Friends meet up in Cobar over their sewing machines

Sewing machines, fabric, wool and craft

projects filled the Ward Oval Pavilion over
the weekend as 27 women gathered in Cobar
for their annual Sewing with Friends gettogether.
The idea for a long weekend where friends
could focus on their craft projects without worrying
about washing, cooking and cleaning was
started by former craft shop owner Colleen
Flynn about seven years ago.
The tradition has continued through her
daughter Sarah Cryer, who took over the craft
business and moved it online.
“Some of them are former customers,” Sarah
said.
“Some of them, we had met at a different camp
that we used to go to at Burrendong.
“And others are just a friend of a friend.
“We come in and share.
“If people have questions, we help where we
can.”
The three-day event attracted women who sew,
quilt, crochet, knit and create, giving them the
opportunity to work on their projects, seek advice
and catch up with friends.
Former Cobar residents and friends travelled
from Tamworth, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Bathurst,
Mudgee and Walgett this year to take part.
Sarah said it was the fifth time the group had
held the event.
“We’re just like-minded ladies.
“They can come in, set up, and leave it,” Sarah
said. “And they can leave it set up for the weekend
and don’t have to pack it up until they’re
finished.”
Many crafters don’t have a dedicated space
where they can leave a sewing machine and
project set up, instead having to pack everything
away after working at the dining table.
The event is catered, with meals and morning
and afternoon teas provided, while participants
could stay late on Friday and Saturday nights to
keep working.
Sarah said the goal was to hold the event annually,
although participants had been asking for a
second get-together each year.
Finding a suitable and affordable venue had
been a challenge, but this year the group applied
through Cobar Shire Council’s donation program
to use the Ward Oval Pavilion.
Sarah said it had proved to be an ideal venue.
The visitors also contributed to the local economy
through their accommodation, dinner at the
Empire Hotel and shopping in town on Saturday
morning.