One day, on a whim, she decided to start a blog. She thought, “How hard can it be?” and then was immediately faced with what to name the crazy thing. So being a tad lazy and in a hurry, anxious to get to the next page, she pulled the current tagline from her Etsy shop, named it that, and regretted it ever since.
That tagline was Happy Modern Quilts, and every time since then, when I read one of those discussions on “What is ‘modern’ quilting” I always cringe. In real life I’ve never labeled myself as any certain type of quilter, and to do so on my blog makes me feel squirmy too. On top of that, I know that I’m not a ‘modern’ quilter since I don’t love midcentury modern design, and I don’t hate Moda charm packs!
So yesterday I decided, why not just start a new blog? I need a fresh start anyway, with a few new resolves, and it’s free, and easy…
So here goes. I decided to play it safe and go with my Etsy store name, and my Flickr name of Blue Elephant Stitches, even though it feels like a long handle, and maybe a bit cutesy babyish. Oh well, I still kinda like it, and its different than anyone else out there.
Another thing I’m gonna try here: I’ve always found it hard to show my true self in my writing. When I write a post, so often I’ll write something, then think ‘that’s sounds rambly, or goofy, or grumpy, or someone might take that wrong…” so I’ll delete it and just write something generic. I know it’s partly because all you lovely encouraging people who actually read this blog (which is great) but I get to feeling a little silly and thinking “they don’t want to read this”.
So this is my resolve. I’m gonna blog without obligation. I’m doing this as a creative outlet for myself, and if it turns into a bit of a diary sometimes, fine. If I don’t feel like talking and just show you some projects, great. If I don’t feel like blogging for 2 weeks, peachy. After all nobody was forced to read this. And if you’ve decided to follow along on my journey and read my quilting blurbs, Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
Oooh I like the new start already – I like the name (because now I'll remember who you are) and the header and the blogstyle and I love the openness and honesty – I was hooked reading this right from the off so you need to stick with this new style of writing – it's very readable. Also, I don't think blue elephant sticthes is cutesy – I've always thought it was pretty cool and sort of randomly random and cool – ouchy mama I am not so good at this writing thing.
I've been a follower of your blog for a while and I think this is a great move. A fresh start, just for you! I do the same thing–write something and then way overanalyze it and end up erasing it and being entirely bland. Don't do it, I say! Be funny or silly or weird if you want to. I'm sure we all look forward to it 🙂
I'm with you on blogging and please feel free to be rambly or grumpy or goofy or intermittent. I like "real life" blogs and you're right …. no one is forcing anyone to read. I love the journey and the mistakes and the good and bad days too.
Love everything you said. Great fresh new start. Say whatever you feel like to make it real. I'll be following along.
I've been having the same feelings lately. Good for you for doing something about them!
Blog away, girl!!!
I like Blue Elephant Stitches.
1. it stands out (good for people to remember)
and 2. if it's you, it's you!!!
I'm still a follower. I like your new name. It's cute! I love that you are going to stay true to yourself. I try the best I can. I have some friends with blogs and they are NOTHING like their real personalities. It bugs me so much that I can't go to their blogs anymore.
Love your blog and love your quilts! Isn't it great letting go – I finally learned after 50 years. Blogging should be fun and enjoyable, not something done out of obligation. I blog as much for myself as for my readers!
I love the name change, and now I'll remember it's you when I'm going backwards and forwards from flickr.
I love blogs that are "real", it's your blog, write how you want, and if someone doesn't like it they don't have to read it. So stay true to yourself and have fun!
Good idea – like someone said, it's easier to remember you this way.
I like your new name and think your new blog philosophy sounds great! I think writing a blog should about you and what makes you happy!
I enjoy reading your blog … thanks for your inspiration!
Way to go! Love the name and love your new take on things! Can't wait to see more!
Go for it! We'll follow!
I'm totally with you on writing a blog.
Love the new blog and your quilts!!
You go girl. totally enjoy reading how your creations come to life for you….i feel left behind…because really when my kids were young and i had time for my artsy side….that was LIVING….maybe i need to make time….quit the coffeeing( is that a word?) and follow my dreams again!
To every time there is a season….
I've just gone through you entire blog and am completely star struck!! Your work is gorgeous. And every thing you've said in this post I think every time I write one to. The delete button is my best friend when it comes to blogging. I've only just found your blog and I'm not going very far. xxx