Some Thoughts and Questions on Blogging
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, reading, and talking about blogging lately. I feel like this blog has kind of slipped away from me ever since I moved from California a little over a year ago. Moving across the country, having a baby, continued growth of our shop, and Instagram has resulted in me spending less time blogging, reading blogs, and being a member of the blogging community. Then, I read this post about blogger burnout and I realize that I had to let blogging slip from the place it once was {there is no way I can manage four posts a week like I used to!}.
With the changes in my life, and doing my best to devote my time to my family, I’ve also faced some feelings of inadequacy within the quilting and sewing blog world. It seems like so many bloggers are producing tutorials, writing books, opening pattern shops, and becoming fabric designers, and I start to wonder if I’m really doing enough. But then, as this postcard from my lovely friend Jenny reminds me I don’t need to focus my energy on what I’m not doing, I just need to go forward with what I am doing, that is enough.
So, I’d like to refocus and freshen the content I produce up a little bit. I’d love to know what kind of things you look for in blogs you enjoy reading, and then I can cater my content to readers {and I know my mom is curious about this too!}.
I know we all love tutorials {and there are sure to be more of those in the future}, but I’d love to know what other things you like to read about, what draws you to a blog, and what kind of things you’d like to learn. I’ve also set up a little survey, so you can answer a couple questions, and you’re also welcome to leave a comment, whichever you prefer!
Edit to add (11/18): Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey! It was just a free plan so only the first 100 responses were collected {I figured it would take a few days before we reached 100}. If you’d like to add anything to the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I’ll post about the survey results later this week!
I really miss blogging and just sharing what I am working on because I draw inspiration from seeing what others are working on, too. Even just little peeks at works in progress or sharing new things you have found and want to try are always fun. I think the big thing in the craft blogging community is sharing in creativity and inspiration. Just browsing around can get my creative juices going and makes me want to try new things. I love your style and seeing the beautiful things that you make, even if I am not around as much anymore in the blogging world.
I have been battling these same feelings. I am trying to learn that I have to be ME on my posts and not try to live up to what others are doing. Babies are babies for such a short period of time, enjoy them while they are still at home. I know that all the right decisions will be made.
Finding a balance that works for you and your family is the most important thing. You should never feel guilty that you put your family, or yourself, before your blog. Please don’t compare yourself to what other bloggers are doing. Each person has their own circumstances and makes choices about what they can and can’t do. We’re all different. What works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for someone else. That’s okay.
I love this blog, and the reason is not because I’m a quilter or a serious sewer (although I love seeing what you make, seeing your quilt progress, and dreaming that one day I will have time to improve my sewing), but because you and your mom are real people, who write like real people, and share real life tidbits. I don’t expect a blogger to share tons of personal stuff, because that’s not safe, but when you include some personal posts or comments, as you guys do, it just makes the whole blog seem more like a friend than another obligation. I’ve seen other blogs change, going from something that felt personal to something that feels like a chain of advertisements, and it’s sad. I am very glad you haven’t gone that route. I like that you added the guest posts, although I admit I don’t always read them, especially when I’m in a hurry. But I’m always happy to see a Clover and Violet post pop up in my feed. I love when you share your finished projects, whether or not you share the how-to.
I realize that my feelings about your blog may be quite different from someone who reads for the quilting tutorials, quilt-alongs, or other sewing parts, but I’m not just saying this, I really do love this blog. And I like that you and your mom often email replies when I’m able to comment (sometimes my laptop acts up and I can’t). I’m not disappointed that you haven’t opened a pattern shop, or started a fabric line or any of those other things, because when you post something here, it’s comfortable and an enjoyable read. I don’t want to rush through it.
I hope that you will find the direction that feels best for you, so that you can feel at ease and at peace with your blogging in this time of your life. As much as I enjoy your blog, if you said one day that you needed to focus on your family, I would be sad, but I would completely understand. The sad part would only be for me!
I hope you find the happy medium you’re looking for. All the very best to you and your mom.