Reflections on a Year of Blogging

This is me reflecting, guys!

Well, that went by fast! That's right, readers, today is my one-year blogiversary. On this day last year, I wrote my first post - just a short hello - and sent it out into the interwebs. When I look back on my early posts, I can see clearly how blogging felt like an awkward proposition at times. (I'm still embarrassed by the way I addressed my audience as "darlings" in my first post. I never talk like that!) I wasn't quite comfortable in my writing voice or the medium, but that's okay. Keeping this blog current on a daily basis has certainly made me a stronger writer - or at least one who's confident in my own voice.

But the amazing thing is how many of you stop by on a regular basis now! I don't know if I can adequately express my gratitude for that. I look forward to your comments and e-mails every day (even if I've been a little lax in responding to all of them lately). I always had high hopes for this blog - and I continue to feel that ambition. I think constantly about what I can do to improve it, and what people want to read.

I really have you readers and commenters to thank for guiding me during this year. My first post on feminism was sparked by a reader comment, and the response was immediate. That post lit a spark for me: here was the intersection of two areas I felt passionately about. I had no idea so many others wanted to hash this stuff out too! We've dealt with some tricky territory in past posts. Thank you for doing so with grace and compassion.

But, of course, what really unites us all is a love of sewing. I'm still working on my initial goal of sewing all 14 fashions from Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing, and there have been a lot of other projects thrown in the mix as well. I know for sure that my sewing has improved! Getting involved in the sewing blogosphere is like having a huge, built-in network of sewing buddies. I've been saved by your expertise many a time.

So what's on the plate for year two? Most importantly, I want to complete my VoNBBS project. Beyond that, the goal is just to keep on trucking here. I continue to strive for a good mix of technique, discussion, and fashion posts, but that's often easier said than done. I would love to do more tutorials, but they're quite labor-intensive and I fear burn-out if I get in over my head. But tips and technique are a huge part of what we talk about here, and that definitely won't change.

Anyway, the point of this post is really to say thank you all for an amazing year. I have met (virtually and in person) so many awesome new friends. Here's to the next year!

I'll be having an anniversary giveaway, which I'll announce later today. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say there will be two prizes from an independent sewing business that everyone adores - and for good reason!