One of my favorite part about quilting is the community. There is always someone that is interested in getting together for a little bit of sewing- whether that’s hand sewing or machine sewing.
What do you do though if you aren’t in a spot or area that has groups or guilds? Or maybe you have moved, and you have no idea what is happening around you.
It’s not the funnest to keep asking around– I find that it takes kind of a long time to pick up enough info on who, what, when, where for quilting groups.
To make this process a little easier, and to save you some phone time…calling all the local stores and asking for more information about local groups….you know all about that, don’t you?!
There are many different styles of groups…they meet at different times, morning, evening, monthly, weekly….some sew all together, some offer teachers, free patterns, some have dues, some have opportunities to support in other ways.
What kind of sewing or quilting do you like? Are you just a hand stitcher? Are you machine only? Do you like challenges and learning different techniques? Are you only looking for a group to sew with –no patterns or projects? Are you a modern style of stitcher? more traditional?
These are all kind of questions you can get started thinking about and asking. This will help you narrow down what kind of group would work best for you.
Quilting guilds are full of others who sew just like you and love fabric, thread, notions and anything that has to do with a needle. Having a community that you can ask questions, share a bit about yourself, explore techniques and new projects is wonderful. No matter who you are, there is something there for everyone.
Quilt groups have a few different names – so you may run into a quilt club, a quilt guild, quilting community, modern quilt guild. Really, they have similar layouts, themes and set ups. You may find that you like one better than the other.
Online Quilt Guild~
What if you work or have a fairly busy schedule with family, work, etc. Then what?
The online quilt guild is a great option. Open 24 hours all year long, they are an open membership group (you can join any time during the year and still have full access). You can drop in anytime. Meet others from around the world– and the projects are all exclusive to the group. Plus, there are monthly guest designers. You’ll get to learn a little bit about them and sew a pattern they have designed, just for the group.
What kind of activities will you find in quilt groups near you – Block of the months, quilt alongs, guest speakers (either local or from out of town), retreats, swaps, charity efforts and more.
I’ve been involved in quite a few and am just rediscovering new ones since moving.
The beauty of having an online quilt group is that it’s there no matter where you are. No matter your schedule or time- it’s online and virtual so it’s everywhere you have access.
Having a quilt group near you and participating in a quilt group is a great way to expand your friendship and knowledge in quilting. Many techniques and patterns I would have never tried or think to try without the support of a group as well as the inspiration to try.
You are going to love exploring and finding your own quilt group, guild or club- and I encourage you to check out my online quilting group as well here.
Wondering if you should join a quilt guild? Check out my experience here.
How do I find quilters? More info here.
Here are my favorite quilt groups on Facebook. Read more about them here.
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
Follow me here: Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube
Patricia Wilson says
Can someone help me please. I’m 80 years old and have a BIG bundle of I Spy Pieces plus several big panels to donate. I am homebound so if you are near Magna, Utah please let someone know who can use these quilting items. Thank you,
Mary Barnes says
Boy if I were closer! I sure hope you found someone.
Joan Woodard says
Are you in the St. Pete area? We are looking for someone to quilt two quilt tops
lisa duke says
Could you recommend a cordless iron for a 90 year-old quilter? Thank you
Martha Skomski says
Are there any groups near Sun City AZ
Kathryn Van Acker says
Looking for a group who likes to do landscape quilts, fused quilting, more abstract or modern quilting have enjoyed piecing, hand quilting, etc. But want to do something new. Moved to Las Vegas. From Idaho.