Many people don't belong to guilds, or they want more than the guilds can give them. I think we've found that here with TQS. I've made friends that I hope to have for life. I've gone outside my comfort zone to try techniques I never would have on my own.
Don't underestimate the power here on this site. Like Betty Ann said, the Prayer List came out of a mutual caring for each other; it works its magic every day.

All of the above!!! I have been with TQS from day one and have seen the growth. I love having a place to go where the "vibe" is positive. We all are part of the growth in that Ricky, Justin, Alex and John see what we want and make sure we get it. I smile when I am on this site. This site also addresses the fact that we do have a few things in our own lives that are not quilt related. We may be obsessive but we are not onesided. The Prayer List came about as a natural growth of the concern we have for our new quilting friends. We lift each other up in so many ways besides help with a square binding corner. The success of this site can be attributed to the personalities of the four who started it. I for one am thankfull they made the effort. Love to all Betty Ann

i love TQS because it is there, it teaches me so many things, the forum helps me to find out and learn things.
i had before few quilts sites, but now it seems that is the only one that i have and very happy with it.

It has helped me push myself to try new things and be more confident. I watch the shows over and over and I usually play several while I sew. If I am trying to explain something to someone I can usually bring up a show to help explain what I am talking about and if I want to try something new I can refer to a show to help me understand and take the steps to do it right. Two of my favorite machine applique stitches I learned from Ricky and another guest and I love bobbin work with razzle dazzle (Ricky's thread) I have gotten quick replies when needing a solution. and there have been some great discussions on the forum.
Diane in Wyoming

Sharon, It is the same for me. This is my guild and where I go to get my questions answered, for inspiration and ideas. Lois

I certainly agree with everthing thats been said and could not say it any better, love my TQS

TQS is my go-to site for inspiration and tutorials since my immediate area has no shop or guild. I check out the daily blog and quilt gallery nearly every day. The shows are fun and informative.

Much the same as Lorchen. I now live in rural Nova Scotia and therefore do not have as easy access to what is up and coming or the happenings in our quilt world and although I have been quilting for more than 20 years, I am still learning new tricks and techniques here. I love viewing the slide shows and reports like Pam Holland's. I loved doing the BOM a few years ago and hope to join in on a next one soon. My quilting word would be rather empty without TQS.
cheers on a lovely spring day
Jeanine

I have probably learned the most from the shows, the classrooms and doing the BOMs. I like the inspiration I get from the quilt gallery and the show & tell tabs. I like sharing, meeting and learning from people from all over the world on the Forum. The quilt puzzles are fun. I occasionally hit the blogs, but I just don't time in the day to read them all.

Lorna

Ok, I'm NOT a long-time member, but I've been pouring thru everything on TQS like an obsessed madwoman since I joined! I love the whole package! The forums are my latest "discovery" and I'd only be repeating what the rest of you have said about this friendly community. I have 5+ new "test projects" in the works, from rewatching all the shows that grabbed my attention the most. Having not done any piecing since my log cabin bed quilt 28 years ago (no paper piecing, no rotary cutters, no foundation or spray "starch", no templates), I am having the time of my life learning how to use all the new techniques that make things so much easier and more precise. Oh, and the tricks on how to do easily do things I thought were nigh impossible and never would have attempted before??? Well, since I joined TQS I've been driving my non-quilting friends nuts, tho they're too kind to say so.

My membership here means a lot to me. I learn something every day and it has grown to be a very important part of my life. I enjoy all the wisdom shared by all of you and all of the guests on the shows. I enjoy all the techniques that are offered and try out a lot of them to decide if they fit me.
This is just a little adding to what have already been said. TQS has really become a dear and loved family.

I have been sewing for many years--then I decided to try a quilt. I have never taken a quilt class.Do not belong to a group. No one in my family or group of friends quilts.BUT I HAVE TQS. I have learned sooo much from all of you when you come to the forum. I have also tried the BOMs for the past 3 years and again learned so much. I am awed at all of you talented quilters and let me tell you that you are indeed my inspiration.

I am so glad I opened this thread. TQS is a friend for whom I have been waiting a long time. She is there anytime I want her/him to be. The site inspires me to get moving and I try new things. The only Quilt Guild in my area meets at a time I can't go and I have learned from members that they have a very difficult time finding programs or teaches. I know I would love socializing with the quilters but I am most interested in learning new things. I love the banter in the Forum. I love the amazing expertise, Rosemary and Margo and all the rest of your. The best part of that the expert advice comes from those with whom I banter. I also love that the entire cite is downright friendly through and through. How many places online do you get personal replies to your questions for technical problems. We all talk about Bob, the tech guy, like we know him. I have also gotten' a series of emails from Capt. John when I was having trouble with puzzles. This is the friendliest high tech place I have found. Lois

I too love TQS I sit here at my computer every morning with my coffee some mornings I have to tear myself away to go to work. When I talk to other quilters they are so amazed at the information I share and it is everything I have learned from TQS, the lady that owns the LQS says she can't believe the names I remember it is because I feel I have met them and taken a workshop all on TQS. I love to share with other quilters people who speak my language. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for being there. Joan