You know how when you get an idea for a project and it doesn't matter how many *other* projects you're in the middle of, this idea is just begging demanding your attention, so you drop everything else and attend to it?
Like my starburst fabric and the hexie topper. Why yes, exactly like that. I knew I'd have some down time (five hours, round trip) as we (Todd, myself and a co-worker) traveled to and from Rome, Georgia, yesterday, so I decided Tuesday evening that I'd do some hexi-prepping.
It served me well, because I was able to baste *all* of my hexies on the drive up. I had to sight-see on the drive back (which may be why I navigated my husband to the scenic route on the way back)!
Yup, pretty pleased with this. Now to whip them together and sandwich it. I'm thinking quilted stars in each hexi . . . yes??!
I spent some time this morning using a snowflake die cut to cut out blue and white quilts from the challenge show. I laminated them, because we'll use these on our Christmas tree (downtown Huntsville has a Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park) on the trail this year . . .
I think we'll spray a little glitter on the shapes before laminating them. Aren't they fun? With white and blue lights and a big blue and silver spray as a tree topper -- it'll be stunning!
I spent some time this morning using a snowflake die cut to cut out blue and white quilts from the challenge show. I laminated them, because we'll use these on our Christmas tree (downtown Huntsville has a Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park) on the trail this year . . .
This was our tree from last year -- the first year we'd entered a tree -- with the guild's 1st VP and President. The die cut shape I used was an ornament (plus a few stars) and the photos were from all the place winners in our guild's show. It was a lot of fun!
Speaking of guilds, my July -- next to last -- article on A Quilter's Journey featured just that. Guilds. It was one of my most favorite to write, because it was very personal. Well, you can figure that out for yourself if you read on . . .
To guild or not to guild?
It shouldn’t even be a question! But it is, for a lot of quilters. It was a question for me. Very early in my quilt journey, I was encouraged to join a guild; specifically, the Huntsville guild. That encouragement came from darling Mrs. Martha (who worked at Hooked on Quilting), and who had helped me in so many ways as a new quilter. But I have to admit that I pushed back on her push to visit a guild meeting. Why?
I’m an introvert. Mind you, I’m not shy (being an introvert doesn’t necessarily equate to shyness), but being in a large group of people (especially people I do not know) is incredibly draining; mentally exhausting, even. So heading off to a guild meeting wasn’t high on my list of quilting priorities. Except that Mrs. Martha kept talking about it and asking me if I’d gone.
In December of 2007, I bit the bullet, researched the meeting time and place, and showed up for my guild meeting debut. For all of my initial hesitation in attending, I was looking forward to it. I entered the building, was met and greeted by the hospitality committee, given a ‘ticket’ for the drawings, and sent on in. But December is the holiday dessert meeting – and since there was no planned, formatted program, just holiday fun and festivities, it seemed very overwhelming and a little chaotic. (A lot chaotic. A whole, whole lot.)
I think I may have looked around for about thirty seconds, before I decided that guild was not for me.
On my way out, I handed my ticket back to the hospitality committee member who’d given it to me, mumbled something about making a mistake, and bolted for the front door.
There may or may not have been tears. (Seriously, I was so overwhelmed and out of my element. And I’m a girl.)
As I hit the steps, the hospitality lady (who happened to be Charmaine L.) followed me out and talked me back inside. She introduced herself, found me a seat at her table, and introduced me to the group (which was largely made up of her stitching group). They made me feel welcomed and I ended up having a great time (it didn’t hurt that I won several drawings through the course of the evening).
I made connections that evening that have stood the test of time. Over the next several years, I made friends. I joined a stitcher’s group. I involved myself in guild business and served on the board in a variety of positions. I encouraged other quilters I knew to come to guild. Through it all, I’ve learned so very much and grown and stretched myself, both as a quilter and just as me.
So, to guild or not to guild? Unequivocally, to guild is the answer. But let’s be on the watch for those who are first-time visitors, wanting to make a connection—let’s help them plug in. Let’s purpose to be more than an audience member (or even just a newsletter recipient). Get involved! Participate in guild events like workshops or community outreaches! Become involved with the board! You’ll find your membership so much more rewarding. I know I do.
My name is Denise and I’m a quilter. :)
7 expressed . . .:
I'm in 2 quilt guilds and an 'un-official' guild. The things I learn from each different guild are GREAT! I'm an officer (actually I hold several offices) in the little guild, and I help where ever needed (but refuse to hold an office) in the (really) large guild. I jumped in with both feet in the un-official guild (no officers, no regular meetings, but, an upcoming quilt show next year).
First of all, I love what you've come with on the Hexies! SO very eye catching...and when you quilt stars in each Hexie...oh my! It will be stunning!
And the snowflakes! Just incredible how you do those things. You definitely have an artistic eye, my friend!
I enjoyed reading your article in the Quilter's Journey. I'm an introvert also and I totally understood how overwhelmed you felt when you went to that first Guild meeting! I do not quilt ...that was my mother-in-law's love! She tried to teach me...I wanted to do a log cabin but it didn't get very far. Long story. :-) Thankful for people like Charmaine L. who was willing to reach out and help you along.
Have a great evening, Denise!
Yes, I definitely know that feeling with a project. I’ve been known to swipe off my work table with both arms to make way for the new one. As for guilds, I’ve had both good and bad experiences with guilds. I attended one for a couple of years, but never felt welcome. At this particular guild, we sat at tables. If I sat at a table with other women, no one spoke to me. If I sat at a table alone, no one sat with me. After a couple of years, I quit going. I was working with them on publicity and had a box full of brochures and posters that I mailed back to a board member and told her of my concerns. She shared with me that she brought it up at a board meeting and suggested a buddy system. One member protested, saying, “We can’t be all things to all people.” Apparently being welcoming wasn’t on their agenda...ever. My second guild was much better, much more welcoming, and I enjoyed it. I still might decide to return, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. I do miss certain things about it, but I miss being at home when I go to a meeting.
I LOVE those fussy cut hexies.
The guild has to be the right fit too. The first guild meeting I attended was a disaster. The first person I encountered was a very un-Charmaine individual. I did eventually find another guild that provided a very different experience, but it took me awhile to even try another one. As with each bad experience, a lesson was learned to be more welcoming to new guests and members.
Oh, those hexies look good!
You have such clever ideas for the tree decorations. Very fun!
Speaking as a non-guild member, I have read good and bad and I have had friends express opinions either way.
I have only spent a couple of years as a member of our state guild. I attended their big "quilt fest" for 3 days my first year--alone. It was one of the visiting national teachers that reached out and included me with her friends. I haven't gone back since. And I did let a board member know how I felt everything was geared to people who already "knew the ropes" and newbies were left floundering.
I have done trunk shows for a couple of local guilds, and have been encouraged to join, but honestly, there just isn't time for one more thing in my life right now. And though I am not an introvert, I still don't like large groups. But the smaller guilds require more participation from members than I can give. Maybe one day there will be the right fit of time and group. :)
I really enjoyed reading your experience, and could relate to your hasty exit. Glad it had a happier ending. :)
Oh, Denise! Bless that Hospitality Guild member. I joined an online guild, then the local guild. Recently, I joined the Tri-Cities Guild I like to enter my Quilts in their Show in the Spring. I hear you, Janet O!! I'm finding my many guilds and all the meetings frustrating. Thanks for sharing!
The red, white and blue hexies turned out beautifully! What a pleasant way to spend a long car ride. The problem with our local guild is that it meets during the work day, so I can't attend without taking vacation. Maybe when I retire, I'll into it.
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