All of the suggestions really hit home. #2 on her list asks us to reevaluate why we started blogging in the first place. I needed desperately to realign myself with my personal and professional goals, which #'s 4,5, & 6 pointed me in the obvious direction. "#4 Narrow down your niche". Honestly, I never paid much attention to this, I knew I wanted to attract the quilting world via the internet, but the more I ponder this, the more I realize that the quilting world is vast and saturated with tons of techniques and styles.
Am I trying to appeal to modern quilters, art quilters, traditional quilters? Am I doing something new? Or just reinventing a previous style? There's a lot I have yet to work out in regards to my 'niche', but I am starting to become more aware of what that means in itself. When I finish brainstorming and pondering my 'niche' then I'll move onto #5, "write a new mission statement for your blog". (Very helpful when defining your niche!)
The list encompasses everything I had wanted to do for my blog and yes, for some reason just reading the same advice from someone else got me really excited to blog again!
This weekend I'll be tackling some more of #6 "Brainstorming on Paper", #7 "Plan out your editorial calendar and stick to it" (which is what you have to thank for another on time blog post!) and getting ready for the new year with #8 "Give your blog a make-over".
Please read her article, I know it'll inspire even the most avid blogger!
#12 on her list, "Try a new post series", is another of the tips I've taken to heart. I want more interaction through this blog. I feel the need for connection. It's one thing to sit and share all you do. But getting feedback and compliments/criticisms from your audience is some seriously needed fuel for the creators.
So with that said, I have been planning content worthy of comments and questions and interaction!
Without further blabbing, I present the O.F.F.U. Project. (Official Fancy Fabric Usage Project).
Back Story: While I was unpacking my fabric stash, I decided to weed out any fabrics that were not cotton, which is what I primarily use. Three bags later, sheer amazement at my once overly stuffed shelves, now much neater and with room to breath (sorta). Now I had three bags full of non-cottons that I've collected from everywhere (flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores etc.) and what to do with them?? Of course I'll use bits and pieces for doll making but the quantity hit me, there's just too much!
As you can see, I've neatly filled a long under-bed storage tub. And since I don't have a bed under which to store this, it must be used! I added the three bags of non-cottons (insert name here "Fancy Fabrics") to my goal lists and started manically brainstorming projects for these Fancies.
Not to lose sight of the goal, I dove in with a simple yet charming addition of decor, curtains for the new fabric alcove (Fancy, through & through!).
This print I have actual yardage in because I originally intended to make a skirt (how long ago, I have no idea). Since I know my desire to make clothes is still low (momentarily) I cut the yardage in half length wise (still usable for garments!) and folded the top edge to make a simple rod pocket. Nothing fancy, I'm hanging it on an unfinished dowel!
But what is fancy, the finished result!! I absolutely love these curtains and the jazzed up entry to my new fabric alcove! And yes, I am aware that I have a crap ton of fabrics (you can only see the cotton portion). Oddly enough, I made only one major fabric purchase this year, during my birthday trip. I've been good!
I'm linking up to one of my favorite blogs, Freshly Pieced by Lee and her WIP Wednesdays!
-Manda
