Haven Conference Recap (and a Wicked Good Fabric Giveaway!)
***This giveaway is now CLOSED. Winner announced here. Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment and enter.
As you may know now, my colleague Kate and I spent five days last week in Atlanta among 350 do-it-yourself bloggers at the Haven Conference. Although we lost our voices, barely slept, and I missed my two little guys so much it hurt, every moment of being there was worth it. For many reasons. The “DIY shuffle” dance to Blurred Lines, and Traci’s accompanying and much-needed instruction on the dance floor. The profound closing speech by Bob of Habitat for Humanity. And most of all, just being surrounded by and connecting with so many intelligent, talented, passionate and genuinely kind people was awesome. The energy in and around that place was infectious. I can’t tell you how many came up and sweetly thanked us for the fabric we provided for their swag bags (everyone got one yard of burlap and one yard of a different Premier Prints fabric). In fact, we got positive feedback about virtually every little detail we had considered and worked toward in planning for that event. And those thank yous meant a lot to us.
Rather than explain every moment of our time at Haven, here’s a visual journey. But before you venture through, we need to note the one regret we have from Haven: that we didn’t take OFS photographer Clara along with us! (She’s the gal who hand-drew the map and handmade hundreds of fabric flag pins to document where Haven bloggers came from). With the volume of people who visited our booth, who we wanted to take time to chat with, it was simply impossible to snap the amount (and quality!) of photos we had hoped to. Lesson learned.
Had to throw this one in. It’s a shot as we were packing up 450 swag bag boxes filled with 900 yards of hand-cut, folded and stuffed fabric to ship down to Atlanta from OFS in Massachusetts. Phew!
This was the official conference opening. Gracious Haven Conference leader Rhoda of Southern Hospitality introducing the keynote speaker, Ana White.
This is our neighbors’ booth, Southern Accents. Their salvaged, rustic products were amazing and they were such nice folks: Lucy of Lucy Inspired (pictured on right in pic below) and Garlan.
A little chat about Celebrating Everyday Life between its founder Jennifer Caroll, very sweet Beth of Unskinny Boppy and Lucy.
Here’s a peek at our Haven Booth. We showcased some other OFS products including pillow forms, thread, upholstery supplies and Rit dye. We had two clothing racks of fabric hanging behind us that we welcomed attendees to come back, touch and see up close. And they DID! Enthusiastically. And um. They rocked.
Lauren of The Thinking Closet, Shan of Family Brings Joy, Rachel of Lines Across
KariAnne of Thistlewood Farms with Kate. I adored her from our very first exchange on night one, when she asked me, “Y’all have burlap?” Why yes, I believe we do KariAnne.
Anne from Because Homes Should be Great
Beth of Farm Fresh Vintage, Sonya of At Home with the Barkers and Christy of Our Southern Home
Kate and Emily Clarke
Amanda of Amanda Carol At Home, Sarah of The Yellow Cape Cod, Kristin of The Hunted Interior
Me and Jackie from Teal and Lime
Laura of The Turquoise Home
Bridget and Casey of The DIY Playbook
Kate, Jessica of Decor Adventures and Me
Jennifer Caroll and Laura of Finding Home
Dusty of All Things G + D
Kate and Ashley of Simply Designing
Finally got to meet Beckie of Infarrantly Creative! Remember her awesome tutorials?
Kristin of Bliss at Home signing up to get info about working with OFS, and another unidentified blogger making her mark on the map (please get in touch if that’s you!)
Emily of Huckleberry Love (map winner!)
So that’s that. We just want to sincerely say thank you to all of the Haven conference organizers, speakers, bloggers, other sponsors, and to our OnlineFabricStore team who helped us prep swag and get it sent out. Haven 2014? No brainer.

Thanks for the great giveaway! Tweeted here: https://twitter.com/AlphaBecky/status/365949102585937920
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/aggiesmom1/status/365969486001618946. Thanks for the opportunity to have some fabric fun!
Shared on Google.
Your share buttons weren’t working for me, but I tweeted it π Thank you for my awesome fabric! I didn’t want to trade with anyone. MINE MINE MINE! https://twitter.com/RCHOTX/status/366019226101751810
You’re so welcome Heather! We expected there might be a few uninterested in swapping. And that’s ok. π
Great recap Abbey. So cool to see a recap from a sponsors point of view!! It was so nice to meet you and Kate and see all the wonderful fabrics. Thank you so much for coming out to meet and support the bloggers! We love you!
Thanks Jackie! It was awesome, so definitely looking forward to next year.
I shared your giveaway. AND I love the Haven swap idea. I swapped and it was a fun thing!
Wow! What an awesome recap! Don’t tell the other sponsors this, but I was MOST excited about the “wicked awesome fabric” in our SWAG bags. Cannot wait to use that burlap! (Like KariAnne, I am also a burlap fanatic.) So honored that you included the pic of me, Shan, and Rachel…and thanks for the chance at this giveaway! You know I’m going to enter. Here was my tweet: https://twitter.com/ThinkingCloset/status/366030953111494659
Ha ha thank you Lauren! So good to hear that. π
Thanks so much for including me in your wrap up! It was great to meet you and see all of the gorgeous fabric! I am plotting how I will use my lovely Penmanship Village Blue/Natural Fabric. π Thanks again!!
Of course Laura. Was so nice connecting with you. Make sure you let us know how you use your fabric (Penmanship was one of the most asked about ones at Haven!) π
Haven was my first conference! I so enjoyed meeting you all!!! Your fabric is just beautiful! Looking forward to using my Wicked Good Fabric!!! Sharing the post!
Christy Little
Our Southern Home
Likewise Christy! Look forward to seeing what you do with your fabric.
Shared on Google+
Great Haven recap! I just want to say a great big “THANK YOU” for the beautiful fabric that was in our swag bags, I can’t wait to use them for a project! When I got home I went on your website and ordered a ton of fabric swatches. I came home from the conference overflowing with ideas and inspiration for my home and blog. I can’t wait to get sewing!!! Thanks again and have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Lauren. Can’t wait to see/hear more about those ideas! π
I shared on Google plus!
I Pinned this to my Sewing board.
I tweeted I tweeted!! tweeet!!!
Oh, we loved have you all there at Haven! you were a big hit and a perfect fit for our conference. Those gift boxes were a huge success and we love your creativity. I would love to do something with OFS in the future as a blogger too, so keep me in mind! We hope to see you next year too!
Thanks so much Rhoda. We definitely will π
What a great giveaway! Loved seeing all the photos! Using the buttons at the end of your post, I shared on G+, FB and on Twitter.
Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/wordygirl11/status/366804718460207105
Tweeted https://twitter.com/usnamom2014/status/366919070404182018
I teweeted here!! thanks for the giveaway!!
https://twitter.com/KatyBeth9
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/Vanhl519/status/366919088699748352
I tweeted https://twitter.com/usnamom2014/status/366919070404182018
Shared on Facebook. Love this contest.
Love your store. Shared this on Fb. Wish they held events like that around here.
Thanks so much!!! Facebook shared. ..
Shared on facebook!
Thanks so much!!! Facebook shared. ..
Shared on fb!
When I see this fabric I hyperventilate! It is so awesome! And you ladies are very photogenic! It looks like you all had a lot of fun!
Ha thanks Sandy π It was nonstop and tiring but we definitely enjoyed it.
shared on Twitter ! Thanks for the chance <3
https://twitter.com/arrawrjunglecat/status/366924362374324225
I shared with Facebook before I got here π
Tweeted here:
Thanks for the giveaway!
I facebooked
Thanks for the giveaway! I shared on FB (Paula Lemos)
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com
I shared it on FB: https://www.facebook.com/lesliejohnson5/posts/10100685064846727
Thank you for the giveaway option. Love these colors! Shared with my friends and family on Facebook.
Liked & Shared, & Posted on facebook
I shared on all three….excessive? Maybe, but I need all of it! I have so many ideas running around in my head!!
Whoop whoop! I would sure love some more fabric– can’t get enough of the one I got at Haven, y’all were great to meet! I’d love to work with you in the future! π Oh– whoops and I shared it on facebook π
xo
Rachelle
Shared on facebook … thanks for the chance to win!
LOVE this giveaway and your fabrics!!!!!!!!!!! You guys were so much fun and Haven and thanks for the awesome shout out!
Happy day rock stars!
karianne
PS I just shared it!
Anytime Karianne! Such a pleasure meeting you. π And thanks for your (too) kind words!
What a great recap! I was super excited about the fabric in our swag bags, too! I have a serious obsession with fabric-hunting, probably because my mom is an avid sewer! Can’t wait to put my samples to use!
I shared this on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/twopurplecouches
Thanks so much Emily. π
Did all three, what a great giveway. Thank you!
What a wonderful time it must have been. I just shared on my G+ homepage.
Shared on Facebook…… http://www.facebook.com/cynthiaannjacksonsomebodylaughed
Thanks for my Haven swag. Plan to sew pillows for my back porch. Well send you pics as soon as done.
Cool Cynthia! Look forward to seeing. And thank you π
Shared on twitter and google+
Twitter @cinnjack
Google. Cynthia Ann Jackson
I teach a sewing class. Last Saturday, I showed off my haven fabric with the class. Lots of oohs and ahhs
That’s awesome! Thank you π
I shared this giveaway on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/pin/18507048441971546/
Thanks for letting us “be there.” I shared on Facebook. Thanks for the chance and for all your hard work.
π You’re welcome Sarah. Sweet of you!
I posted to Facebook.
I wish I could have been there! The ‘wicked good fabric’ boxes are wicked cute, and the fabric is YUM, YUM, and YUM. Liked and shared on FB and tweeted – although the selfish part of me really doesn’t want anyone else to know about the contest. Is that wrong? π
Thanks Cathy! And ha, no not wrong. π Good point.
I shared it on my facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/deepestoceanblue
Shared on Google+ !
I posted on FB at http://www.www.facebook.com/DaisiesandCrazies. I enjoyed meeting you cool chicks at Haven, and I hope I win! You will be hearing from me again, regardless! π
Likewise Cindy!
Oh, I would love this! I shared on Pinterest and Google+. http://pinterest.com/pin/74942781272590004/
shared on fb – great giveaway! and loved all the pics
Shared and liked on Facebook.
Shared it on google+
Loved meeting y’all at Haven and look forward to keeping in touch!! (I hit y’all’s booth when it was pretty busy and didn’t see the laptop to sign up to get info about working with you – keep me in mind, though!)
Thanks Katie! Definitely will π
LOVE this! I shared it on facebook!
Shared on Twitter!
It was wonderful meeting y’all at Haven!! And thank you for the awesome fabric ~ how’d you know I’m obsessed with burlap π
You too Elizabeth π And you’re welcome!
Hi! Loved your recap! I shared the post/giveaway on FB.
Enjoyed meeting you guys at Haven. I’m absolutely interested in working with you, but the computer was being fussy when I tried to enter my info and it didn’t “take.”
Thanks for the great swag!
Thank you and was nice to meet you too Brooke. That was really frustrating when the email sign-up went down. Sorry about that but we have you noted!
Aha! THAT must be why I didn’t know about the signup. For the love of all things textile, get me on that list!! (pretty please) π
Will do Cindy π
I shared on Twitter! Thanks again for everything at Haven- love your fabric and am on the hunt right now for a pretty ticking stripe on your website:)
You’re welcome Bee. Let me know if you have any ticking questions!
shared on twitter
Facebook and pinned! LOVE the fabric with the dandelions!
Great recap, ladies! It was such fun meeting you and browsing your amazing fabrics! Shared on my FB page… https://www.facebook.com/DecorandMorewithHeidiMilton
Thanks so much for hosting!
xo heidi
Thank you, Great meeting you too Heidi!
Pinned and posted on FB.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sondra-Lyn-at-Home/175427415953631
Great Recap… makes me want to go back. NOW! π I loved meeting you ladies! Thanks for the great swag boxes and for all the work you put into being there!
The computer wasn’t working when I came by, either. Would you also add me to the list? (I’m the one that told you I worked as a designer over 7 years for a high-end furniture retailer… and I’m a fabric junkie!!) Thanks!
Thank you Sondra and likewise π Just added π
I absolutely love your fabric and am so excited about the burlap and print you included in my swag bag. You guys were very busy when I dropped by, but I did drop off my card. I look forward to sharing my finished fabric project on the blog soon. I’d love to be added to your list. Thank you again for all your hard work at Haven. I just shared your giveaway on FB https://www.facebook.com/janis.allthingsbeautiful and tweeted it https://twitter.com/janisstew
You’re so sweet–thank you! Look forward to it Janis.
SO BUMMED I had to sell my ticket at the last minute! It looks like it was a great time, and I can’t wait until next year! I shared the post via Twitter π Loved your recap, and LOVE those fabrics! Sign me up! π https://twitter.com/FirstHomeLove/status/367025277081100288
That’s too bad Christine I know of a quite a few who had to do the same thing. But yes, there’s always next year π And thanks for your feedback–appreciate it so much.
I shared this on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Clear-Sky/150398408345384) Thanks for the chance!
I shared and liked on facebook, and now I’m keeping my fingers crossed! What a fun giveaway! π
You all were awesome at Haven!! And the fabric was gorgeous!! I shared on FB and Twitter.
https://www.facebook.com/lori.leeper.1
https://twitter.com/stonybrookhouse
Thank you Lori π
Hi,
I shared to my Facebook page. I’m excited for a chance to win. Thank you!!!
Shared via Facebook!
Shared on FB! Love your fabric π
https://www.facebook.com/refreshrestyle/posts/658311804179812
So glad Debbie!
tweeted it! π
I shared on Facebook! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
Lovely all around! Shared the post via my personal Facebook.
I’m in love with Burlap these days …. and I’m loving your blog! I’m not a blogger yet … but there is so much in my head that it may happen soon! Tweeted at https://twitter.com/Laurieet1
Thank you Laurie! Definitely get all your ideas out there…because as a DIY rookie I could use them π
It was such a delight meeting and spending fun time with you Abbey! All your fabrics were too swoon over and we all loved the wicked swag! Look forward to chatting with you soon!
All my best,
Kim
Thank you Kim! So glad we got a chance to connect and definitely look forward to keeping in touch!
It was great meeting you at Haven Abbey! Such great inspiration and creativity all around. Enjoying a new project with my OnlineFabricStore chevron and burlap. Can’t wait to share.
Cheers to you and yours,
Therese
Oooh can not wait to see Therese π
I picked FB as I am not on Twitter! I love all the Moroccan/Turkish style of Fabrics!
I want to take them all!!
So wonderful meeting you ladies at Haven! What a great giveaway. I shared this on my G+ page ;)https://plus.google.com/u/0/118438038459363695651/posts
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Thanks Jamie, so nice meeting you too!
Shared on FB. https://www.facebook.com/WhatsUrHomeStory
I just love your fabric. I do quite a few no-sew projects so I have this little addiction to fabric. And, I shared this all over social media π
xoxo
Denyse
Shared on FB, but on my personal timeline rather than the blog page I manage. Oh well, I’m proud to have shared you with my family and friends. π
Thank you Dianne, we really appreciate that π
Even prouder to have now shared you on BOTH. https://www.facebook.com/WinnowSpruce
I twitted this giveaway @SDandCblog. Thanks so much for this giveaway!!
Whoops! I meant tweeted! :/ Still a little new to twitter…
Hi Abbey and Kate! So great to meet you at Haven. I shared this on my FB page so more fabric lovers can find out about you.
And what a great round up! Thanks for including my picture. I look forward to working with you and am so glad you had fun with us crazy bloggers π
Thank you Jessica! Likewise π
Shared on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/yesitsmekellyk/status/367354924364865536
Updated my twitter and getting ready to tweet this.
Fun meeting you both! Just found your blog via Pinterest.
Was really lovely meeting you Emily. Glad you found us π
I shared via Pinterest! Thanks for the giveaway! And it was fun reading through the recap!:)
Wow! Wish I had been there! Shared on Facebook.
Next year Rebecca? π
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/gfearon/status/367694727476285441
Love these pretty fabrics! I shared on FB.
I shared this on my facebook account. thanks for the opportunity.
https://www.facebook.com/pam.sorenson
LOVE the pics of everyone! Especially loving the one of Lucy, Jennifer and me! Mind if I snag it for my recap post? I’m having to break my recaps up into sections since I have too much to say! π It was so great meeting you guys. Thanks for your help with the Great Fabric Search. π
Hey Beth! Yes, such a nice pic. Feel free to snag π Great meeting you too, and no prob on the fabric search. We’re always willing to help in any way we can.
Shared on Pinterest! π
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/txvoodoo/status/368070028723105793
I shared on Facebook. Absolutely gorgeous fabric. Would love to attend Haven Conference.
I shared on twitter as I have the most sewing followers there…:)
http://twitter.com/jillmandy Sorry I don’t know how to put the status page like the ones above…:(
Posted on pintrest. Beautiful pics looks like lots of fun
thanks
Posted on pinterest. Beautiful pics looks like lots of fun
thanks
Shared on FB
sharing with friends
Shared this on FB today π
I shared on Facebook! I just started sewing again after many years!
Beautiful fabric……..I shared it on my FB page.
Liked, L
I shared on fb.
Shared on Facebook!
And Pinterest!
I tweeted (and crossed my fingers!) π
I shared on fb
Shared on Facebook!
Tweeted about this – thanks!
Shared on Facebook π
Pinned this on Pinterest! LOVE online fabric store π http://pinterest.com/pin/140948663311093242/
Shared on FB!
Shared on Facebook! Thanks!
I shared on Google+!
I shared via Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/pin/51580358205385831/
Tweeted it!
Shared on Twitter and Google+! Also pinned! I’m just getting back into sewing and look forward to exploring your site!
Posted on FB AND tweeted!
I was just thinking about making a new bag too!
Shared on facebook and pinned
Facebook and Pinterest
Hey Abbey, Thanks for the wonderful visual journey – So glad you were able to attend the Haven Conference! Homes.com & ForRent.com enjoyed sponsoring the event and connecting with attendees such as yourself! Feel free to take a look at all the photos from the event on Facebook, tag yourself & share with family/friends: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151783562125943.1073741827.38844010942&type=3 Hoping to chat with you soon!
Shared your awesome site on FB for all my friends.
You’re sweet, thank you!!
Haven Conference Recap (and a Wicked Good Fabric Giveaway!)