Sewists came from all over the country to take part in the first ever Crafty Sewing Camp organised by Freya and Sarah, at Beaumanor Hall in Leicestershire over the weekend of July 31st to August 1st.

As you probably know, these two founders of “Crafty Sew & So” are really passionate about developing the sewing community.  They wanted to provide an inclusive, creative event where sewists could build friendships and learn new skills with like-minded sewists - and boy did they deliver!!

The three-day event was a chance for sewists to enjoy re-living the classic 'school camp' experience while immersing themselves in the sewing community and spending the whole weekend either actually sewing (you’ll see some of the fabulous garments they made below) or else relaxing over meals, or with a drink, and talking about patterns, fabrics, techniques and all things sewing! 

There were sewists with years of experience, some of whom made garments professionally to order, and beginners - women starting out on their sewing hobby - and the help, advice, ideas, encouragement flowed, creating a fabulously supportive atmosphere where everybody felt comfortable and happy.  Many women had come without knowing anybody else at the camp - and they soon found that everyone was there to have a fun time together, and to relish in their love of sewing.

With loads of dedicated sewing time, a BBQ in the Victorian hall, a bonfire in the woods, three workshops plus a pizza and pajama party there was so much to do together and some lovely new friendships were made - as well as many gorgeous garments! (you’ll see some of the fabulous garments made over the weekend below).

I ran a rag rugging workshop and had a great time introducing six women to the relaxing, creative art of using scrap fabrics to make beautiful trivets - and potentially gorgeous cushion covers, rugs and more once they get the bug!

Highlights of the weekend for me (apart from the sewing and workshop - obvs) were the pizza and PJ Party and the bonfire in the woods ..

I also enjoyed the sight of the "knicker sisters" - who proudly shared their makes with us after attending the knicker making workshop with Emma ...

It's safe to say that everybody had a brilliant time - and the range of gorgeous garments sewn up was amazing.  Here are just a few that I snapped over the weekend ... I'm sure you'll agree they are fabulous!

Not surprisingly, Freya and Sarah and their team of volunteer helpers are pretty exhausted after packing so much into the weekend, but having made such a success of it, they just have to do it again - and hopefully it won't be too long before they announce the dates of the next Crafty Sewing Camp!

Meanwhile, happy sewing everybody!

Kim 

PS - In order to protect everybody at the camp we asked all attendees to take a lateral flow test to be confident that they did not have the Coronavirus, the social spaces were large and well-ventilated and sewists were spaced out as much as was possible in the sewing rooms.