Frocktails events bring sewists together to socialize, celebrate handmade clothing, and build meaningful in-person connections within the global sewing community.
For folks not connected to the sewing world, hearing the term ‘frocktails’ might leave them a bit wide-eyed and confused. But among sewers, frocktails refers to a celebration, a chance for like-minded makers to socialize and to wear and show off their handmade garments.
Countless frocktail groups have popped up across the U.S., even worldwide, with attendees donning their handmade clothes, while sipping, eating, and conversing. Some events go even further, hosting raffles, games, and runway shows. “People crave a connection with others with similar interests, particularly after the pandemic. Sewing and crafting can be quite isolating,” said Lily Fong, who owns the online business LilypaDesigns, which hosts frocktails in Los Angeles. “There is a certain je ne sais quoi about being in a room of people who understand the extra time and effort you spent on pattern matching, French seaming cotton lawn or the joy of finishing your first silk garment.”
Maria Theoharous values these events as a chance to connect with fellow makers.
Maria Theoharous is a frocktails attendee in Australia and also hosts host a frocktails community account called “Everything Frocktails” on Instagram. She’s social media editor for the SewOver50 Instagram account, and hosts the podcast Sew Organised Style. Her sewing Instagram account is Velosews.
“I enjoy frocktails that provides a few bevvies, space to chat and space to simply take a break from it all,” she said.
Two elements are key, organizers said, when it comes to hosting a successful frocktails event: good planning and organization.
What’s the goal?
“An event for makers and sewists to show off your creation surrounded by likeminded friends – old and new” is how Los Angeles Frocktails describes the event on its website.
The sense of community at these events is what makes them so enjoyable, said Theoharous. Everyone attending shares a common interest and go to showcase their creations and to meet in-person sewers they’ve connected with online, she added.
Aaronica B. Cole, who plans frocktails in Atlanta, agreed.
“I think this event has caught on worldwide because people want community that appreciates what we do. Yes, frocktails is fun to dance and get dressed up for, but what feels really good is when people admire what we do without wanting us to do it for them.”
Speaking on behalf of Twin Cities Frocktails, Elin Estelle reiterated the importance of the in-person aspect.
“I think events like this are important to the sewing community now more than ever since having in-person experiences have become more scarce,” she said. “It’s easy to interact with people through Instagram, but it’s hard to connect with people in person. I’ve come to find it harder to find places and events where I can meet people who share similar interests.”
And, she added, “Attending frocktails means you will never have to say ‘thanks, I made it!’ Instead, you’ll get asked, where you got your pattern, fabric, and ideas from.”
Choosing a date and a venue
Fong said the hardest part of planning a frocktail is finding a venue that matches one’s budget and estimating attendance. She said she tries to stick with the obvious: frocks and cocktails. Offering food depends on the venue, she added.
Twin Cities Frocktails takes price and location into account when selecting a venue. The group also wants attendees to feel comfortable while having fun whether that means dancing or sitting in quieter areas chatting.
Salina Curtis, an organizer of Raleigh Frocktails and has the sewing blog @fullycoutured on Instagram, advises that starting out with a smaller event can be beneficial. “The first doesn’t have to be elaborate. You have to start somewhere and not be discouraged if you don’t have this huge production,” she said. “You don’t have to have the best foods or the best DJ.”
How to market a Frocktails event
Social media, including Instagram, is how many market their event. Theoharous also noted that it’s important to have a social media strategy.
Curtis pointed out that building community among local sewers is important. “It’s a passion and you find others with the similar passion,” she said.
To help spread the word, Estelle said her group also connects with local vendors and craft stores.
Frocktails events in Atlanta (left) and Los Angeles (right) show how local sewing communities put their own spin on the celebration—bringing makers together to share handmade garments, creativity, and connection.
Schedule for the event, tips for registration and activities
For their first frocktails event, said Curtis, Raleigh Frocktails hosted from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with raffle prizes, music, food, and sponsors donated items for swag bags. The evening wrapped with a runway show.
Twin Cities Frocktails also features a fashion show at the end of the night, said Estelle.
Another tip: Theoharous advised that weekends or Friday nights are good times to schedule a frocktails – renting a venue on a Friday night can be less expensive, she said.
Theoharous stressed the importance of getting the food and drinks just right so attendees are getting value for the price of a ticket. Frocktails activities range from social gatherings to including prize drawings, parades, and games to encourage mingling, she said.
For the frocktails in Atlanta, said Cole, organizers don’t go overboard.
“We keep it pretty low key because Atlanta offers a lot to do in our area,” she said.
“Friday we have a fabric swap and open sew at the studio I teach at called Topstitch Atl. Saturday we meet up and do fabric shopping in the morning. And Sunday we do brunch and shopping at Scraplanta, a local non-profit. One of the things I plan on introducing this year is a community service project because community involvement is big to me.”
Fong said her events can include giveaways/raffles.
Twin Cities Frocktails events run four hours and include a variety of activities: raffle prizes, a runway show, and photo booth along with food and drinks, said Estelle.
What to do after your event to get ready for the next one. Do these events make money?
Twin Cities Frocktails generally has some downtime after hosting an event before planning begins anew. Estelle said the group tries to make enough money to provide a great experience while being able to save for a deposit for the next event.
Theoharous said photos from an event can be used to keep the excitement continuing until the next one. Frocktails can make money for organizers, she added, especially if a venue doesn’t charge a fee, and a group charges for a ticket.
One thing seems certain from speaking with several folks who have attended a frocktails event: the social aspect keeps them coming back.
“I believe if you can create, attend events like this, it’s a lot easier to make connections since you already have common ground with the people there,” said Estelle.
Lauren BorsaCurran
contributor
