Consider a Quilters Guild!
The Benefits of Joining a Quilters Guild
After years of being a solo quiltmaker working in isolation, I decided to join a quilters guild so I could make connections with other quiltmakers. It has been a rich journey and one I would recommend to anyone considering joining a guild! Let’s explore some of the advantages of being a member of a quilting organization…
Show and Tell
One of the most immediate benefits of being in a quilters guild is the opportunity to share your work! Most guilds have a “show and tell” time blocked out for each meeting, during which members can show their latest projects and/or explain the creation of them. This is a very satisfying way to share your talents with a knowledgeable audience that is both receptive and genuinely interested! The positive response to your finished creations is gratifying and simultaneously motivating.
Meet Fellow Quiltmakers
While this one seems obvious, it is nevertheless heartwarming to meet people who share your passion of quiltmaking! Tips and techniques are shared, solutions to quiltmaking problems are suggested, and compliments provide encouragement. The opportunity to socialize through the medium of a shared craft provides interaction and a chance to build a network of new friends.
Learn New Techniques
Guilds often have an educational programming component, providing workshops on new techniques. Guest speakers explain the expertise their quilts are known for and show inspiring examples of their creations. Hands-on activities allow members to try new construction techniques under the guidance of experts. Some activities that might seem too involved to set up at home can be tried out in the group setting. For example, my quilters guild had a session for everyone to try a soy wax batik print-making opportunity, and each of us made a pretty sample of batik fabric! This would have been too messy and elaborate for me to consider trying at home, but with it all set up by the guild, it was fun to get to explore the process!
Create Quilts for the Community
Most guilds make quilts as community service for groups like hospices, hospitals, veterans’ groups and other community support organizations. Members construct the quilt tops at home, often using simple, quick block patterns sewn with fabric donations from members. Other members who own and operate longarm quilting machines do the quilting and still others volunteer their time to bind the quilts. With each quilt presented to the community, the gift of caring by the quilting community is offered as well.
The” Free Stuff” Table
This table could be labeled “One quilter’s junk is another quilter’s treasure”! New or gently used gadgets, books, patterns and notions are on display along with free fabrics – fat quarters, bundles, yardage and scraps! A person can find just the item they need at this table or provide the items someone else will find invaluable!
Quilt Shows
Guilds sometimes hold their own quilt shows or are part of a larger umbrella organization that holds major shows featuring the work of many guilds. These shows are a great opportunity to challenge oneself to put work on display or even enter it for judging. It is a proud moment to see your work hanging on display with other quilts, and being part of a guild makes it possible to participate!
Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Finally, finding a kindred spirit who shares the love of creating with fabric allows for connections and sharing on a deeper level than may be possible from non-quiltmakers. Being part of a quilting community stitches relationships that are as strong as the fabrics and threads that forge and bind quilts together!
PS - Here’s a shout out to my quilters guild, Nimble Thimbles of Chandler, Arizona, a chapter of the Arizona Quilters Guild!