Frequently Asked Questions About Bits ‘n’ Pieces Quilt Guild
1. How do I join Bits ’n’ Pieces Quilt Guild?
You can join online through our Membership page or complete the printable membership form (at the bottom of that page) and pay by check. The form and payment may be mailed to the address provided or brought to a monthly guild meeting.
Annual membership dues are $35. From July 1 through December 31, dues for new members are prorated to $17.50. A 3% processing fee is added to credit-card payments.
2. Can I attend a meeting before deciding whether to join?
Yes! Visitors are welcome at our monthly meetings for a $2 visitor fee (or $5 when we feature a national teacher). Attending a meeting is a wonderful way to meet our members, enjoy the evening’s program and Show-and-Tell, and see whether Bits ’n’ Pieces is right for you.
3. When and where does the guild meet, and is the meeting space accessible?
Bits ’n’ Pieces Quilt Guild generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Salem Methodist Church of Ballwin, 14825 Manchester Road, Ballwin, Missouri 63011.
The meeting room is accessible to people with disabilities. Because an occasional meeting date or location may change, please check our Meetings page before attending.
4. Do I need to be an experienced quilter to become a member?
Not at all! Our members range from beginners to professional quilters. Experienced members generously share their knowledge, offer encouragement and help other quilters learn new skills. Anyone with an interest in quilting is welcome, regardless of experience level. We also offer a free table at our monthly meetings where members generously offer other members quilting cotton they no longer need. It’s a great way to build a stash if you’re just starting out or need just a bit of something unique so you don’t have to buy fabric.
5. How do I register for a Bits workshop, retreat or other guild activity?
Registration information, dates, fees and availability are announced on the website, at guild meetings and in the guild newsletter. Some activities are available only to members, while others may be open to visitors if space permits.
Visit our Guild Activities pages for current opportunities, or email web@bitsnpiecesguild.com if you have questions about a particular event.
6. How can I join—or start—a Bits special-interest mini-group?
Mini-groups allow guild members to gather around a shared interest, technique or activity. Current groups include art quilting, appliqué, paper piecing, scrap quilting, block exchanges and social sewing.
Some groups are open, while others have waiting lists because they meet in members’ homes or have limited space. Visit our Mini-Groups page to see the current groups and contact their coordinators. Members are also welcome to propose and organize new mini-groups.
7. How can I donate a quilt or help make quilts for Honor Flights or Cover Our Kids?
Through our quilt donation programs, Bits ’n’ Pieces members provide more than 500 quilts a year to St. Louis-area children, families, veteran, and charitable organizations.
For kids’ quilts: Completed donation quilts must be clean and free of pet dander, smoke and fragrances. Size and laundering requirements are available on our Cover Our Kids page. Completed quilts may be brought to a monthly guild meeting. Members can also help by sewing quilt kits and participating in Cover Our Kids activities.
8. How can I donate fabric, quilting supplies or a sewing machine to Bits?
We appreciate people thinking of Bits ’n’ Pieces when they have quilting cotton fabric or quilting supplies to donate. Our ability to accept and use particular items depends on their condition, the current needs of our charitable programs and the storage space available.
Before bringing or delivering a donation, please email web@bitsnpiecesguild.com with a brief description of the items, their condition and approximately how much you have. Photographs are also helpful. A guild representative will let you know whether we can accept the donation and make arrangements with you.
You can also offer your donations to passionate quilters on our Facebook group. Or donate sewing machines and other sewing equipment to City Sewing Room, a local St. Louis community nonprofit we support that teaches sewing and quilting classes.
9. How can I exhibit a quilt in Fanfare of Quilts 2027?
Quilts exhibited in Fanfare of Quilts are entered by members of Bits ’n’ Pieces Quilt Guild. Members will receive entry instructions, registration deadlines, quilt-labeling requirements and hanging instructions as the show approaches.
Every quilt must be registered by the announced deadline, and space may be limited. If you are not currently a member but would like to participate in guild activities and future shows, visit our Membership page to learn how to join.
10. How can my business become a vendor or sponsor at the Fanfare of Quilts Show?
Fanfare of Quilts welcomes businesses interested in reaching quilters, fiber artists and other creative visitors from throughout the St. Louis area.
Information about vendor spaces, sponsorship opportunities, pricing and application deadlines is posted on our Quilt Show navigation as details are finalized. Interested businesses may also email web@bitsnpiecesguild.com.