Quilting Group dynamics

Don't let anyone tell you what you should do. Do what you WANT to do. I've
had people convince me I should ask for money for things I was doing cuz I
wanted to do it. When I started asking for money, it felt wrong and it
fizzled. If you don't need the money (well, who doesn't, but you know) and
they are buying their own materials, I say do it for the fun of it. I had
someone show me for free and if they hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to do
it.

--
LN in NH
a crazy quilter * hand quilter * & hand appliquér
all in all --- a very slow quilter.... So send quilts!
http://photos.yahoo.com/lns_obsessed

"frood" wrote in message
.com...
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?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

Wendy,

Sounds like you want to start a guild. When my guild started 10 years ago, a
group of ladies (about 10) planned out a meeting, then put an ad in the
local paper. They expected 20 people max to come. They had 150 at that first
meeting. We now have over 525 members. Great way for newbies to enjoy
learning about quilting while the oldies get to share and also learn new
ideas and techniques.

Debbi in SO CA


"frood" wrote in message
.com...
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?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

Hullo Wendy
As the others have outlined, this *can* be fraught with snags.
However, it can also be hugely enjoyable.
Here's what I have done:

We moved here - entirely new area, and no quilt group. I asked around
and about half a dozen people were interested. We met at my house,
brought hand work to do as we talked! and proceeded - once a month.
No-one was a sewing beginner but one was a quilting beginner. I used to
give time to her - outside the group time. I thought it was a good idea
to give her a basic grounding, so she wouldn't feel embarrassed in front
of the others. She was a friend from church, and I didn't let money
come into it at all. She also came to one of my workshops at the quilt
shop we both use, and then she had to pay. After a while, I used to
introduce a small instruction session on one topic into each afternoon.
Mostly I canvassed the group on what they wanted me to talk about, the
month before. We showed what we had done between times, and discussed
what we were doing next and so on. We had tea and biscuits, but no real
meal. They gave me a present at Christmas for hosting - and that was
fine. (I would have been just as happy without it - but they
wouldn't!) We have stopped now, as the members (all but one) have
given up!!

My miniatures group is a little different: We meet less often, but only
do the work at home between meetings. We go to different houses in
turn, and we have lunch. Those who haven't got houses large enough to
host, bring the lunch occasionally. We take turns in setting a
challenge - which is discussed beforehand. No-one here is a complete
beginner, but there is still an element of instruction - it crops up as
we discuss the work. We show what we have made for each meeting, first
our miniature, then other work. No money is involved, and has never
been mentioned.

If you are hoping to progress to professional classes, I think a group
such as you suggest will be 'worth money' to you to gain experience of
working with a group; how the members interact with you and each other,
and so on. If you ever feel you *are* being taken advantage of; or you
need the time to go professional, then you can suggest that it moves
away from your home, and becomes a rather more 'official' group with
premises and subs. and so on.
..
In article , frood
writes
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?


--
Best Regards
pat on the hill

Julia, Jan, and other of you who are wanting a group - sure wish you guys
lived closer. We would take you right in!

Karen, Queen of Squishies

That would be fun wouldn't it!!! :-)

Jan

Nah, I've got one of those now, plus RCTQ. I don't want rules and regs and
points of order. I want some friends to play with. :-)

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply


"Debbi" wrote in message
news:R7IXa.26545$ff.4077@fed1read01...
Wendy,

Sounds like you want to start a guild. When my guild started 10 years ago,
a
group of ladies (about 10) planned out a meeting, then put an ad in the
local paper. They expected 20 people max to come. They had 150 at that
first
meeting. We now have over 525 members. Great way for newbies to enjoy
learning about quilting while the oldies get to share and also learn new
ideas and techniques.

Debbi in SO CA


"frood" wrote in message
.com...
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?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

I don't see anything wrong with leading a beginning quilt group "gratis", as
long as you are compensated for your time by the friendship and satisfaction
you'll get from it. The small group I belong to has all experience
levels, from a lady who had never made a quilt block before joining all the
way to our two professional quilters, and everything in between. We're all
great friends, we all teach each other, and it works well.

But I do agree with the "don't get taken advantage of" part of the QU
advice. Decide in advance what your boundaries are. For example, is this
going to be a class that you teach, or an informal group where everyone
teaches each other? Are you going to provide supplies? Lend out your books?
IMHO there isn't a right or wrong answer, it's just a matter of deciding
where your comfort level is and sticking to it.

But most of all, HAVE FUN!

--
Kathy A. (Woodland, CA)
longarm machine quilting, Queen of Fabric Tramps
http://www.kayneyquilting.com ,
remove the obvious to reply


"frood" wrote in message
.com...
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?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

Not all guilds have rules or points of order. One guild in our area gets
together every Tuesday morning at a local church. They bring hand work,
they come to talk, they stop by just to see what everyone else is working
on. Sometimes if someone needs a quilt sandwiched and pinned they'll bring
that and everyone pitches in to help. It's amazing how quickly a huge quilt
can be sandwiched and pinned with lots of willing hands.

--
Donna in Idaho!
Project Linus Boise/SW Idaho Coordinator
Website: http://donnakwilts.tripod.com/

The ultimate inspiration is the deadline!
"frood" wrote in message
.com...
Nah, I've got one of those now, plus RCTQ. I don't want rules and regs and
points of order. I want some friends to play with. :-)

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply


"Debbi" wrote in message
news:R7IXa.26545$ff.4077@fed1read01...
Wendy,

Sounds like you want to start a guild. When my guild started 10 years
ago,
a
group of ladies (about 10) planned out a meeting, then put an ad in the
local paper. They expected 20 people max to come. They had 150 at that
first
meeting. We now have over 525 members. Great way for newbies to enjoy
learning about quilting while the oldies get to share and also learn new
ideas and techniques.

Debbi in SO CA


"frood" wrote in message
.com...
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?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

I think it's commendable that you want to start a quilting group As a
non-profit org though there should be dues, a constitution, officers.
Otherwise it's just a bunch of people getting together for fun. While it is
supposed to be fun of course, it should also have some official status. You
could start out as the President with others as officers. While initially
you could be the teacher (for free), with dues and fund rasiers, you could
also pay teachers and others in the group could also teach an occassional
class (for free) when they have mastered a new technique on their own. This
takes some of the burden off of you. Also new officers should be elected
every year, again taking pressure off of you.

I wish I could find a convenient quilting group in my area. Either the
meetings are at times I am working or they are charity work only. While
charity work could/should be part of a quilting group, it should not be the
soul purpose because quilters want to learn and grow in quilting techniques.
--
Kathy in CA
Quilting Stuff:
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/kathys1068


"frood" wrote in message
.com...
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?

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

In article ,
"frood" wrote:

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 think this sounds terrific, Wendy! I'd have loved to have had access
to a group like that when I was first starting. Yes, some of the members
might try to take advantage of you at first, while they're learning --
but don't we want to encourage our love of quilting? After a few
meetings, the newbies should have some idea of what to do and be more
self-sufficient. And while they're learning, charity quilts are a
marvelous idea -- and after they've learned, too, for that matter. Good
for you!
--
Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas

http://home.earthlink.net/~s_foster