The best meetup ever!

Yesterday, I went to my first ever sewing bloggers' meetup. As it was local (Brum) I went into town on the bus, something I haven't done in ages.

I was gobsmacked at the number of girls that turned up - there was about 25 to 30 of us altogether! I was a bit nervous about it to be honest, I'd never done anything like this before where I met up with random strangers to go on a shopping spree. It didn't help that my hubby said to me as I walked out the door, "you're really brave to do this"....

But I needn't have worried! Everyone was so lovely. It was so weird knowing some of the girls from following their blogs but not really knowing them, you know what I mean?

We started off at Barry's - I was fairly restrained, spending a total of under £20:

Clockwise from top left: dark teal ponte knit (copying Jo), mystery chiffon-y print for a top, maroon heavyweight polyester (I think) for a work dress and grey suiting for my next sewing class project. The reason it was all so cheap was that that the print was £2 for 1m and the maroon fabric was £2 for 2m!

Then, after a thorough soaking, we made it to Cafe Soya for a delicious lunch, followed by an awesome mega swap!

I could only get half of the group in!

Here are my spoils from the swap:

I couldn't decide between the two green fabrics on the left so in the end I took both (sorry, Hannah!). I think there might be just enough to make (short) summer dresses (if the UK weather plays that is)...

After scoffing our faces, we roamed around the Rag Market (I only bought zips and knicker elastic here) and then everyone headed off home. But there was a little treat on departure - Claire had baked some amazing biscuits and brownies for the journey home, how thoughtful is that?

By the time I got home I was knackered so I just crashed on the sofa. I did, however, spend a little bit more money - Amy wore her lovely green aeroplane dress and had brought along a remnant for the swap. I didn't take it but did have a little feel and it was oh-so-soft. I couldn't resist looking it up online, seeing that it also came in a dark orange and, well, click click.... oops!

So thank you thank you thank you to Kat, Marie and Claire for organising. I had the most amazing day, it was fantastic to meet so many people who share a passion for sewing and fabrics. Oh and can I just say, the handmade outfits were fabulous!