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I started blogging purely as a way to catalog my sewing makes. In the past I had always been an anonymous reader of blogs but never really reached out and got involved……… Until I developed quite a few blog crushes and started reaching out to say ‘Hi’. You know that scenario right? You find a blog you like and start reading it. Maybe you get the courage to comment. Maybe the blogger comments back. I remember my arm hairs used to stand on end when I was new to blogging because it’s a blind leap of friendship that I’d taken and in my head, it was scary to reach out to a total stranger like that. Maybe she likes me too? Maybe she also reads my blog? It’s like the beginning stages of dating, right? Finds blog. Reads blog. Wants more. When you find a blog with that sparkle – that energy that you’re looking for, it can be totally awesome. Most non bloggers don’t get it though. Its so hard for them to understand or to believe that someone you have never met could be a friend……. Then there is this moment during the whole blogger friendship thing where you just want to meet your favourite bloggers.

Well I got the chance to meet some of mine in real life on Saturday 6th Feb 2016 in Dewsbury. It all started as most things do, serendipitously, after I had resolved to attend one sewing meet up this year. Just as I clicked off that thought, Ali posted her plan for a get together. Aries that I am, I  immediately confirmed my attendance; partly out of capitalising on the zeal of goal making and partially out of the knowledge that I would over-analyse with fear of the unknown ultimately swaying me to remain in my comfort zone. As a bonus I would tick off a major 2016 goal early in the year. Score!

As the day dawned, nerves started kicking in and I have to admit that on the day I was so nervous I couldn’t eat breakfast. Now you ladies know why I was gobbling down the snacks in Lucky Fashions!

I arrived at the rendez-vous  after  I got a little bit lost a little tour of the locale. Walking up to the cafe, my stomach was suddenly filled with butterflies. What if I cant remember their names? I walked in and the biggest issue confronted me – to hug or not? to kiss on the cheek or not? handshake? At lightning speed each option passed through my head. Hug? Handshake? Introduce myself? Lol! Like being a teenager all over again.

It is strange meeting someone who is actually a complete stranger yet you know them quite a fair bit, know what they look like but all that’s left is hearing the voice! In the end I just went with the flow and hugged :-). Once that bit was over, it was like sitting down with old friends and chatting away. I still cant believe we were in the coffee shop for almost an hour!

And oh gosh it was lovely! Meeting these women who make my life a bit more lovely and women that inspire me. It made me realise that these are friendships and connections that actually support my continued blogging. I loved meeting the persons behind the blogs I read and new blogs to catch up on. Sharing a passion, stimulating and complementing each other via the spoken word was a treat. I kept looking around and couldn’t believe that I was surrounded by all these crazily talented creative women. They were just as I pictured though prettier in real life. Some I didn’t really know all that well but everyone was so friendly.

The fabric shopping was amazing! I was in my element. These girls knew me and understood me – the need to caress fabric, to gaze, contemplate..mull over. ..it was fantastic! We went to Fabworks and I got a lot of fabric. Despite all my purchases there, my parting thought was “I will be back……with a larger bag!“. I bought these from there. 

Next we went to Lucky Fashions where the lovely owner plied us with coffee, tea and snacks! I ate like a fiend. Could it be anymore perfect? Food + fabric + sewcialists = Heady brew! Forcibly restrained by my lack of cash I only bought these: Again I will be back!

We went on to a pound a yard shop. No purchases here though they had some wonderful wools. All in all I was very impressed by the range and pricing. A new fabric destination discovered and its only 30 mins away.

We finally descended upon JD Weatherspoons with heavily laden bags bursting full of glorious silks, lush wools, sumptuous corduroys, sparkly denims, crisp cottons etc…….I had so much fun and while we were there Ali was hitting up some random strangers to take group pictures. Head over to her blog thimberlina.wordpress.com for more pictures. I was too shy to ask to take pictures until the very end. The only reasonably decent  one I got has a photobomber! That man is NOT.A. YORKSHIRE. SPOOLETTE.

Sewing bloggers, we are an odd bunch if you think about it. But a wonderfully odd group and I am eternally grateful that we have this community. I have found a ‘tribe’.

What do you think of meeting other sewing bloggers in person? Who have you met? Do you fell more connected after meeting them  when you read their blog? 

I cant sign off without saying a huge heartfelt thank you to Ali for doing what you do and sharing yourself with us the way you do, Sending you a Big HUG!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Happy sewing,

Hila