What do you look for in a Quilt Guild?
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nawth o' Boston
Posts: 1,879
I haven't found a guild I didn't like. When I lived in Oregon, I belonged to 3 guilds. One was very small - under 30 women. The second was very large - close to 300 - and the third was probably around 100. Each had its advantages. The small guild was like a bunch of friends getting together for show and tell and an occasional outing, but lack of funds meant that there would never be any prominent quilters to lecture or teach. The other guilds had frequent top-notch speakers. It was natural that not everyone knew everyone else in the larger guilds, and people who already know each other are more likely to hang around together. I wouldn't call that a clique.
Now that I've moved to California, I've joined two guilds. One is large, and one is still small, having just started up this year. The new one is a branch of the Modern Quilt Guild. Again, there are people who know each other and people who don't know each other - yet. But I haven't met anyone who isn't friendly when approached.
Edited to say: I just realized I didn't answer the original question, which was what do you look for in a quilt guild. The answer, for me, is that I don't look for anything specific. I get something different out of each guild. I expect to find friendly and creative people, and I always do, because quilters are generous with their time and talent. I also realize that a guild can't function unless all of its members help out in some way, so I volunteer where I can. Every guild is going to have its own unique personality, and for me that's a good reason to join more than one guild.
Now that I've moved to California, I've joined two guilds. One is large, and one is still small, having just started up this year. The new one is a branch of the Modern Quilt Guild. Again, there are people who know each other and people who don't know each other - yet. But I haven't met anyone who isn't friendly when approached.
Edited to say: I just realized I didn't answer the original question, which was what do you look for in a quilt guild. The answer, for me, is that I don't look for anything specific. I get something different out of each guild. I expect to find friendly and creative people, and I always do, because quilters are generous with their time and talent. I also realize that a guild can't function unless all of its members help out in some way, so I volunteer where I can. Every guild is going to have its own unique personality, and for me that's a good reason to join more than one guild.
Dunster, you are a treasure! I haven't been reading this board for ages, just tuned in and read this. I missed all you ladies, for sure!
Your attitude is how I was taught by grandmother in this rhyme: 'I went out to find a friend, friends there were nowhere. I went out to BE a friend, and friends were everywhere!' I have been debating about joining a guild, and you have put a light on my path
#42
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,393
I don't expect response to my posting as I am "one of THOSE Smoking people"
#44
Well Oldtime i,m one of the bad smokers to lol.
And have gone to a couple guilds here in Northern And just does not feel right not sure what it is .
Maybe it,s there is this guy walking in and listening what all the ladies are talking about HAHA
Just not sure. Even went to one guild that does quilts for cancer and just not my cup of tea.
So I just sew here at home and have all the help I could ever need in my life from this board .
So i,m happy quilting and taking a break for a smoke and maybe a beer.
And taking my quilts to the Hospital to give to patients.
Tom
And have gone to a couple guilds here in Northern And just does not feel right not sure what it is .
Maybe it,s there is this guy walking in and listening what all the ladies are talking about HAHA
Just not sure. Even went to one guild that does quilts for cancer and just not my cup of tea.
So I just sew here at home and have all the help I could ever need in my life from this board .
So i,m happy quilting and taking a break for a smoke and maybe a beer.
And taking my quilts to the Hospital to give to patients.
Tom
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,463
I belonged to a guild many years ago and the most important thing to me was how at easy I felt with the other people. I would never want to be around a bunch of people that made me uncomfortable. I left the guild because they insisted that part of being in the guild was being on committees and being in charge of stuff. It was just to big. I just wanted to quilt and make friends. I learned guilds were not my style and I am a lone quilter now and very happy that way.
Hope you find a nice guild.
peace
Hope you find a nice guild.
peace
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
I personally like the companionship of a bee....less structured, no dues, reports....just get together, do your own thing or a joint project or a quick tip from one or more of group, and snacks don't hurt...or group lunch or whatever....and meeting more than once a month......the guild I belong to (for now) has one, but it's a cliquey, arty one...not interested...there is another group, actually two, that are "bee-ish), but only do hand quilting..to confining. So I will just work in my space and listen to audio books for company.
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