“Good friends are like quilts. They age with you, yet never lose their warmth.” – Unknown
Whether you are new to the art of quilting or have been quilting for years, quilting with a group of friends creates a rewarding and rich experience.
Quilting groups have been meeting for centuries with the stated purpose of making quilts. But the unstated purpose is probably more significant: Enjoying the company of good friends.
Cindy, host of the blog Brickworks, writes that her grandma belonged to a group of rural farm wives in Sparta, Michigan, that got together monthly to do just that. They would quilt all day, then head home to feed the chickens and the kids after school let out.
While times have changed and most of us don’t scurry home to care for roaming poultry, a few things remain the same: A passion for quilting and the joy that comes by sharing our hobby with others. On that note, here are the best ways to join a group of fellow quilters:
- Check to see if your state has a quilting guild. State guilds often have thousands of members organized into local chapters. The websites will typically include dues, meeting schedules and contact information.
- Create an informal group with friends to exchange ideas and work on individual projects. Establish a meeting schedule and get stitching! Consider meeting in a central location such as a church, library or school – or even take turns hosting your quilting night. Consider refreshments, activities and a name for your group to make the meetings more meaningful.
- Consider a quilting bee. Rachel Hauser has rounded up ideas for a quilting bee in her blog, Stitched in Color. It’s a great read!
- And last, but not least, inquire at your local quilting shop (come visit us!) for information on local quilting groups. Plus, it is always a great place to meet new friends who may want to join a group as well.
Happy quilting! See you soon.