faqs for me
January 16th, 2013
hello again! I’m feeling a little sheepish after have been away for this space for more than a month (oof!). That is the longest I’ve gone without a post in the 6 years I’ve been here. These days I’m finding it difficult to know where this blog fits in: fits in my life, fits in the blogging world, fits in with you. Blair said it so nicely, I need not go on and and on about it, but I feel I need to refocus. There are posts I have been meaning to do for years (years, people!) and it’s about time those got written. And one of those things is a FAQ page, which seems like a good way to get back in the game.
So if there are any of you out there still reading elsie marley (mom, I know you are) I’m ready to answer your questions: about me, about sewing, about fabric, about food, about my home, about creativity, about this blog, about whatever. Ask away in the comments or over email. I can’t wait to hear from you–I’ve missed you all!
the photo above was my submission to Anke’s beautiful photo project Learning from Kids: and Advent calendar. If you missed it in December, do go see it now!
I always look forward to your posts. Welcome back, blog friend ;)
i’m glad your back. your advent calendar post inspired me to do all sorts of fun crafts with my kids. so thank you for that. last year (2011) i was busily sewing christmas projects and felt that i would much rather have been doing crafts and special activities with my kids. so this year, i did. and it felt really good.
of course, i love your sewing style as well, so i hope you’ll do some of those posts too. :)
I’ll start with the question then. What makes you get up every morning Elsie ?? What makes you keep going ???
That’s a question I like to ask, as I turned 40 in 2012, I asked 40 women to answer that, and I think it was the richest experience I have ever been through.
I wish you a great 2013 full of love and lights and laughs and little joys that fill the days…
From here to you.
Don’t feel pressured to post, it’s supposed to be fun, right? I love your crochet posts and just checked out that first quilt- DAMN! That’s neat looking! I also rediscovered sewing after my first was born but have yet to try a quilt. Really want to but feeling a bit intimidated. I loved seeing how you make a room for 3 kids work as well. I’m sorry, I am drawing a blank on a Q. (p.s.- I think your layout here with the letters and words shifting in colors is spiffy)
You’re back!! I love reading your posts. But I agree with Nicole: no pressure on posting. I actually love happening upon on a new post on a blog-gone-quiet. Feels like christmas! Also feels true to the creative process. Sometimes, you have to stop doing whatever you do and go do something else for awhile.
Re: FAQs, I would love to hear about your background: how’d you learn to sew, crochet, do all those things you do. Also, if you could visit one place (real or fictional) in 2013, where would that be?
I have been checking your blog hoping that you hadn’t given up on this ol’ space- so glad you didn’t!
I feel that a lot of bloggers are having these same feelings lately- where does blogging fit in my life and what do i want to express in that space- how much of myself should i show here. A very interesting thought, since earlier blogging was more about ‘journaling’ and sharing your life. Now it seems many are pulling back and trying to navigate the busy world of blogging, while still keeping some of their lives personal and private.
I personally enjoy all of your posts, the ones about your house are especially interesting- improvements you are doing (your bathroom was great!), projects you’re doing for around the house (the leather chair you magically patched), and things you picked up thrifting or on the curb are fun! What ever you choose to do in this space i will be following along.
I’d also like to know a bit more about your background, how you learned to sew, etc…I have always loved your sewing posts (the awesome bag is one my favorite homesewn things ever!) Oh, and feel free to post more recipes because your food pics are amazeballs.
I’d love more recipes – you do a great job of making healthy and interesting food for your family.
I would love to hear more about how you choose fabrics for each project. You seem to have such an artists eye for color. Totally jealous!!
I don’t have a question at the moment but I enjoy reading your blog and look forward to whatever you have for us in the future!
I am glad you are back!
I check in often even if your not posting I have plenty of old posts to catch up on and that are fun to look at over and over and over.
I like kcwc that is always a blast! I also love your crochet… maybe we can do a fun crochet along some time… I like your “things you did with kids” type posts I always get ideas. sewing is always fun. even if its not a tutorial just some cute finished items we can oooo aaaa over. :)
Keep it fun! keep it simple! We appreciate what you do!
Welcome back, Meg! Please don’t feel pressured to post. We all love your posts, but if you don’t love it, then what’s the point?! I think all us bloggers get like that at some point. Wondering what is the point, does anyone care, my time could be so much better spent than taking photos and editing them and typing. But then most of the time, we pick up again and keep going. I’d love to know about some great stuff ups you’ve had!
It is great to see you post again. I know that I am not the only one that looks forward to reading your blog.
Do you have ideas for helping me…. yes selfish but I will explain. Many years ago I injured my neck and have not worked since. I used to sew and am finally getting into it again. There are piles and boxes and totes ….you get the picture of fabric. I need some ideas of what to make. The suggestions need to be simple as I can not stay at the machine for long. Also I liked to knit and crochet. I would be up for a again simple fun project. I can us any and all suggestions that are out there in internet land…lol.
oh hey girl! welcome back. :) yeah i think if maybe sewing isn’t inspiring you these days but cooking/baking is, blog about that! or just life stuff. don’t feel pigeonholed i guess is what i’m saying (not that you do…just making sure you know we love whatever you want to post about). anyway, so my question is about your cooking. i think you’ve mentioned before that you’re a trained baker, your food pics on instagram are delightful, and it seems your kids eat a lot of what you make (which has variety to it). can you talk about how you learned to cook and what resources you use now to learn more? i’d love to expand the family’s menu a bit.
I too would love to hear more about how you make color choices—in sewing, painting rooms and furniture, etc. Do you have formal training, or are there places or things you look to for guidance or inspiration?
Oh, I’m so glad you back! I’m embarrassed to say how many times I’ve checked your blog in the last month. You’re on my “check often” list and I really enjoy your posts. I especially love seeing your sewing projects and I like that you’re not afraid to show (and talk about) the mistakes! I’d love to know a little about your background as a creative person. It’s always interesting to hear about peoples journey.
I was so glad to see your post! I missed hearing about your life and seeing your creative and ever-evolving creations. Not to mention the photos of the beautiful and growing kids. Your posts are always very inspiring. My question is a selfish one: where else can I find a blog that combines excellent writing, creativity like yours, and a wry sense of humor?
Welcome back! No questions, but I will say your blog does sometimes inspire some of my projects.
Oh, I definitely check in here! I like to hear your voice. I love the spirit of KCWC, but I think my favorite things that I’ve read here are when you write about your house and your kids’ room. I really like hearing about how you’ve made it work in a small space, even though I think I remember you’ve gained more space recently?? Anyway, I’d love to know more about how you manage to keep things loose, free (in spirit), and functional. That Christmas tree print out you taped to the wall!!
OK, let me just break the ice here: I’d love to know more about your adventures in “monetizing” your blog. How has it been for you? Do you look at blogging any differently? Elsie Marley is one of the few blogs I still read that started out as a personal blog and then added sponsorships, because you haven’t changed your voice at all. Do you find it challenging to keep that authenticity even though you have commercial relationships associated with the blog? Also, I think you have a future in blogging beyond little kid clothes — you have a very distinctive visual signature that you’ve already shown goes beyond little kid clothes, and into home decor and books and food and all that.
I have been almost repelled by many blogs that started out very creative and spontaneous and then became “professional” blogs — expensive cameras, pre-planned blog posts, blog posts to say something even when there’s nothing to say, staged photo shoots all the time, every time, and *ugh* ADS and sponsored posts. I am allergic to fake in real life, and, as it turns out, online. Thanks, Elsie. Heehee, kidding. Thanks, Meg.
I love your posts, Meg! Welcome back, and hope this is a wonderful year for you and your family.
Re FAQs: these are always so fun! I’ve been wondering what to ask since I first read the post–there’s so much! But, I think I have to go with a few thoughts on things that inspire you: what inspires you the most? Music, movies, books, exercise? And, what is your favorite thing to cook–any favorite recipe?
Thanks, Meg!
I love reading your posts – especially your home ideas and ideas with your children. (i’m less of a foodie than some of your other fans) I have definitely borrowed a couple for my own home!
I missed your posts when you were taking a break but of course you have to do your own thing!
Best in 2013.
So there you are! It wasn’t just your mom who missed you.
I know what you mean! I have troubles blogging right now as well, but I don’t want to stop it after ten years…
I love you’re blog and love reading, even though I’m not a comment girl.
But I’ve got a question: What kind of diet are you doing? Seems to be a low carb one, right? If so, I’m totally interested in tons of recipes like the toasted coconut butter!
Greetings from Germany,
Tanja
:-)
I like it that you’re back Meg. After many years, it’s hard not to second-guess exactly where your blog is going. I just know that I like mine as a thing to look back on and for that reason alone, and the friendships, it seems worth carrying on.