23 Sep To Share or Not To Share?
I haven’t told my family about my blog yet for lots of reasons.
I know if my daughters learn I’m sewing my own clothes this year they will think I should spend all of the money I’m saving on them – specifically clothes. I realize I’ve helped create this shopping mindset and I’m constantly thinking about how to change it.
Secondly, my immediate family will tell me there is no way I can go a year without buying clothes and will offer hypothetical situations for me to consider that I don’t want to think about. They will also tell me I don’t know anything about blogging.
My parents would be supportive but they would ask me about my blog every time we talk. This would make me revert into adolescent like behavior which would be humiliating to a woman who has raised two daughters.
And then there’s the big – I don’t want to be reminded of my failure if this doesn’t work out factor. So far it’s working out – 23 days now. I haven’t been tempted once, and I love looking at catalogues and websites as inspirations instead of temptations.
I’m working on a couple of projects that I’ll put up once completed. One is a skirt from this Simplicity Amazing Fit pattern, and the other is a top from one of my grandmother’s old sheets…….
Until soon!
SA Curve Ruler
Posted at 15:46h, 23 SeptemberStay strong sewing friend! I can’t even deal with RTW anymore, the fit is usually inferior.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:29h, 23 SeptemberThanks, SA Curve Ruler! I want one of your rulers and I plan to follow your blog.
sewingaddict
Posted at 16:35h, 23 SeptemberYou go girl! You don’t have to tell if you don’t want to; you’ve earned an opportunity to have something that is yours – all yours – and you don’t have to share it if you think anyone (no matter how well meaning and loving may be their intentions!) will make you question your goals and dreams. I say do what you want and enjoy your freedom and opportunity for expression! Plus, I am really looking forward to following your example!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:46h, 24 SeptemberDid I ever need to read this! Many thanks.
Sandy
Posted at 16:54h, 23 SeptemberI can’t help but think that there are more than a few bloggers who don’t reveal their blogging life to the people close to them (family, co-workers, et al), and the reason I think this is true is that some bloggers whom I respect (well, in so far as cyber-understanding can reveal!) make comments that would get them in “trouble” with the people in their milieu if those people read their blog. I also have to think that if my theory is true, they don’t reveal their “secret” because of the VERY reasons you state. And, if you get “discovered” or decide to reveal your “activity”, by the time that happened you would have some success under your belt and your daughters might be in awe (and in the current economic climate, you’d be doing them a favor be “weaning” them from the shopping mentality). I admire what you are trying to do and you deserve to have this corner of independence…your girls are in the process of leaving the nest and it’s great you are discovering a “new toy” that’s also beneficial to your budget. (My last project was a blouse made from a non-wrinkle sheet from Target (has a slight sheen) and looks pretty spiffy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:54h, 24 SeptemberThank you for your thoughtful comments. My oldest daughter who is very “discerning” immediately asked me if I would make for her the first peasant top I posted. ( I sent her a picture. ) That request was certainly a boost of confidence. I do plan to reveal my blogging adventure at some point, but you’re right – I need a little success under my belt first!
Shirley
Posted at 23:08h, 23 SeptemberI love the concept for your blog (found via Pattern Review today) and have already added it to my Google Reader. If you didn’t swear off accessories, you can still go shopping for fabulous ones to go with the one-of-a-kind-designed-by-you garments that you will make during this year. It has been a while since I’ve done any sewing other than repairs for family members. You’ve motivated me to get busy. Good luck with sewing AND blogging. (I assume since there is not a link below that you do not Pinterest. That might just be too much temptation!)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:07h, 24 SeptemberThank you, Shirley for your best wishes!
I have NOT sworn off accessories although I haven’t bought anything (24 days now). I was unfamiliar with Pinterest until reading your post and will check it out!
I also want to follow the blogs of my followers to date through my blog which I haven’t been able to do. Bear with me through this early blogging stage – I’m sure my blogging skills will improve!
Back to basting!!
Lakaribane
Posted at 13:28h, 24 SeptemberAt one point, I considered putting the links to both my (somewhat active) blogs on my FB profile but thought against it. For many of the reasons cited: what I reveal, failures etc.
What was interesting is that there is this aspect of “hidding in plain sight” about blogging that is very freeing at the same time.
Keep blogging, and forget the guilt. I mostly do hence the lack of blogging, LOL!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:30h, 24 SeptemberI ‘ll keep at it and believe me, there is no guilt!
Rachelle
Posted at 18:07h, 30 SeptemberI understand about keeping it a secret. My co-workers don’t know I have a blog. Thank goodness because I do tend to belly-ache on my blog about them. I’m going to follow your journey and encourage you. The only thing I used to buy was bras and after a recent bra-making class I won’t be buying any more of those!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:16h, 01 OctoberThank you, Rachelle. I’m sure my family will discover me one day and that’s fine if they do but you’re situation is different.
On another note, making a bra hasn’t crossed my mind, but why not?! The last bra I bought was over $100.00! French – yes. Beautiful – yes. Good fit – perfect. Expensive – definitely.
I appreciate your encouragement and know I will definitely need it!
Jen
Posted at 13:00h, 11 OctoberI too found your blog on PatternReview and I absolutely love it. I make 80% of my garments. I had my blog designed a while ago and just haven’t posted anything to it because of cold feet. After reading what you stated, not telling your family for reasons and the other writer stating not telling her co-workers. I absolutely agree, I’m going to keep my blog a secret too. Well, I’m going to take the plunge it get started blogging. Also your garments are gorgeous!!!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:22h, 12 OctoberThank you, Jen. After I pubished my first post I had no idea what to do next. I simply knew I didn’t want to shop for a year and a blog could be my support as well as hold me accountable for this decision.
It’s fine if my family finds out but I thought announcing my blog to them would bring unintentional reactions that would not be helpful in the beginning. That could be my imagination, but it is how I felt.
Let me know when you start your blog. It’s really very fun!