St Patrick's Day Meet Up.

Sometime in the past few months, I can't remember when exactly, Kat told me about and invited me to join a bunch of other ladies who live in the Wellington area and blog, often about sewing. I didn't make the last meet up, but I made the one on St Patrick's Day. Originally planned as a picnic, given Wellington's weather (plus the weatherman was predicting rain) we had a wet weather alternative, yum cha. Personally, I was hoping it would rain. Not just because we so desperately needed the rain, but because I love mango pudding, and yum cha in general. 

As I was wandering down to Majestic, I was waiting at the lights to cross. The person in front of me looked vaguely familiar, but I didn't want to say anything, in case I was wrong. She turned around, then stated "I recognise that dress." I was wearing this dress. So I managed to meet Joy before even making it to lunch. 

Following tasty tasty food at Majestic, we wandered down to Made on Marion, to swap fabric, chat, work on projects and be social but out of the rain. It's a great place to catch up. There are comfy couches, tables and Mrs C has awesome sewing advice - Thank you for the advice on how I could sort the waistline on my infinity dress.  Plus it's always good being able to grab the bits and bobs you need for your projects. I also got my teal matchy-matchy fabric from Kat, but forgot to take a photo of it today. I still don't know what I'm going to make with it. I've got 2.5m, which gives me lots of options. I did buy the matching thread, so that I don't have to do that when I find what I want to make. Nothing worse than finding the perfect thing to make, and be missing an essential ingredient. 

We had a fabric swap, I managed to de-stash a bunch of fabrics and some cross stitch supplies, some of which even have new homes with possible projects. I love knowing that other people can use what I'm not going to. I was very restrained, only two pieces of fabric went home with me.... and some buttons.... and some fabric paint. But they're not fabric, so don't count as stash acquisition, right? 

Orange fabric from swap. 

 I got this orange fabric, my daughter loves orange, so I'm going to make her something. Not quite sure what yet. I am thinking a skirt and using the rest to line a vividly yellow/green fur cloak I'm making her.  She's hiding under the table in the photo. I had to use two layers of fabric, as if she could see out, she kept tugging the fabric down to cover the gap, and pulling it off the table.

Black floral fabric and buttons. Will also be turned into something for my daughter

The group (most of us, photo courtesy of Nikki)

From the left we have Wendy, Nikki, Sandra, Melissa, Teresa, Nicola (holding Ash), Juliet, Leimomi, Me. 

With Kat (holding Drake) and Joy in the front 

(I'm hoping I got all the links correct, let me know if I haven't)

Was a really good day, catching up with people who I felt I kinda knew, even if I'd never met them before.