Being a fabricaholic the suggestion of a trip to Birmingham to buy fabric isn't difficult to refuse!
And meeting up with lots of other sewers - no brainer.
If you haven't experienced the buzz of the annual SewBrum meet up I'd totally recommend it.
Now in it's third year SewBrum is organised by the amazing @EnglishGirlatHome and has expanded year on year.
As in previous years everyone met at the AMAZING Edwardian Tea Rooms virtually taking over the place.
I was struck this year by the wider range of ages. Not just hip young things but a good smattering of more mature ladies. It was really good to see.
Having carefully checked out the attendee list, I'd spotted a few names I knew, marvelled over how far some were travelling and did the requisite following of blogs and social media.
I knew I wanted to find a couple of sewers from Stapleford, which adjoins where I live in Nottingham. And by pure chance I sat right opposite them both, with my very much needed pot of tea. Small world or what.
So with connections made and business cards swopped, we were off. A trail of determined sewers snaking through central Birmingham in the direction of the "World Famous" Rag Market. (Though I'd be amazed if anyone in say Paris or Milan had ever heard of it.)
There was an air of Christmas sales - and the thought "will there be any fabric left when I get there" or maybe that was just me....
I was on my own this year which was useful as it really helped me mingle and also get round so much more of the fabric.
Having done Fancy Silk and the Rag Market more last year I headed pretty much straight for Barry's. And it wasn't a disappointment - the place is HUGE!
And full of all my favourite fabrics. Lots of wools and suitings. I think I did pretty well in resisting but did come away with some amazing red coated scuba that reminds me of leather and some mushroom stretch velvet. Yummy.
I really do like colour, texture and I'm always looking for something that little bit unusual.
There was still time to whizz round the market and marvel at the beautiful trimmings and ooh and ahh over the sequinned fabrics. I am partial to a bit of shiny :)
Thankfully there were lots of local experts to help the locally less-abled off on the bus to Moseley for the final stop; Guthrie Ghani.
Lauren, of Sewing Bee fame, and owner of Guthrie Ghani, despite being a recent Mum, was there to greet everyone with gorgeous baby Sophia who just loved all the attention - bless her.
And there was cake and swopping and a raffle.
And I actually won something! Thanks again FabricGodmother.
Lots of chance to chat. With @clairesews @gabberdashery @dalekdoctor (to name a few) and of course realising after, that people I had had a chance to chat to were people I hadn't realised, like @sewingdirectory (must still read that book).
We all had so much in common and so much to talk about.
And my sewing people are definately the most stylish!
So to my haul..... I have to admit I swopped/won more than I bought. So SewBrum was very husband friendly!
And we can't finish without a few more photos of Guthrie Ghani to whet your appetite for next year! They have some really gorgeous quality fabric choices!
