Away from Sewing: Melbourne Frocktails!

What a night.

I walked into BMH wearing my Flora, feeling a little nervous and intimidated - the venue was bigger than I expected and the main hall was full.

How the hell was I going to find my "party"?

I stood at the doorway, looking around like a lost puppy... then a green, sparkly dress caught my attention.

I walked over to the group and saw a couple of friendly faces - Oanh (Unique Schmuck) who I had met before at Social Sewing; and Liz (Sewn By Elizabeth) who I talk to on Twitter a lot, so naturally I said "Hi, Sewn-by-Elizabeth!!". I had found my people :)

I was soon introduced to the sexy lady in the sparkly green number, Lara (aka Thornberry) and the rest of the group - at this point, I was so overwhelmed by the beautiful handmade dresses that I was only able to absorb pattern names, not actual names of the ladies... I'm so sorry!!!

I had MAJOR dress envy, all night long.

After about half an hour of pre-dinner cocktails, the 17 of us were seated on a long, wooden table. And yes Abby, I did go home with a sore butt from the bench too, haha.

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to chat to everyone down the other end; but I did get to share edamame beans and conversation with Belle, Ros, Abby, Renee and Liz down the front end.

I had already met Belle at Social Sewing, but didn't recognise her immediately because she was rocking a hot new hairstyle. We talked about food, food trucks and blogs.

Ros showed me the shirring on her Washi dress and explained how easy it was to shir... might give it a go soon!! We immediately started following each other on Instagram.

After entrees and mains were served, there was a little bit of seat shuffling, like speed dating!

I had the pleasure of meeting Claire and Carita, who I kept wanting to call "Anna" cos both were wearing Anna's; which I recognised easily because I have had hour long death-stare matches with the bodice; and Helen who I have met before at Social Sewing. Helen, I want to recreate your short and sexy shift dress... I need that Go Anywhere Dress ASAP!!

I wish I took photos with the ladies, but nowadays I feel like such a crazy fangirl when I insist on taking photos with people... photo below is from Ros' blog.

The night wrapped up just after 11:30pm. Last ones standing were Oanh, Helen, Claire and I. We left the venue with our tummies full of delicious food and heads full of sewing inspiration.

It was wonderful to put voices to the faces I already know from social media.
Thank you ladies for a great Saturday night! Look forward to seeing you all soon :)

(photo source: Sew Delicious blog)