blogging101

You’ve Got to be Kidding!

| Cindy Anderson

IMG_0216I’m participating in the WordPress Blogging 101 challenge. The class runs through the entire month of August. Some of the lessons and things that I learn will be shared with you and some will not. Those items will take place behind the scenes and will not be evident to you.

So far I have successfully completed assignment number one. Today I am turning my attention to the next lesson. Day Two of the Blogging 101 adventure really presented a challenge for me. My blog has been in existence since 2013. I’ve had the same title and tagline since it’s inception.

  • In A Stitch Quilting
  • Professional Long-Arm Quilter

Both were chosen because of the name and nature of my business. Changing either one seemed absolutely out of the question. How could I make a change and yet not lose my identity.

Even though the idea seemed absurd the assignment really got me thinking. I spent the better part of the day mulling over the idea in my head. When my husband arrived home from work I bounced the assignment off him. He at first wasn’t too sure about making a change but then his dry sense of humor kicked in. Suggestion after suggestion began rolling off his tongue like water out of a tap. Given his nature for crazy ideas I must confess at best they received a quick chuckle from me and then were instantly dismissed. I even tried enlisting the help of my adult children but received little or no response. So finally I decided I needed to take a serious look at my blog, on my own.

As stated above, the primary reason for my blog was the promotion of my long-arm quilting business. Since its inception I have focused the majority of my posts on the details relating to the pursuit of my craft. However, just like a bowl of spaghetti, my life is a maze of intertwined activities. Maintaining a blog that left out the other facets of me became increasingly difficult. Eventually my personal life began to creep into my writing. While their inclusion has not become the main focus of my posts I think their addition has made my blog feel much more rounded. After analyzing my blog and the direction I would like it to take, I decided a change was in order.

Once I had overcome the mental obstacle prohibiting me from making a change it was time to start pondering how best to convey my new focus. The assignment suggested making a list of the words that best described your blog so I did just that. The more I wrote the more I sensed a new theme.

I want my readers to know that I am not just a professional long-arm quilter. I am a well-rounded quilter with stories to tell and a life to share. I want them to know the whole me. The good, the bad, the ugly. In presenting a more all-inclusive approach I hope to develop a blog that is more inviting…a place to call home.

So, after hours of reflection I decided to make a change. My URL, inastitchquilting.com, will remain the same because I don’t want to lose that connection. My blog’s title and tagline, however, are not. The new title and tagline are, as you can see from above

  • A Quilter’s Corner
  • Creating Memories One Stitch At A Time

I am well aware that change is difficult but don’t worry! I am still the same person providing the same quality long-arm quilting services. I’m just allowing myself to spread my wings.

Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope the rest of your day is wonderful!

Any thoughts? Leave a comment.

Just Checking In

| Cindy Anderson

PicMonkey CollageI started this blog way back in the Spring of 2013. The reason for the new adventure was the purchase of my Tin Lizzie Long-Arm quilt machine from Park City Quilting. This acquisition was the initial equipment purchase for my new business In A Stitch Quilting. Along with the excitement of obtaining my fabulous new machine came the exuberance accompanied by starting my new business. My mind was racing with the potential to provide my services to customers.

I educated myself in the nuances of owning and operating my Tin Lizzie by taking classes both in-person and on-line. Through those experiences and the practice I received from hours and hours of hands-on quilting I gained a wealth of knowledge.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wonderful group of customers. Their projects have been as varied as the people are unique. Their faith in my skills has given me the opportunity to broaden my talents even further.  I’ve been very fortunate in that most of my customers give me the artistic license to quilt their projects how ever I see fit.

This blog has provided the priceless opportunity to show my customers’ creations, with permission, to the world. Being able to share the finished projects with my readers brings the much warranted recognition these women deserve and might not otherwise receive. The reactions I receive from my customers, when they read about their very own quilt on my blog, is immeasurable. The experience of owning my very own long-arm quilt machine and working with the customers that have crossed my path has exceeded my initial expectations.

Looking toward the future I would like to see my customer as well as my reader base expand. I would also like to experience more interaction between myself and my readers. I find their comments to be both rewarding and educational. Other possible goals might include teaching as well as pattern development.

I’ve enjoyed sharing my vision as well as my experience with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. I look forward to your continued support.