• DIY
  • Videos
  • Articles
  • Round Ups

The Sewing Rabbit

Me Sew Crazy Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Media Kit
    • Contact
    • Sponsorship & Disclosure
  • diy
    • accessories
    • baby
    • boy
    • fitness
    • girl
    • home decor
    • men
    • no sew
    • technique
    • toy
    • women
  • features
    • Crafts
    • Videos
    • article
    • make this look
    • round up
    • Travel
    • Recipes
    • quiz
  • STYLO
  • holiday
    • christmas
    • easter
    • halloween
    • thanksgiving
    • valentines
    • New Years Eve
    • fourth of july
  • Travel

Get the Sewing Rabbit VIDEO NEWSLETTER -> -> ->

   

My Best Conversations happened when I allowed myself to be a Wallflower

If you follow my Instagram feed, then you know that last week I was lucky enough to attend the Alt Summit Conference. My ticket was sponsored by the fabulous Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores, and I went with my good friend Stef of Girl. Inspired. as part of the Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores blogging team. It was my third year in attendance, and I have a fabulous time each year.

There is so much work leading up to Alt, weeks of planning and preparing – trying to get all of your ducks in a row so that when you finally do make it you can conquer the world with your business cards. It is almost like Disneyland for Lifestyle bloggers. Overflowing with events and visual appeal that assaults your senses on every level. By the time you leave Alt Summit, your head is swimming and you are quite frankly…exhausted. You have a bag filled with goodies, business cards you have collected, and a mind filled with possibility and dreams.

For 3 years in a row I have attended this conference, and each year I have pulled something different from the event. Perhaps that is because I had a different outlook or approach each year. This year for my take away post, I decided to focus on my biggest revelation.

My best conversations happened when I allowed myself to be a wallflower.

Be the Good - why my best conversations happened when I allowed myself to be a wallflower at Alt Summit

Let me back up a bit and explain. As mentioned previously, Alt is filled with so many vibrant colors and personalities. Shining beacons of style and artistic flair. Last year I let my party girl shine. I danced all night, I wore all sequins, and I basically let my inner teenager out to play. It was FUN.

Now here is a tidbit that might surprise you – many bloggers are often introverts. We have no problem putting our heart on the line over the computer, but put us in a room filled with people and we freeze. Over the years I have moved more towards the middle of the introvert / extrovert spectrum thanks to my husband’s overly friendly personality. But it didn’t use to come naturally to me. And I still have to sometimes fight my way through it in certain situations.

I was exhausted this year. As in, going on 3 hours of sleep each night exhausted. It reminded me back to when I had my newborn babies. Sure, I can go on little-to-no sleep as a mother…but do I want to throw my hands up in the air like I just don’t care? Umm…

This year’s Alt was more reserved, and I found it was equally as wonderful. Let me tell you why.

I got to meet the PEOPLE.

When you are so busy seeing the glitz and glamour, it can be easy to miss the people standing next to you. With a quieter soul, I found myself standing next to some of the smartest women I had ever met. Women I would’ve never found in the middle of the dance floor. I found myself in conversations with fabric designers, artists, women who ran incredibly huge charities trying to change the world for good. By just sitting still and allowing myself to be quiet, I could appreciate these entrepreneurial women who were smart, and funny, and courageous, and inspiring – women who make me look inside and want to be BETTER. To think bigger than ourselves in ways that will change the world.

These women standing on the sidelines of the disco ball, are a force to be reckoned with. And I had the privilege of standing next to them this year.

At a conference such as Alt, it can be easy to get sucked into thinking the most powerful person in the room, the person you just HAVE TO meet, is the one on the speaker panel in front of you. I say – look to your left and right. That person sitting next to you that you have never seen before? That woman or man just may be the very reason you were meant to go to Alt. That person just might change the world, or be the catalyst in your life to get you to change it yourself.

Or she also might be the very company you would LOVE to work with, but is there unofficially, and you would’ve never known if you hadn’t taken the time to look them in the eye and say hi.

Don’t be afraid to sit on the sidelines. There are some amazing women there waiting to talk to you.

And now for the Photos…

I had so much fun hanging out with the incredible Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores girls. My goodness, the laughs we shared were endless!! I honestly cannot say enough good things about these ladies. They are so kind and generous and funny and welcoming, it was like hanging out with long lost friends. And if you haven’t already, you NEED to check out the new Jo-Ann Creative Spark blog HERE.

Their Wednesday night dinner was incredible, and as with the theme of this post – I found myself sitting next to some amazing women! Women who worked for HBO, and Microsoft who love to craft and cook. Women from Seattle and Portland who had me in stitches with their stories. And don’t even get me started on the swag bag Jo-Ann’s gave out. So much amazing stuff that I cannot wait to play with!

9

4

I got to finally meet the lovely Caroline from Sew Caroline. She is such a joy to be around, bubbling over with creativity and joy, and an incredibly clever mind hiding behind those cute glasses she normally wears. She is the real deal folks, and I was thrilled to get to hang with her! We had some fun with confetti poppers in the HIVE mini party room. Because after all, there was a panda.

6

5

We had girl’s night in our pajamas with Stef, and Liz & Elizabeth of Simple Simon & Co. All women whom I am proud to call friends.  I got to hear of the things they are working on in secret for their blogs in 2015. I got to hear of their personal life, cheer them on in their struggles and rejoice in their victories. I got to have a moment of in-person connection with these incredible women apart from our on-line world.

Stef also introduced me women at Alt that I had never met before. Bloggers who specialize in foods and parties and wine – women like Courtney of Sweet C’s Designs. (Who I have never laughed so hard with).

And I also got to hang with friends who met us in the hotel lobby, friends who live in the area but were not in Alt Summit attendance. Like Marissa of RaeGun Ramblings, and Alexia of Lexi Made and the Sewing Rabbit Team.  (I got to play with her twins – eek, they are so so cute!!!).  I also got to hang out with Melissa of Eco Armoire and last year’s SR Team, and let me just tell you – she is GIFTED in networking. She knew everybody at Alt by the end of a day. So so good. And I got to see Mandy of Fabric Paper Glue again in her bubble bath themed mini-party, which was stunning and overflowing with bubbles.

8

 

Furthermore, this year’s Alt Summit was about the Inspiration Quote.

They were everywhere, it was like we as a creative group of women came together to cheer each other on. To remind one another that we are ALREADY perfect, just the way we are. They were on business cards, on hand outs, on wall hangings.  Inspirational quotes seemed to be the underlying theme, whether Alt planned it or not, and I loved it.

It wasn’t about how stylish you could be, in a group filled with influential tastemakers. But rather about how gorgeous you already are, flaws and all.

That we are all, beautifully flawed.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…

Happy Sewing!

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

article5 Comments

About Jess

When I was a young girl, my nickname was Jessica Rabbit. Fast forward 20 years, and I am married to the love of my life who, as fate would have it, has the last name Abbott. That's me! Jessica R. Abbott - aka, Jess Rabbit. Simply living a happy, yet crazy, love-filled life in Virginia Beach with 3 kids and 1 puppy in tow. Read More…

Subscribe

« Sewing Confessions
Faux Fur Coat DIY »

Comments

  1. stacy says

    January 26, 2015 at 9:31 am

    I love your shine.

    Reply
  2. Melissa Q. says

    January 26, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Beautiful post, Jess. It sounds like a great time. So many fantastic women there!

    Reply
  3. Mandy says

    January 29, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    What a beautiful summary! I would expect no less from you. Sounds like you had a wonderful experience. And, of course, thanks for the little shout-out. It’s always such a pleasure seeing you.

    Reply
  4. Abby says

    February 11, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    You are such a beautiful person inside and out Jess! I’m sure everyone who met you was equally amazed and inspired as you were with them!

    Reply
  5. Delia says

    February 13, 2015 at 12:02 am

    Love this Jess! I felt like both Alt and SNAP last year were fast for me. A feast, where I was trying to consume as much as I could and feeling frantic over it the whole time. If I get to go to another conference this year, I want to adopt an approach closer to this one. A more intentional and patient perspective, and looking for the treasure moments and lessons. Thanks for sharing your experience. You are inspiring as always!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello, it’s me.

When I was a young girl, my nickname was Jessica Rabbit. Fast forward 20 years, and I am married to the love of my life who, as fate would have it, has the last name Abbott. That's me! Jessica R Abbott - aka, Jess Rabbit. Read More…

Stay updated!

Popular Categories

  • DIY
  • Videos
  • Articles
  • Round Ups

Some Popular Posts

Embroidered Raglan / Dolman Top

Embroidered Raglan / Dolman Top

16 Patterns to try in 2016

16 Patterns to try in 2016

Knit Heart Dress Tutorial

Knit Heart Dress Tutorial

Sequin Cardi DIY

Sequin Cardi DIY

How to Ice Dye

How to Ice Dye

Latest from Instagram

jessrabbott

❤️ reflect love ɹǝɟlǝɔʇ loʌǝ Writing ❤️
reflect love 
ɹǝɟlǝɔʇ loʌǝ

Writing teacher appreciation cards for the Orlando Outreach #loveweek2020 with @elevationchurch ‘s @elevationorlando campus! No matter where you sit on the fence with returning to school / not returning to school...we can all love one another a little bit better and lift each other up. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! YOU ARE LOVED!!! You are seen, known, and worthy! So step away from the news and love your neighbor today, whoever that might be!
If it solves a problem for me, it might solve a pr If it solves a problem for me, it might solve a problem for you too 💙💙. All you need is a paper clip to turn your mask into a bracelet, when you don’t need to use it but are still out and about. I wrote a blog post to show how easy it is. And even came up with another idea that is, dare I say it, even EASIER than this 🤪👊🏻. Link in bio - and thank you!
Use a laundry bag to keep your face mask ties from Use a laundry bag to keep your face mask ties from getting tangled!!!
For when you can’t afford a single thing from Gu For when you can’t afford a single thing from Gucci, but know something bougie would make your kids smile Christmas morning. Someone’s old Gucci dust bag turned into 2 scrunchies - yes ma’am!  Upcycle ftw using @mellysews super easy #scrunchiediy - you know they would sell this for like $$$$$$ - but a dust bag went for $10 - I call that winning! And ps - is it sad that this is the first thing I have sewn in like 6 months??? Scrunchies - really?!! 😂😂❤️
Hiking to monasteries, drinking the best beer on t Hiking to monasteries, drinking the best beer on the planet made by monks, morning runs and ferry boats, pretzels as big as our heads, Oktoberfest and apfelsaftshorlee...Munich, oh how we have missed you! 😍😍😍
Pinky out —-> high tea with a little entertainme Pinky out —-> high tea with a little entertainment 😍😍😍
Watch out London...the Abbotts are here!! The adve Watch out London...the Abbotts are here!! The adventure officially begins ✈️✈️✈️ #WillHomeschoolForTravel #abbottfamilylifeadventures
Date night with my boo...I love that we laugh toge Date night with my boo...I love that we laugh together.....and that he will ask me to dance even when no one else is dancing when one of my favorite songs comes on ❤️❤️❤️ #Laughterissexy #datenight
Catfish. It’s what’s for dinner. 😂😂❤️❤️. J/K I was busy eating tuna when he caught this off the dock! Lololol - raising kids right. Go catch us some dinner boy!! Lol - I have honestly never had catfish, I know there are some yummy Cajun dishes with it...🤔 This time he got lucky...catch and release 😁👍🏻
Load More... Follow on Instagram

What we’re pinning

Latest from the blog

Duck Tape® Light Up BowTie and Suspenders

Duck Tape® Light Up BowTie and Suspenders

Ready for the Fight

Ready for the Fight

Lander Pants

Lander Pants

Rushcutter Dress

Rushcutter Dress

Aster Shirt

Aster Shirt

Copyright © 2021 · Savory theme by Restored 316