tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post1486037176746910745..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Reader Request: Fitting It All InGertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-91688709885747867002011-02-27T18:47:23.312-05:002011-02-27T18:47:23.312-05:00Long time lurker on your blog, love your work! (fi...Long time lurker on your blog, love your work! (first time commentor).<br /><br />I just wanted to add that something that helps me is "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today". Even if it is just a little thing like tidying up the kitchen bench or putting away the dishes before going to bed.<br /><br />There was a time where I made every single item of clothing I wore and I could whip up a dress in a couple of hours. Children pretty much brought that to a screaming halt. My sewing projects are far fewer these days due to all the running around involved with Mr15 & Miss12. However now that I have dropped back to only working 2 days a week, sewing is back on the agenda, I have a sketch book full of fabulous drawings for a Spring Racing Wardrobe. Complete with hats and gloves. Luckily I have until November to get this accomplished.<br /><br />And I am insanely jealous of the laundry service, there is NOTHING like that in Australia, we do our own washing and hang in out in the sun to dry :)Fashionistanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-84286306462688561532011-02-26T10:01:28.925-05:002011-02-26T10:01:28.925-05:00What a great question! I have been reading your bl...What a great question! I have been reading your blog for a while, and I was always amazed (and so happy) to see you post so frequent. I've also seen you grow "into your blog," with the ability to really educate and provide some really great topics for discussion. It's a bit corny, but you're a big reason I finally started my own blog to journal my crafting and sewing adventures. Thanks for always sharing!Rene Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10671400771017203072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-874081186935393772011-02-25T11:44:37.234-05:002011-02-25T11:44:37.234-05:00Hi Gertie,
I was another reader who felt super-ba...Hi Gertie,<br /><br />I was another reader who felt super-baffled after the fabric-painting post regarding your time! So, I too thank you for demystifying. I have kids, and really, that's the key to serious time-management problems as an artist/sewist with a very involving day job (I'm a public school teacher). One thing I learned from your post, which I'm definitely going to try: if I sit down and describe how I spend my time on weekdays and weekends, I might see patterns and places to make different choices.<br /><br />Keep it up, and I am yet another who is cheering on your book progress. I'll be one of the first in line!liannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-14588614046741377902011-02-25T08:24:35.830-05:002011-02-25T08:24:35.830-05:00I love "day in the life" posts like this...I love "day in the life" posts like this! I'm forever amazed at how much you and several other sewing bloggers get done! You're all an inspiration! Can't wait for your book!Miahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13750894357634540767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-35103545941694979102011-02-25T06:08:40.770-05:002011-02-25T06:08:40.770-05:00Hi, I have dedicated a post to your site in my vin...Hi, I have dedicated a post to your site in my vintage collection:<br />http://look10.blogspot.com/2011/02/vintage-collection-page-18.html<br />AND<br />http://look10.blogspot.com/2010/02/vintage-collection-database.html<br />Hope you like.<br />GreetingsXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16195964461415847470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-73882255201436413282011-02-24T23:39:59.670-05:002011-02-24T23:39:59.670-05:00Thank you very much for posting all that, it's...Thank you very much for posting all that, it's very inspiring and give me hope.Lindy Stamperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02290999816316917666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-26767292339362717812011-02-24T23:16:31.745-05:002011-02-24T23:16:31.745-05:00Thanks for telling us how you manage all your gigs...Thanks for telling us how you manage all your gigs! When I read "I break up my days into tasks I know I want to get done (i.e. finishing a chapter, hemming a dress, writing a post)." I thought D'oh! I need to start actually following through on my to-do lists, otherwise I can't wonder where all the time went...<br />I have read your blog since almost the beginning and I really am grateful that you choose to spend your spare time sharing sewing knowledge and providing inspiration. I know it is natural to compare yourself with other creative ladies, but when that happens I hope you remember that you have already achieved so much! And you are only going to go up from here! :)fangaroninoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-64587703293383363452011-02-24T22:10:16.125-05:002011-02-24T22:10:16.125-05:00Oh Gertie! This was such a wonderful post! I too, ...Oh Gertie! This was such a wonderful post! I too, have often wondered how you do it. How do I do it? I don't. And lately its been me having a crises every week, breaking down and not getting anything done at all. It's a hard cycle. Unfortunately my day job has nothing to do with anything that I want to do or be and so I have that added aggravation on top of the struggle to still have a life outside of work. <br /><br />I also have the problem of measuring myself against other women who do seem to have it all. I love their creativity and ingenuity but I do so envy them that sometimes the envy truly feels like really rotten jealousy. But I also have to remember, that I don't walk in their shoes and they probably have their own demons to battle. <br /><br />You have such a fantastic blog and have produced and continue to produce such high quality material, I'm constantly impressed by how much you do. You are such a credit to not only the home seamstress community, but to the blogging community as well! However you do it, we all love it and appreciate it and completely understand when you need time off. Thanks for helping the rest of us all still feel human too!<br /><br />xoxo,<br />SunniSunnihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16380215145775412897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-61802734850497539442011-02-24T21:10:51.896-05:002011-02-24T21:10:51.896-05:00Aah "balance" is strange thing. Constan...Aah "balance" is strange thing. Constantly changing. I'm at home with 3 kids and just when I think I might have the balance thing in sight something changes and chaos continues!<br />Perhaps the lesson is not to fight it. Fit in what we can, when we can and make sure there is a piece of cake/chocolate/glass of wine (insert crutch of choice here) close to hand when we can't!<br />Thanks for sharing. Goodluck with your book.Jenny from Ohjohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812335475702211773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-8979578287962997822011-02-24T20:28:09.270-05:002011-02-24T20:28:09.270-05:00I've only seen the film adaptation of "Th...I've only seen the film adaptation of "The Best of Everything." I assume the cover was posted in a spirit of irony. That is one of the most depressing, and happily, somewhat dated movies I've ever seen about young women in the Big City.<br /><br />I always assume that people who get a lot done are healthily ambitious and very tired.atelierflounoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-10769734647307903542011-02-24T19:19:31.829-05:002011-02-24T19:19:31.829-05:00Thanks so much for a great post. I've often w...Thanks so much for a great post. I've often wondered the same thing about you as well as other bloggers. You seem to make it look so easy. I too would love to make crafting/sewing a full time career, and I'm thinking I'll be able to do it in about 30 years when I retire! Lately I've gotten really slack at blogging and sewing, so my new year's resolution was to do something crafty every day. So far I'm right on track, but we'll see how the rest of the year goes! I can't wait to see your book. Keep up the great work.Elizabeth Chandlerhttp://www.elizabethchandlerdesigns.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-7409544587201645172011-02-24T17:23:53.003-05:002011-02-24T17:23:53.003-05:00I'm now inspired to get my bottom in gear and ...I'm now inspired to get my bottom in gear and get things done!! Sometimes having too much time is even worse because then you procrastinate and don't prioritise. I have my productive days and then my slack days, wish there were more productive ones!Laura - Mina + Olihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12017476912447453502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50609669289336871922011-02-24T17:07:34.546-05:002011-02-24T17:07:34.546-05:00Great post, and really great comments too. It'...Great post, and really great comments too. It's very reassuring to see we all have different time constraints, and different goals, and our own ways of prioritizing.Monicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16667468394278887535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-72427599293727707832011-02-24T16:12:38.679-05:002011-02-24T16:12:38.679-05:00Great post Gertie, looks like hard work pays off!Great post Gertie, looks like hard work pays off!Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03614511536841195392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13924885642563093832011-02-24T15:31:47.164-05:002011-02-24T15:31:47.164-05:00Congratulations for all that you do! It's impr...Congratulations for all that you do! It's impressive. I work full-time myself but I only manage to post once a week. BTW, Nice to see you work as editor. I did that to for a while!Sewing Princesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17337829909003253138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-88978587055257867972011-02-24T15:14:28.268-05:002011-02-24T15:14:28.268-05:00Wow! Very illuminating!Wow! Very illuminating!aniexmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11785812017979369559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50455824507324119952011-02-24T14:58:11.842-05:002011-02-24T14:58:11.842-05:00Thanks for sharing! I've always wondered how y...Thanks for sharing! I've always wondered how you do it :) Especially because you have such a variety of things on the go - writing a book, sewing, leading sew-alongs, teaching, travelling! <br />When I was working full-time, I found that I just *made time* for sewing and blogging, because that's what made the daily grind worthwhile. That couple of hours in the evening was something to look forward to! Although I had moments of wondering how on earth some of my favourite bloggers managed to do it, and so cheerfully, too! I'm ambitious too, but that can be my downfall as I have a tendency to take on too much. I suppose the best thing is knowing it's your choice, it's your blog and if you feel like taking a break, it's your right to do so! <br />So excited about your book. Are you using the same patterns as the original Vogue book, making your own, or using modern patterns? Probably it's a surprise - but I'm sure it will be fabulous! :)<br />ps. How fabulous about the laundry! I'd totally take advantage of that service, too!Tasiahttp://sewaholic.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-80325448119119715642011-02-24T14:06:04.023-05:002011-02-24T14:06:04.023-05:00Thanks for a little window into the life of Gertie...Thanks for a little window into the life of Gertie. I've also thought about the career thing. I love my job, but sometimes I wonder about pursuing my crafty paths. For now, juggling both seems the best solution.Jodiehttp://stringsandyarn.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-34428112664390967372011-02-24T13:51:07.733-05:002011-02-24T13:51:07.733-05:00Thanks for being so generous with your experience!...Thanks for being so generous with your experience! It is very helpful to see how other creative minded folks do it!Amanda DRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05568054484651978027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-62851241020117180342011-02-24T13:29:57.875-05:002011-02-24T13:29:57.875-05:00Great insight! I also have a full time job but no ...Great insight! I also have a full time job but no children so evenings and weekends are mine. My partner has his own hobby so we're happy to do our own stuff in our shared creative space. I am also very jealous of your laundry arrangements.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01054640961472954823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-10732102898835535052011-02-24T12:50:51.666-05:002011-02-24T12:50:51.666-05:00Reader Nic: Things will be very different when tho...Reader Nic: Things will be very different when those 4-yr-old twins are old enough for school. You will sew again. And sleep! Take it from the mom of triplet kindergarteners.Deborah Halversonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01813383597378919945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-18043047928539177482011-02-24T12:49:26.525-05:002011-02-24T12:49:26.525-05:00I'm guessing that with your hubby being a writ...I'm guessing that with your hubby being a writer, he's more than happy to "let" you have your 6-8 hour weekend work binges. ;P Can't wait for his book to hit!Deborah Halversonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01813383597378919945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13537384636963024692011-02-24T12:23:42.090-05:002011-02-24T12:23:42.090-05:00I love this "day in the life" kind of st...I love this "day in the life" kind of stuff. Thank you for posting it!<br /><br />Free time isn't my trouble--it's that every step of a project seems to take a long time. I'm still new to sewing, so I guess I'll get faster as time goes by. But I've had to consciously stop beating myself up about going slowly. I even had to unsubscribe from The Sew Weekly, which I love, because I kept comparing myself to Mena's pace. (A dress done in three hours? I probably take that long just to do prep work and cut my fabric.)Alicianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-35696129361260046272011-02-24T12:10:18.136-05:002011-02-24T12:10:18.136-05:00I liked reading this because it's nice to see ...I liked reading this because it's nice to see a great sewing blog (or any blog) that doesn't try to be a business with lots of ads and 'sponsor shoutouts'. I love that you have a day job and let me guarantee that your friends appreciate that you have a 'real life'.<br />I have lots of different hobbies and people always seem to marvel at how I fit it in, but I'm like you-- it just happens. I love seeing, reading about, meeting, or hearing about fellow multi-taskers!<br /><br />If you ever had 'center time' in pre-school, where you got to choose what theme/area you wanted to play in, it's really the same thing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11566740596435654492011-02-24T11:54:58.061-05:002011-02-24T11:54:58.061-05:00I'm a bit jealous. :)
I'm a single mom of ...I'm a bit jealous. :)<br />I'm a single mom of 3, two with special needs. I work from home in what should be a full time job. I try to blog and sew as much as possible. I'd say I get to do about 15-20% of the stuff that I want to do. I do the bare minimum to my house now...I wish I had more time or could go on 3 hours of sleep each night! It does get hard to see all the things that so many others do and know that I could do some more of that, too, if I could just get more time.momto2wasdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07946036639603120977noreply@blogger.com