Whether you’ve been quilting for years or have just begun your journey, you may have come across quilt guilds. Perhaps you’ve heard others talk about them, or you’ve stumbled upon them while searching online for ways to perfect your 1/4" seam allowance.
I discovered quilt guilds long before I joined one myself. When I moved to a new community, I decided to join a small local guild to meet other quilters. Later, after purchasing a longarm machine and starting a quilting business, I joined a couple more guilds to expand my network and.....well, because it was fun! I'm now an enthusiastic member of three different guilds! There's my cozy local guild, a vibrant modern quilt guild, and a larger guild where I proudly serve on the executive committee. I know, three sounds like a lot, but quilting is both my business and my hobby.
I've had a wonderful experience being part of guilds, and I highly recommend joining one if you can. Here's why:
Joining a quilt guild offers the warmth and camaraderie of a welcoming community. Although many of us enjoy the solitary nature of quilting, it's also nice to connect with others who share our passion for fabric, color, and creativity. The connections made within guilds often develop into lasting friendships - just ask any guild member. Meeting regularly with other quilters also provides a fresh perspective on your work and helps you grow as a quilter.
Quilt guilds provide endless opportunities for learning and growth. Many offer workshops and lectures from expert quilters, allowing you to hone your skills and explore new techniques. You'll gain valuable insights from seasoned quilters and can experiment with new projects. I've recently taken workshops with Pat Pauly, Cristina Arecenegui Bono and Veruschka Zarate - all amazing quilters who shared completely different quilting techniques. Images of their work are shown here.
Guild meetings also offer a platform to ask for advice and share tips with fellow members. Whether you’re seeking guidance on color combinations, pattern adjustments, or troubleshooting sewing challenges, the collective knowledge of the guild is an invaluable resource.
A quilt guild is a constant source of inspiration. Guild meetings often include "show and share" sessions where members present their latest projects—whether completed quilts or works in progress. The diversity of quilting styles and techniques within a guild can push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to experiment with different methods. Plus, the supportive environment means you can share your own work with pride!
Quilt guilds often engage in community service projects and charitable giving, offering opportunities to give back and make a positive impact. Volunteering your time and talents alongside fellow quilters strengthens your bond with the guild and the larger community. Participating in these projects can be deeply rewarding. You get to work on meaningful quilts while also seeing the tangible difference your craft can make in the lives of others. Below is a photo of a quilt made by the guild members and longarmed by me before being donated.
Joining a quilt guild is more than just attending meetings—it’s about becoming part of a supportive, inspiring community that nurtures your passion for quilting. From building new friendships to expanding your skills and giving back, there are countless benefits to being a guild member.
If you’re on the fence about joining a quilt guild, at least give it a try. Non-members can typically attend guild meetings for a small fee (around $10-$15) so you can check it out before committing to a membership. In my experience, annual memberships range from about $40 to $65 and guilds will do their best to support individuals who find the annual fee a stretch.
Also, many guilds offer online meetings so if you don't live near a guild, or can't travel to the meetings in-person, you can join virtually.
Thanks for reading! I hope this inspires you to look into a guild in your area.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Happy Quilting!
Jody
Stitchwork Studio
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