Weekly Calendar:
July 17
Katie from Kati's Quilting
Jamie from Sweet Baby Jamie
Janine from Rainbow Hare Quilts
This week's guest post is by Kerry from verykerryberry. This is another of my favorite blogs - I love all her cute and inspiring projects. And I always love her fabric choices. Plus, with my new interest in paper piecing, Kerry's blog is a great resource (as is her other blog Sew-Ichigo.) And she also has a great collection of blogging tips on her blog.
Thank you to Beth for inviting me to share a few thoughts in her Advice for New Bloggers feature. I am Kerry and I blog over at verykerryberry. There have been some great contributors already so I thought I would narrow my focus down to voice. This is the biggest thing for me in blogging. Blogging is ultimately a form of diary keeping in words and pictures so I want to feel some truth and integrity beyond the pictures or the recipes, or the goods or service they may also provide. I am attracted to blogs where I feel an openness, a willingness to share ideas and inspiration and a little bit of themselves. I don't need to know a blogger's inner deepest darkest secrets but I like to give a piece of me when I blog and I guess I like the same in others. When I have got to know this type of blogger better, the person never disappoints.
Ayumi's Pink Penguin blog was one of the first I followed and she has become great friend.
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| Image from Pink Penguin via verykerryberry |
Her blog is such an inspiring place to visit. It is clean and easy to navigate, there are lots of free patterns and tutorials and she connects with her readers, responding to comments no matter how busy she is. She has no pretence and is honest and open and her many blog readers reflect how much people appreciate this.
Many of you will be familiar with Lynne from Lily's quilts. From her early days of blogging, what has stood out is her humour and her willingness to share. We have sent many emails back and forth over all sorts of quilting and non quilting issues and meeting her in person was lovely and confirmation that she is as easy to sit and chat to as she is to read. You hear Lynne in her posts, it is like she is standing there talking with you.
Many of you will be familiar with Lynne from Lily's quilts. From her early days of blogging, what has stood out is her humour and her willingness to share. We have sent many emails back and forth over all sorts of quilting and non quilting issues and meeting her in person was lovely and confirmation that she is as easy to sit and chat to as she is to read. You hear Lynne in her posts, it is like she is standing there talking with you.
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| Image from Lily's Quilts via verykerryberry |
Anna Maria Horner is a great example of someone who despite her busy working and family life, genuinely loves blogging and connecting- not because we are her potential customers but because she loves what she does and likes to connect with others who feel the same. I never feel like she is corporate in any way despite being a massive brand in the quilting world.
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| Image from Anna Maria Horner via verykerryberry |
Her blog still feels personal, never commercial and on Instagram she posts the usual mix of pics like everyone else of pets, kids, home and works in progress. I admire her hugely for keeping it real and her free flowing creativity is reflected in her fabrics, her new range Field Study, look incredible!
Blogging is a multi platform activity. I love Instagram. It is such a fast way to capture and share images and is a great aid to blogging as the pictures are easily sent to Flickr, Facebook and Twitter. Instagram has its own community of commenters and likers which feels friendly and intimate- it is a gentle, supportive way to connect with other bloggers. Twitter is a little different. It took me a while to get the hang of Twitter. It takes time to get to know how it works- Laura did a great post on this here. Twitter is fast and there is nothing better than your twitter friends for a speedy bit of advice, I have had responses in seconds. Katy Jones (Imagingermonkey) is the Mistress of Twitter and Instagram. She is fresh, funny and fast. She is all those things in person too!
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| Image from I'm a Ginger Monkey via verykerryberry |
Katy also demonstrates the different feel you can get from a blogger depending on the social media they use. She has a different voice for each platform and they all relate and complement each other. She is a skilled communicator and gives a lot of herself to each medium, nothing is neglected. It is hard work, you have to love it to do it so skillfully on so many platforms. You need to use Twitter to really understand it and get beyond weekly tweets announcing that a new blog post is up. Twitter is in the here and now, it is micro blogging on the run and its speed can make it the funniest and rudest place. I laugh loudest and hardest on twitter rather than Instagram or blog reading. I feel like I dip in and out of Twitter between the demands of work and family and sewing but there is always someone there and always something I can connect with. If you want a way into Twitter, shared events like #fqchat create new ways to get to know your blogging friends and make new ones.
I hope my ramble helps you in the world of blogging. Above all, be yourself, that's the best advice I can give for life generally or just blogging!
Thanks Kerry!
Are you inspired to get on Twitter and Instagram after Kerry's post? I've been using both more often recently and have participated in the chat she mentioned - and let me just say - that was a super fun and funny chat. One of the questions asked and discussed was what fabric would you want with you on a deserted island?!? If you are already using Twitter or Instagram or sign up for the first time this week, find me so we can "figure it out together" - ha, ha. You can look me up as plumandjune for both.
Check out the list of tutorials from blog hoppers here. And here are this week's highlights:
Intro to HTML by Echinops and Aster
Personalizing your Blogger Comment by Made by ChrissieD
How to Have Your Blog Linked in Your Profile by Fabric Engineer
This week's giveaway is from Sew Fresh Fabrics. Peg is offering one lucky person a $40 gift certificate to her wonderful fabric shop. She has a great selection including some really fun bundles - I especially like her stash builders organized by color and her Kona bundles that she puts together inspired by recent fabric lines. And if you are looking for it, Peg has a great selection of Birds and Bees.
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post - any comment. Want a topic - how about letting me know if you have used any of the advice we have received through the advice series. One comment per person for an entry. This giveaway will remain open until Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 8pm EDT and one winner will be chosen at random. And, please, unless you are sure that you are NOT a no-reply blogger, write your email address in your comment. The winner will be announced in the Blog Hop News on July 23, 2012.
The winner of last week's giveaway from Poppyseed Fabrics is: MichalaJuly 9, 2012 6:09 AM Congrats!
1. Anyone who is participating or following along with the hop can add a link that is quilting or sewing-related.
2. For this week, what about linking up an old blog post that you got a different response than what you had expected - either one that got more comments, pins, or links than you would have thought or vice versa. When the link tool asks for your name, write the name of your favorite breakfast.
3. You can also link up your recent post - when the link tool asks for your name, write the name of your second favorite breakfast BUT I'm hosting TGIFF this Friday so consider whether you want to link your recent posts now or then (or both, I guess?!?)
4. It is up to you but consider linking to this page from your blog so others can join in as well.
5. Please visit (at least) the person who links up before you and leave a comment to say hello!
Hey Blog Hoppers - link the events you are hosting on your blog here and on the main blog hop page! Just list the name of your event and your blog when the link tool asks for your name.
I actually signed up for Twitter not too long ago. So far I only use it for blog updates, but it's a start!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post. Learning takes a lifetime, and I'm always open to new ideas. Thanks for the give away.
ReplyDeleteI think that the posts that have talked about finding your voice have been the most helpful for me to read. It's great to learn about how other bloggers have developed a sense of identity through their blogging. I certainly feel that some of my favorite blogs are the ones that feel like you are catching up with an old friend. The personality of the blogger just shines through. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving these advice posts. I'm still learning my way about the blogging world so it's great to hear some tips from others who have a better idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a fun giveaway!
I followed some tech tips from Jenelle this week! Awesome!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're the one who inspired me to join Twitter, Beth! I'm still getting the hang of it, but I enjoy dropping by there at least once a day. Great advice from Kerry!
ReplyDeleteI've been using Twitter for a while, but I'm bad about tweeting. I also love instagram, but use it more for my personal blog than I do my business/sewing blog. You can find me here on twitter: @issaino
ReplyDeleteIt hs been so interesting reading all the work that goes into a blog. Really appreciate all the information and the parts of themselves that the blogger shares. Thanks for all the great posts!
ReplyDeleteI'm still not ready to commit to Twitter--I agree, it probably does take awhile to get the hang of it, and I'm not ready to take that time!--but I might start on Instagram. We'll see. Thanks for the post! :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading all the advise. You can learn something new everyday!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great giveaway, Beth! I've been using Facebook and Instagram for a while, but have yet to incorporate into my blog. This hop is motivating me to do so!
ReplyDeleteHaven't even taken the plunge yet into blogging, let alone twitter. But, I do love to follow several blogs and have learned so much. Kerry's is perhaps my favorite, love her choice of colors and projects.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! All this advice is great to absorb! Many thanks!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have learned what people like and dislike about blog design and I plan to change up the layout of my blog (just as soon as I get my laptop)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that one of the links includes learning about HTML. I seriously lack in that regard.
ReplyDeleteI've been working hard to get more blog posts done. I've been able to use some of the things I've been learning on the Blog Hop.
ReplyDeleteGreat post from Kerry, and I follow the blogs she mentioned. Any and all advice will be use is some way, I'm sure! Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteI'm reading this advice to get ideas if I should decide to start my own blog. Thanks! Love the bundles at Sew Fresh Fabrics!
ReplyDeleteIneed to update my blog... visually. :)
ReplyDeleteYou just keep making this Hop more an more fun Beth! Oh and your design is getting sooo good look at all your fancy buttons :) Thanks so much to Kerry for your advice, and I have just now added a few more blogs to my reader thanks to you :) Sew Fresh has so many cute things I would love to win!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing what will be discussed every week. I think I will check out instagram and twitter. If not for my blog, to follow some other bloggers better!
ReplyDeleteI think Kerry is spot on with saying people need to put a little of themselves into their blog. Over the past year I have stopped following a number of blogs that just seemed to present a perfect life, in a perfect house with perfect sewing. The complete lack of personality put me off.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I have signed up for Instagram but that is as far as I have got. Need to muddle through it a bit more and figure it out!!
I love the ET Phone home block by Lynne - I assume that is paper piecing. Must get that pattern! Thank you for keeping this blog hop so fresh & interesting Beth!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this giveaway. I am so in love with the Birds and Bees fabric.
ReplyDeleteI am still trying with Twitter and Kerry has inspired me to put in a bit more effort. I do love using it through the Flipboard app.
These are fab projects - I'll be glad when term ends and I'll (hopefully) have time to try out some more social media. Instagrams sound really exciting!
ReplyDeleteI need to go back and read all the posts from this series but thank you so much for hosting it. Advice from other bloggers is never a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing us to some really great blogs!
ReplyDeleteLynne and Kerry are two of my favourites!
I just started using instagram this past week, and I love it -- but does anyone know how to alter the text that gets posted along with the picture?
ReplyDelete(knitspinquilt@yahoo.com)
I love Instagram but I'm slowly trying to figure out twitter!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing some new blogs with us. I loved what she had to say about AMH because I feel the same way about her too! Those ice cream pops are to die for! I have thought about using Twitter, Instagram, and FB but I am not sure if I can handle another social media with my blog. I stress out if there's too much on my plate. :) Thank you for the giveaway too!
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired to take a look at Twitter after reading this post. I don't have a phone and I always thought it had to be used on a phone.
ReplyDeleteWonderful posts...I have a blog but no Facebook, Twitter, not even phone texting! But I love the fabric!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kerry for the great advice. I'm trying to ge into the social media. I have signed up for accounts on twitter, facebook and pinterest. I have yet to sign up to instagram, but it sounds like a great tool. The only problem that I have is that it takes time to set up (to have interesting content to share) all these social media accounts, but I'm trying to get there.
ReplyDeleteThank you for add the Events link up! I love seeing what everyone else is up to!!!
ReplyDeleteI signed up for twitter after sewing summit last year, and I've used it a lot more than expected. I've gotten to know lots of fun crafters around the world, and I do love the instant interaction you get from it. I loved Kerry's advice and inspirations!
ReplyDeleteI came over from Kerry's blog, I don't remember a time when I didn't read what she had to say and she's right about blogging voice. I feel I know Kerry through her blog - not just her work. I'm not on twitter because there is only so much social media I can cope with. I do wonder if I'm missing out though.
ReplyDeletekerry's recap of twitter and instragram are interesting...i dont have a smart phone, so i think ill stick with flickr!
ReplyDeleteI love your description of Twitter as the funniest and rudest place. Quite true. I like it best when it's rudest in service of being funny, not controversial/political and quilters are great for that.
ReplyDeleteI've just come acroos this series from Kerry's blog. I will definitely be looking at the older posts. I'm terrible with blogging but would like to change that!
ReplyDeleteI seem to be drawn to all the British blogs/quilters. They really inspire me!
ReplyDeleteI signed up for Twitter, but my problem with it is that my account is separate from my personal Twitter account, and unfortunately, Twitter doesn't let me be signed in to both at once! So I've ended up using it less than I wish, because I usually have my non-quilty one open. :(
ReplyDeleteSome great words of wisdom from Kerry, as expected xxx
ReplyDeleteThis post was great! Really inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and this series through Kerry's Blog and it's just what I needed right now! I'm going to go back and read every single post! I am a Facebook pro, but I can not, for the life of me, get into Twitter. Maybe I should give it another go.
ReplyDeleteJust came across your blog and I love it! Found it through Lori Hartman of Lorihdesigns.com
ReplyDelete- Katie Fleming
Kate Michelle Designs
It's so refreshing to see bloggers combine their work and pleasure -- I wouldn't be able to do it! Kerry's comments on her fellow bloggers are totally spot-on, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice post by Kerry - I am still shying away from Twitter though as I spend far too long on the computer as it is!!
ReplyDeleteI will be using a lot of this advice on my (hopefully) soon to be launched blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info! I am on twitter and have been for a while, but mostly reading! Curious about instagram though, and will get into that this summer!
ReplyDeleteThis series has been very interesting. I do not currently have a blog, but it has shed light on how and why things are the way they are - thanks!! And thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I've been thinking about starting a blog but I'm pretty sure no one would want to read it ha ha'
ReplyDeleteI'm new to twitter but love the more immediate interaction it gives. Kerry's advice is great, she's a fab blogger and I get to see her in real life too, most weeks we 'hang out' at the car boot sale! thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteI also read kerry's blog n is currently interested in paper piecing:)
ReplyDeleteandri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com
Reading this series has helped me find a voice for my new, little blog. I was trying to figure out how to post several times a day and still stay sane, but now I see I don't have to do that. I can keep to my original plan of once or twice a week. I'm greatful for all I'm learning here.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post from Kerry! I started my blog last August and joined Twitter about two months ago and I love both - the feeling of camaraderie, support and generosity is hard to beat!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about Instagram and Twitter. I do use Facebook (and was really unhappy that it no longer posts automatically when you update your blog.) I don't think I update my blog often enough to make them worthwhile (plus the huge time-suck that my various computer concerns have become lately.)
ReplyDeleteI like blogging, but I'm trying to keep to posting once a week. I'm hoping scheduling a post once a week will keep me focused on one topic (quilting) and not whatever I'm thinking about at the time (and therefore posting 8 times in one week and then not for another month.
I would love to start a sew blog but I haven't ever got around to it, you have pushed me closer to actually getting around to it. And I want to try instragram now.
ReplyDeleteeatkin85@yahoo.com
I agree that a voice is important... I think the blogs I connect most to are the ones who are the most real (without giving away everything)
ReplyDeleteI love Kerry's blog :) one of the first i followed :) looking forward to TGIFF!
ReplyDeletei mam saving all your teck info so i will have it when i need it
ReplyDeletei love this post! I found your site looking for EPP help for hexagons!
ReplyDeletethanks! kelli dot sanders at comcast dot net
I recently tried Lynne's ET Phone Home block and was pleased with the block. Also want to try the pillow by Katy. Love the combination. I'm on Twitter and love linking in to see what others are doing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love Kerry's work! I'm on Twitter, but don't really use it. After hearing her talk more about it though, I'll give it another try. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have found all of your guest posts to be very helpful in aiding me on my new blogger journey! I think one of the main things I have noticed is how many have emphasized the importance of being yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. There are so many pretty things in that shop.
ReplyDeleteI just started using Twitter!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice from Kerry there. Her's is a blog I follow and love. I definitely get a sense of it being 'real' which I love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great advice. I love Kerry's blog... full of inspiration & tips & she's such a warm & generous person too...
ReplyDeleteAs ever another really informative post on the Blog Hop! I haven't signed up for Twitter or Instagram as I don't know if there are enough hours in the day as it is :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post, found myself nodding all the way through!
ReplyDeleteWell, I joined Twitter recently, shortly after your posts about it and it is just that - fun and funny and sometimes rude and sooooo very fast!!! Next on my list is Pinterest.... one step at a time though!
ReplyDeleteI have used all of your advice. well, at least it seems like it. I do love the twitter advice though, twitter is so confusing!
ReplyDeleteI honestly have to say, I am not going to Tweet for awhile, I have been enjoying and trying to absorb all this info and I think I have started out with to much technology and I am not sewing... This week, I am sewing, plus I have had alot of family activities, like a new grandbaby. But still, I want to continue blogging and do it right.
ReplyDeleteI've been loving seeing photos on instagram recently.
ReplyDeleteI have signed up to Pinterest recently. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love Instagram. I'm paperstarfish. I will have to look you up! I go in fits and spurts with Twitter. I guess I need to give it some more energy. www.paperstarfish.prettyposies.com
ReplyDeleteThere has been a ton of great advice on the blog hop, but my favorite type of advice to read is how to write better, or, how to "be yourself" - this is my greatest challenge. I sometimes think my writing can be really bland, because I'm not the greatest about talking about myself or adding little bits of my life to my posts, but I'm trying! The advice and encouragement really helps. :) Great post today!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about starting a blog and all of the advice has been helpful and encouraging. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnother great post! Thanks for the chance to win such a fab prize!
ReplyDeleteI;m taking in all of the advice--and I'm sure I'll be using a great deal of it! I love what Kerry says about Katy here, and the need to do all platforms well--something I REALLY need to improve on.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the post from verykerryberry! Still trying to get going on instagram!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy getting up mornings and reading your blog. There's always something good going on. Thanks for all you do.
ReplyDeleteMy son has recently taught me to Instagram - love it. I worry about starting to Twitter again as it seems to et your soul and time once you get started! domesticgoddess76@hotmail.com Sharon
ReplyDeleteI love Kerry's advice today because it's so true that every blogger has their own voice, unique style, and message. Such a joy to follow people that you connect with!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the most common bit of advice in this series has been to just be yourself and blog/create because you want to, not because you feel obligated to keep up. This is something I am working on. Who cares if I only blog once a month? The important thing is that I make things I want to make on my own timetable.
ReplyDeleteKerry's talk on bloggers who I love is like the generous give away from Sew Fresh Fabrics, sew chatty & new. Thanks Kerry for your time & photos.
ReplyDeleteI am also not the best at writing. I would rather show a million pictures. I guess I am and my blog is a constant W.I.P!
ReplyDelete~Amy~
On a previous post it was suggested that we make our pictures bigger. I switched over to large for a few posts and love how you can see the detail more clearly. Some I opted out of because it showed my flaws better, haha. I love the post on voice. It's always a good reminder to be yourself. Thanks for the giveaway and I'm looking forward to another great week of hopping!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice!! I need to make a connection to the blogger too for me to follow someone. Wise words :)
ReplyDeleteI have not followed any advice I have bookmarked yet, I go kind of slowly and look up advice as I need it. But I bookmarked this page too, since ET phone home is on my "DO SOON" list, because I'm in love with that block and I have to keep reminding myself to get brave enough to try it!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to give Twitter a go!
ReplyDeleteFeeling motivated to use Twitter! Also, really thinking about focus of my blog and why I started it...
ReplyDeleteI am learning alot, since I am new with sewing I have been making notes and book marking things I want to focus on and make. I dont want to go to Twitter, I use about everything, but its enough technology for me.
ReplyDeleteI would really like to win this!
ReplyDeleteI haven't followed any of the advice yet! I'm very hesitant to use twitter as I feel too 'connected' already!
ReplyDeleteI haven't dared looking at Instagram & I "follow" one person on Twitter I hope as haven't gone back to that. I like PinInterest because I am a visual person. I have Facebook so I can follow others. My main connection is good ol' email which I am now trying to get under 100 a day (today) but more blogs keep arriving which leads me down other trails.
ReplyDeleteI cannot create a blog because I do not have a camera....Fabric then food come first plus I take lousy photographs. Way back last century when film was sent away to be processed I would always get enclosed a helpful hints pamphlet from the processor on how to take photos. So I thank you for the advice but...
Thank you for the giveaway - fabric ...yes please...plus love Kerry's blog..
There has been so much great information, just as I'm trying to set up a new blog. I'm really grateful for all that I've learned!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your tips on blogs.
ReplyDeleteI could've swore I commented already but I looked through and no! How could this have slipped by? So anyway, I have really enjoyed this blog hop and have taken the plunge into various social media apps! I love what I have found and am so glad I have ventured out into new areas!
ReplyDeleteI am blogless and your posts have helped me understand more of what is required for blogging. We are still stuck with dial-up because AT&T refuses to hook up dialup though the repairman told me that there is installed capacity available. As photos seem to be a staple of bloggers, guess will continue learning and wait for DSL.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post again!
ReplyDelete