will. I have tried twice, and both times I've left feeling like the outsider I obviously was. The last time was at a very well known LQS that had extended invitations by email to customers. Once there they had absolutely no interest in anyone new, and all chit chatted between themselves. At one point they told us to "go tour the store" to get ideas. Not sure why we were invited , we already knew the store! After about 15 minutes 4 of us left, and went down the street to a local cafe for lunch. We talked, had a good time talking quilting, and parted ways. Afterwards I realized we should have started our own guild! Oftentimes it is extremely difficult for some of us to put ourselves out there. Shyness, panic, lack of self confidence, or any number of reasons hinder us. Don't think I want to do that again.