Mary, that's how our big group was when I first started going. Then this gal got elected President and she wanted us to be able to join the Indiana Quilt Guild and in order to do that, we had to have By-Laws, etc. She'd spend half the meeting telling us how they did things out in whatever state she was from. That group was very nice, except for that. They were supportive, never criticised or ridiculed anyone.

The small group we started was a very nice group of ladies too, except for two gals. They were sisters-in-law and one in particular wanted to run everything. (She was the one who took over my demonstration.) Like when we rented a van and took a day trip to Holmes Co., Ohio (Amish capital of Ohio - lots of wonderful quilt shops!) All she did was gripe and complain that she couldn't get comfortable in the van, her back and legs hurt, we should have chartered a bus, etc. Well hecky-durn, if she knew riding that far in a van would cause problems for her she shouldn't have gone. We were a small group of about 12 and not all of us could afford the cost of chartering a big fancy bus!

Then she wanted to side-track from the original route to visit a couple more shops! We were running late as it was and by then we were all tired and ready to head home. But she pouted, so we gave in to her wishes.

It's just stuff like that that keeps me from joining a guild again. I've noticed now that our little library is having quilt classes. I may look into that and see if I can fit it into my schedule.

Nola

Beeflasher, I think the way that you were treated was a travesty! Everyone was a beginner once and who is anyone to judge someone's style of quiltmaking!

Aretha said it best when she sang "R-E-S-P-E-C-T"! That's what we need more of!

Anyway, I'm sorry you had to go through that...given my personality, as a beginner I would have been traumatized and would never have picked up needle and thread again. If it happened to me now, well...I'd have some pretty nasty things to say.

You hang in there, girl! Find another group or a friend who will be encouraging and not try to bring you down. Life's too short to hang around small-minded people!

Kim

Well said Kim! Especially about small minded people!

Thank you, Jenell! I can't stand stuff like this, so I just had to get it off my chest.

Gee, I feel lighter already.

Kim

P.S. Check out the Terms of Service link at the bottom of the forum...I lost a few pounds there, too!

I would like to jump in also and I have to agree, don't let those snobs get you down. I have had the same experience and thats exactly why I don't go to those sort of events anymore. I have a very simple "get it done" attitude about my sewing/quilting projects and so far in my 20 plus yrs of giving my quilts as gifts no one has ever said "please no more quilts" we do what we do because we enjoy it not for others to judge us.....u hang in there and pat yourself on the back.

Wow, that is uncalled for. They should not have done that to you.

I belong to a local guild and they don't down you for anything, they make nice and respectful suggestions if someone notices something off. but they are not rude.

I joined my guild after quilting for about a year. Within my first months with it, I was able to learn so much from them. They would help me when I needed it. I had one lady come to my home and teach me paper piecing in one afternoon. The next meeting I brought my first funkie paper pieced baby quilt. I made it from all my scraps, so nothing matched and I told them it was a practice quilt, they thought it was adorable.

I am sorry that the guild that you went to treated you like that.

Welcome and I look forward to seeing some of your quilts.

Audrey, how nice to see you posting again! How have you been? and how's your baby? Getting bigger all the time, right? And I'm glad you found a good guild - they are so much fun and help! Ones who are rude are to be avoided, though it's sad to see.

And scrappy quilts are wonderful! I try to make quilts with only a set number of fabrics, and ALWAYS end up adding more in!

Now that you're back, I hope we see much more of you!

Gerda (who's busy building a house with hubby! )

Hey, Beeflasher! How's it going? We haven't heard anything from you lately. Is everything OK? Keep on making your wonderful quilts, OK?? and please pop on and say "hi" sometime.

Gerda

I just added a new table runner to my album. I have a few more to add when I get them finished.

Autumn is growing so quick, I can't believe that she is going to be a year old next month. The time just flew by.

We took her apple picking this weekend for the first time. I will have to post some updated photos...............

Audrey, I was just on your blog - lovely runner with the trout! My DH would love it!! and don't kids grow fast? My granddaughters are now in Grade 2 and kindergarten! My daughter could hardly believe it! And the older GD has lost 4 teeth in the last month and a half!

Autumn must have had fun, all that room and colours! I'm looking forward to the new pics! Hugs for her! (((( ))))

Gerda