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History |
About Clamshell Quilt GuildHistoryThe Clamshell Quilt Guild was founded by a small group of women who were taking quilt lessons together at a local sewing machine store. As they sat over their sewing machines learning new quilt patterns, they talked about starting a new guild. There were other guilds in the area; however, several of the women felt a guild was needed in the New London, Waterford and East Lyme area. Subsequent to many hours of planning and pre-organization the first meeting of the Clamshell Quilt Guild was held on September 27, 1989. This first meeting attracted 75 interested quilters, a far greater number than anticipated. The membership has enjoyed continued growth in numbers with each passing year. Regionally, our nearly 200 members encompass northern and southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island. The name Clamshell was selected to reflect the rich nautical history of an area graced with Long Island Sound’s miles of coastline. The befitting ‘Clamshell’ quilt pattern inspired the guild’s logo. Since the inception of the Guild, the primary focus has been to promote and preserve the art of quilting. Clamshell does this through its many and varied activities including conducting workshops, inviting award winning guest speakers to address our guild, organizing in-house demonstrations of the latest tools and techniques, and creating opportunities for its members to gather together several times a month to quilt together. In it’s effort to give back to the community the Guild has evolved into a non-profit, charitable organization, supporting many other local not-for-profits. Therefore, volunteerism is highly regarded and promoted within our membership. Membership BenefitsAnnual dues, payable in September, entitle members to the following:
Block of the MonthA new block of the month booklet is released each year in September to members in good standing. The block descriptions can also be found by clicking on the block of the month page. Should you choose to participate, the finished block is brought to the guild meeting and placed on the block of the month table. During the meeting a name will be drawn from those who submitted blocks and the winner will receive all of the blocks submitted that month. Ways and MeansWays and Means is a self sustaining committee that runs a raffle and a door prize at each meeting. The money from the raffle pays for the door prize. If there is any money left over, it goes into the general fund. Ways and Means also sells quilt pins, mugs and totes. WelcomingThe Clamshell Quilt Guild is made up of many talented men and women who enthusiastically welcome all new members. Our Welcoming Committee insures all new members a very friendly and warm introduction to guild activities and traditions. Our goal is to create a comfortable environment in which you will immediately feel at ease and an integral part of an organization that is dedicated to the art of quilting. It is our sincere hope that all new members will join in, have fun, learn new and different techniques, meet people with a common interest and make a friend. All are welcomed, from beginner to expert, as our guild provides members with programs and information appropriate to all skill levels. LibraryThe guild has a library of more than 125 books on the craft of quilting. In addition, it has several novels that have a quilting or needlework connection. The library is open thirty minutes before and during the break of monthly meetings except for July (picnic) and December (holiday party). Members can borrow up to three books for a month at a time. There is a $.25 charge per book per month if overdue. Monies collected are saved and used to purchase new books. The library receives $100 per year from the guild budget to buy new books. The Clamshell Quilt Guild is a member of the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) and receives their magazine, American Quilter, five times a year. The magazines may be borrowed and are available at the meetings. Guild members can also order books for 30% discount when six or more items are ordered. The catalog is available from the library. To view the list of books, click one of the links below. The lists are PDF files, last updated May 2010. Monthly Meeting FormatOur evening begins with a brief business meeting consisting primarily of committee reports and announcements. It is followed by our guest speaker or program. A short break allows members to stretch their legs, visit the library, purchase raffle tickets, visit the information station, or simply socialize with each other. Drawings for the door prize, Ways and Means raffle, and Block of the Month are conducted during the evening and prizes are awarded. Show and Tell is an opportunity for our members to share their talent, and through this sharing, foster inspiration in one another. This segment concludes the evening on a high note. Should you choose to visit our guild, and we sincerely hope you will, please check in at our membership desk upon arrival. Guests are welcomed here by our Welcoming Committee hostess who will, prior to the start of the meeting, introduce you to our Library, Block of the Month, Ways and Means, and Information Station. If you are accompanied by an existing member, upon check-in they may be reminded to pick up their membership card or if non-current, pay their dues. A small guest fee may apply in the event the Guild is hosting a speaker; however, should you join that evening this fee would be waived. Please see our Membership Chair for a membership form or click here for a form you can print. Charity ProjectsClamshell Quilt Guild gives to many charities either by contributing quilts made by members from donated fabric, by giving needed items to local non-profits, or by Guild financial donations. In the past three years significant monetary gifts were made to the New England Quilt Museum, the Women’s Center of Southeastern CT, the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, the CT Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Parkinson Disease Foundation. Through the Charity Committee members make many preemie quilts for the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at Lawrence and Memorial Hospitals, quilts for youth at the Waterford Country School, quilts for veterans, and items for the CT Children’s Medical Center. CommitteesWorking on a committee is the best way to meet the members and to fully enjoy your membership in the Guild. These Guild committees can always use another helper:
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