Mass Blogger Meet-up… hilarity ensues!

WOW!  I have NEVER been amongst so many bloggers or blog-enthusiasts as this past Saturday.  We had our Crafters’ Ceilidh, and all our hours of emailing, planning, making, etc. really paid off!  We had such a turn-out and I’m pretty sure everyone had as good a time as I myself had.

It was such a treat to meet so many bloggers whom I have been following, whose projects I had been drooling over, whose strokes of genius I have been trying to emulate.  Even the non-bloggers who came (I’m so happy you did!) were so delightful and crafty!  Even if you don’t write a blog that doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate craft as much as those who do blog.  It was great to be part of something big and fun, and to be cohost on a team of such fabulous ladies.  Debi, Kerry & I had such a great time organising this!

So what did we do, you ask?!  We all started off the day with some sustenance (tea, sandwiches and cake!) at Frederick’s Coffeehouse, who were wonderful for putting up with our lot!  We had printed name badges, itineraries and handmade flower pins (30 of them, made by your happy hosts!) for the occasion, and we all got to initially meet and greet …and eat!

   

Flower pins and name badges; Debi, Keri & I planning away (photo by Roo!)

Next, we headed down to Princes Street Gardens to meet our hired photographer (aka David, Debi’s very patient husband).  We stood outside the fountain, clutching the Saltire Flag (provided by Debi!) between our frozen fingers, for the most picturesque shot of the day, Edinburgh Castle backdrop and all.

Crafters’ Ceilidh Group Photo, From L to R: Kerry, Karen, Winnie, Rachel L., Kari, Roo, Carolyn, Amanda, So-Ha, Kiran, Rachel, Debi B., Kristen, Franca, Alana, me, Hannah, Katie and Melizza.  Not pictured: Clare, Anneleen, Tom and Cat.

Afterwards, we headed to the Grassmarket to begin our shopping.  I gave a wee rundown of what shops you would find and then we all split up for a bit of shopping at Armstrongs, The Embroidery Shop, K1 Yarns and Fabhatrix.  I stole the picture below from Scruffy Badger Time - she must have been recording my uplifting speech.

After Grassmarket, it was on to the FABRIC shopping!  Everyone was such a trouper, braving wind, rain, and bitter cold!  With a little bussing and lots of walking we made our way to three fabric shops, all around town: Edinburgh Fabrics, Mandors and The Cloth Shop.  Each shop was especially patient and accommodating to our large group, and many purchases were made.

My Happy Sewing Place & House of Pinheiro

Bag-laden and wallets emptied, we headed to the soon-to-be-opened Sewingbee Cafe on Leith Walk.  Kal, the mastermind behind the cafe, was so kind to open up just for us to have a sit, a gab, and a cuppa.  She informed us about all that she is doing, including workshops, ‘Sewcial Projects’, and cafe plans.  I can’t wait for the opening!  It was here that we also had our fabric/pattern swap which I think became an outlet for the sillies inside us all.  Everyone brought some patterns or fabric to give away and we all swapped (very orderly-like, mind you!) and took something(s) home.  There were some hilarious patterns, let me tell you!

What to grab, what to grab....

I was pretty happy with my goodies – I left the swap with some tan polka dot fabric, some loverly  handbag handles, and 2 dress patterns, what a steal!

And lastly, we headed for dinner at The Voodoo Rooms.  Another extremely accommodating place for our rowdy lot!  Dinner was yum, conversation was lively, wine was flowing.

Another lovely set of photos by Debi.

As the night drew to an end, we all said our goodbyes, lugged our goodies home to bed, and fell to dreaming of future meet-ups and potential sewing projects from the day’s haul.  Or at least I did!

Thank you so much to everyone who came, from near or far!  I had a lovely day with you all and hope to see you again!