USA Active community (meetups) Wichita Kansas

I was trying a while back to revive the scene in the Wichita area, but I have had a lot of health issues that have kept me from enjoying the bjd hobby so I kind of fell out of that project. I also don't drive and I live an hour-ish from Wichita, so there's also logistical issues. Once I get some answers about my health and have a more stable way to transport myself, I plan to participate in some of the lolita fashion meetup stuff (Wichita has a relatively active comm), and get back into doll things, but even getting into the existing community of j-fashion enthusiasts is probably going to take several months with how everything has been going in my life Anyway, feel free to message me if you would like! I've been wanting to make more "local" friends, especially ones who have similar interests

 

Welcome to Wichita! There are a few collectors I’ve met at events but no specific organized events lately. Occasionally the local chapter of doll hobby group UFDC has resin dolls at their annual doll show, and it’d be a great chance to do a meetup in late September - the hotel lobby is pretty spacious.

I work outside town with a bit of a commute so weekdays can be tough but happy to show up to anything planned. We have a great library system with free study rooms for groups of up to 8-10 at some locations.

Any local questions, feel free to message. Been here about 7 years and my wife even longer, we really like it!

 

I’m in Kansas, within driving distance of Wichita. I’d be open to meeting up if it’s in a public location. My availability will vary and I’m not sure what my schedule will look like for the next few years due to school. I’d show up to whatever I can.
I had no idea there was an active community anywhere in the state. One of the local cosplay clubs used WSU’s student center basement to meet up. I’m not sure on their exact policies, but that could be a possibility if a local library doesn’t work out. Campus itself is really safe and the campus cops are a great combo of proactive/chill, but the surrounding areas are dangerous so any attendees will need good transportation (no walking) and parking passes if it’s a regular location. The grounds are decently well maintained and there’s some tiny plants around in a few flower beds.

 

Speaking of flower beds - when the weather’s cooler, Botanica would be amazing for photos! I know in the past locals have met up at OJ Watson & other parks too. It’s just too hot right now though!

I think the new anime con (Anime Kansas) is happening in September. ICT Comic Con is at the end of August, but I’ll be out of town for that one. Century2’s air conditioning is not always great for big events but it does offer indoor options at least!

 

I've been missing the meet ups, but I have been too busy with working to do much dolly fun for years now.
I'm working six and seven days a week these days, but I will keep an eye on this thread. I'm trying to get enough overtime during the week so I can take both Saturdays and Sundays off.

I am definitely more into the park scene with possible doll photo ops! Botanica is nice, but a little too much for me. Any place that's free is worth a look.

 

The UFDC Wichita Doll Show is this upcoming Sunday! It goes 10am - 4:00pm at the Holiday Inn Wichita East I-35 (549 N. Rock Road). Entry is $5 for the sales room (generally not a lot of BJD stuff although I have picked up wigs & eyes in the past), and meeting up in the hotel lobby is free.

I plan to attend for a couple hours probably on the earlier side (likely 11-1ish). I will either bring a Volks DearSD or some of my 1/4 crew I am hoping to find wigs/eyes/props for.

 

I have also been stuck in WORK AND CONSTANT LIFE UPHEVAL hell to do doll things for nearly a decade now -- but my god I want to get back into the swing.

I regret I was a month shy of seeing the doll convention thing, I am always on the lookout for large furniture pieces lol

 

*crawls out from under a rock*

My partner and I are up in Hutchinson (used to live in Wichita). Had a rough few years where we didnt touch our dolls but things have been improving and we have been working on them a bit here and there again.

My days off are thursdays, fridays, and sundays. Being an hour out of Wichita idk how often we will be able to meet up, but Im definitely down to keep an eye on the thread and chit chat.

 

Did a little digging on their site and it looks like the Wichita library offers "collaboration rooms" you can reserve to use for free but says they only hold "a few people" but no specifications on how many people that may be :/

They have larger meeting rooms but you have to pay a fee to rent them, which is absolutely buck wild to me because the library here in Hutch doesnt charge you at all to use a meeting room.

 

The collab rooms at WPL seat anywhere from 4 to 8 (technically 10-12 in the largest but they don’t recommend it), so they’re best for small groups. I think the time limit is 3 hours in a booking if I remember correctly.

They charge for meeting rooms because a) they’re meant for people booking trainings and stuff, so capacity of 30+ and b) cause the City government is into “cost recovery” aka they want the library to make a certain amount in fees to justify being open. Different libraries are funded in different ways, and unfortunately WPL is stuck as part of the main city budget, which means they compete for funding in a big pool with like Parks & Rec and other “nice to haves” vs being funded as an essential service. Most libraries in Kansas have a dedicated tax base that is theirs alone, kind of like how schools are funded. That is to say, Hutchinson’s library is quite possibly better funded per person than Wichita’s libraries (they are actually some of the lowest funded in the state!).

But usage is really great for their statistics, so definitely use their free stuff if it works out for you! I’m happy to book the largest collab room if somebody wants to suggest a date/time

Tagging everyone so far expressing interest to see if anyone is up for an end year / January meet at a public library location?

@AlisonVonderland @QuaintMysteryDolls @Azure Agape @aernath @PegasusxCroquet @Alaia

 

Slim chance also. My classes will be starting mid January and I started a new job recently. Hoping to get some extra hours the last couple weeks on break.

I’d love to join if I’m able, but I don’t have any concrete days or times besides no Sundays. Don’t make choices based on me joining, but I will if I can. As long as it stays somewhere public, like the library.

 

I can aim for January and avoid a Sunday! January 4th or 11th maybe? (Both Saturdays)

If you haven’t been to the downtown library in awhile, they have a bunch of makerspace stuff put into the area by the teen wing and they recently added a sewing machine that can be booked for a couple hours at a time. My friend is one of the staff certifying people for use on it so if we time the meet right, I’m sure she’d be happy to do a bulk certification if that is something anyone might be interested in! (It’s pretty much just demo-ing threading the machine & bobbin loading on the specific model & making sure you’re not gonna break it left unsupervised)

 

Ah, that makes sense. The wording on their site made me think the free ones were like 3 people max XD Id consider 8 people a medium group rather than small, but thats just because I'm pretty introverted and dont tend to do large groups of anything X'D

The Hutch ones tend to get used most often for smaller things like DnD groups, Scouts, study groups, and the occassional baby shower. Being rented out often for business trainings makes a lot more sense to charge for.




I will pass on January meetup. I can only do one Wichita trip a month and funnily enough have a medical appointment on Friday the 3rd (and will be seeing a friend for her birthday after the appointment), so that will be my trip for the month lol But thats okay. I will try another time :3

 

I will try to attend whenever and wherever a meet is planned, and I will BRING SNACKS FOR ALL 0W0

 

Would anyone else be up for Jan 11th at the library? I'm not sure which location- @Sarako, could you handle that part? I'm unfamiliar with Wichita's library system and you seem to know what you're doing more than I do.

I ended up not being able to get those extra hours (yay required training) so I'm free all day. I'm personally not interested in the demo- I have my own machine. Others might be though and I'd be happy to plan times around that. I'd be a little more comfortable if we had at least 3 people, including me. I've seen a few of you around on the forum for a while, but I don't know anyone in this group and I'm a little hesitant to meet someone alone for the first time.

 

@Azure Agape - Yep, I can book a collab room at the downtown (Advanced Learning Library) location, which will fit 6 seated + room for carriers to the side. The rooms are open glass sided so family/friends can hang around and keep an eye on things if that helps. I can’t officially book until 1 week out but I will update with the precise room when it’s in the system! We’ll get it for 2 hours; if people want to stretch it longer there are tons of cute coffee shop type places in the area.

I can try and bring some fun props or a general backdrop for photos. Probably will only haul one or two dolls with me! My wife’s not really a doll hobbyist but she does have a DearSD hybrid doll and might decide to tag along.

 

Sounds perfect, thank you! I’m probably going to just bring one or two of the girls, maybe with a doll crochet project? I’ve never been to a meet up so I’m not sure what I’m supposed to bring.

 

Meetups can vary, but in my experience mostly people just talk and pose and compare dolls

We are booked for Saturday, January 11th at 11:00AM to 1:00PM in Room 117 (Red) at the Advanced Learning Library! This room is at the end of the meeting room row on the 1st floor, between the adult books and the Teen room. It'll show up to any staff on the booking calendar as "Wichita Doll Hobbyists" if anyone needs to double-check day of. And I'll check on the food/beverage policy for any snacks! I think their new partnership might have the coffee kiosk in the front lobby operational next week.

 

Bleerrghhhh if you guys are still kicking around the library three hours later at 4pm, I can make it...!

Next time for me, I guess.

That being said, whenever I am able to meet up, I guess anybody interested in seeing the smaller sized Dream Valley dragon with company body blushing? That's really the only interesting doll I have at the moment.

 

On 1/11 I’m also trying to go to the local queer coffee group 2-4pm and I have D&D in the evening too. But next time we can definitely shoot for later on! I am not tied to specific times usually!

I love dragons and also whatever else! Just seeing stuff in person is the coolest part for me.

 

FYI keeping an eye on the road conditions today. Right now I’m hoping they’ll be decent by tomorrow morning.

ETA: The library should be open, so we’re okay! Definitely make sure to take your time if you need it on the way over. I will probably carry in less than I was thinking before.

Also, running a bit behind! Should be there by 11:30 at latest!

 

The January meetup was fun! We didn’t end up with any pictures though, oops.

Any thoughts on February or March dates, or location preferences?

 

Oops I didn’t take any.
I think the library reservation worked out pretty well.
I’m pretty limited this month and next. School has started up with a vengeance and I will be running around like a headless chicken until April. Don’t plan for me, but I’ll show up if I can.
I’d be free Thursday/Monday afternoons after 1, on the 8th, or on the 14th. I assume the 21st too, not sure. On/after 28th, no more weekends until my break in March. No idea about break because I’m going to try to pick up an extra shift or two for doll money (I blame Sarako and her corrupting influence)

 

Any time after 3:30, or any Sunday or Monday are my free days. I am excited for potential HUMAN INTERACTION whenever it may happen again, lol.

For the library space, would me bringing some 1/3 and 1/4 furniture pieces for cute photo sets be feasible? Or is it more like a meeting room with one central table?

 

The room we were in last time was a large central table with some chairs and stools around it. Chairs/stools are easy to drag. I forget the cable situation to know if the table can move. Unless we max out the people allowed in the room, it should be fine. You might not have enough space to have a lot of pieces out simultaneously, but some could fit and you can rotate through the rest. There’s plenty of space.

 

I regret nothing! ;D

The tables in the library meeting rooms are technically moveable but it involves going into the floor box cords so I don't really recommend it. However, I think there's room for a photo set or two on the table! Especially since extra chairs can be pushed out to hold doll carriers and the like.

It looks like maybe a Monday works best for this next time, and we'll keep an eye out for a good March time to be outdoors! Monday the 17th the library would be closed for the holiday (President's Day), but we could potentially book for Monday February 24th. Would 6pm-8pm work okay?

 

I'd be up for that if someone else is. I think I should be able to stay the whole time.

I thought you wouldn't. I went looking for a DearSD and ended up discovering the SDMs.

 

"Monday night doll wierdos" sounds splendid

I'm game for the 24th if it works out.

Would it be permitted if I brought pizza for everyone (and wet wipes, ofc. Do not place pizza directly onto doll)

 

I double-checked and yes (at least where library rules are concerned) this would be okay. As long as food is cleaned up after & stays inside the collaboration rooms we’re good to bring whatever.

I will be able to officially book the room tomorrow so will update with specific room & info then! Because that library closes at 8pm technically we’d want to wrap up around 7:45pm, just fyi.

Monday edit: We are booked for Monday, February 24th at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Room 117 (Red) at the Advanced Learning Library! This room is at the end of the meeting room row on the 1st floor, between the adult books and the Teen room. I will get there 15 minutes early & have staff unlock the room so you should be able to just pop in.

I don’t think it came up last time but if you want to hop on the library’s wifi you do need a (free) card, so plan for that ahead of time if needed.

I’m not sure who to bring this time, so let me know who you’re thinking of so I can narrow it down! @Azure Agape did you want me to bring my Volks SDmidi Gilbert? He doesn’t have the default clothes but you can get a sense of size and scale!

 

Yay! Can’t wait. As far as I know, I should still be able to make it.
@Sarako If you can, I would appreciate it. I’ve started doing some research on them, but haven’t had a chance for much. I’m mostly curious about posing and handling.

 

I am so excited ahhhh

@Sarako - if possible, would you be willing to bring your Elsa or Anna? I am a frozen know-nothing but oh gosh those two are just too cute

 

@PegasusxCroquet - can do! My Anna is non-stock as another character but she still has her default faceup and I can confirm, she and Elsa are ridiculously adorable.

@Azure Agape - yeah, you'll definitely be able to get a feel for how the midi body handles!

I'll see who else fits in the doll bag. Maybe yoSD!

 

@aernath remember ten years ago when you gave me a cat

He continues to be the light of my life

 

I'm thinking I'll bring my resinsoul centaur and one other doll. Probably my doll chateau girl or the resinsoul dragon. The dragon still needs a faceup, but she's got my favorite outfit of the bunch.

@Sarako Thank you! And I think we need proof of this cuteness. For science.
@PegasusxCroquet He is adorable.

 

So Monday is right around the corner -- seems like it will be just us 3?

I will bring a cheese pizza, a veggie tray, and some plates/napkins/wipes as well as my box of doll furniture lol.

I will probably bring my 2 weeaboo character dolls, and either my DreamValley dragon or my massive Iplehouse HID with the Soom Ender Anubis/Jackal head, depending on how much I want to haul around.

In any case, I'm looking forward to it!!

 

I got everyone packed up - in addition to the requests, I'll bring along a Racoondoll Jenny and a Youpladolls Ziya. Ziya's dressed up as a sorceress so I am pro-fantasy dolls for this meet!

See y'all at 6pm!

 

I’m running a few minutes behind. I will hopefully see you guys soon!

 

It was a blast!!!!

Here's the photos I took!

Feb24BJDMeet

 

Thanks for the photos! I'll try to get mine uploaded before too long

March feelings? We'll always be at the mercy of the weather in Kansas outdoors but I'm game to try!

 

@PegasusxCroquet Omg, the kitty pictures! And perfect timing too. My husband just fell and broke his arm today, and reading and seeing a wonderful update on your kitty was the perfect Happy Moment he needed!

I actually saw the meetup pix randomly on reddit! lol I'm not actually on there, so I had my husband pm the poster for more info for me.

... Yeah, Then I remembered I could just come here and looooook. Bahahaha! I'm an idiot.

I'm going to try and check here more often!
I do work second shift, so wouldn't have been able to get to this last meet up.
But I have been doing pretty good at taking weekends off. And if we do week days, I could do mornings... But would have to skedaddle around noon.

Anyway, so awesome to see dolly peeps meeting up in town again! Woohooo!

@Alaia it would be terrific to see you guys again! It's been a while... I now drive a car that's even smaller than the beetle bug! XD

 

I’m starting a new job that will eat into my Saturday options, so my preference for weekends will be Sunday anytime (or maybe a Friday night but would have to be a different venue than the library since they close pretty early) or will be able to do a Monday daytime/evening

If people are cool with cats and strangers’ houses I am generally game to host at my house, with address shared privately. I’m College Hill adjacent in Wichita and relatively easy to get to via the bus for anyone needing public transit options (happy to double-check the transit scheduling if this is needed!). We talked a bit in person about maybe doing crafting or restringing in the future so that could be a good venue for something a little messier/in-depth.

Probably Sunday 3/23 is my best date for March. I am probably more free in April. There is the Kansas Comiccon happening in Wichita on the 15th/16th at Century2 but not sure if I’m going to that yet.

 

I think I’m sitting the March meet out. I will have a break from school soon, but school is breaking me I plan to spend it sleeping as most as possible, with the occasional responsible adult moment of getting my life back on track. I’ll see y’all in April or May.
I’d love to see pictures (dolls or cats) but I won’t be able to make it.

 

@aernath that would be great! Its been too long!

And lol RIP beetle bug, you were a cutie.
Even smaller does sound cute though, as long as you can fit in it! XD

 

Any preferences for April or May meetup options?

I think I'll probably be a little more free in May, but I could potentially attend an April Sunday or Monday meetup.

 

I can do Monday as long it’s an evening or late afternoon. I’m not sure what time my morning clinical will end, and I’d like some time to breathe in between. My Thursdays are free and Friday will be free after the first Friday of April. Hypothetically. Work schedule pending because my boss decided to schedule me on days I told her I have class. Still waiting to see how the dust settles.

 

Preferences on Monday April 28th or Monday May 12th or Monday May 19th? Thinking maybe 6-8ish at the downtown library (Advanced Learning) again.

A lot of local groups use Milkfloat in Delano as a meetup location but the parking is trickier over there. They are open until 10pm most nights.

 

I am down for any Monday, and am taking requests for snacks if we have a bigger turnout this time haha