Today's Technique: Get Involved!
I've been away from the blog for a while, but I can tell you that I have been working very hard on my quilting goals! More on my goal progress tomorrow.
Today I wanted to write a little bit about getting involved in your quilting community. One of the fastest ways to improve your technique and to increase creativity is to be around other quilters.
3 Ways to Get Involved
1. Join a Guild!
I've been part of a quilting group for 15+ years. We do projects together and swaps and parties etc.
This year I joined the Garden State Quilter's Guild. It's amazing! They had some great speakers this year and they have great workshops already booked for next year.
What's that? You're already part of a guild? That's fantastic! Now you can get to the technique part and get involved.
- Are you participating in their swaps?
- Have you volunteered to piece, quilt, or bind one of their charity quilts?
- Are you participating in the block of the month?
- Have you joined a committee?
There are so many opportunities for growth in a quilt guild. Make sure you're taking advantage of them.
2. Attend a Quilt Show or Conference or Exhibit
Whether it's a small local show, a large national show or a local museum, be sure you make time to go to some sort of quilt exhibition every year. Almost everyone will find something to be inspired by. Get chatty while you're there and you'll be sure to make new friends.
This year I attended the Birds of a Feather longarm quilting conference. I met a lot of great people and attended some fantastic workshops. I'm also planning to attend Quilt Odyssey in Hershey.
If any of you are in New York City or around, don't forget to stop by the Grand Central Centennial Quilt show. It runs through July 6.
3. Grow your Online Quilt Network
Go online and find other people who have the same interests. More importantly, find other people who know things that you don't know. If you're reading this blog, odds are you're already doing some of that. The next step could be to start following other people's blogs or to start your own blog.
Maybe Twitter is the way to go for you. Not sure what or why a tweet is? Google it! While you're there try a Google hangout. Are you on Pinterest? Instagram?
All different kinds of quilters are online networking via so many different avenues. You'd be hard-pressed not to find what you're looking for. Try them and figure out which one or all fits you best!
And remember...it's about getting involved. Give a little and you'll reap the benefits. Tell people what you're working on, show photos of your newest project, share your quilting successes and failures and be kind.
I'd love to hear from everybody in the comment section:
What things are you doing to get involved in your quilting community?
Quilt. Create. Enjoy!
Anna
Love your post. Here are answers to questions
ReplyDeleteguild member
swaps-no
block of month-yes
committee-no but will when workload is lighter
quilt shows often
going to guild meeting Xmas in July tomorrow, hope to have fun.