The UFDC national convention is next week and I’m sadly not going. With my new, expensive 17th century embroidery obsession, I had to make a choice.

I went to my first one in 2000 and have only missed a few since. It is always fun and reassuring to be around so many other people who share my interests. And the shopping is fantastic.

Over the years, I have collected French Fashion Accessories from both convention workshops and meal event table favors. Here are a few of my favorites.

The miniature stereoscope was from a wonderful workshop many years ago. We sanded and assembled the wood pieces in the class. It came with many slides and a box to keep them in.

Even though I couldn’t photograph it well, it really works!

In the class for this sewing bag, we chose from several fabric options. I chose BLUE. We sewed and glued the bag together and made the leather handles and clasp.

It contains wonderful sewing necessities made by the teacher. I especially love the tiny hanks of DMC embroidery floss with labels.

The following items were table favors:

A petite photo album of French Fashion Dolls.

A miniature copy of Harper’s Bazaar.

A tiny drawstring purse/satchel made of cardboard and silk, with decoupaged sides.

And a small pair of cloth shoes in their custom box with label.

For those of you who will be attending convention next week, I wish you a safe and fun-filled trip. I’ll be thinking about you and fondly remembering conventions past.