Spoiler alert! There is no quiz. As you probably know, I am terrible at coming up with catchy blog post titles, so this time, I did what I always do when I'm in a pickle, I asked the Google. (Well usually I ask John first, but he already does enough for me with this blog, so this time I went straight to the Google.) And I found this: HubSpot's Blog Topic Generator. What? It's pretty ridiculous, but it makes me laugh every time, and then I wonder if people actually use it. Then I used it - so yes, people do actually use it. Anyway, I am thrilled to be nominated to do this little Blog Hop that's going around about the writing process. I am thrilled not because I now get to answer questions that I have no good answers for (takes me back to high school exam time), but because I was nominated by one of my favourite sewing bloggers Heather at Handmade by Heather B. Have you seen her blog? It's awesome! Also, what you might not know (unless you read all the comments on Heather's post): I had already been asked (via email) by one of my other favourite bloggers Gillian but she didn't get her post up before Heather soooo I'm not sure what happens now. Oops! Anyway, I know it's not an award or anything, but I am feeling all noticed and special and I like that!
I found this too, see the Google is good for lots of things.
Okay enough with the procrastinating, and onto the actual Blog Hop. I'm not sure who started this, but I have seen it on a number of blogs already. It's just 4 questions about writing. So here we go (please imagine these questions being asked in a James Lipton voice, but not the real James Lipton - the Will Ferrel James Lipton - much more my style):
1. Why do you write?
I write because I have always written. I've kept a journal for as long as I can remember. Not because I am an amazing writer, or because I aspire to be one (although that would be nice.) But because sometimes writing helps me to process and just get things out. I also like having a record of things. Way back in 2007, I got into knitting and discovered the world of blogs - mostly knitting blogs, but also other blogs. My love affair with knitting kind of died out, but I really liked the idea of blogging. My sister-in-law suggested that I start a blog about travel. John and I love to travel and I agreed it would be a great activity to write about, plus it would allow me to share my experiences and have a record of where we went and what we did. So that's what I did. Then I found other things I wanted to blog about so my blog became more of a lifestyle blog I guess, and then at the beginning of this year, I started this mad obsession with sewing and it was only natural for me to blog about that. So now I write to share and catalog my projects, but also to connect with other sewers and bloggers. As an introvert this works perfectly for me. I am much better one on one, than in a big group, and this vehicle allows for it to always feel like that. When you communicate with people via writing you have time to go back over what you typed and make sure you are saying what you want to be saying (and hopefully not sticking your foot in your mouth as I often do). It doesn't always work out, I don't always convey myself exactly as I hope too, but most of the time it works for me. Sometimes when I really need to get something out, or tell someone how I feel, I still write a note, or an email. Some people might feel that that is less personal, but for me it's the best way to get my true feelings out. If I did it in person, I would be a stammering mess. Anyway, did I get too personal? Does that make sense?
2. What are you working on?
What am I not working on? I always having something on the go. This week has been all about comfy knits and basics. I've made 5 t-shirts and 2 pairs of leggings and I have 2 pairs of Hudsons cut out and ready to be sewn up as we speak. I seem to always be fluttering from one thing to the next, so I am trying to work on cultivating a style - although I'm not sure I want to stick myself into a category and be stuck there. I love to wear fit and flare dresses sometimes, I love button downs and jeans, then I love retro blouses and pencil skirts, and leggings and tunics and....and...and....I guess I dress for how I am feeling that day, and that's how I sew too. So maybe that's my style - a little bit of everything. I am also trying to get myself in Fall sewing mode. I popped out to Fabricland yesterday and bought some awesome flannels to make Archers out of, but I'm not quite ready to start working on them yet.
3. How does your blog differ from others of it's genre?
Um....it doesn't. My blog is pretty much like most blogs out there. I try my best to be creative and funny, but I'm not sure it really differs all that much. I try to make it my own by being my own unique self and by being honest. I'm not really sure what else to say. It has pugs, does that make it different?
4. How does your writing process work?
Well first, I sit down and make one of those brainstorming webs they taught you make when writing stories as a kid, then I write a double-spaced rough draft on looseleaf paper, then I edit it, have my husband proof-read it, then it's ready to be typed up and put on the blog.... Just kidding!! I don't really have a process per say. Usually, I make something, or do something, or eat something, take a picture or two, and then I tell you about it. I don't really plan in advance because I'm not that organized, but I am trying to be consistent and post at least once a week. I have been able to maintain that pace over the summer, but I don't know what will happen in the future. John recently asked me what I will do when I've sewn myself a whole new wardrobe and I have enough clothes. Ummm...since when can I ever have enough clothes? But seriously, I too wonder if my sewing will slow down, or if I will hit a wall and not want to do it as much anymore. I certainly hope not! Because I LOVE it!
So there you go, my addition to the blog hop - now for my nominations:
Nominee #1 is Sarah at the Creative Perfectionist. Sarah is a fellow Canadian who loves to sew super cute dresses and all kinds of wonderful things like purple chambray pants! She too, is working on cultivating her style and doing a fine job at it, I might add. She just made a really awesome dress from a Japanese sewing book that looks fantastic on her. She also has a super cute pixie cut and an affinity to pink hair. I'm looking forward to hearing her answers!
And in the spirit of keeping it Canadian...
Nominee #2 is Sue from A Colourful Canvas. I would love to hear about Sue's writing process. She comes up with the coolest fabric combinations, and her bubbliness always comes through in her blog posts. I kid you not, it's like reading sunshine! She also loves a good bird print, a girl after my own heart.
So there you have it, mission complete! Thanks Heather (and Gillian) for the nomination!