Sandra, thank you for putting into words what so many of us have been feeling when it comes to social media and how it just doesn't seem to resonate as it used.
I think enjoying the process seems to be what is working for me at this time. I spin yarn for the enjoyment it brings me, even if I don't have a plan in mind, sort of like your embroidery does to you. :)
I've been approached about a few craft book ideas, but nothing has quite been the right fit and I've really really pursued it as I've always been a bit daunted by the prospect! Rather that than an actual novel though. As much as I wish I had the skills to be a 'real' writer, I really don't. But I'm in awe of those that do!
I have followed you for years, you are a great designer for me, because you show a real love for yarn and handmade things. And it really shows! Everything is refined. But this is the first time I'm writing to you because I know how busy you can be! Only, since the very first articles here, the words resonate so much when I read them that I had to write to you!!
I have a YouTube channel for years now (I am a french embroidery designer😊). And the pressure of creating through social media is exactly what I felt. There was this feeling of “always more” and “never enough”. Instagram has become a source of anxiety for me. Just to open it makes me feel as if I am not on the path. And for over a year now I have found serenity in my blog. I'm so happy to be able to read you and to read these words about rethinking your life. Because that’s exactly what I went through. Of course we want to continue creating and enjoying creative moments!! But now in another way I think. So thank you for writing this article, because I see that it's not just me who is moving away from the social medias or to have this feeling about it. Children grow up and I think we also have other aspirations as we get older. That's ok, maybe we just need time.
Be sure that I will continue to read you because words are deeper than videos!!
As always I admire what you do and this Christmas embroidery is perfect!! The main thing is to have the joy and fun of doing it, right?
Have a great day 🌸
Ludivine
And sorry for this long message but I had to write it!!
Oh how lovely to hear from you and it's very kind of you to say. I've just been looking at your blog and videos and you have so many pretty things! Just beautiful.
Yes social media always feels like a battle not to fall into the traps they deliberately set. Lately I've been ensnared into their 'you have to be present here' way of thinking and it feels like now I'm wrestling my way free again!
I think you are so right though about it also being tied into where we are in our lives and things do change so much as our children grow up. That is a lot to do with what I am feeling right now. As my daughter has gone off to university, my old routine has ended and I've now got a chance to do things differently. I've been wondering what's that should look like and what's next for me I suppose. Humm, you make an excellent point!
Anyway, thank you so much for sticking with me so long and for being here. It's lovely to have found you and I will be working my way through your October vlogs!
I love reading your posts again Sandra oh so nice, didn't know about substack I will have to check it out! Love Sarah's embroidery projects as well I have quite a few of them and is a great way to learn isn't it? I find satin stitch also hard, like French knots they go either super or they have a life of their own 😂
Thanks so much! Yes, I've had a little voyage of discovery finding out about it too as it was entirely new to me until recently. I'm enjoying it though. Some of it is a bit confusing, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
So true with the French knots, they really do want to do their ow thing sometimes! I have got a little better with those after Chrissie (of Chrissie Crafts) showed me technique. I still manage to mess it up sometimes, but it definitely helped!
Maybe think about what you want to do today…or this week/month. Planning an entire year sounds daunting.
Your work always looks lovely from here. Maybe stress less and go for enjoyment or improvement starting with satin stitch😊. You’ll be a pro by December🎶.
Oh absolutely. I don't so much plan the year in any detail, rather that I like to have some vague ideas about areas of focus for the year. But even so, I think you are right, less stress about it all and going with the flow will be more important for a while so I can make space for new ideas and maybe prune some things too!
I hope so on the satin stitch front. Practise has to bring some improvement eventually, surely?! 😂
I've been a fan of Sarah's kits for many years and have done quite a few but I nearly always chicken out when it comes to any satin stitch. I just can't get it right! As you say, other peoples always looks stunning, mine just looks wonky! Oh well, I've learned over the years not to worry and just enjoy the process. I think the addition of the snow on the roof looks beautiful.
Well thank goodness I'm not the only one! I must say, that does make me feel better about it. I do wish I could learn the secrets of making it look right, but I guess there is always something to keep working away at. I agree though, Sarah's kits are a complete joy.
Sandra, thank you for putting into words what so many of us have been feeling when it comes to social media and how it just doesn't seem to resonate as it used.
I think enjoying the process seems to be what is working for me at this time. I spin yarn for the enjoyment it brings me, even if I don't have a plan in mind, sort of like your embroidery does to you. :)
Have you ever thought of writing a book either a craft book or a novel. X
I've been approached about a few craft book ideas, but nothing has quite been the right fit and I've really really pursued it as I've always been a bit daunted by the prospect! Rather that than an actual novel though. As much as I wish I had the skills to be a 'real' writer, I really don't. But I'm in awe of those that do!
Hello Sandra,
I have followed you for years, you are a great designer for me, because you show a real love for yarn and handmade things. And it really shows! Everything is refined. But this is the first time I'm writing to you because I know how busy you can be! Only, since the very first articles here, the words resonate so much when I read them that I had to write to you!!
I have a YouTube channel for years now (I am a french embroidery designer😊). And the pressure of creating through social media is exactly what I felt. There was this feeling of “always more” and “never enough”. Instagram has become a source of anxiety for me. Just to open it makes me feel as if I am not on the path. And for over a year now I have found serenity in my blog. I'm so happy to be able to read you and to read these words about rethinking your life. Because that’s exactly what I went through. Of course we want to continue creating and enjoying creative moments!! But now in another way I think. So thank you for writing this article, because I see that it's not just me who is moving away from the social medias or to have this feeling about it. Children grow up and I think we also have other aspirations as we get older. That's ok, maybe we just need time.
Be sure that I will continue to read you because words are deeper than videos!!
As always I admire what you do and this Christmas embroidery is perfect!! The main thing is to have the joy and fun of doing it, right?
Have a great day 🌸
Ludivine
And sorry for this long message but I had to write it!!
Hi Ludivine
Oh how lovely to hear from you and it's very kind of you to say. I've just been looking at your blog and videos and you have so many pretty things! Just beautiful.
Yes social media always feels like a battle not to fall into the traps they deliberately set. Lately I've been ensnared into their 'you have to be present here' way of thinking and it feels like now I'm wrestling my way free again!
I think you are so right though about it also being tied into where we are in our lives and things do change so much as our children grow up. That is a lot to do with what I am feeling right now. As my daughter has gone off to university, my old routine has ended and I've now got a chance to do things differently. I've been wondering what's that should look like and what's next for me I suppose. Humm, you make an excellent point!
Anyway, thank you so much for sticking with me so long and for being here. It's lovely to have found you and I will be working my way through your October vlogs!
Sandra x
I found you! Nice to see you here. I enjoy this platform.
Thanks so much and thanks so much for joining me here too. ❤️
I love reading your posts again Sandra oh so nice, didn't know about substack I will have to check it out! Love Sarah's embroidery projects as well I have quite a few of them and is a great way to learn isn't it? I find satin stitch also hard, like French knots they go either super or they have a life of their own 😂
Thanks so much! Yes, I've had a little voyage of discovery finding out about it too as it was entirely new to me until recently. I'm enjoying it though. Some of it is a bit confusing, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
So true with the French knots, they really do want to do their ow thing sometimes! I have got a little better with those after Chrissie (of Chrissie Crafts) showed me technique. I still manage to mess it up sometimes, but it definitely helped!
Maybe think about what you want to do today…or this week/month. Planning an entire year sounds daunting.
Your work always looks lovely from here. Maybe stress less and go for enjoyment or improvement starting with satin stitch😊. You’ll be a pro by December🎶.
Oh absolutely. I don't so much plan the year in any detail, rather that I like to have some vague ideas about areas of focus for the year. But even so, I think you are right, less stress about it all and going with the flow will be more important for a while so I can make space for new ideas and maybe prune some things too!
I hope so on the satin stitch front. Practise has to bring some improvement eventually, surely?! 😂
I've been a fan of Sarah's kits for many years and have done quite a few but I nearly always chicken out when it comes to any satin stitch. I just can't get it right! As you say, other peoples always looks stunning, mine just looks wonky! Oh well, I've learned over the years not to worry and just enjoy the process. I think the addition of the snow on the roof looks beautiful.
Well thank goodness I'm not the only one! I must say, that does make me feel better about it. I do wish I could learn the secrets of making it look right, but I guess there is always something to keep working away at. I agree though, Sarah's kits are a complete joy.