How long is too long for lunch on a Friday when there are fun people to fabric shop with?

An office near the Garment District has some perks. On Friday, that perk was getting to meet up with several other sewing bloggers for lunch, sewing chat and shopping. Peter of Male Pattern Boldness fame summed up the day beautifully.

I wasn't looking to buy much. Really, I went for the conversation and the opportunity to pick up any pearls of wisdom from other people who share my hobby. Here's what I learned:

• I need to get over my fear of prints. Elizabeth, of Sew a Beginner, totally set the example by scoring some gorgeous print knits at Spandex House and MetroTextiles. She was also wearing a beautiful print dress that she had sewn, which brings me to my next point...

• I really ought to make an effort to wear more dresses and skirts. Trena, aka the Slapdash Sewist, who was the instigator of the meet up, was also wearing a beautiful print dress that she had sewn. In my mind's eye, her closet must be jam packed with an endless number of dresses, one cuter than the next.

• There is no time like the present. Mikhaela, of Polka Dot Overload, really is seizing the day by launching a new blog and sewing up a storm while 6+ months pregnant. I need to learn to just go for it and take on more projects that will stretch my skills.

• And finally, I need to take more fashion risks. Peter is fearless, and I don't just mean about the "sheets of shame" shirt that he wore to the outing. He really is bold, diving head first into sewing and following his bliss with it. Then again, he's got a wonderful role model in his cousin Cathy.

It was a great afternoon, and I was sorry to have to head back to my office after my absurdly long lunch break. Many thanks for the company and chat!