Tuesday 26 September 2017

Seven Years of Blogging!

Today my blog turns seven! Seven years since I tentatively published my first post featuring a lovely, but stiff-as-a-board Colette Sencha blouse.


A lot has happened during the past seven years. I've discovered a passion and love for sewing I never knew existed, made some lifelong friends, spent thousands of hours at the sewing machine and bought more than a few metres of fabric. This time last year I even had a book published! Blogs in general and sewing blogs in particular have also seen quite a change during that time. Sewing bloggers are publishing fewer posts and some have even stopped blogging altogether. There are several good reasons for this, but I still find it sad when a sewing blog ceases to be.

Instagram has definitely played its part and I'm as guilty as the next person. It's all too easy to 'like' something on Instagram rather than go through the rigmarole of leaving a comment on a blog. And let's face it, posting a single photo of a finished garment takes far less time than slaving over a hot computer to write a full pattern review. The thing is, I like reading the full reviews and the sewing details. I want to know how a fabric behaved and what fitting adjustments were needed. I love reading about sewing. As attractive as the quick fix will always be, I'd still rather read the longer, less glamorous version on a sewing blog.

The other area of sewing social media that seems to have suddenly sprung to life is sewing vlogs.  I can see that vlogs serve a slightly different purpose to sewing blogs, but try as I might, I just can't warm to them. Unlike Instagram, there's actually quite a time investment required to actually sit and watch them (the few I've viewed all seem to last around 15 minutes). I'd much rather spend that time reading blogs! Admittedly I'm always years behind when it comes to any form of new social media, but I'm absolutely certain I'll never start vlogging myself. I'd have to contend with the twin horrors of seeing myself on camera and listening to my own voice. No thanks!  

I'll still continue to write my blog, even if fewer people are reading them, simply because having a blog is hugely important to me. Admittedly I've been a bit quiet lately (a combination of summer holidays and back-to-school madness), but I do really enjoy the process of writing posts and reviewing the garments I make. Call me a Luddite, but that's the way I like it!

A massive thank you to everybody who has offered such unwavering support and friendship over the past seven years. I really do appreciate it. xx

I'll be back soon with something rarely seen on this blog (ha!) - a new red dress!

Sadly this is a pretend front cover!








141 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary Jane! So happy to hear you are still writing. I have had a long gap this year too, but am currently enjoying posting again. I like having a bit more of a ramble than is possible on Instagram and although I do enjoy watching vlogs I can't see myself taking it up myself anytime soon! Looking forward to seeing your new red dress. You do always look fabulous in that colour ;-) xxx

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    1. Ah thanks Marilla! Yes, I need more space than Instagram allows for rambling. And as for Twitter, forget it! x

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  2. Happy blogsiversary, however that should be spelled! My blog is definitely one that's fallen apart, but I enjoy reading more than writing anyway. And I'm glad that you plan to continue; I'm looking forward to 7 more years! 😀

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  3. Congratulations and thankyou! Yours is one of the first blogs I read when I got back into sewing, and I learned so much. Your reversible bag tutorial is definitely a favourite of mine. I love reading blogs as I enjoy reading about the writers thought on fabrics, patterns and on the clothes they create. I like watching how some ones style changes over the years. So I'm looking forward to seven more years too!

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    1. That's so lovely to hear Ruth. I especially like the fact hat my tutorial has been useful! x

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  4. Congratulations on seven years of blogging, Jane! I have not yet even clocked up seven months, so I am super impressed. I too love reading the details about people's sewing experiences, so I shall definitely be a regular visitor here. I'm off to have a read of as many of your posts as my lunch break allows!!

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    1. Haha! Thanks Helen, I'm always falling down blog rabbit holes, once I start I get distracted! x

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  5. Well done Jane on your longevity. I too love to read all the twists and turns of a sewing project. It can be so helpful. Keep on doing what you do so well. Here's to another seven years at least 😊

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    1. I'm all for twists and turns too, thank you! x

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  6. Congratulations on your blogiversary!! I agree about vlogs, they make me quite grumpy. Thanks so much for posting for us Luddites, I really appreciate your writing!!

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    1. Thank you, from one Luddite to another! x

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  7. Congrats Jane, 7 years of blogging is something to celebrate! My feelings are similar, I like IG but I prefer the in depth reading about dressmaking and quilting even more. Vlogs are hit and miss for me, I find the reportage style engaging and great at discovering new things, I don't like haul type of vlog- look at what I've bought etc, they aren't much fun to watch.

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    1. Yep, agree with all your points Kerry. And thank you! x

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  8. Love reading your blog. I appreciate the time spent to share with the readers. Keep up the good work!

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  9. Happy anniversary. Still reading, still learning, I love your blog and yes, I can't get into vlogs - too time-consuming and usually not enough content.

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  10. Happy bloggoversary, Jane! Here's to many many more and to us luddites who still fly the flag for the written word!

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    1. Too right! Lovely to see you last week Alex, let's sort out that coffee soon. x

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  11. Thank you for keeping up your great blog. I too like reading the detail and also find vlogs a bit tedious. IMO most would benefit from some serious editing. Life's too short Apologies to those that may offend. Long may your blog continue. Your mock front cover is very convincing! You'll be getting the call very soon!

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    1. Haha, thank you! And yes, life is certainly too short! x

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  12. Thank you! I enjoy blogs for the same reasons. Instagram is nice for inspiration, but hearing the details of a pattern is so much more helpful to me. I'm one of those who debates a pattern purchase for weeks, wondering if it will be as flattering on me as it is on others in their IG posts. Reading about the good and bad of a pattern often turns me one way or the other. Please keep blogging!

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    1. I agree, my eye is often caught by things on Instagram but I always want to read about the details! x

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  13. I've been going back and forth for ages now on whether to start a blog. I get so much out of reading them, from inspiration to learning techniques to recommendations for patterns and fabrics. I'm way more likely to try a pattern if I've seen it "in the flesh" and since I buy most of my fabric online, I love getting links to where bloggers have bought particular fabrics. Instagram just doesn't do it for me in the same way - it's like the magazine cover without the articles inside!

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  14. Happy 7th 😀 think I've been reading for around 5 of those and being a silent stalker only occasionally commenting but I also enjoy blogs more than vlogs x

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  15. Ah Jane, it seems that way back in the day, there was only yours, Tilly's, and Karen's blogs to inspire and inform - I remember avidly checking daily for new posts! I really, really enjoy your blog and your style, and hope you continue to write for many more years. In fact, I saw you at the GBSB Live on Friday as I ambled around on my own, but I'm way too much of an introvert to have said hello :) Happy anniversary! x

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    1. Ahhh you should have said hello! And thanks for your lovely comment. x

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  16. Hi Jane - happy anniversary! I think I have been reading for nearly all of those! I still enjoy reading blog posts for the more in depth info, although mine has fallen by the wayside recently. I have watched a few vlogs, but as you say I'd rather read a blog, and I find quite a few rather irritating!

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    1. Me too! Nice to see you again on Friday Tamsin. x

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  17. Hi Jane, your blog is bookmarked on my tablet so I regularly check to see you latest makes and musings. I really appreciate the ideas and inspiration from online and instagam. Well done for your seven year blog!😀

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  18. Glad to see you back Jane, i love your blog, have been a fan for five years. So a huge thank you from me for your blog and your style and wit too.
    Here's to the next seven years.
    Rosie xxx

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    1. My pleasure Rosie, thank you for reading! x

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  19. Happy blog birthday!! :)
    I am so much more into blogs than any other media, please keep it up! Late is myself who is starting a blog when they seem to be dying.. oh well, better late than never!
    This was a brief and nice post, thanks

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  20. Thank you Jane and I hope you continue to write your blog for many more years. I'm just a beginner and have been dressmaking for 18 months now. I've learned everything from online tutorials and blogs like yours. All the details on techniques, fabrics, suppliers and of course the inspiration are invaluable to me. I've loved learning to sew and couldn't have done it without blogs like yours. Heartfelt thanks and best wishes. Xx

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    1. Thank you Elaine and I'm so pleased my blog has helped you with your dressmaking. I still refer to blogs and online tutorials all the time, you can learn something new every day! x

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  21. Happy Blogiversary Jane! I'm so glad I got to meet you last Friday at GBSB and hope to follow your blog as you move to your eight year. And I'm with you on the vlog thing...it's not something I ever wish to do either :)

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    1. No! The horror! Lovely to meet you too Diane. x

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  22. Congratulations! I'm totally with you on reading blogs over looking at instagram or watching blogs. So glad you plan to stick with it. I don't think you'll go short of readers!

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  23. Congrats on 7 years! and I love reading blogs as well. so glad you are keeping on with yours. Love that magazine cover, so cute!

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    1. It's great isn't it?! Fooled a few people too! Thank you Beth. x

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  24. I agree with every comment you make. A blog is so much more informative and it seems to me a vlog needs a lot of financial investment and equipment apart from the time. Worst of all I'd need to put make up on and keep dressing and undressing [not in front of camera!! although that might be entertaining in itself!!] How about a tongue in cheek vlog to bring out all the worst aspects LOL. Just keep on blogging Jane , we love you for it.

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  25. Hi Jane, Congrats on your 7 year blogaversary! I too find it sad that blogs are increasingly making way for Instagram and Vlogs. I love reading in general, and blogs deliver the details in a way that a single picture, or a video, just can't. I think of blogs as akin to a magazine article. Vlogs are TV, and Instagram, well, it doesn't appear to have a pre-digital counterpart!

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    1. I feel the same way too re magazine articles etc! x

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  26. Well done and congratulations Jane - I agree with you and other commenters - I've never really got into Instagram, and rarely bother with vlogs - far too time consuming when I could be sewing. I'm not as regular a blogger as I once was, but I do love to read them - yours especially is entertaining, informative and inspirational! Good to bump into you at GBSG Live on Friday (at Karen and Jane's stand). When we walked off, my friend, a fairly new dressmaker, said in absolute awe "Was that Handmade Jane???!" Thanks for raising my street cred, just by knowing you! Gill x

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    1. Hahahahahahaha! That made my day (and made me laugh!) Nice to bump into you again too Gill. x

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  27. Congratulations on seven years. I love the blogs as well and get a little sad when they are retired (Winnie) or have just slowed down. But I understand that sometimes life gets in the way of sewing. So thank you for your continued posting - and the red dresses!

    I agree about the vlogs - just not my thing. I'm much more of a written word type of gal.

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    1. It's REALLY sad when sewing blogs are retired! x

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  28. Happy 7th blog birthday! I still very much read blogs and don't think they will die out. Still the best place to go when looking for inspiration or tips about a particular pattern.

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  29. What you said. Exactly true. Congratulations on your perseverance - 7 years is impressive. I really enjoy reading your blog and hope you carry on!

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  30. I love your blog and totally agree with you that reading blogs is it's own pleasure! Glad to see you back and looking forward to the red dress.

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  31. Never stop blogging, Jane! We'd be lost without you and you're a natural writer

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  32. Happy blogaversary from a new Bloglovin' follower, who appreciates the time more experienced sewers take to share their expertise & advice. I'm in the Luddite club as well, I don't do Instagram & vlogs don't interest me either. Give me an "old-fashioned" blog any day!

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  33. Happy aniversary!! I agree with you that a blog post is much more interesting - and has got more work behind it - than a single photo on Instagram!

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  34. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to write your blog. I don't blog myself but love to read and see what everyone out there is sewing and have also learned a lot. Happy Anniversary and again thank you, your efforts are much appreciated. I for one cannot get interested in Instagram.

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    1. Thank you Carole, it's good to know my efforts are appreciated! x

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  35. Me, too, Jane, me, too! I am not particularly interested in instagram, I don't get it. So, I am really a Luddite! I am so pleased to hear that you enjoy blogging and are planning on continuing. I also love to read about sewing, and you never disappoint in your reviews. And a big plus for me is that we have the same taste in patterns and fabric, so I would really miss you if you stopped. Happy anniversary on starting a great blog.

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  36. please keep blogging, i love reading it and i feel exactly as you do!

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  37. Happy anniversary, Jane. I've enjoyed reading your blog for years now, and it's always fun to find out more about a project than you could fit into an Instagram post. With the written word, I get the chance to go back over something, to skip to the part I'm most interested in, and to read it at my own pace. So I think blogs might be sticking around for a bit yet. I hope so.

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  38. Happy blogiversary! Yours was the very first blog I stumbled across when I first started sewing 4 years ago. I almost never comment on blogs, but I love reading them and am so sad when favourites disappear. (Have also not got to grips with vlogs - I can't dip in and out, or skim read, or secretly watch a vlog whilst pretending to watch tv!)

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    1. Ha! I'm always secretly reading blogs whilst pretending to watch TV! x

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  39. Happy blogiversary! As a bit if a luddite too, I'm a bit sad about the way instagram has changed things. I do believe there is still a huge value in blogging and love reading blogs still!

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    1. I'm a bit sad about it too. It's even worse since they introduced the algorithm as I don't even see everybodies posts in my feed. So annoying! x

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  40. Congratulations! I love reading your blog.

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  41. wow congratulations! I know what you mean. Instagram is okay, but it doesn't beat blogging. it's always nice to read about someone's sewing experience in full instead of just a picture and a brief caption. and I'm not too fond of vlogs. I guess we're just old-fashioned! :)

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  42. Do keep blogging however intermittent that might be. Like you I love reading sewing blogs. I have even toyed with starting my own even though it so passe these days! Congrats on your longevity.

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  43. I am with you Jane. I cannot be doing with instagram and am not technically minded enough for a vlog but blogging I CAN do. Sewing is my (not so) guilty pleasure and I love sharing experiences with others. Although sewing for nearly 60 years I still learn from other stitchers. Please keep stitching and telling us all about it. Carouselcottagecrafts.

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    1. I think we can always learn from other stitchers. And thank you! x

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  44. Keep writing! I'm still reading.

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  45. Congratulations! Love reading your blog, looking forward to the next 7 years.

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  46. Dear Jane, congratulations on 7 blog years. I too prefer reading about sewing and fabric. I love words and will never be persuaded that a quick picture or a vlog is better. Keep writing. I will always be with you.

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  47. Happy blogaversary! I totally agree that I'd rather read a long form blog than an IG post. In fact, I felt that way so much, that I actually started my own blog, for that exact reason. I think there are a lot of people still contributing, but man, you're so right. It feels like there's so much pressure to basically produce magazine editorial content. Well a big no-thank-you to that! I love the highly curated content, but something I'm learning is that I like both reading and sharing content that feels real, personal and NOT stylized. And I'm so with you, I pretty much never watch vlogs. "Old school" all the way ��
    www.thenestingcrane.com

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  48. I'm with you on the blog preferences. And I always enjoy reading yours 🌻

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  49. Jane I'm still reading, if not writing anymore. It is a massive time investment to write about what you've made plus all that picture taking and selecting. I love reading ( and writing) about the whole story and have loads of understanding for what it takes and am delighted you're still here feeding my passion! I watch only a few blogs, usually as ironing entertainment! But they definitely tell the story a different way. I'm also thinking about IG as my blog used to be a mainly sewing blog, and I could easily compartmentalise that way, but I want to use IG more generally. And find it harder to keep up with all my sewing friends and catch what's going on because I don't read it every day .... but that's one for me to work out!!! Happy bloggiversary and thank you for your sewing sunshine xxx

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    1. Thank you darling Winnie! I miss your blog so much but totally understand the time commitment it takes. I find I also use Instagram for more general posts - it's always the sewing pictures that get the big likes though! x

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  50. Happy blogday Jane! I was only talking about this a few days ago when my dad asked why I haven't posted for a while (he likes to keep up!). I've noticed that some of my old favourites have either ceased altogether or slowed right down too, it's quite sad really. In an age when we are all so busy and life is fast paced, it's quite nice to take time out and reflect on a make with a post. Having said that, for me, sometimes I felt that blogging started to take away my enjoyment of sewing as I was starting to think along the lines of 'if I make this, will people like it?', silly I know. At the moment sewing without blogging gives me a bit of isolation and total me time which I need right now, but I'm still reading my favourites, yours included! Love from a fellow Luddite xx ps what's a vlog?

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    1. I know what you mean, I hate feeling under pressure to make things that aren't my exact taste. The longer I've been blogging the pickier I've become! x

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  51. Congratulations! I love reading your blog and fully agree with what you wrote.

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  52. I love reading your blog & check in every week. I would much rather read about sewing than listening to someone ( we must be of a certain age obvs!). I hope you are around for another 7 years at least!

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    1. I'm definitely of a certain age! And thank you! x

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  53. Hi Jane, missed your blog over the summer. You're right far fewer people blogging which is such a loss to those who really appreciate the hard work I am sure it takes. Not technical enough myself to do it! You make some lovely things and I have learned from you a d been inspired to try things I might not. Take care

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  54. From one Luddite to another, firstly congrats on the 7 years! That's a mind-bending achievement. I'm relieved to hear you've no intention to stop writing them because I need them in my life!! I agree with your sentiments too - I cant generally commit the time watching too many Vlogs and really what I'm looking for is solid sewing information, detailed reviews, construction tips, discovering new techniques - the solid stuff! So please keep doing what you're doing! I think Vlogs have a shorter shelf-life, especially if it's simply fabric hauls etc. Here's to the next 7 years and, maybe, the next book?! Xxx

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    1. Thanks lovely! Yep, I can't commit reading time (blogs or otherwise) to watching vlogs I'm afraid! And here's to a few more years at least! x

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  55. Congratulations! I love reading your blog.

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  56. Happy blog birthday!!

    I'm with you re the vlogging. It's so much easier to read a blog even if I have to put it down a few times for kids etc. If I'm watching a vlog, I feel I have to commit myself to that time. Such hard work. Keep writing, I read everyone, your brill you are 😜

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    1. Yes, vlogs are too much like hard work aren't they?! And thanks for your lovely comment! x

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  57. Congratulations. I love reading your blog and have learned so much from you about fabrics, sewing techniques and blogging. You were a major influence in inspiring me to start blogging and I am still in awe.
    I look forward to seeing your red dress.

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    1. That's so nice to hear, thank you Rosemary! x

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  58. I enjoy reading your blog Jane. I am fairly new to sewing and your style I love.

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  59. I love reading your blog and it is still one of my favourites. I sewed my first ever jersey garment- Tilly's Coco dress thanks to you, in the same fabric too! AnnieS

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    1. Gosh that seems like a long time ago now, I still wear that dress, the fabric has worn really well! x

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  60. I'm glad you blog and don't vlog!!! I would much rather read than watch a video. When I go to the news sites I always pause the video and article. If there's only a video, I skip the story and find the information elsewhere. Thank you for writing an interesting blog.

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  61. Happy Anniversary! I, too, prefer blogs to vlogs and Inam glad you plan to continue blogging. I enjoy seeing the beautiful garments you make and reading about how you made them.

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  62. I totally agree about blog vs Instagram, please continue with blogging!

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  63. I really enjoy reading your blog and together with a few others it encourages me to make time for sewing (AND it brightens up quick sandwich at laptop lunch breaks ;-) ), Instagram has its place but I learn much more from reading a blog!
    Thanks for spending the time. :)

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    1. Thanks for reading, it's good to know my blog brightens up laptop lunch breaks! x

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  64. I've learnt so much from reading your blog over the last few years, I agree that I much prefer reading blogs to watching vlogs, not only for the much more detailed content but also the privacy that only reading can bring in a busy family room. Thank you for all your hard work and great to hear you're planning to keep writing.

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment. I agree, it's impossible to secretly watch a vlog when everyone else is watching TV but I can definitely read a few blogs! x

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  65. Happy Anniversary! i love how blogs are a little more intimate and in depth than other social media. I always read yours, even though i have less reading time these days and am a little relieved everyone has slowed their blogging down so I can keep up! Mine has drifted all over the place and these days is more about my performing life than sewing, although the last post is a celebration of Liberty, fabrics, yum. I'll always be grateful to your friend Jo for introducing me to Alma, my favourite print <3

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  66. I love your blog. I don't do Instagram so I rely on your blog, and others, to learn from and get inspiration from. More often than not, I think of a garment I want to make and google it - always your page comes up anyway so now I just search your blog! Sadly I never actually make what I want, like a boiled wool coat, but at least when I am ready I know where to go! X

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  67. Congratulations! I still love Ye olde written blog posts, and I’m always thrilled when I stumble upon a new sewing blog. Look forward to your continued written words xxx

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  68. Are you me?! Because I still love the blogs too! We shall be Luddites together. Congratulations on seven years of blogging, and I shall look forward to seeing your red dress. In my universe red is a neutral...

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  69. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! Yours was the first blog I discovered when I returned to sewing a few years ago and I still read it regularly. I have found it informative and inspiring. Thank you for the time and effort that you put into it. Carry on blogging!

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  70. Congrats! Just want to add my voice as one of your regular readers -- and rare commenters because these days I'm usually reading on my phone and commenting is such a chore ... sorry, I blog too and know that comments are lifeblood ... I try to space them out evenly among what I read but I do have to just own up to laziness at times too. Hahaha

    Anyway, I do enjoy your blog a lot. Love your makes. And no to the vlogs for me too. I even often ignore Instagram lest I get sucked down another rabbit hole, even though I do truly love IG.

    So cheers! Keep on blogging! We're out here reading, if commenting sparsely.

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  71. Happy Blogiversary.
    It seems that your cry of the lack of comments has fired us all into action to comment. I read your blog in my feedly reader which then adds a few extra steps to the process if I actually want to comment on anything. So I don't often comment on peoples blogs but I find your blog really useful and I am always learning little things from you. I too like a good pattern review and wish I could read more of them when I come to try a new pattern.

    Keep up the good work.

    PS I agree with you on vlogs, just not my thing.

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  72. Happy Blogg-Anniversary!
    I read your blog from time to time, but unfortunately I have never had the courage to leave you a comment until now. Please do not stop writing as you are a great inspiration!
    xx from Dominika from Stockholm, Sweden

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