A while ago we advertised the fact we would be hosting a sewing blogger meet up at Sew Essential HQ. It seemed like it was a nice idea off in the future somewhere and I didn't need to think too deeply about it. Before I knew it the weeks had rolled by, bloggers had reserved their places and it was time to get organising! I couldn't wait to meet everyone and sprung into action quick sharp!
The day finally arrived and it had me bursting at the seams (pardon the pun!) with the feel-good factor! As the ladies arrived it was a pleasure to see all of the beautiful handmade garments they were wearing and hear the excited chatter about all things sewing and craft. Even though many people in the room hadn't met before we had loads to talk about and it certainly felt like there was an instant connection, which made it so easy to relax and enjoy the experience - even as the host.
I said a few words to start the day off and introduce ourselves and after enjoying the amazing spread my Mom put together (AKA the ultimate domestic goddess) we took the ladies downstairs to have a nose around the warehouse.
It was so lovely to talk to everyone face to face about our products, especially the fabrics. Every time someone picked one out I seemed to be saying 'yes I want to make such and such out of that' and it made me realise just how long my sewing wish list is!
After the shopping we headed back upstairs and it was time to showcase Angela's talents and expertise! She gave the ladies a demonstration of the incredible Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic embroidery machine and wowed them with her makes. Some of my personal favourites include an award winning quilt, a cushion decorated with thread velvet and a pretty top that would probably cost £35 in Monsoon, which Angela managed to make using a simple white top and some Gutermann rayon sulky thread!
It was lovely to share the incredible amount of knowledge and experience Angela and Joan can offer our customers, especially with regards to our extensive sewing machine range - over 100 years combined! FYI they did hit me for saying this after everyone had gone home!
Feeling inspired we sat back and listened to an intro from Kat of 'A Krafty Kat' and Sam of 'Create it Samantha' on hand hoop embroidery. We provided everyone with the basic kit (see shopping list below) to get them started and it was lovely to sit and sew and chat with like minded folk!
To finish the day off we had a vintage afternoon tea at the Lakeside bistro where we enjoyed more sewing chatter, food and, of course, tea!
I would like to thank everyone for coming and making it such a lovely afternoon. I would also like to thank those who contributed towards the goody bags, everybody seemed very happy with their haul!
Following such a great success we will be hosting another event in the future so watch this space and follow us as detailed below to avoid missing out!
Hand hoop embroidery shopping list
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery thread
- Calico
- Needle
- Bondaweb (optional to iron on appliqué designs)
- Scraps of fabric
- An iron (we used a mini Clover iron)
Have fun sewing!
Lucy
For more tips and tricks on how to make sewing easy you can follow our blog via Bloglovin and receive updates via email each time a new post is added.
Follow us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram for news, tutorials, special offers, sales and more.