went to first guild meeting, felt like an intruder - what would you do?
06-22-2010, 08:02 AM
#101
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: From WI then Denver then Houston and now Hainesville, IL
Posts: 314
Wish you were closer so we could start a guild!
I went to my first American Sewing Guild meeting 2 years ago, and I still feel like an "outsider"!
Have always wondered if it is because I am ONLY 53???
Just decided to stop going, as I am tired of being the only "friendly one"!
That is reason I haven't tried the local quilt meetings...
If you ever move to Illinois, we can start our own!
Signed, "shunned in Chicago!" :lol:
I went to my first American Sewing Guild meeting 2 years ago, and I still feel like an "outsider"!
Have always wondered if it is because I am ONLY 53???
Just decided to stop going, as I am tired of being the only "friendly one"!
That is reason I haven't tried the local quilt meetings...
If you ever move to Illinois, we can start our own!
Signed, "shunned in Chicago!" :lol:
06-22-2010, 08:04 AM
#102
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 17
Most quilt guilds meet September to May or June. The June, July and August meetings, if there are any meetings, are not really representative of the full guild. I belong to a few guilds, and sometimes it takes a while to make your own place in each guild. Also, note that big guilds have a wider representation of different kinds of members -- quilt enthusiasts (quilt and fabric lovers/admirers) to expert quilters; people who work and barely get any time to quilt, to people who spend several hours a day quilting. A larger quilt guild usually has more guest speakers, big show and tell, bus trips, and retreat, so these are other advantages of big guilds. Usually meetings at big guilds have an agenda so it is easy to attend meetings and see what they have and listen and blend right in. I would go as a guest a few times to several guilds and then decide. Quilters are usually very friendly, but there are some that may be a little intimidating. Give yourself a chance because most guild memberships are not that expensive and a great way for socializing. Go to quiltguilds.com to find guilds in your state and check out their web site, which usually tells about their membership and visitor policy.
06-22-2010, 09:12 AM
#104
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: currently central new jersey
Posts: 8,623
Originally Posted by DebraK
Write them off. I'm a big believer in first impressions if it involves a whole group. Life is too short to try to fit in with a group who made you feel that way right off the bat. You seem like a very nice person, I can't fathom why they weren't more welcoming.
if there are so few of them and they can't spend a few moments to say hello, then are you sure you want their company? i say trust your instincts. they're not good enough for you.
maybe your friend would like to meet once or twice a month just the two of you, and you can tell her why.
06-22-2010, 09:19 AM
#105
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 451
I felt the same way. I love to quilt and I am happy with what I do but when I went to the guild meeting I felt like there is a lot more to know than I know. I think we just get intimidated by all the beautiful work. I have to admit though that I did not go back, I didn't feel I fit.
But then again that could be my problem.
Maybe this is TMI
But then again that could be my problem.
Maybe this is TMI
06-22-2010, 09:24 AM
#107
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 986
I moved from NYC to PA - no one stuck out like me-I was determined to make some quiltig friends,I was purposly oblivious to them at the beginning, so for me it was do or die. 16 years later - I have some really close quilting friends-they are great and well worth the effort to get to know them.
06-22-2010, 10:20 AM
#108
Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 14
I had been thinking about joining a quit guild in my area. Now I'm not so sure. Usually I just browse through this web page and read everyones comments, suggestions, and so on. BUT this time it got my goat, for lack of a better phrase, and felt I had to reply. First of all I don't feel that you should have to keep going back in order to be accepted wasting your time and money. Are we grownups or not. Personaly they don't deserve you. Find another friendlier group.
06-22-2010, 10:26 AM
#109
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Cape Coral, Florida
Posts: 100
Hi, I'm new to the forum. When I lived in MA I had some bad experiences with guilds so I hesitated before joining a guild when I moved to FL. Guess I've been lucky, ecause I found a great group. They are very much into making community or charity quilts and are very friendly and very willing to share tips, patterns, etc.
06-22-2010, 11:00 AM
#110
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: lovely Elmhurst, IL
Posts: 930
I, too have found the groups I visited to be tight and formidable so did not ever join. I asked a few people in one group if they used EQ5 and the answer was "e-e-e-e-e-e-wwwwww." End of story.
On the other hand, EVERY SINGLE PERSON on this board is all I ever hoped for! My questions are answered, inspiration is provided, camaraderie abounds through its participants around the world. I am disabled and this board is all I ever need, thanks to all!
On the other hand, EVERY SINGLE PERSON on this board is all I ever hoped for! My questions are answered, inspiration is provided, camaraderie abounds through its participants around the world. I am disabled and this board is all I ever need, thanks to all!
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