Whew! I did it! I redesigned my blog—ALL BY MYSELF!!! When you’re technologically challenged, as I am, and you accomplish something that was once so foreign, you can’t help but pat yourself on the back. So that’s exactly what I’m doing! I’m bragging on myself and I don’t even care if I sound conceited. I DID a THING honey! I literally learned how to make the changes in real time—as I went along. When I saw something I wanted to change, add, or remove, I went to YouTube, typed in “How To…” and worked until I got it right. My blog is now the user friendly space that I was striving for.
What’s New?
- The About Page has been updated, so make sure you go check that out.
- I’ve added a drop-down menu to the Learn to Sew tab in the top menu bar, making it much easier for new visitors to find the Beginner’s Sewing Course videos and content.
- There’s a new Supplies & Resources tab with a drop-down menu to the Library which holds a list of the books I currently use. There’s also an Equipment & Supplies tab in that drop-down with items I use and recommend for daily sewing.
- You will find a Policies drop-down tab to the top menu bar that holds all the important documents necessary for my blog to be GDPR compliant and communicate how anitabydesign.com is to be used by visitors.
- Finally, I changed to a new WordPress theme which allowed for a few cosmetic changes.
If you’re a blogger and want to update your site, but aren’t able to hire a web designer, I promise you can do it. Since I’ve taken the challenge, I triple promise that you can do this. YouTube and Google are my best friends now. With so much knowledge at our fingertips, there’s really nothing to prevent us from learning new things—except fear, which can be overcome by just acting. Just DO THE DARN THING!!! So what if you mess up 10 times. Along with our mistakes are lessons which make us better. The only thing I recommend, or perhaps caution, is that you backup your site before making any changes. That way, if something goes wrong that you can’t fix, you’ll be able to restore your site back to it’s original condition.
Relax & Rewire
Last Thursday, I took a day off from all the work and went to Huntington Botanical Gardens in Pasadena with my friend, Pam Balch. We had an amazing time and while there, Pam did a photo shoot of the dress I was wearing. Pam is an amazing photographer and owns her own company called The Master’s Plan. You can find her at:
- Facebook: The Master’s Plan/Photography by Pam
- Instagram: @mastersplan3
- Twitter: @MastersPlan3
I made this gorgeous maxi dress in 2015 before starting my blog. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the pattern that I used, so I can’t share the information with you, but the Crepe fabric is from Michael Levine Fabrics in Downtown, Los Angeles. Every time I wear this dress, I get so many compliments, and I’ve worn it a lot. Hahaha! It’s one of the few pieces I’ve kept since I started sewing again in 2014. If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember me posting about having nothing to wear. You’ll hear more about that in an upcoming post. It has prompted me to change the way I sew moving forward.
While at the Huntington, Pam gave me suggestions on how to take better photos and I think she shared a tip that may finally work for me. I’m not saying anything yet though until I do my next photo shoot by myself. I had so much fun taking pictures in the gardens and testing the camera settings—learning how distance, angle, background, and lighting all work together in achieving a great shot. The photo of Pam above is my work, and so is the beautiful flower below! Aaahhh!!!
After playing in the gardens, we had tea time, which was an extra bonus and perfect way to end the day. I can’t wait to go back because we barely scratched the surface of the massive property with over a dozen garden areas. The photo opportunities are endless.
Now that the blog is live again, I’m about to take a few days to relax and rewire. I hope you will enjoy your time here. Please spend a few moments to look through the pages and tell me what you think. Leave a message in the comments below. I’d really love to hear your feedback.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
P.S. If you like what you see here and want to receive notifications when new content is posted to my blog, please subscribe using the form below.
Happy Birthday Anita. Always am inspired by your creativity in sewing! I wish you all the best throughout your birthday month. Lovely picture w your sons.
Hi, Anita,
I am having trouble finding cotton knit for T-shirts and simple double knit for leggings.
Can you help?
Hi Carol. I would suggest trying fabric.com. They have a large selection of fabrics.
I need help trying to locate Mcall’s 7256 14-22 pattern please.
Hi Ms. Anita, I’m so proud of you and happy to have you back. It’s like you always tell us – “It it through your design that you shine”???.
Hi Bernice! I’m so grateful to be back and excited about getting back to sewing and sharing with you. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. God bless you too, sister.
Hi there,
I’m so glad to see you’re back! And the anticipation of the redesign was well worth the wait (withdrawals)?. I’m so proud that you are accomplishing goals that you’ve set! I just love the ease to maneuver through the site. I love when God connections happens (photographer). Absolutely, a job well done.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thanks so much for your feedback Caroll! God connections are the BEST!
I’m so happy for you. I won’t tell Mike. Our little secret. If I make google my best friend, he’s lost his job?
Adore you and keep killing it sister. Cemo is smiling and laughing. Big time. Go girl!
Hahaha! Naaah! You have to keep Mike around. He’s the BOMB! Thanks for stopping by sister!
Hi friend, it is so good to have you back and we are so proud of you designing your page and working through the kinks. Very excited about what is next and ready to move with you.
WooHoo! Let’s GO! Thanks for your support Lynette!
Hey Girl! so good to see you back! Missed you a lot!
Hey Gwendolyn! Thank you so much! I’m glad to be back.
Congratulations on taking the time to figure out all the tech Anita! The new site looks great! I know I’m due for an update myself, though I’m holding back until I can solidify what it is that I’m trying to do. Step by step, right?! How lovely to have a photographer friend–it looks like you guys had a fantastic day and the back v on your dress is so elegant!
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! That’s right! One step at a time! I’ve wanted to update for a while and finally took the time to learn.
Kudos to you, Ms. Anita for taking the time to learn something new and implement it. You are so right. Action does cure fear. Many times we talk ourselves out of doing a thing before we even attempt it. If we truly embrace the fact that God did not give us a spirit of fear, we’d spend more time doing than thinking about doing. You’re redesigned space is beautiful and inviting and I’m sure I’ll enjoy it just as much as I did before. Blessings to you and I look forward to seeing all of your beautiful creations.
Florence, you just preached a sermon. Yes! Yes! Yes! Updating my blog has given me the confidence to tackle the other challenges waiting for me. . I’ve got to “…spend more time doing than thinking about doing.”. Thank you for that! Thank you!
I had actually forgotten you had shut down your site temporarily.. I clicked on to look for one of your post on a pattern you had did and was like, “What happened?” Then I remembered… LOL
The site looks great and it is a lot easier to navigate than previously.. I like it… Keep Up the good work and I can not wait to see what you have in store for us now….
Many Blessings to you….
LOL! Oh, Octavia, Im so glad to hear you say that it’s much easier to navigate than before. That’s exactly what I wanted. Thanks so much for coming back. I appreciate your feedback.
What a beautiful and elegant site, a perfect fit for you. I built a website recently for my new job and it was NOT EASY, so congrats on your re-launch!
I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all that you do.
Thank you Jasmine! It was a lot of work but well worth it. Thanks so much for your support.
Great job Anita! Glad to see you back and can’t wait to follow the “new” blog.
Yaaay! Thank you so much Tarah!
Hi Anita! Your blog is so beautiful! I am going through the difficult times right now and you help me to believe that everything will be fine. Thank you for inspiration! I am looking at what you created and smiling! ☺️ Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
Oh Dasha! I pray that you will find peace as you navigate through the tough times you’re facing. If you believe in God, hang on to His promises and allow Him to give you what you need to get through each day. Blessings to you and thanks for stopping by and giving your feedback.
Thank you so much Anita! I agree, God always helps us and he does give us what we need! ☺️❤️
I love this new living room, it’s so inviting. I was encouraged to browse, found all your sewing videos on you tube and subscribed. You are such an INSPIRATION!
Oh YaY! Neti, I love hearing this and so glad you subscribed. The “living room.” I like that. Thank you for visiting and giving feedback.
Fabulous job Anita on the blog! It is fabulous! I’m alreay signed up for your newsletters and really enjoy your blog!
Peace!
Cheryl
Hey Cheryl! Thank you so much!
My sweet Anita, I have always loved your Blog, but I also love your exuberance for your sewing passion, and Life!
I admire how you are going forward after going thru the stress and sadness of the past year.
I look forward to sharing your blog adventures with you ! You did a bang up job, too! Congratulations!
Love you, Enid
Anita you did an awesome job.
Thanks Velveta!
Oh, my dear Enid! Thank you so much for visiting, sister. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. It means a lot.
Love it anita. .awesome work! !
Thanks a bunch Sharon!
It looks great Anita! Yessss, Google and YouTube are a Thang now! Lol! Welcome back Sis!
Hahaha! I love it! Thanks so much Yolanda!
Love it so excited, you go girl.
Hehehe! I did it, Victoria!
Love the re-design and echoing the comments above that it is easy to read on the phone. The dress is superb as well, loving the pattern!
Yes! Thanks so much, Cheryl! I’m so glad to hear that it’s showing well on mobile.
Welcome back Anita. You are an brave and inspirational lady. I wish you well on your journey going forward. Love is sent to you for across the pond in the UK.
Sarah
Oooh, Sarah, thank you so much for visiting my blog and giving your feedback. Sending love right back to you, sister.
Looks awesome. Welcome back.
Thanks Towanna!
Wow Anita I’m impressed ! Now youvare giving me ammunition for all my “ I can’t ‘s”!! I am very challenged with this stuff
I really need my blog migrated to WP from blogger but that t is a big undertaking.!! I am starting to google more but that I’ll prob have to pay for I’m sure !
Love your new design ! Nice job !
Valerie
Sewing sista from Wa
Oh Valerie! We can do more than we imagine, if only we will try. Check YouTube also on how to covert from one to another. I wish you the best, sister.
Just wanted to tell you everything looks great on my cell phone. The mobile version is very easy to navigate and the theme is easy on the eyes.
Oh, April, thank you so much for that feedback. I realize how important it is to be functional on mobile.
Congrats on your accomplishments. Just the fact that you acted on one of your task and persevered to the end says a lot. Very inspiring! Thank you! Ok, now, when did you say those sewing tutorials(video) will begin? Lol!
Thanks so much, Mo! Hahaha! That’s my next challenge. I will be shooting my own videos now, since my husband is no longer here. I will learn and conquer. Stay tuned!
Yes.. Awesome work!!!
Thanks Lora
Its awesome! You have inspired me!
Thanks Carmen! You can do it, sister!
Anita , it looks ABSOLUTELY wonderful! I love the flow, the drop downs make it so much easier to navigate as well. The overall aesthetic is very pleasing to the eye and I do like the soft colors. Beautiful work lady!
Yay! Yay! Yay! So glad to hear you like the changes Nateida! Thanks for your feedback.
You are truly inspirational in more ways than one, Anita!! Look at you go. I find that google can be a girls best friend when you need some extra help.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Awww, thanks Jodie! Yes Google is the bomb!
Anita, I really like your new web page design. It’s bright and easy to navigate. I knew it would be fabulous and you are shining through it!
Thanks so much Cynthia for visiting and giving feedback. I’m so glad to hear you find it easy and pleasing.
It’s beautiful, Anita! Congrats on your relaunch!
Thank you so much, Eryn!
I really have enjoyed your blog. I cannot wait to see what is the future. May God co tune to bless you. I wish I had your courage and strength.
Hey Joann! Yaaay! Thanks for checking it out. We’re all more courageous that we think we are. Sometimes all it takes is that first step. Blessings to you, sister.
To God be the glory!! SOOOOO happy your back and the new site is just as awesome as you are! Can hardly wait to see what you have in store for us.
All Glory to Him! Thanks so much, Cindy!
You did an amazing job Anita! The best thing is you gave yourself the opportunity to gain that knowledge.
Yes, Denise! I’m so glad I gave myself a change. So glad I believed in me. Thank you!
Welcome back Anita! You were missed!! Your dress is lovely as always. Wish I could have had tea with you two…
Thanks so much, Gayle!
Congrats, Anita. The site looks great ?.
Thanks Brigitte!
I love it! The about me page is exciting to read and has me wanting more.. job well done with the site xoxo
Oh YES! Mission accomplished! That’s the response I was going for. Thanks so much for your feedback.
Welcome back, I can’t wait to watch were God is taking you. You are truly a blessing. I so excited.
Thanks so much Cathe! I can’t wait to see where He’s leading either.
Anita, I really love your new design. It fits your personality perfectly. I pray continued blessings to you.