Gather 'Round Part 2

So like we mentioned earlier, this month we wanted to also focus on the community side of gathering - the sewing community is both strong and kind and it can do amazing things that some of us aren’t even aware of! 

Many people have set up gatherings called sewing socials, be these in person or online. 

Alison, our Summer Seasonal Sewist, from @sewlikedotty runs a weekly virtual sewing social that can be attended by anyone no matter your location. This enables people who may be physically or mentally unable to leave the house, or who have no socials in their area for example, an option to socialise. You can book here: bookwhen.com/sewvirtual

Another great space to find Sewcials is "The Sewcial Directory". Set up by Sam (@sequingirlie) with the help of her friend Mary, The Sewcial Directory lists sewing groups worldwide for socialising and learning. 

We asked them a few questions about why they decided to create this Instagram page…

How did the Sewcial Directory come to be?

Back in 2023 when Sam started the Southern Sewcial and she spoke about it on her Youtube Channel, Sequingirlie Creates, she had quite a few comments saying they wished they could come but it was too far away. She then linked up with Jenny of the Virtual Sewing Room to run a live session on how to set up a Sewcial. After this Sam began to think about how she could help people find a Sewcial near them and the Sewcial Directory was born. She set up both an instagram account and Facebook page. For the first 6 months or so Sam tried her best to manage this and working full time, a youtube channel and running the Southern Sewcial. By this point Mary was a regular member of the Sewcial. In one of Sam's videos she mentioned that she was juggling a lot of things and Mary reached out and offered to help. Sam is now not sure how she managed without Mary. They are almost like one person.

What is your number one aim in running the sewcial directory?

Our vision is to create an international free place for people to find sewing socials and to support people who run them and also want to set them up. We know most people are like us doing this in their spare time. Over the last year we have helped several people set up their own Sewcial, including answering many questions and sharing email templates etc.  

Has there been anything unexpected that has come from running the sewcial directory?

For Sam the most wonderful thing to come out of it was Mary offering to help. Since then our friendship has grown to the point where we went on a sewcial retreat for 7 days with each other and a couple of other lovely sewists. We have also seen the sewing community grow and so many people being able to find wonderful friendships.

Sewcial organisers don't remember to use us and the service is free! It takes time to find the sewcial events going on, so when posting about the next date of a sewcial, don't hesitate to tag us in @thesewcialdirectory or message us and we will happily include your event in the directory page.

What impact do you think social events have on people that sew/the sewing community?

Making friends as an adult can be tricky. Sam has moved around the South of England quite a bit in her adult life and this too means although you keep friends they are far away. Having people who you can see in person for a hug and a chat is such a great thing. Having sewing in common means you are already on a great footing when you start a conversation. We have also seen such brilliantly supportive conversation, not just about sewing. I think it is so important for women to have the chance to share and bond over the mental loads and challenges that life presents.

What's the most unique or interesting sewing social event that you've come across?

Mary has to hunt out the sewcials on social media and the concept is usually sewists + equipment + projects in a community hall. The social element has grown to include tea parties, frocktails, residential learning and sewing friends hiring a holiday cottage and sewing together for a few days. Recently @alexandria_arnold and @anniewip have come up with a 'London Me-Made (and RTW!) Clothing Swap' in Victoria Park, London, on June 29th, to not only have a clothes swap but an outdoor (portable) sewing or craft session afterwards with snacks available nearby. So, swapping fun, fresh air, sewing and snacks. Top of the recent directory post views for this one. We wish them good weather.

Links for you:

The Sewcial Directory on Facebook and Instagram

YouTube for Sam https://youtube.com/@sequingirlie?si=oZQEhvxLzwsVAdD8

Contact southernsewcial@gmail.com for any support, enquires 

Instagram is a great tool to make connections with other sewists in the community, so don’t be afraid to leave a comment or like someone’s post...you never know where it may lead!