Quality.

See that button on my sidebar well, it's not true anymore because I have been.

Although this post includes some reflections of my experience at Sew it Together, hopefully you (if you didn't go) will still get something out of it as it's a reflection of communication and connection in general.

I have had a very full few weeks and didn't really get a chance to think to much about what I expected spending the day with a whole lot of people I have never met in 'real life' to be like, or anticipate it, or get too nervous about meeting the (to date) faceless names I enjoy sharing blogland with so much. 

Other people have more extensive reports and are obviously 'good bloggers' because they took photos, For more info my current answer to lots of things you might want to know about- 'just google it'.

I expected to be overwhelmed all day and do not much craft and have scatty conversations.

I was amazed, inspired, happy to share some really interesting conversations and lots of laughter with several people about all sorts of issues- not just craft (self doubt and confidence, copyright and intellectual property, the role and value (or not) of schooling and the role and value of spending time with your children!, reducing waste in crafting and in general, the sexualisation of children...lots - and it wasn't intense, although that list might sound kind of intense!).  It was a really wonderful experience of engaging with others, with interest, without agenda.

Thank you to those I had conversations with, it was great and you have 'filled my soul tank'. It really is good to hang around with energizing people- I was pretty surprised that my energy levels weren't totally depleted at the end of the day. I felt content.

You must remember I live 'in the middle of nowhere' and am somewhat isolated- I knew no one walking in- it wasn't a case of 'catching up with old friends meeting new ones' for me. I appreciated those of you who knew lots of people (or at least some) being an inclusive, welcoming and generous bunch.

While I was busy talking I somehow forgot to do a few things- attempt to learn to crochet, learn to do hand pieced hexagons- apparently this girl did some teaching- totally missed that.

I didn't get to talk to lots of people that I had hoped to (or who I didn't realise  were there- how did that happen?). Oops. So you see, I will have to go next time.

Absolutely thanks to the Head Girl and all her support crew, very generous sponsors (they were amazing- thanks again Amitie for my lovely new bundle of Anna Maria Voile, yummo), Liesl for my sparkly nametag, Bianca for coming up with the very beautiful goods that I won in her giveaway and extras, Karen, LIzzie and Anna for sharing their bright fabric scraps with me for my applique  (which I am still accepting by the way if anyone was wondering...oh well, it's only a question!)- 'youse are legends'.

Oh and if you are going to get locked in a city car park (oh don't ask!) Suzanne is a great one to do that with- absolute chief negotiator with security guard- Thank you also to Carolyn and Channy for being quite cool, calm and collected!

And while I was away- they had lots of fun too