Project Run & Play was the turning point for me.
So what I have been up to since then?
First and foremost, growing my blog. When I started PR&P, I was relatively unknown. (I am being kind when I say the word relative). NOBODY knew me. I now lead a team of 8 incredible ladies, and we work together to put out fresh content each week. With the help of my team, we reached over 2 million page views last year alone - and are only growing from there.
Why do I tell you this? Because I strongly believe the sewing blogging world is about COMMUNITY. It is about leaning on each other, making friends, and lifting each other up. Project Run & Play was my kickstart into all of that, and it can be yours too.
These ladies right here, they are my backbone. The 2015 Sewing Rabbit Team.
I have also started working with companies. Which I accredit in a large part to attending sewing and blog related conferences, and getting in front of these company connections face to face. I made the decision to go to Sewing Summit more than 2 years ago - and it opened the doors to a whole new world for me. Thanks to Sewing Summit, I met with the lovely people at Bernina. I now work with them as a 'Sewing Expert' on their We All Sew website, and am able to sew every day on their fabulous 350 PE -and- B 580.
After my Sewing Summit success, I went to Alt Summit - and have since started working with the DIY Network, HGTV, and Disney's Babble. And most recently, I have become a part of the Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores blogging team as well as Wayfair, and eHow.
I absolutely LOVE working with companies, I find that they help me to think outside of the box. And spread the passion I have for sewing with a broader audience then my blog could ever reach. So if ever you have thought about it, considered it, or wondered whether or not you should / should not go. My answer will always be, a resounding YES.
I have also started a little on-line kids sewing pattern magazine called STYLO, with my good friend and past team member Celina Bailey. Maybe you have heard of it?
I absolutely adore STYLO. It is such a challenge putting the issue together each and every time, with so many wheels turning and trying to work with 40 different women in this incredible compilation. After each and every issue both Celina and I need to take a gigantic step back, and it is sometimes more than a month before we can even think about it again. It takes up massive amounts of energy, effort, organization, and dedication on my part. And that is not even going into the design elements that Celina pours into it. All of which are only possible because of the absolutely incredible women who come on board each issue and truly give us their ALL. The contributing editors blow me away, every. single. time. I have been asked before, how does one become a contributor for STYLO?!! It changes each issue depending on what we are looking for. But here is what I can tell you:
- Participate in the Link Ups on things like Project Run & Play or Kids Clothes Week Challenge. We are always on the look out there!! Hint hint.
- Reach out and ASK. I cannot say this will work, because we get loads of e-mails. But we do try our best to respond to them all. And sometimes the right e-mail will come at the right time - and Celina and I will just look at each other and say.....perfect.
And there you have it! It has been a wild and crazy ride since I first appeared here on Project Run & Play. But I have loved every minute of it. I am truly looking forward to revealing the free pattern tomorrow that you will be working with, and seeing everything you come up with! I always love making new friends, seeing new blogs, and being amazed by the talent out there. Thank you so much for having me here today Liz & Elizabeth, I am honored. And thank YOU so much for reading this and playing along...and until tomorrow, happy sewing!
Oh boy oh boy oh boy! I couldn't be more excited or more terrified than to sew for Jess! Can't wait to see what she chooses as our inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWow what a woman. Not that i'm surprised. I got to know jess' blog shortly before she participated in pr&p. The first sewing blog that i got to know! Seeing her and the other talented women compete was what actually made me start sewing. I owe you a lot, jess!! Can't wait to see what amazing things you come up with next!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited. I literally just got online. Found project run and play. Started my blog last week in order to participate with this next challenge. Is it weird that I'm more worried about the tutorial than the actual sewing?
ReplyDeleteSabrina, No stress....only great sewing!!!! Can't wait to see what you make!
DeleteThanks for sharing all that information. I often wonder how it all gets done. All the blogging and keeping up projects. I see now that it's a network of collaborating. Very inspirational post. Thanks again!
ReplyDelete