Fat Quarterly Retreat

My first ever embroidery

Yesterday I went to London to the first ever Fat Quarterly retreat which I have been looking forward to for ages.  There were over 100 of us, mainly bloggers, all taking part in the fun.  I did a purse making class with one of the Fat Quarterly editors Katy Jones in the morning, although I have to admit I was so busy gossiping to Jenna from Sew Happy Geek that neither of us actually finished our purses - whoops sorry Katy.

In the afternoon I did an inpisring embroidery class with Moda designer Aneela Hoey, during that class I finished my first ever embroidery - the robin pictured here.  I was very proud of myself, Aneela really made it all seem easy, I will definitely be doing more embroidery after that.

My Liberty bag and fabric

Liberty were at the retreat showing off their new Liberty Lifestyle Fabrics which I've previously posted about here.  They gave us each some of the new fabrics for our purse making class, and gave everyone a fine cord Liberty shopping bag which we will all cherish.  I'll feel all posh doing the supermarket shopping now!

I also had a chat with Michael Oakshott from Oakshott Fabrics who make the most beautiful shot cotton weaves and they have some exciting new things planned for the future.  Hopefully we will be working with them to bring you more about that soon.

The best part of the retreat by far was getting to meet all the bloggers that I've been speaking to online for the last year or so, and many of my customers who I have never met in person before.  I've decided not to list them all here as there were so many I don't want to offend anyone I may miss.  But it was so lovely to meet you all - you know who you are! 

All attendees got a lovely goody bag filled with goodies from Robert Kaufman, Oakshott fabrics, Moda, Aurifil, Abakhan Fabrics and Korbond.  Lots of beautiful fabric and haberdashery supplies plus they also gave some great raffle prizes too. 

Contents of the goody bag



Fabrics from the goody bag

I only went for the afternoon as I travelled up from Cardiff and back same day. I wish I had gone for longer, by the time I did a couple classes I tried to say hello to everyone it was time to go again.  If they run the retreat again next year I'd definitely recommend going for both days, or at least staying overnight so you get 1 full day there.  Although when I got home at 10.30pm my little boy was still awake waiting for me because he was feeling poorly and wanted his mum so I guess it was best I didn't stay.  But all in all an amazing day that went way too fast!

My son loved the London fabric in the goodie bag and inisted I made it into a cushion for him so here's a picture of him posing with his new cushion below. 

James with his new cushion