In Which Judy and Nancy Join the Guild

About a year and a half ago, Bonnie Hunter was going on a road trip and inquired how close one of her destinations was to Near Philadelphia.  She was speaking at a guild there and thought I might want to come over.  It was about a forty-five minute drive, and Judy and I were up for it, so off we went, Googlemaps in hand.

Well, it turned out to be about the friendliest bunch of quilters you could imagine!  One of the members even confessed to reading my blog!  We had such a nice evening and decided on the spot that we wanted to join, if they'd have us.  Well, it turned out that the fire code required the membership be limited to 100 (though there could apparently be countless guests!) and they were filled to capacity.  Undaunted, we put our names on the waiting list.  We were #6 and #7.  We continued to attend meetings, paying the guest fee, as frequently as we could.  Both of us thought the president to be about the sweetest, funniest person and she always made us feel so welcome.  The show and tell each month was amazing, and there were a lot of good bed quilts, and not a whole lot of arty offerings.

New members would be accepted in January and so we held our breath.  Numbers 1 through 5 were admitted.  And then they were full.  So we remained on the waiting list for another year, now #1 and #2.  We continued to attend.  We spoke about the guild with such enthusiasm that I know Joe and Bill were envisioning Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton on their way to the Racoons meeting complete with funny hats and secret handshakes.  At a recent meeting, a letter of resignation was read from a member who had moved to Florida.  Judy poked me with delight -- "You'll be in!" she whispered.  "Not without you," I told her. 

Two weeks ago we both got The Call.  There were openings and we were the first to be invited to join!  I literally jumped up and down!

Last night we went to the meeting and paid our dues.  We received membership cards and little fabric insignias to make into name tags.  The rules and regulations will be provided to us in January.  Meanwhile, we'll get to work on our name tags and the raffle quilt kits we picked up and brought home.  We're ready -- more than ready -- for whatever rights and responsibilities full membership holds.  And can't wait to learn the secret handshake!


Comments

Nancy said…
How exciting!! I joined a new guild a couple of months ago and it is such a great fit for me..
I am fascinated that you have to pay a fee to be a guest? May I ask more questions about that?
Do you pay more if there is a class, speaker or sewing day?
Do you get a freebie visit your first time?
How are you doing on those civil war prints...running out yet? lol
howdidIgethere said…
My limited experience with "guilds" was not positive but any group in which you two feel comfy has a lot going for it! (Maybe that didn't come out as the compliment it was meant to be...)

If you and Judy consider bringing another guest sometime in the new year...
I love my quilt guild! I'm so excited you got in - I'd hate if I had to wait. I'm so impatient. :) blessings, marlene
I love my quilt guild! I'm so excited you got in - I'd hate if I had to wait. I'm so impatient. :) blessings, marlene
Anonymous said…
Well Ralph, you made my day....
Ms. Jan said…
I love my guild and have met many great people there. Our guild has an incredible number of friendly, amazing people. Of course, we have the negative folks, but the goods definitely outnumber the others. How do I know this? I just finished term one of a two-year presidency. There have been times I wanted to tear my hair out, but on the whole--I love these people!!!
Linda said…
Congratulations! Looking forward to reports of your projects and activities!
So, is there a group song you sing at every meeting? Wi you have to swear any kind of oath?
Congratualtions!
LizA. said…
Good for you. I hope you continue to enjoy this guild. I wish my local guild was friendly and made people feel accepted and wanted....luckily I have a wonderful, small group that meets every week at one friend's home.
Bobbi said…
Happy times! Have fun, and take Marsha and me one time, LOL
Micki said…
I know you will love the guild. I am a member of the Sheephavens Guild here, and there is always fun stuff to do.
Micki
Tanya said…
Congratulations! Good things take time to brew! I'm sure there were people just waiting for the two of you to join and hoping you wouldn't give up!
Denise in PA said…
That's great news Nancy! Can I ask which guild? I just joined the Philly Modern Quilt Guild in October and I have to say I'm loving the vibe - the members (I can't say women because there is as least one man!) (from 20s to older- than-me) are welcoming. I certainly would consider myself more of a traditional quilter, but all are welcome and made to feel it!