Frequently Asked Questions

...About Quilt Guilds ♦ ...About Meetings ♦ ...About Guild Activities ♦ ...About the Quilt Show

Answers to many of these questions can be found elsewhere on the web site. If you have any questions, or feel something should be added to this list, please contact the Web Manager

...About Quilt Guilds

What is a quilt guild?: A quilt guild is an organization that supports learning about and appreciation of quilts.
Is a quilt guild the same as a quilting bee?: No. The guild is a larger gathering of quilters and quilt enthusiasts that meets monthly to discuss Guild business and, sometimes, hear a speaker. A bee (or working group) is a usually a smaller group of people who get together and quilt.
Are there other guilds in the area?: Yes. Links to web sites for some of the other Guilds in the area can be found in our Links section.
Can I be a member of more than one guild?: Yes. Some of our members are in two or even three guilds!
Do I have to live in Chelmsford to join the Chelmsford Quilters' Guild?: No. CQG members come from all over the region.
What is required of members?: Just that you pay the dues. How often you go to the meetings and participate in the other activities is up to you. (For more information on the benefits of membership, please see the Membership page.)

...About Meetings

How often are does the CQG meet?

The Guild meets once a month on the fourth Monday at 7:00pm (unless there is a conflicting holiday). Information on the next meeting is usually posted on the home page of our web site and on our Facebook page. Our newsletter is sent out about a week before the meeting (except during the summer) and an email blast is sent a couple of days before the meeting (if you have given the Membership Committee your email address) to remind you.

What do you do at CQG meetings?

Before the meeting and during the break, we socialize with our fellow Guild members and have a bite to eat and/or something to drink, maybe even sit and stitch. Sometimes we have small workshops or demos. Then we move along to a more structured program. Our program committee has scheduled speakers for some of the meetings; at the others, we usually have a "Show and Tell" where Guild members bring in their latest creations. On speaker nights, there is usually a short "business segment" where the President and the committees report their current activities. (On non-speaker evenings, this segment is usually longer and covers more details.)

In the summer, we have informal "working" meetings at which no "official" business is conducted. We usually stitch on our latest works, get help from and socialize with other Guild members, and, maybe have informal workshops of interest to and taught by Guild members.

Who are at the tables around the room before the meetings (and during the break?)

Our various committees and project coordinators have set up a place for our members to find them or otherwise participate in their activities. Sometimes they will have a sign to indicate which committee is at that table. Usually you will see:

Membership/Check In—The very first table you see when you enter is the membership/check-in table, where you can pay your yearly dues, check off your name to show you've attended, and find out other interesting happenings in the Guild and nearby.
Raffles—(usually on the far left, in front of the Guild Library.) The Raffle Table committee selects fabric, notions and other "quilty stuff" for CQG members to win. Tickets are 5 for $1, 18 for $5 and the Guild benefits from the sales.
Comfort Quilts— Usually on the right, near the kitchen.
Door Prize—If you wear your CQG nametag to a meeting, you are eligible to win a special raffle prize. (Usually at the membership table.)
Block-of-the-Month Raffle (Usually midway down the room, on the right.)
Guild Library
Vendors—Sometimes a speaker will also have related merchandise for sale. (Usually near the stage.)

Why are some people wearing purple bows?

The purple bows indicate someone who has recently joined the Guild. This way, members of longer standing know to go up and introduce themselves to newcomers and make them feel welcome and at home.

...About Guild Activities

How can I participate in Guild activities?: You can find descriptions of the many Guild activities and how to participate in them on our web site. Check out the Charitable Activites and Guild Activities pages for contacts and more information. You can also find this information in your newsletter.
What is a Comfort Quilt?: One of our more popular activities is make quilts for various charities. These are called "comfort quilts." For more information see Comfort Quilts.

...About the Quilt Show

When is the CQG Quilt Show?: The CQG holds a show every other year. Our last one was May 11 & 12, 2012. Our next one will be in May 2014. Information on how you can participate will be posted on the Quilt Show page.
What do you do at your Quilt Show?: First of all, we exhibit quilts by our talented members. We also have raffle baskets to raise money for the Guild and a silent auction of small quilts. Our Raffle Quilt is also on display so you can buy tickets. We have a Boutique with items made by members, plus "quilter's garage sale" items, like gently used books and patterns, fabrics of all description and other notions.
How do I submit a quilt for the Quilt Show?: Information and forms will be posted on our Quilt Show page with dates and any other stipulations.
How can I help at the Quilt Show?: When a volunteer co-ordinator for the next Quilt Show has been named, information will be posted on the Quilt Show page.

More Information

If you don't see your question above, just look around on the site. We've tried to pack as much information in these pages as we can. If you can't find what you want to know here, ask someone at a meeting or send us email.