How to Start a Group
There are several advantages to being a member of a quilting group; making friends, learning from others and perhaps arranging for different people to be involved in the different aspects of Quiltmaking, so everyone can do the parts they enjoy and leave the parts they don't like to those who do. It can also be a great opportunity to arrange group outings to quilting shows.
If you wish to be a part of a quilting group or circle in your local area, but there are none to join, it is well worth considering starting up your own group. Even if you are new to patchwork quilting, by setting up a group in your area you will have a good chance of patchwork quilting enthusiasts of all levels of experience coming along to join in.
Local Quilting Groups
Perhaps you want to set up a permanent group with regular meetings or a temporary group to create a one off project. Many groups come together to mark a momentous occasion or just to celebrate the local community. These can become a small part of history, be it nationally or locally, and are often a great source of pride for all those involved.
It is perhaps a good idea to start small or find out what the interest is in your area to start up a group before finding a venue. Putting cards up at your local newsagents, post office, craft shop or wool shop with a contact number is a good place to start. Another option would be to place an advert in your local free weekly newspaper or parish magazine.
Home Quilt Meetings
Once you have an idea of the number of people who might be interested then you will have to find a venue. A good place for the first few meetings is probably your own home. If the group is to stay small in numbers then perhaps you could set up a rota to hold meetings at each of the member's homes. If the group number is going to be too large for this then it is worth looking at church or community halls as a venue. This may involve paying a fee for the hire of a room or hall to which you can ask the members of the group to contribute.
Setting up a quilting group can be a very interesting and a worthwhile project with benefits for everyone. So why not give it a go?