Hello everyone! Oh, how I’m enjoying getting to meet some of you already. Thank you for responding and making me smile. I love hearing what motivates others to sew and I’m looking forward to reading more of your stories today during my “1-Year Blog Anniversary Week.
The “WHY” Behind my Blog
Today, I thought I would share with you why I blog. It all started in 2015, when I attended Mimi G Style’s 4th Annual Fashion, Sewing & Style Conference.
I met lots of women at the Conference who inspired me to learn more about blogs, Facebook Groups and all that the sewing community has to offer. When I learned to sew, all we had were books and in-person sewing classes (no internet), and I had been away from sewing for many years at that point. After returning home from the conference, I was invited to join Mimi’s Facebook Group, “Make It, Mix It, Rock it” (all Conference attendees are invited). It was there that my head began to spin.
Before the Conference, I was not even aware that these groups existed in social media. Now mind you, I was not that big a fan of social media at all. I had a Facebook page only and used it just to communicate with family and friends. Through the sewing group, I began to see just how far “out-of-touch” I was with the sewing community. I began to learn about sewing terms I’d never heard before (like “TNT”), resources I was clueless about, other bloggers within the group, and so much more. I began to share my projects and started receiving encouraging comments. Amongst the comments there were a few who thought I should have a blog or Facebook page. I was NOT interested (at first). There were also a couple of friends, outside the group, who told me I should have a website because I was sharing the outfits on my personal Facebook page too. Again, I was NOT interested. Armed with an abundance of inspiration, I continued to share my projects with the group, like these in the Pre-Blog photos below.


Then, one day Mimi posted a short video on Periscope about things you need to know about starting a blog. Previously, she had launched her Blogging 101 Course. I watched the replay of that video in the group because I didn’t know what the heck a periscope was at the time. I didn’t even have a Twitter account. I really don’t know why I watched the video, but I did, and something piqued my interest. I remember mentioning it to my husband, and he told me to take the course. I didn’t do it at that time because I wasn’t sure. He told me I had nothing to lose by taking the course, even if I decided not to start a blog. I think it was a couple of weeks later that I ran across her course again and decided to take a peak. After reading about it, I entered all my information to register, but I wouldn’t press the “send” button. My husband told me to stop tripping and order the course. I was so scared. Does that sound weird? I don’t know why I was scared to order a course. LOL! Anway, after going back and forth for some time, I finally hit the “send” button and screamed. My husband just shook his head.
I started the course, which was full of great information for someone who knows NOTHING about blogging. I downloaded her worksheets and took notes, following the suggestions she gave, and before I knew it I was ordering my domain name. Say WHAT?!!! Yep, I jumped ALL in and went for it. I started watching lots and lots of YouTube tutorials and joining Webinars to learn as much as I could about starting a blog. Still, I have only scratched the surface because there is so much information out there. I love that people are so generous in their sharing. Many bloggers have paid courses that give you access to their premium content, providing more in-depth information than what’s offered on YouTube and Webinars. They are wise in their strategy and I applaud them for using that wisdom to help build their brands.
Following the advice of those who are experienced in the Blog community, I took the necessary steps to set up my blog in a way that would project my personal style, and draw the attention of my target reader. With everything in place, I set a launch date, promoted the launching the best way I knew how at that time, and on January 20th, 2016, Anita by Design was born.
Fast forward to today— Why am I still blogging? I blog because I really enjoy how others are being inspired through what I do. There’s a huge smile on my heart, knowing that, while I’m doing something I absolutely LOVE, others are being motivated, encouraged, inspired and compelled to action. Some are being inspired to start sewing, many are returning to sewing, others are challenging themselves to new techniques, and still others are becoming more confident in themselves. While all of this is awesome enough, there’s another MORE IMPORTANT reason that brings me back each week. That is—many of you have commented about returning to my blog for more than just sewing. You’ve said you feel like you’re sitting and chatting with a girlfriend. You’ve told me it feels like we’re old friends. The name, Anita by Design, is directly in line with that response.
If you have not read the “Meaning in the Name” on my ABOUT Page, I invite you to go check it out HERE. It tells you why I chose “Anita by Design” as my Blog name.
If I can reach out to you with my posts as a down-to-earth sew sister and be received as a friend, and have you feel comfortable with me, then I am living in my DESIGN (the About Page will tell you what that means). Thank you for confirming that I’m on the right track.
That’s all for today! Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a $50 eGift Card to Michael Levine Fabrics. To enter click HERE! Then check back tomorrow as I continue my 1-Year Blog Anniversary Week!
What About You?
Are you a blogger? What is your “WHY?” Why do you blog? If you’re not a blogger, why do you follow blogs? Share with me! I really want to hear from you.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!!!
Anita
hello!,I like your writing very much! share we keep in touch extra approximately your article
on AOL? I require a specialist on this area to unravel my problem.
May be that’s you! Taking a look ahead to look you.
My heart bursts with pride and excitement for you. I love and respect you and so very much enjoy having you in my groups. ?
Heeeeeyyyyy Mimi! I love being part of your group. Thank you so much for all that you do and for being so generous with your sharing. You already know that you’re inspiring thousands of women all over the world. I’m beyond thrilled to be one of them. God bless you always!
Hello Anita,
I am not a blogger because I don’t think I’m very photogenic (although the camera loves all of my children and grandchildren) I follow blogs because I enjoy keeping up with current fashion sewing trends. I often find myself purchasing similar patterns and often try to purchase similar fabric that the bloggers do, if it is affordable and fits my style. I do post some of my projects on the Sewing Pattern Review site. Since I am over 50 and not as fit as you are, I sew clothes that I feel comfortable in whether I’m going to work, church. running errands, or dinner and movie with my husband. I love to try new trends, so the blogs also help me stay in tuned with new sewing techniques.
Hey Thelma! Thank you so much for stopping by today. I get it that you sew what’s comfortable for you. That’s what I love so much about sewing. We can make what works for us.
I thank you for sharing you knowledge on sewing. I’m a beginner and I have always wanted to learn to sew. I just got a juki f400 pro sewing machine. I’m gathering all the notion that you have suggested. I’m so excited. You are a great teachers. I know that I’m blessed to have found you. I thank God that he have put you in my path. You are great and look Devine in you outfits. I can’t wait for you to show how you made the dress for the wedding
Hi Diana! Oh, thank you so much! I’m so glad to have you join me in the sewing course. Welcome to the sewing community! Enjoy your journey and God bless you, my new sew sister.
I absolutely love the blue plaid dress in your photos. Can you please do a tutorial on making it?
Hi Alencia! Thank you so much! I will check to see if that pattern is still in print and consider doing a tutorial if it is.
I began sewing in High School. My mother was a single mother at the time, we didn’t have a lot of money, I’m the oldest of five children, I have two aunts, we are 3 and 4 years apart in age. When it was time for us to get new clothes my sisters and brothers got new clothes and I had to wear my aunts clothes because we were close in age and the just about the same size. Moving forward to High School, when it was time for me to take Home Economics, it was a choice between cooking and sewing. I didn’t want to learn how to cook, I wanted to learn how to sew so I wouldn’t have to worry about wearing someone else’s clothes again.
The sewing class was only offered for one class session at that time, after I completed the class, I asked the sewing instructor if I could come to her class during one of my free periods to sew. She told me “yes”, but I would have to sew in the back of the class so I wouldn’t disturb the class while she was teaching. I agreed, so I would take my materials to school and I couldn’t wait for my free class period to start because I would head to her classroom with my sewing material and sit in the back of the class to sew.
Moving forward, I started reading books and I grew so much in my sewing that I would make my a skirt at night at my dining room table and wear it to school the next day. As I grew in my sewing, I was doing it as a “hobby”, my friends kept telling me I needed to take my sewing to the next level. I didn’t see what they saw in my sewing. Some of my friends told me I didn’t have the confidence to move forward. I didn’t like hearing that, I tried to force myself to see what they saw but I couldn’t see it so I continued to sew as a “hobby”. I was making 90% of my clothes.
Years went by before I would see for myself that I was a very good sewer (I didn’t consider myself a seamstress at that time). One day it was like a light bulb went off and that’s when I saw what everybody had been telling me for years.
In 2006 I created my home based sewing business “Creations By LaToria”, I started advertising on Craigslist and dropping off my business cards in Hancock’s Fabrics that was near my house. 80% of my business came from Hancock’s fabrics at time because the employees knew me from stopping by there on a regular basis and I would help other customers pick there fabric and supplies when I saw them looking confused. I made a name for myself in that store. LOL!!! The employees told me to leave my business cards in the store and to give them my business cards too so they can pass them out to customers who are looking for a seamstress. During prom season, just about all of my clients were referred to me by the employees at Hancock’s fabrics. My business started booming, it got to the point that I stopped advertising on Craigslist (I’m glad I did because of the horror stories I would hear about people answering ads on Craigslist).
In 2010 I was unemployed due to a contract ending, I needed some extra money to make ends meet. I was talking to one of my girlfriends on the phone about trying to find a way to make some extra money. She told me “you have it in the palm of your hands”. I looked at my hands, LOL!!! I was confused. She said “teach sewing”. I said “Really?” She was teaching Interior Decorating at a local college, she was well known there. She told me to call the college and ask if they have a need for a sewing class and to let them know she referred me. I did just that. They did not have a sewing class but they were open to me creating one.
To shorten this post Anita, I’m sorry it’s long, I’m going to fast forward, I started teaching sewing in 2010 and my business blossomed from that. I now teach at several Community Centers in my area, and also at home as well.
Sewing is no longer a hobby for me, it’s MY PASSION!!!!!
I stared blogging in 2014 and after looking at how beautiful your blog is, this year I’m going to hire a professional photographer to take photos of me wearing my garments.
I’m going to work on blogging more in 2017.
Hey LaToria! Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is a powerful and encouraging one. In my heart, I truly believe someone out there needs to hear it. There’s someone out there who is struggling, and not considering the possibility of using their natural talent to move forward in a different direction.
I began sewing in junior high, now called middle school. My grandmother was a great sewist and worked for a company that manufactured Osh Kosh clothing for children. I got the sewing genes from her and she bought me my first sewing machine after my DH and I married. I sewed then because we had little money with going to college and working part time. From there I have continued to sew and not necessarily because we needed to save money but because it was a passion for me and a stress reducer when my work gets to be too much for me. I began blogging many years ago because it was new to me and I started reading other sewist blogs. I wanted to share my passion for sewing with others of like mine and blogging was the way to do it. I just recently started posting photos on Instagram.
I am not a great blogger but I do what I can. Thanks for the link to the Blogger 101 as I could use some tips and know I need to take better photos. Happy Anniversary and enjoy reading your blog and seeing your lovely creations here, Pattern Review and Instagram
Hiiiii Linda! Oh thank you so much for stopping by and joining the conversation. I just love how you support the people on Pattern Review. It seems that almost every review I go to read, I see you there leaving a comment. You are so encouraging.
I believe we all get better at blogging over time. We definitely get out of it what we put into it. Some of us don’t have as much time to spend giving attention to our blogs as others. I wish you well as you continue to blog.
WHY- Hi Anita & Happy Anniversary.. I don’t blog, but I’m on the fence if I want to or not.. I enjoy reading various sewing blogs for Mimi’s & yours are my top two. There are so many things you can learn from reading various blogs, however sometimes I feel like I”m spending too much time on social media. I’m not sure, as deciding when I want to “Jump” (as Steve Harvey would say) i’m currently reading the book, however I really would like to quit my job and sew and blog as I would like to. One day I will, but living in CA, you must work to live here, if me & my husband relocate I feel as though I can blog, sew, and maybe be a virtual assistant working from home.
Aside from my rambling, THANK YOU for sharing your gift with the “sew sista’s” and other.
Hey Deborah! Thank you so much for choosing my blog as one you read. I totally understand what you mean about spending too much time on social media. I’m finding myself having to actually limit the time I spend on social media. As a new blogger I’m finding it quite challenging.
I saw Steve’s Harvey’s “Jump” video shortly before my blog was set to launch. Boy oh boy did that give me a boost.
Happy Blogiversary Anita. Love your sense of style and your passion for sewing. I started blogging almost 12 years ago as a public journal of my creations. Back then it was all about crocheting and evolved into so much more. The most important thing about blogging is having met so many beautiful people. Fast forward and we still meet up, late nite sewing via calls and sharing our love of sewing & crafting.
Heeey Sheila! I’m so happy to see you here. Oh gosh, I LOVE your crochet creations, as well as your sewing projects. Yes, I have to agree with you about the lovely people we get to meet and build friendships with.
Beautiful post! Seems that I’m officially meeting you and it’s my pleasure. You come across as a very down to earth sew sister. BTW, CONGRATULATIONS on your one year blogiversary!
I began blogging in 2008 under the title of Sew Much Talent, which is still my social media name. Now, I blog under the name of Sew Alethia However, without going into an even longer response, I started blogging to connect with others to inspire others to sew, to learn, and to share our creations.
Alethiaaaaaaa!!! Hey sew sister! It’s so nice to see you over here. Thank you so much for visiting me. I’m so happy to be part of Sew Much Talent and excited about all the fun you have planned for this year. Yes, we’re getting acquainted!
Anita, I too had my first sewing experience in the 8th grade. I loved it, but like you life got in the way. I started back sewing about a year ago. I have messed up a lot of material but I refuse to be defeated. I want to make clothes that fit me and that I make look good:)!
I’ve have sewn a lot of things for my home, and for the homeless. I want God to bless me to improve my garment making skills.
I love your spirit, your style and your mission.
Hi Patricia! Yes, fit is so important when sewing for ourselves, and it is definitely a process that requires patience. I have messed up lots of fabric along the way too. It’s just part of the learning process. The best way to avoid that is by making muslins before cutting into our good fabric, but I’m way to impatient to do that every time. LOL! Thanks for your comment, and God bless you.
As a new beginner, i can definitely relate to what you have said Anita. Mimi is such a big motivation to me as well. I haven`t bought any of her courses but i`m planning to doso in the near future. But i admire your work so much and i`m learning some few things from you.Thank you so much for being an inspiration 🙂
http://www.styledbymilly.com
Heeeey Milly! It’s so nice to see you here. I LOVE your work too. You are so beautiful and you do a beautiful job styling your makes. That’s one of the things that makes me squeal, seeing a complete look come together. Styling is EVERYTHING!!! Thank you so much for visiting me here.
Hi Again Anita!!
After reading why you blog I had to laugh because it’s so like me to want to do something but is a little hesitant to do it, going back and forth, back and forth. You are the first blogger I’ve followed and so far the only one. I am drawn to your blog and I know it’s the Power of God and not something I’m just doing, and for me it’s about so much more than sewing. I love how you honor and reverence God along with your dedication, inspiration and encouraging words. Thru Christ, you are my sister and friend. When I sew my first stitch then we’ll be sew sisters too, LOL really hard. Hehehe!! Thank you so much.
Hi Peggy! I’m so honored that my blog is the first that you have followed. Yes, ma’am, may it always be that God is the center of everything that we do. I am thrilled, my sister and friend, to have your support. Yaaay, can’t wait to call you my sew sister one day. Thank you so much!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!! Well I am very happy that you decided to attend the conference and bloom into a Sew Sista. Your videos are awesome and have helped me develop my skill in sewing and blogging. Please keep doing what you’re doing!! I love it. Blessings.
Hey Shawn! Yes! I’m so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the tutorials. Thank you so much for your support. I will continue.
So here I am, in a conference call, with people all over the globe, and what am i doing? Reading Anita by Design!.. LOL…And learning all about where it started for you! You are truly such an inspiration for me and tons of others. Your style is one in a million, and because of you, I find myself looking at styles and fabrics that I wouldn’t have even glanced at before. You take such pride, and joy in your work. You are meticulous and deliberate which allows you to create such quality pieces. You bring your creations to life with such gorgeous pics, yet another aspects of the quality time you invest in your passion. You truly love what you do, and it shows! I have always wanted to be a blogger, as I love to write, but I just wasn’t sure what I wanted to blog about. Now that I am back into sewing, and enjoy sharing my creations, and inspiring others, I finally know what I will blog about! Sewing!!… Thank you so much for sharing your passion with us, and thank you for being such an inspiration!…
Oh Paulette, thank you so much! Yaaaay! I’m so excited that you’re coming to the blogging community! I think you’re gonna enjoy it as much as I am. Yes, you’re a great writer and it will be a huge plus for your blog. I like writing too, so yeah, another reason why I’m enjoying it. I get to practice writing. Now, I hope you didn’t get off track with your conference call. LOL!
Love your story. I laughed when you screamed after hitting send! LOL
As I sit here at work I am wearing a skirt I made (Project #3 – The Straight Skirt). I have made 4 so far. I call it my business skirt! I wear skirts below my knees and have for the past 20+ years. So you can only imaging how hard it is to find skirts THAT I LIKE that hit below my knees. Over the years my wardrobe got dull. Well now it is alive again!!!!! Anita, I just can’t tell you what you have done for me!!!!!
Oooooh Deirdre!!! This makes me smile so BIG! Yes, I totally understand the skirt length issue. I like them below the knees too. We are so blessed to be able to make our own and never have to be concerned with length. Yeeeesssss! I’m so GLAD you found the tutorial and were able to follow along. Yes, ma’am, that is the perfect work skirt. Thank you for your support.
Hello very inspiring ms Anita!!! I JUST ordered mimi g’s blog content myself over the holiday and listened while at work a f I was soooo full. I’m so glad she’s an advocate for showing us things aren’t as hard as they seem even though she has to teach herself and that’s how I am with the facts of life.. I am not a blogger …YET but I am claiming to be one soon. My attire is somewhat diff, however I know I’ll have an attractive audience with it I am confident about that. I love seeing your colors itself your outfits are YOU!!!! I follow blogs as inspiration and to support you all who are blogging. Much love peace and prosperity to you in your future endeavors!!! And thanks for keeping God in the forefront of it all it’s truly inspiring and confirming as well!!!
Hi Tosha! That’s awesome that you’re taking Mimi’s course to help you get started when you’re ready. One thing I know is that there is someone for everyone. The beauty of sewing and blogging is that there is an audience out there for the different styles. Yes, I love your confidence. Your attractive audience is waiting for you. Get ready! You will inspire many.
Yes, God must be first.
Happy Blog Anniversary!! So glad you decided to start this path! Love reading your blog and following your sewing journey.
I blog because I quickly came to adore sewing, the sewing community, and I need SOME place to gather all the randomness running through my brain :-p
Hey sew sister! Thank you! I enjoy following your blog too. Yes, yes, I’m with you about storing all our makes in one place. It’s so awesome to be able to look back at what we’ve made.
I am not a blogger. But I do love reading/following such encouraging and inspiring blogs as yours. (I follow one other, and you’re in a picture with her) :0). I follow because it encourages me to get up and do something that I love – even when my time is limited. I’m learning to improve by way of the blogs I follow, and that makes me happy. I can’t have you come to my home and teach me, so I follow the blog and learn that way. (lol) I also love seeing the finished project!!!!! I would also love the patterns for the plaid dress. :0) Thank you for your blog.
Hey Michelle! Thank you so much for supporting us bloggers. I really appreciate you. The plaid dress was made with Vogue 8945 and I’ll definitely be making another one. Easy sew.
Isn’t God awesome. He’ll always take us out of our comfort zone to take us places and reach people in ways we can’t even fathom. I love that plaid dress. Please share the pattern info if you still have it. Thank you.
Yes, you are absolutely right! He is amazing! The plaid dress was made with Vogue 8945. Easy sew.