It seems that I have just not been in the blogging mood for a long time. It could be because I haven't been sewing any children's clothing lately. Maybe I just need to get in my sewing room, clean up the stuff I've been doing, and start on kids' things again. Afterall, that is my passion.
I have just been in a funk. I've been reading blogs. I've left a few comments. I used to leave comments on almost every blog I read, every time I read it. Lately, I have just not had much to say, I suppose.
In looking back over my blog, I'm wondering if all this is, is a format for me to brag about what I've created? Is it ???????....... really, what is it?
I love reading about what ya'll create, so it stands to reason that ya'll want to see what others create, including me? Right? I don't know.
I also haven't had use of my husband's camera lately. I would rather read blogs with photos. I always did like picture books best.
I've been trying to figure out a way to turn my sewing or other creative endeavors into $$. I haven't figured it out, yet. I have heard yeas and nays about etsy, ebay, craig's list, etc...... I have heard yeas and nays about having your own website from which you sell things. What's your take on this?
I have lots of questions. Do any of you have answers?
Okay, so, now I just need to get in my sewing room and finish up some of the projects I do have going on before I start anything new. That's also one of my problems. I tend to think ahead to the NEXT thing I want to make, therefore hurrying through whatever the current project is. NOT GOOD!
Later..............Julia
I have just been in a funk. I've been reading blogs. I've left a few comments. I used to leave comments on almost every blog I read, every time I read it. Lately, I have just not had much to say, I suppose.
In looking back over my blog, I'm wondering if all this is, is a format for me to brag about what I've created? Is it ???????....... really, what is it?
I love reading about what ya'll create, so it stands to reason that ya'll want to see what others create, including me? Right? I don't know.
I also haven't had use of my husband's camera lately. I would rather read blogs with photos. I always did like picture books best.
I've been trying to figure out a way to turn my sewing or other creative endeavors into $$. I haven't figured it out, yet. I have heard yeas and nays about etsy, ebay, craig's list, etc...... I have heard yeas and nays about having your own website from which you sell things. What's your take on this?
I have lots of questions. Do any of you have answers?
Okay, so, now I just need to get in my sewing room and finish up some of the projects I do have going on before I start anything new. That's also one of my problems. I tend to think ahead to the NEXT thing I want to make, therefore hurrying through whatever the current project is. NOT GOOD!
Later..............Julia
17 comments:
Julia, when I started my blog, I did it mostly as a journal of my quilting adventure. I hope it has not come across as bragging, as I really am not a very advanced quilter and there are many quilters that quilt rings around me. I love to see what you make. You have such a gift with your sewing. I'm sorry that I cannot offer any suggestions or help along the $$$ line. I'm sure there are some wonderful avenues out there, I just don't know anything about selling products. Your work is gorgeous and I think you could probably sell some of your work, if you can find a good outlet. Do you use patterns or do you make your own patterns?
I feel like I could have written this post with the exception of turning the sewing into a profitable endeavor. I don't know what the answers are. But I definitely enjoy reading your blog and hope that you keep it up!
I go through spells where I wonder why I keep blogging, so I can really relate! I think that everything we do has natural cycles - times when we are energized by it and times when it feels like a chore. The trick is to not over-react to the natural lows.
Only you know for sure what is right for you, but I know that LOTS of people - myself included (even though I am not good at commenting) - enjoy your blog and would miss you - your creations and your voice - if you decided to stop.
Sharing your projects - the ones that you put so much of yourself and your love into - with people who really can appreciate the beauty and the effort and skill that goes into those projects - is not bragging.
You are bringing ideas and instruction and inspiration to all of your readers. :)
I hope your funk passes quickly! Please don't make a decision about blogging when you are feeling down...
I'll be sending good thoughts your way! :)
All the best,
Gwen
I can definitely relate. I've been ambivalent about the blogasphere off and on for a long time. I usually end up taking a break, then I find so many things I'd love to take a picture of and blab about, and come right back. But taking a break really does help me refresh and allows me to get a new perspective.
I love reading your posts and get many ideas and inspiration from you. I hope you continue on sharing what you're doing. You've a marvelous talent, and I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I always enjoy seeing what you've sewn, as well as hearing about what's going on with you and yours.
Moneywise, I've a couple of online shops in Artfire and Zibbet. They aren't profitable, I just break even. I can tell you there's a tremendous amount of socializing you must do to be profitable with those venues. That's probably why I'm not profitable, because I want to spend my computer time on things that inspire and enlighten me and I can't do that while spending hours "marketing". But that's just me. If I wore a younger girl's clothes I might have more energy for both.
What seems to sell most of my product is local shops and craft shows. In the cyberworld...in my experience, it seems most people shop within their own "marketplace" (like Artfire, Zibbet, Hyenacart), so I think that getting into a large marketplace like Etsy would yield the best profit. I've heard Etsy is expensive to use, though, but if you get sales, then it may be a better venue.
Poke around some of the markets and see what's best for you. I know that Zibbet is still offering a lowcost option right now....I think it's $69 a year for life for a limited time now. That's pretty inexpensive and setting up a shop there is pretty easy with lotsa people willing to give advice and look over your shop for a critique. It is pretty new, so the market isn't real big, but it's pretty popular and will probably grow quickly.
Good luck shopping around. Let us know what you decide. I hope you continue to blog, though. Maybe you'd feel better about everything if you took a short break. Hugs, Karen
I agree with Gwen- mostly because it happens to me all the time. I also have times when I think it is a chore to blog-and when I have to work at reading blogs- but then I have times when I absolutely love it and feel so energized by other people's creativity. I have to admit that I never felt like I was bragging- but now I am wondering about that too! I will say that I have never felt that you were bragging or showing off on your blog and I enjoy reading about your creations and your life. When it comes down to it- I usually start out reading a blog because I love what the blogger has created and is showing me and lots of times I end up making a friend too- which is priceless to me. I wish I had more advice for you on the money front of sewing. Have you tried looking around your area and seeing if there are design rooms that might need help? That is the kind of work my Mom does- making pillows, drapes, etc for interior designers. I've also seen some sellers on etsy list items that are made to order in "x" amount of time- so you could show a child's dress or shirt in a certain fabric and then the customer could order their own size, etc? I'll keep thinking Julia and see if I can come up with any other ideas. Sending you lots and lots of hugs my friend ♥
I think being in a funk re blogging is a fairly common state of being. There are times when I read posts and just don't have the energy to comment or feel totally inarticulate. Sometimes I have to
force myself to post. I think there is a natural ebb and flow with blogging. Don't force yourself to post or comment when you don't feel the desire to.
You are so very talented and I can't help but think that there is a way for you to earn money from your work. I don't know much about the way in which to do it, but I know where there is a will there is a way.
xo
Claudia
I agree with all the above comments and you are certainly not bragging,my blog is my life diary for me and if others wish to read it and leave a comment then that is even better l love to hear from other crafters especialy. The best thing about blogging is that you can and should only do it when you want to and we all understand that our every day life and family matters come first, but we are all there for each other and to add encouragement and a frienly word when we are down so do not stop blogging we would miss you terribly.
Hugs Pat
Please don't even consider quitting! You do such magnificent work! - there has got to be a market for it, keep looking.
I have taken a few blogging breaks lately and I think it is good sometimes. I missed you when you were on your blogging break. I LOVE seeing all your sewing. And as to making it profitable...well, I am not so good at that myself. I am still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up. But don't give up your blogging. I love to read your blog!
Hi Julia,
Don't stop blogging!! You are not bragging, you are sharing, and I love to see what you are doing. I started blogging to help me get a bit more organized, and it really has helped. It's also so very useful to put out that occasional cry for help or to help someone else out in return. I agree about the photos. I really like to see photos of other people's work, that what makes these creative blogs so interesting. Some people use the photo option with the blog list, and I find that I get a lot of referrals that way. Although with the number of blogs you follow, that wouldn't be practical.
I can't help you with the money aspect, I'm too busy in my day job or my own sewing projects to even think about making money sewing.
Love your blog, please don't quit!
Blog when the mood takes you and you have something to talk about. There are many interested readers. And if you choose not to, we will also understand. Take care!
To me, blogging is like a sewing club. I belong to several sewing groups, where we get together and talk about the garments we made, share information, good and bad. The same with blogs. As for making money sewing-I've never tried because I think it takes the pleasure out of it.
It must be a common thread with many of us these days, I've been wondering the same thing. Sometimes it seems that no one stops by and I wonder if I am just typing to be typing. I don't have a "theme", I just needed a voice a couple of years ago and this seemed a way to have that.
As to the question about making money from your talent... and you do have some serious talent... have you checked into boutiques that specialize in little girl dresses? I know you sew all kinds of things, but there always seems to be a market for rather personalized little girl things... especially if you can do matching head bands, or mommy-daughter sort of things, or such as that. Etsy... I dunno, I have never done well there, but there are some who obviously do... it's all about getting noticed, and with that many people it can be difficult.
A website of your own isn't a bad idea, registering a domain name is easy enough, and you can find free hosting... it does take a great deal of time to get one written though... even if you do it yourself.
The one piece of advice I can give...believe in what you create... and take a chance... you can never ever know what can happen if you don't.
As others have said, we all go through blogging blahs -- writing, reading or commenting. The past months have been busy and exhausting for you -- welcoming new babies to the family and bidding farewell to other family members. It takes more of a toll on us than we realize. Be kind to yourself and do what makes you happy. That is the most important part.
Sewing for profit has pros and cons. Sometimes it is a true blessing. Other times, it turns a beloved hobby into a chore. Again, you need to do what makes you happy. Life is way too short for regrets. Keeping you in my thoughts for happiness and contentment!
I've taken some unintended breaks, but I'm trying to get back in the groove of things. Hope to see your kids's projects again soon.
nice article. If you want to purchase bulk kids clothing, then you can go with this online yellow pages.
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