Something Joyful and Merry is Coming...

 The idea started with you...

Maybe you've joined me for my Night Owl Hangout sessions on YouTube Live, maybe you've been a part of my beginner quilting course with live Zoom group chats, or maybe you've just followed me on YouTube. 

In this last year since starting Joyful and Merry Quilting, I've realized...I love the sense of friendship and community that is continuing to grow as we all develop our skills together, share our successes and failures, and learn from each other.

In early March, my first group of students wrapped up their 8 week journey in my Ultimate Quilting Foundation Beginner Course, and the second group started. It quickly became clear to me how valuable it was for all of us to connect on a personal level. Our live Zoom group chats, personal communications discussing questions, tips, tools, quilting successes, and more...

It was wonderful! It felt a bit like a virtual quilt guild, and it and it got me thinking...

Why not create a virtual quilt guild?

There could be so much more to it than live Zoom group chats. We could do trainings, quilt alongs, exclusive free patterns, guest speakers,  exclusive discounts, community chats, and more!

Many of you have shared with me your concerns or holdups about joining a typical quilt guild:

• You don't have one nearby
• You feel uneasy about your skill level
• You are unable to physically travel to guild meetings
• You've felt belittled or offended by more experienced quilters

I completely understand, and the list goes on. I've been there: I've poured my heart and soul into quilting project, only to have someone criticize it when I didn't even ask.

I've felt embarrassed and out of place in front of experienced quilters who almost seem to resent me for being newer to the craft, or for not knowing as much as they do.

I also understand how hard or stressful it can be to make it to meetings, especially if they aren't close by.

Sometimes, it's just too much of a hassle...

So here's what we did:

We created a positive, joyful and merry community!

Our Community Includes:
 

• Exclusive free quilt patterns  released to guild members throughout year, with quilt-alongs included.
  
  
• Free Block of the Month patterns with included video trainings to expand your knowledge and sharpen your skills. 
  
  
• Great guest speakers and instructors throughout the year to share their expertise (and sometimes discounts!) with you. 
  
  
• Discounts on some of my own products and other stores that you're going to love - and you can save on essential quilting items.
  
  
• At least two live Zoom Meetings per month, including 30 minutes of open chat with me and other guild members beforehand! Unlike our YouTube broadcasts (which I still love), we'll even get to see each other's faces (if you want to turn your camera on...you're also more than welcome to simply observe!). We ask each other questions, share ideas, do show and tell, and so much more. 
  
  
• Access to our Joyful and Merry Community Quilt Guild Chat page in our website where you can connect with other guild members anytime, share your work, comment on others, and more.

But most importantly...

This is a community where we all learn from each other, support each other, and lift each other up (side note: no quilt police allowed!). And because of that, the most exciting aspect of the guild is that it becomes what we want it to become. 

My mind is constantly flooding with ideas on how to make this group extraordinary - so it won't end there...

And as we move forward on this journey together, I need you! I'll learn from you, you'll learn from me, and we'll all learn from each other. As we discuss and share ideas, you'll quickly see what makes this guild so special to all of us who have been enjoying it since it began.

And who knows? Maybe this doesn't have to stay 100% virtual all year...

This guild opened to our "Founding Members" in April, 2024, and over these last few months, we've been building and refining this guild to make it a wonderful experience for everyone, and to make sure we're ready to open up again to the public in September.

Registration will re-open in the coming weeks, and there is a limited number of spots available. 

Until then, keep an eye on your email to stay updated. You don't want to miss the discount that will go out to those on the waiting list!

But for now, don't hesitate to share with me what you want in this guild.

What are you looking forward to most?

What would really excite you about a virtual guild?

What types of things would you want to learn or do?

I'm all ears...if you have anything you'd like to share with me, send it over to [email protected] and I'll talk to you soon!