For me this meant a visit to the cheese shop and getting busy with the glue to make an altered book scrapbook - my secret santa style gift for a bloggers' get together.
And then, on the day, the glorious coming together of friends, bit by bit - Monica on the train, Karen in a shop in the neighbourhood, Tracy just inside the front door and Val moments later. We had converged for a Make Lounge course - Extraordinary Embroidery.
See, lots of new stitches. But really? Well, for me it was mostly about the joy of meeting up, chatting, laughing, a little gentle creating. And missing our chums who couldn't make it.
I have to say that I would thouroughly recommend the Make Lounge as a venue for a get together. The lovely Jennifer let us bring a picnic lunch and laid it all out beautifully for us while we embroidered so we could take a break and have something to eat. And the surroundings are very bright and cheery and spacious.
But it's always good to learn something new. And I'm looking forward to finishing off my tea towel. When I get 5 minutes. That's the other great thing about workshops - you DO make the time to do something you want to, rather than finding weeks have disappeared in doing things you have to.
There was gift exchanging (see my beautiful Moleskine cover from Karen?) and yarn shopping (at Loop - conveniently just round the corner).
And home again. One happy (though slightly footsore) bunny.
Oh, how wonderful. If I figure out how to teleport myself, will you invite me to the next one?
Posted by: Lynn | 15 March 2010 at 22:56
That sounds like such a lovely day. A x
Posted by: little pink room | 15 March 2010 at 23:10
That sounds likea perfect day.
I've noticed that I'm coming up with a mental list of places where I'd like to live, based upon the local craft offerings and people nearby. Not that my husband is willing to move, but I dream of living somewhere where the local crafters are not just little old ladies that push in front of me in the fabric cutting table queue.
Posted by: UK lass in US | 16 March 2010 at 01:30
Oh! Thank you for the pictures - I was just dying to see what you made and some of the giftage.
I was so sorry to miss it but it has made me determined to organise another meet-up soon.
Posted by: Alice C | 16 March 2010 at 07:05
It was a perfectly lovely day, wasn't it? My poor teatowel sits sadly neglected - barely even out of its paper bag! Real life has come crashing back in but at least we have the memory of a wonderful time, and perhaps the promise of another in the future?
Posted by: dottycookie | 16 March 2010 at 08:56
Ooh sounds like you had a lovely time!
Posted by: Petit Filoux | 16 March 2010 at 08:59
Very nearly a perfect day, wasn't it! Just missing some good friends!
I hadn't realised how well your wool went with your notebook - I'm so glad I went with the orange button!
I need to find something else to look forward to now. x
Posted by: Karen J | 16 March 2010 at 09:23
I really must go to the Make Lounge! I like the look of the feather stitch in the photo above. It looks like you made and received some lovely things from friends too.x
Posted by: Simone | 16 March 2010 at 09:56
What a lovely way to spend the day. I must make some time to do that myself.
Posted by: Lucy | 16 March 2010 at 10:58
How absolutely lovely!
Posted by: Louise | 16 March 2010 at 12:11
It looks like you all had a wonderful day! I was wondering what the Make Lounge was like. Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 16 March 2010 at 12:42
Hi there! I had no idea it was you - I've read Domesticali off and on for ages!!! Thanks for coming to The Make Lounge - your group was lovely! P.S. Catherine took the cheese home. :)
Posted by: Jennifer | The Make Lounge | 16 March 2010 at 14:21
Ooh, sounds like you had a lovely day!
Thanks for the link to the make lounge, i'd never heard of it before, looks fun. x
Posted by: Cate | 16 March 2010 at 15:11
sounds like a pretty perfect Saturday!
Posted by: Julie | 16 March 2010 at 19:11
What a wonderful way to spend the day, sounds perfect.
Posted by: French Knots | 16 March 2010 at 19:23
That sounds fab!! Do tell in advance when the next one is! If you could put up with an extra loudish person that is!
Posted by: Gemma | 16 March 2010 at 19:49
That book is beautiful!
Posted by: Bev | 17 March 2010 at 08:23
Ooohhh.. the orange pattern yarn looks lovely. I love going to Loop at lunch time.
It sounds like you had a great day at the Make Lounge. I work very close to Islington, so must book a session one day.
Posted by: Mary | 17 March 2010 at 12:24
Sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day!
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | 17 March 2010 at 21:52
Sigh. Lucky, lucky bunny.
Posted by: Megan | 17 March 2010 at 23:05
What a wonderful day, Ali! And it is so nice to set aside time for making things and spending time with friends. Lovely.
frances
Posted by: frances | 18 March 2010 at 18:21
I'm not sure who stole the last few days, but I got here eventually to say that it was a wonderful day indeed. I seem to have a bee in my bonnet about palestrino stitch!
Posted by: Dragonfly | 18 March 2010 at 18:55
oh that looked like such a lovely day ali! all the good ingredients for the perfect time recipe...friends.stitchery.food.laughs.ooo and owls!! fab tea towel too. Xx
Posted by: kelly | 19 March 2010 at 08:15
How lovely...I'm planning to visit a blog friend who has become very special
Posted by: penny | 19 March 2010 at 08:20
What a lovely way to spend a day - any day that involves a visit to Loop and the Make Lounge is about as perfect as it gets :)
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 19 March 2010 at 10:36