Quilting Group dynamics

There's no way I would organize as a non-profit, Wendy, if I were you. Like I said in an earlier post, one of our local groups gets together every week. No rules, no officers, no nothing but getting together to discuss quilting (or anything else anyone can think of to talk about!), have a show and tell & just generally have a good time.

Really! All that other stuff sucks the fun right out of it!

You won't know until you try it! Have a one-on-one conversation with the other members to ask what her expectations are and make a list - look at the differences between their ideas and your own - then decide what you can offer to please the majority. If someone expects to watch while you make her a quilt - then there is something wrong somewhere. Consider also hiring a babysitter to watch the young ones so that the mothers won't be distracted during your times together. You should probably also check your house insurance for accident coverage of any youngsters while under your roof under these circumstances. Jennifer in Ottawa

--------- Group: rec.crafts.textiles.quilting Date: Mon, Aug 4, 2003, 11:58pm (EDT+4) From: snipped-for-privacy@FangGriffinsFlight.com (frood) OK, I asked this question at my Quilt University discussion forum (class is on teaching quilting classes), but I didn't like the tone of the responses. I know this group much better, so I know how to judge your responses better. Here's the thing. After my (highly successful) book club meeting, several of the neighborhood women suggested a quilting group. Since some of the women are complete beginners, they may need some help getting started. I thought the group would be a good place for this to happen. I am happy to help in any way I can, including teaching somebody how to make a quilt. However, my QU class is all "don't be taken advantage of" and "you'd better charge money for that" and that sort of thing. I would like to start a quilting group around here. I'm interested in a group that meets at least once a month, does show and tell, perhaps offers opportunities for creating group or individual charity quilts, and does like a secret santa kind of thing at Christmas. People could bring something to work on, or not, as they wish. I want a casual group, where kids can tag along if childcare is unavailable for members. Thoughts? Advise?

I'd love to find a group like you're proposing. I say go with your original thoughts and plans. It sounds as if you have a lovely neighborhood. Gen

Howdy! This is like some of the "bees" that branch out from our larger quilt guild, more relaxed, more fun, more personal, and FEWer rules. How many times has the fun been organized right out of something by all the rules and regs? Too many! Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! So, Wendy, if you're organizing it (however loosely), and it's going to be at your house, you make the rules, right? Have fun! Enjoy! And Keep It Simple, Sweetie!

Would you consider moving somewhere along the Calif./Oregon line?

I'm thinking of serving bourbon, since it will all be Southern ladies. That ought to keep things fun!

Nope. Never moving again. However, there is a house for sale down the street, if you wanted to move here! :-)

Oh now you are just taunting those of us who live too far!!! :-)

Jan

frood wrote:

There's a house for sale down the street!

And do they advertise that you live in the neighborhood?

They should! Maybe it would sell faster. "Close to middle school (20 feet!) and nearby quilters who love gargoyles and serve bourbon at quilt parties."

Well, Im late in responding, and Im just a newbie but..

The reason I starting quitling a year and a half ago is that I found a "group"

Was walking along in the local arts and crafts building (we get those kind of things here, ya know) and there was this group of gals in one large room, sitting around big tables and quilting..

Anyway. This group is open ended. It meets weekly from 10-2 (or longer) but everyone doesnt come every week. Everyone brings a project and or a show and tell. People usually bring a snack, and it somehow just works out althoug occasionally we have two coffee cakes!

There are people of all levels in this group. I go for the compaionship, however, I do occasioally ask for advise.

Most of us have older kids, but kids can come if needed, and older kids often join during the sumemr break.

Barb