Friday, January 1, 2010

2010: Your Suggestions, Please!

Happy New Year! You can probably guess my sewing resolution for this year: making the remaining 7 projects from Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing. But I've also been thinking about my blogging goals, and I wanted to ask you: what do you want out of this blog? Would you like to see more videos? Fewer videos? Tutorials on any specific topic? Fewer pictures of my cats? If you would be so kind, I'd love to hear your feedback here.

And constructive criticism is definitely welcome. If there's any feature here that you're not crazy about, please speak up!

Thank you for reading, and for your thoughtful comments. May 2010 be your best year yet!

50 comments:

  1. Happy new year, Gertie!!

    I love when you share sewing tips, via video or written tutorial. Vintage instructions tend to be vague and confusing for newbies, so it's great when you add your own tips!

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  2. Happy New Year!
    I agree with Concha - the sewing tips / tutorials have been really interesting and instructive. I've also really liked the more thought-provoking posts from recent months e.g. forties fashion. Honestly though, I think you've got the balance right. Maybe more kitties for 2010!

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  3. Hi Gertie and Happy New Year!
    I too stayed in last night. I'm working on a muslin for my first camisole (gorgeous silk charmeuse in the post on its way to me) and learned to make facing on an inward curve of a lapped seam. Thanks to Ms. Shaeffer, it wasn't too terribly difficult!

    I truly love your vlog. It puts into action what is only accessible normally in print. Keep up the great work; I am officially addicted to your blog!

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  4. and another thing...!
    the coat project is what really hooked me initially. not sure about other readers but I am definitely interested in seeing a project like that take shape. The tutorials are a bonus because you've taken the trouble to learn the necessary skills yourself and you then pass those on.

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  5. Hi Gertie! Happy New Year to you too! And thank you for this blog, it's been a wonderful treat. :)
    Out of all your posts, the most memorable (for me) are the discussion topics. You have an intelligent way of introducing topics, and your readers share some of the most thoughtful comments. Even the discussions about more light-hearted subjects, like fashion and vintage pattern use, are interesting.
    I love your blog, and I'm glad to know that all your tips will be a great resource when (if?) I get to that level in my sewing. :)

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  6. Hi Gertie! Happy New Year!!

    Talk about inspiring! Your blog has inspired and motivated me to challenge myself. I'm dedicating 2010 make things I've never tried before. My favorite feature is your vlogs--it's like you're in my living room showing me how to do something. I'm intrigued by process of watching you create your coat step by step. I also enjoy the discussion topics because this way we can all get inolved and share ideas/ thoughts.

    Honestly, I'm not sure if I can add anything to make your blog better. I think it's great just the way it is. Keep up the great work. Happy sewing!!

    ~Sewjourner

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  7. Frankly Gertie, more of everything you have been doing: I look forward to it all! I am LOVING the step-by-step tutorials on the coat, though, and learning a lot. I would really love it if you do that with the suit too. But, that said- just tutorials wouldn't be as interesting if there weren't the context that comes from everything else- I really like the variety/mix/balance of everything that you do here, tutorials/projects/tips/Topic discussions/photo essays/kitties. It works!! Thanks for all the work you've put into this blog this year and looking forward to 2010!

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  8. I agree, the balance is perfect as is. And I could go for more cat pictures. Especially when they just happen to be in the background of whatever you are doing.... that's the best :)

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  9. I think you've got a perfect mix going on! I've really enjoyed the videos, and I like it when you give instructions for projects that you don't need a bought pattern for (like the petticoat).

    Keep up the great work!

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  10. Happy new year! I think you mentioned once that you might post a tutorial for drafting your own pattern for the portrait blouse. I'd love to see that. As a newbie sewer that is just starting to actually sew up the vintage patterns I've been collecting, I love following along as you work your way through your projects. It's inspiring! The discussions on gender & sewing etc. have been great too.

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  11. IMHO - your blog should be about what YOU want out of it. Those of us on the same page can visit and share. If you change pages to please someone else, how will that work for you?

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  12. Happy new year!

    I love your blog and agree with everyone else on the balance being great. I adore the tutorials and your interaction with your husband in videos is hilarious! I love that you're able to make everything very thoughtful and informative, yet you keep this light, happy air so that it's fun to learn to things. Keep up the great job!

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  13. I like your blog as it is--I think it's a good balance of thoughtful posts (gender & sewing, wartime glamour), techniques, and shoes. I like the fact that I never know exactly what I will read, but it is clearly cohesive as an extension of you.I say do as the spirit moves.

    You've inspired me--I am not *quite* ready to make a coat, but just watching yours come together has made me believe that I *can* if I want to. It's also motivated me to actually do some sewing instead of just thinking about it.

    My cats help me sew too, particularly by nesting in fabric, so I love when yours just show up.

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  14. I like your blog as it is, so I say "Right on". Maybe even ore of EVERYTHING? ;-)

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  15. I'm with everyone else here. I LOVE your blog! Your mixture is fresh and continually inspiring. You've helped me find the courage to dive into vintage sewing without fear. I love the pics and vlogs and pretty much everything. If I were to want more, it's only to see more of your outfits. How you style the vintage pieces, mixing them into your modern wardrobe. You always look so cute! That being said, just do what inspires you, and we'll love it!

    Thank you for putting your time and energy into this blog. It's such a treat! Happy New Year!

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  16. I'm with the perfect as is party.

    After checking my email, your blog is the first thing I visit every day. Instructive, fun, often thoughtful, and always gorgeous. The vlogs are great and truly helpful but I also love the everyday posts, even when you haven't sewn anything and you're just sharing your thoughts.

    Happy 2010 to you, Jeff, your cats and your many readers, and looking forward to all the coming posts!

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  17. I have to agree with everyone else... love the balance of topics, the vlogs, the sewing projects, and the topics related to vintage sewing and sewing in general. And the cats! Love them, too! You've inspired me to try vintage sewing, and just to get back into garment sewing in general.

    Have a wonderful 2010... we'll all be following along!

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  18. I really like your blog and look forward to visiting almost every day. I was drawn to it because it is different and informative.

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  19. Oh, sure, more cats is good. But all the sewing information is wonderful. The videos are great. Taking us along as you work on a project is great.

    One thing I'm always curious about are the places you shop in NY, the garment district, etc. And getting the button holes on your coat professionally done: not a service available here. So services and shops ... that might be fun.

    --jm

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  20. Happy New Year . . . when life unravels at the seams, it is a blessing to find that silver lining! Actually stumbled upon this blog while browsing the SCBWI site and was inspired by your back story and all. That would be my input--sharing little snippets along the way . . . hoping to find time to do so--will be returning to school in a few weeks. The best of luck as you complete the balance of your projects . . . "sew like the wind!"

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  21. Gertie, I love your blog just the way it is. I love the variety and how you mix it up. I love the engaging topics of discussion. I love how you are always coming up with new ideas. Definitely not boring. I love it all.

    Happy New Year!

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  22. Gertie, I love your blog and think you should just do as you've been doin!!! love cats too. I'm also very interested in vintage patterns, even if I don't make them, I love collecting them just to look at. kathy

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  23. more cats, more cats, more cats. I don't know why, I guess I miss having my own right now

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  24. Congratulations on getting your blog off to such a great start and for cultivating a following. I would like to see you take advantage of the excellent sewing class resources NYC offers, like classes at FIT or some of the ones Kenneth King teaches at Sew Fast, Sew Easy, so you can learn first-hand from the experts and then pass that knowledge on. You've done a great job of teaching yourself from books and the Internet, but nothing can compare to working with a master. This was a valuable lesson I learned myself this year. And classes at FIT are so reasonable for NY residents like you and me. Happy new year!

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  25. Hi and Happy New Year! I've never left a comment before, but I just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog! I discovered it a few months ago and have read every single one of your posts. I have also enjoyed your coat vlogs very much! They inspired me to make my own coat and I've been following along with your videos. I really love everything about your blog and can't wait to hear more from you in 2010!

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  26. MORE pictures of your cat! You can never have too many!

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  27. I'm with everyone else...more of the same please.

    Plus am really enjoying the hairstyles.

    "Anonymous" suggested adding info about NY fabric shops etc which I think is a great idea. I have a favour to ask ... can you also add their web address so that folks like me over the other side of the world (Australia) can visit them virtually. Thanks!!!

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  28. Hi Gertie! Happy New Year! I love you blog and love it just the way it is :). Your tips for vintage sewing are always great and I'm really enjoying your journey thorough 'The Book.'

    Keep up the great work!

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  29. I'm with most of the other commenters who love your current mix of topics. But what I love most is that you post something almost every day. That's really hard to maintain, and you should write about whatever inspires you to share it with us so often!

    (Did that make sense? I'm having (leftover) champagne cocktails!)

    happy new year!!

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  30. I'm not crazy about the videos... Ok I said it! I'm sorry, but I just don't have the attention span. Plus I can't watch them at work ;) Now for what I love and want more of... I think you are hilarious and very thoughtful. I love your posts that make me think about fashion and societal topics and body issues the discussion keeps me thinking for days. I also love your humor. Your posts on movie fashions (i.e. your "Swayziest" post) cracked me up for days. And the pictures of the cats can keep on coming LOL! You are amazing!

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  31. Love the blog. Love the mix. Love the projects and tips. Haven't watched a video yet - I'm waiting for the ballroom dance exhibitions!

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  32. You blog is a fresh breeze that blows across my screen whenever I open it. Please write about the perfect steam iron(s). I curently own two both of which I would throw into the East River if I lived in NY. What do you use on your blog video? A friend who lives where it is warmer. PaT

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  33. I've thoroughly enjoyed your blog this year, and it has been inspirational and fun! You have a stunning variety of posts, and it's a pleasure reading them. Some of my recent favourites have been the addition of the vlogging and the "accoutrements".

    So in agreement with many others here, keep doing what you love! It seems to be working just fine :)

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  34. Happy New Year, Gertie! I have to agree with the other comments here: More of everything, and I'm very happy to see more tutorials (both step-by-step in pictures but also your lovely vlogs). I have to admit that since I'm still new to this blog, I haven't read much of previous posts, and therefore I don't know much about the discussions other comments mention. That only makes me more interested in following you through 2010!

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  35. Hi Gertie, like some of the other commenters, your blog is my first 'go to' after I've read my email, I love it!
    I am always interested in what you're wearing on your tutorials cos you always look fab, so I'd like to see more posts on your outfits, what you're wearing , did you make it, where's it from etc..
    Also, more pictures of you in New York, so jealous!
    Love the cats, and more Jeff would be nice too!

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  36. More VoNBSS? I have a fascination for large-scale projects, so I want to see the whole book done :-) And they have such hilarious quotes. But I like the blog as is. I wonder whether you'd be interested in doing something like "reader challenges" - small projects that readers could do as well. But I'm sure that wouldn't suit some. I think you have a nice balance. I enjoyed the hairstyle stuff recently. I like the videos, but I'm glad they aren't all video, since I like to read and I can't always watch the videos. You are a talented writer.

    Happy New Year!

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  37. Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Vogue Book projects(and of course more kitties)I noticed that you got distracted when you got to the little girl's dress. Maybe you are a Selfish Seamstress :-)I suggest that you save that project for last and go on with the others. I'm loving the red coat, and I've learned lots about tailoring from following this topic. Thanks for sharing!

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  38. Happy New Year Gertie, Jeff, and Kittehs!

    Your blog feels very near and dear to
    me. I am a relatively new to NYC area and recently started sewing on a 1950 Singer sewing machine. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

    My only suggestion is to format the vlogs so we can see them on our iPhones... Or other video phones... (congrats on the new phone btw)

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  39. I love your blog, as is. The tutorials of your coat construction has given me the inspiration to tackle one myself.
    Many thanks for your fabulous blog!
    Kitty photos? Never enough!

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  40. More Vlogs please! I love seeing the construction details and the tips are very useful too.

    Happy new year!

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  41. Amanda--a sewing machine from the 50s--amazing!!! Whatever works--I stitched away on a foot pedal treadle into my high school years--relish the exchange of ideas/experiences on this blog. Best of luck as you adjust to the NYC area--always enjoyed visiting out there--found everyone to be quite friendly and helpful.

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  42. I'm chiming in with what everyone has been saying. We read this blog because it's you and, apparently, we all adore you! Your tips are fantastic, whether they're sewing or hair and I love seeing you wearing your finished products out and about.

    So thank you for all your hard work and the hours of entertainment!
    xoxo

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  43. Happy New Year Gertie!!!

    I have been sewing for years, but not much more than pajama pants and baby blankets. You and your blog has been an inspiration! One of my resolutions is to tackle more challenging projects. The video tips and instructions are awesome and I would love to see more.
    I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us this year!

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  44. I love the variety of topics in your blog, from the tutorials to the topics for discussion. Sadly, since I moved "rural" I don't have the internet speed necessary to watch your vlogs while I'm at home. I'll have to spend some time at work watching them. You have a great balance going. The apron chaps caused no end of hilarity in my high school ceramics and sculpture class. My students did feel they'd make a very anti- fashion but practical accessory for wheel throwing.

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  45. Hi Gertie, happy new year! The parts of your blog that I enjoy the most are the thought provoking stuff about topics like why we sew, social implications of style and sewing, body image etc. I think that you cover these types of issues is what makes your blog really stand out from the majority. I love the accoutrements sections recently, can't wait to see more of those too. I get so obsessed with sewing that I often forget about all the other elements that contribute to a look. All the best, Zoe x

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  46. Aw, guys! You're all so sweet. I'm going to reread these comments any time I'm having a bad day. Thanks SO much for the feedback!

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  47. Dear Gertie

    Your blog is a breath of fresh air...essentially because it represents you and your interests... it is not only about sewing (I love the sewing bits)...you place sewing in a social and political context...and that not only speaks of who you are but also provides such a contrast to the sewing blogs that seem to be a quantitative exercise. I have never commented on a blog before... however I have followed you since day one and sincerely believe this blog should be you... because who you are and what interests you is what makes this blog so interesting. Greetings from Down Under, regards Maree.

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  48. Hi Gertie,

    I really love your blog. Its right up there with Dressaday (and that's a huge compliment from me!). It is the perfect combo of informative, though provoking, and eye candy. Some topics I'd love to get your insight on would be choosing appropriate fabric, and any alterations or construction methods that differ from pattern instructions. Also, more shoes! I love shoes in general, and your taste in shoes in particular.

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  49. I agree with so much of what the other commenters have said. Your blog is right at the top of my list, and I often check it on days when I don't get to other blogs I follow. I really enjoy the mix of topics, and the thoughtful discussions keep me reading the comments as well, which I don't often do on other blogs. I think you have a nice balance, and I am actually very glad that you are posting things other than the VoNBSS projects, because it puts it in context, and your blog postings would be sparse and quickly over with if you only worked on and talked about VoNBSS projects!

    If you need ideas for more features, I agree with those who would like to see how you wear the pieces you create on a daily basis. I am interested in how you wear short sleeves and short dresses on cold days in New York.

    Another idea that I would like to see is an occasional feature on pre-VoNBSS projects you have made, and your experiences with them, lessons learned, etc.

    As for improvements to what you are already doing, the only thing I have to say is that either your video camera is low resolution, or Vimeo compacts it too much. I usually cannot see the stitching on your projects, so I would like to suggest that you should also take a few still photographs to accompany your vlogs. This would also help those who can't watch the vlogs.

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  50. I have only JUST found your blog, but I know I will love the videos. Is there any chance you could do them as video podcasts?

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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