LadyRags wrote:
Here's my definition: A slice quilt is where an image/photo is sliced or cut up into multiple pieces, then each piece is independently interpreted by a different quilter using a technique of their choice and the pieces are brought back together to complete the image in the form of a quilt.

There are many examples on the web and in the TQS quilt gallery. Here's one I found on the web: http://www.joycehartley.com/slice.htm

Here's marbles: [url]see-quilts/quilt-gallery/[/url] and I have one similar to her's on my profile.

I think the guild you join depends on the goals you have for yourself.

I joined one guild that met weekly in a church basement as a working guild. Everyone brought individual projects to work on to the meeting. Tables were available to spread out tops and pin to batting. Ideas and help were given to those that asked. There were clicks within the group... but on the most part the ladies were great... sharing their knowledge to new members/ quilters. This group was very informal. I very rarely get to this group because it is far from my home and I can not go every week. I do try to make a meeting every couple of weeks.


I belong to a small quilt group at a local quilt shop. We use to have one day work shops and teach each other things we learned about quilting. Lately it has become more of a social ... less stitching more XXXtitching type of group. I have attended this group less and less as I do not have time to waste and want to learn more about quilting. Do not get me wrong they do a lot of work at home on individual projects but we no longer (for many reasons do group projects. ) I tried introducing different activities but there is little participation. They are a great bunch of ladies but I want to quilt with a group that is active and learning.


I also belong to a large more formal guild (monthly. ) They host lecture series, offer challenges, host Round Robins, does community-charity work, offer retreats and quilting opportunities and do other quilt activities. They are always trying to offer new activities and opportunities to the membership. This guild seems to specialize in traditional quilt patterns, applique and hand work. The majority of the speakers / lectures they host is along that line.


I am now considering joining a different group that meets monthly. They are very into contemporary - art quilting, using thread embellishment and other types of quilting techniques. I want to explore all aspects of quilt making. I am paring down my participation in the

I think a person needs to think about what they want out of a guild/group. What are they willing to put into that same guild / group. Getting to know people takes time, you have to be willing to put yourself out there ... so join into the various activities when ever you can. Help with the various guild activities . ( Selling raffle tickets at events, sewing charity quilts, editing the newsletter, chair or participate in the various committees that help raise funds for your groups.) You will be surprised at how many people you meet if you work on guild projects. Talk to as many people as you can. Remember to learn their names.

HOPE you find what you are looking for in your guild.

NancyinSTL wrote:

I HAVE TO ASK!!! What is a slice quilt? I have never heard of that description for a quilt style.

Most guilds have subgroups that concentrate on interests of those who participate. Through my guild, I joined an existing Baker's Dozen group and started a Slice Capades group with a few members interested in participating in making a slice quilt. There used to be a Round Robin group and several different BOM groups.

A quilt guild is a great place to find quilters interested in what you are interested in. So, if you want to be a part of a group that doesn't already exist, then start one within your guild.

What I've heard is that most guilds have bees, but from your responses, I guess that differs from place to place.

That's why I asked the question. Interesting to see what people look for, and what variety is out there.


Sue

What I've heard is that most guilds have bees, but from your responses, I guess that differs from place to place.

That's why I asked the question. Interesting to see what people look for, and what variety is out there.


Sue

Nancy....I also completely agree with your statement!!

The guild is a business but can be a gateway to bees. Guilds are a good way to take classes and participate in events.

If you are more interesting in a bee...place a notice in your place of worship...library...local quilt shop...you may be surprised at who is looking for the same thing.

FW

Nancy, I totally agree with your statement! My quild experience is certainly enhanced by being active in the guild, and having a small group of friends to do sewing projects with. Think of it like a Sunday School class within a larger church structure!

For those who don't have a guild close enough, a small sewing group that meets regularly would be a fantastic thing!

Maggie from E. Central Illinois, currently in El Paso, TX

One thing that I've noticed is that many newbies to a quilt guild are unaware of the difference between a quilt guild and a quilting bee. If they are seeking a quilting bee, they may be sorely disappointed in a guild.

My experience working in many different types of organizations (both professional and social) is that no matter how much effort is made to make new people feel welcome, it is the individual member's responsibility to step up and get involved--that's the only way that they will ever feel like they are truly an integral part of the organization. I believe that every member should be required to serve the organization in some capacity of their choice--maybe with the exception of some of our elderly members. There is always enough work to go around, and isn't it ususally 5% of an organization's membership that does 95% of the work?

I thought I would try and join a guild for awhile but we live out in the country and it's about a 30-40 minute drive into where the Austin guild meets and I just don't want to drive all that way at night. I was lucky to find a church in the little town I live in that has a small group, 4-5 of us now, that quilt. We make 1 quilt a year, sometimes 2 for a Bazzar that the church has every year and we auction it off. We quilt from about February to November. I've really enjoyed that. We have gotten to all become really close friends, sharing both the good times and the bad and have all grown in our quilting. It's like a Bee in a lot of ways I think but there is no pressure of a guild. Sometimes looking close to home for a group of people with similar interests can be the best place to be.
Charlotte

Maggie, that was totally unbiased

I would love to find a guild to visit in my area. I haven't found one as yet, but still looking

When you look for a quilt guild, do you look for :

a) a quilt show to participate in ...our guild does a biennial show, I will probably be the chair for the next show
b) small groups or bees ... I was fortunate to be invited into a fabulous group of ladies
c) workshops/learning ...we have awesome workshops with national speakers 2-3 times per year
d) new friendships ... that goes without saying
e) charity projects to participate in ... we have an active Project Linus group
f) a chance to get away from housework ... hello?
g) something else ?

PCummings, That sounds lovely---hope you can find some new quilting friends soon.

Jean, I didn't think you were ranting, just sharing what you've experienced. From what I hear, it's pretty common, sadly.

I'm going to try to rephrase my original question positively.

When you look for a quilt guild, do you look for :

a) a quilt show to participate in
b) small groups or bees
c) workshops/learning
d) new friendships
e) charity projects to participate in
f) an chance to get away from housework
g) something else ?


Sue

My friend and I tried our local guild for over a year, and never really felt like we were welcome with the existing members. Apparently the mandate of this guild is mostly social, and secondly to put on their quilt show.
Well, we didn't get any social interaction (excepting a very few members) and got really tired of hearing about all the business of the guild and their show.
The year that we joined was the guild's 50th anniversary and they seemed to be happy that younger people were joining them and yet they weren't friendly.
Apparently, having since talked to one of the past presidents, the daytime meeting is much more open to newcomers and it is only the evening problem that they are hearing these complaints. Only, problem is if they want younger blood, so their guild doesn't die of old age, they need to get the evening meetings straightened out. Most of us work full-time jobs and spend our leisure time where we are made to feel welcome.

Sorry about the rant

Jean in Windsor, ON