Uncategorized

taking a little break and some questions

Just want to let you know I’m going to be taking a bit of a blog break until next week.  Time to relax and try and enjoy what’s left of nice weather here in the midwest.

I also want to spend some much needed time with my husband.  Just need to reconnect.

And so you don’t leave me forever here,  I’ll be back with a giveaway (something I’ve sewn perhaps?).

I also wanted to take time to thank each and every one of you who stops by and leaves nice comments, or just looks at my pictures, buys a pattern. I really enjoy being part of a large community of friendly people! 

One last thing, I’d love to hear your opinions.  What do you like about my blog? or dislike? Wish I would do more of something? Less of another?  Sick of seeing pillows?  I also wanted to ask if you like it when I reply to your comments, I really try to most of the time, but as you all know, time is very precious. Or do you wish I would just stop by your blog more often? Or just leave a note and tell me what’s up!

74 thoughts on “taking a little break and some questions

  1. I think your break is well deserved! I like everything about your blog… you are so talented and your tutorials are my favorite. I think it’s great that you reply to comments, but I know how valuable your time is so if you don’t reply to mine, I don’t have my feelings hurt. I can’t say I’d be upset if you stopped by my blog! =)

  2. Jess says:

    definitely a well deserved break Anna! It sounds nice! I don’t mind if you don’t always email back after a comment-it’s hard for me to keep up-so I can only imagine how much time it takes up for you! Go hang out with your hubby instead and watch some movies and snuggle! We’ll see ya when you get back!

  3. Great that you know when to take a break and what is most important Anna. Love your blog and your patterns/tutorials. It’s great having you acknowledge that I stopped by, but that is not why I visit yours. And yes, stopping by my blog when you get a chance would be great.

  4. I love all of your tutorials! It seems as though I am always working on a clutch or two 🙂 hope you enjoy your break!!!

  5. Belinda says:

    Enjoy the much needed break! Love your tutorials and seeing what you have create. Your creativity inspires me 🙂

  6. Penny says:

    I’ve been a stalker…and on rare occasions, I do leave comments 🙂 You’re doing everything great about your blog. Everyone needs a break. We will be here when you come back!
    Date night on weekends is my way of reconnecting with my hubby 🙂

  7. I love you and your blog, Anna. Good for you to take a break when you need one. Time is so important, and no, you totally don’t need to reply to all the comments. I will say that I do feel more connected when people reply, but I’d never expect it! The reason I am here is because I like just how you run your blog!

    Have a great time enjoying the weather!

  8. Samantha says:

    I just love your blog! Your tips and tutorials are great!

    I hope you have a great time with your hubby 🙂

    I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog sometime – it is definitely still a work in progress like my sewing/crafting hehe

  9. fancypants says:

    I love your tutorials and the photos! Enjoy your time with Hubby!

  10. Lynne4444 says:

    Love your blog. Has just the right amount of humor to it and well written. Your tutorials are informative and useful. I don’t mind if you don’t write back. Enjoy your break.

  11. Sew Much Ado says:

    You know that I think your blog is just perfect the way it is! And while I love hearing back from comments, I also understand that you are only ONE woman, so you should do whatever is easiest for you, and we will all still love you :).

  12. Suzanne says:

    I love your blog. I love your tutorials — freely given — so generous of you! I love your crisp, beautiful photos. They make your projects come alive. I love your projects — original and so well made. Personally, I don’t mind if you don’t reply to my comments. It’s not necessary and I’m sure it takes a lot of your time. Hope you have a wonderful break!

  13. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! As much as I am loving entering into the world of blogging, Family must always come first! You have a great blog, and it shows – time to recharge the batteries. Everything you do is fabulous, and I cannot wait to see what awaits upon your return :). Thank you so much for everything you do!

  14. Rose-Marie says:

    Have a fabulous “vacation,” Anna! You are so faithful to writing frequently that a break is well deserved. I love your blog…especially the clearly-written tutes and beautiful photos. I appreciate how you inspire me to sew and to blog; your blog makes it look like such fun (which I know it is, but a little inspiration is a good thing). Looking forward to what’s coming next! Thanks for such an inspiring little haven!

  15. jennifer says:

    i love tutorials. I love to look at your bags. But I’ve not been patient enough to try a zippered pouch yet.

  16. Chris says:

    Enjoy your time. I love to read your blog because I love your style, but also appreciate knowing more about you as well. Just do what comes from your heart. I appreciate replies, but don’t expect them at all. Thank you for creating such a happy place to visit.

  17. I love that you are taking a break. Family first, for sure!!! Enjoy your time. And if you decided that you wanted to giveaway one of the awesome purses you’ve made, well, I wouldn’t be opposed to that. : )

    I finally made your gathered clutch…it’s been intimidating me since you first posted it. It was my first project with a zipper. I couldn’t figure out how to attach my zipper foot, so I did without. : ) but it turned out ok! I’m hoping to make another during naptime…

  18. Tami B says:

    I love your blog! I check it almost every day to see what’s new with you. You’ve really got some serious creative talent and I enjoy seeing what you’ve got going. Have a great well-deserved time off!

  19. Oh Anna, you are so, so lovely to always touch base with your readers. That kindness is one of the great things about you. 🙂

    I love all of your smart, snappy, and beautiful tutorials, so please never stop showing those (but don’t feel like you need to do more of them – like you said, time is precious!). I also love that you allow folks to purchase a pattern and sell what they make with it. I’ve never made anything other than gifts with your patterns, but they’re so charming and detailed that if I ever got off my lazy bum I know I could use your patterns to make beautiful things people would really love. And buy! What I’m saying is you’ve got a great place here — just keep doing what you’re doing. Do what satisfies and fulfills YOU and that will translate over the interwebs to US.

    I like getting responses to comments, but not every time. I mean, if I just write “Super cute!” I don’t expect you to take time out to repond since it’s just kudos and I do that to send my appreciation. But if I had a question or told you something and it made you laugh or sparked a conversation, then yeah, response is always rad. xoxo

  20. I love your blog, in all of its simplicity. I love that you haven’t “sold out” to all of those big companies advertising their stuff through giveaways in blogland. I don’t comment all the time, just sometimes, so I don’t actually notice if you respond back. If I ever have a question regarding something, I prefer email anyway. I love all of the beautiful things you create. And no, there can never be too many pillows:) Enjoy your time off with your family.

  21. toots2u says:

    i love your photos and tutorials. You have fun projects with great directions. Seeing what you make always makes me want to sew!

  22. QuilterMary says:

    Looks like everyone pretty much agrees … we all need a break sometimes and GOOD for you for recognizing it. I’m not always good about leaving comments but I’m a great looker … hmmm … maybe not a great looker – ok, a great looker (even if I say so myself).

    You inspire us!

  23. I really look forward to seeing all the things you make and am surprised you think up so many new projects. I don’t expect you to reply to my comments by email and am much happier if you have time to stop by my blog and leave a comment sometimes. Hope you enjoy your break and will be back with more inspiration and creations soon. Betty

  24. Emily says:

    Enjoy your break! 🙂

    I love the projects and bits of life that you share. I also really appreciate that you take the time to answer my questions. You’re awesome!

  25. Leslie says:

    enjoy your break!!! have fun with your husband and girls!

  26. I enjoy your blog very much just the way it is! I have lurked here for a long time and I read each post diligently. I especially enjoy that you share how to make things. It is so inspirational!I do not believe it is necessary to respond to comments. But if you stopped by my blog and saw something you liked, I would love to know about it!
    carla louise
    http://www.ohsewaddicted.com

  27. Meg says:

    Anna- You are doing great! I love your blog and the things you make. I don’t mind if you don’t respond to my comment. :0)

  28. Meg says:

    Oh, and happy fall break!

  29. A. says:

    I love your blog just the way it is. Honestly. On the replying to comments thing — I think it’s really only necessary if the comment has asked a question, or if there’s something you feel particularly compelled to reply to — but you shouldn’t feel obligated to respond to every comment (I know I don’t do it, nor to I expect others to).

  30. Danae says:

    Your blog is definitely one I frequent often, especially when I have lost my crafty mojo! You certainly amaze me as to how much you are able to accomplish (I don’t even have kids and seriously find it hard to sit in front of the sewing machine long enough to get a project done not alone think of new ones). Enjoy your well deserved break and thanks a bunch for keeping us bloggers inspired.

  31. Sarah says:

    I think the best thing about blogs, is that they are yours to do what you want with. Just carry on with what you are doing. We love it and you can’t have too many cushions, can you?! I love what you do and make, but spend lots of time with your family who love it even more.

  32. Sarah Gough says:

    Have a wonderful break! I love reading all your posts, your tutorials are the bestest ever! So perfect for anyone trying to learn to sew, I appreciate them so much.

  33. Hi! I love having a reply to my comment. I am a new blogger with a very small following so each comment is SO important to me! I realise blog-land is BIG but the encouragement of comments reassures us that we are not talking to ourselves! Have a great break!

  34. valkuan says:

    Enjoy your time w/ hubby! A big thank you for all the free tutorials and beautiful photos.

  35. Wilma NC says:

    I made some of the cutie pouches. Thanks for sharing the pattern.I was always so afraid of zippers.

  36. Grandma G says:

    I think your blog should express ‘you’, rather than what we expect from you. We viewers are here because we already enjoy what you’re doing, so keep on doing it! And please don’t feel like you should reply to every comment. It’s a nice surprise, but certainly not necessary. You have better things to do with your time!

    Enjoy your break (although you’ll be missed)!

  37. annemarie says:

    I love your blog just as it is – tutorials are super!! I was so impressed when you took the time to answer a question I had about your ironing board and cover – I knew right then that you were a winner!!! Enjoy the time with your husband.

  38. Enjoy your break – your comments on this post are an interesting discussion. I also wonder about the best way to respond to comments. It can be difficult to keep up:) Personally I tend to leave a comment on the commenter’s blog rather than replying via email.

  39. My favorite things are your patterns. Simply BRILLIANT!!

    Have a nice break:)

  40. I’m actually quite new to your blog – but i love everything I see so far! Feel free to stop by my blog if you get bored during your break 🙂

  41. Cindy says:

    Love your blog too and if you need to take a break- go for it!! We will be here when you get back. I don’t expect a reply on every comment made – if I asked a question then that would be different and would be nice to get a reply. I always wonder how a person does it all with a blog – I can only imagine how hard it can get sometimes. You can never have too many pillows!:) I love everything you do and appreciate all that you share! I hope you enjoy your time off with your husband and girls!:)

  42. So Elle says:

    I was hooked at the zipppy wallet. I love your blog. I always wonder how in the world people find the time to blog- especially a sewing one loaded with tutorials! PS I’m looking forward to trying your bicycle bucket tutorial- for my bike!
    Have fun with your hubby!

  43. Heather says:

    I think a family break is a great idea! I LOVE your blog – it’s my absolute favorite…and I’m not just saying it to be nice. I love the tutorials – they have helped me learn to sew (I’ve been teaching myself). BTW – you can never have too many pillows 🙂

  44. beth says:

    Thank you so much for your tutorials. I made the scrappy make up pouch and it turned out great! I don’t think you have to reply to all the comments.

  45. I love your blog just the way it is! Have a nice break! 🙂

  46. Hi, I have been stalking your blog recently… I am new to blogging… I would love if you stop by my blog and leave a line to me… What you are doing is great… BEAUTY is you know when to take a break that is GREAT, and I hope you get to do ALL the fun things you want to do during your MUCH NEEDED BREAK!

  47. barneyn says:

    good for you! i love your blog- everything about it! i love all your patterns, they are all so cute! enjoy your time off!!

  48. ayumills says:

    Have a great nice vacation, Anna! All of us will be looking forward to seeing you back here. Please never feel like you need to reply to my comments or need to visit my blog – I’d be just very happy if you could do these only when you have a lot of free time. Time is too precious 🙂 I hope you enjoy your time off!

  49. Good for you for taking a break. I L.O.V.E. your blog. I love that it’s not commercial. I love that you don’t have a product giveaway every day of the week. I love that everything you put up on your blog was made by you and that you put so much effort and care into everything that you do.

    I love that you respond to comments via email, but I understand how time-consuming that can be (and I only have a small fraction of the followers and commenters that you do). I also love that every once in a while I get a surprise comment on my blog from you. It makes me happy:) But again, time-consuming and totally understandable that it doesn’t happen often.

    Enjoy your time. I’ll still be here when you return!

  50. sandra says:

    I love your blog, the tutorials are great. No need to change anything. I don’t think you should feel you have to reply to every comment, though it is nice to hear from you sometimes.

  51. dana says:

    Enjoy the break!
    and I love your blog just as it is. I wish I saw more pics of you from time to time. But you’ve been doing that lately, so that makes me happy 🙂
    That’s my only input!

  52. Delia says:

    anna…have a wonderful break.

    i admire you in many ways…your tutorials, your patterns, your amazing sewing skills, and your ability to know when to step back from it all for a bit and focus on what matters most. 🙂

    i love your blog as it is. If you don’t answer my comments every time I don’t mind and may not even notice. I have been trying to do that and wonder if I come off as insincere sometimes. I want each reply to be genuine and more than just thanks every time but sometimes that is all I have time for or all that the comment elicits. So if you don’t respond to every single comment that is probably good. Not every one needs one. Sorry…I am rambling on about my own concerns…boooring. 🙂

    Your blog is wonderful as it is.

  53. crafterhours says:

    Have a great break! I love everything about your blog, even your super close up pictures of your perfectly straight stitching that I think you just post to torment me. I actually thought of you yesterday when I was edge-stitching a dish towel and things got a little wonky – “this would never happen to Anna!” 🙂

    Oh, and I’m going downtown tomorrow, so I’ll grab your bias tape and hopefully send it off next week!

  54. Katie says:

    Anna, I adore your blog. It’s so well done. Your pictures are clear and bright. Your tutorials are phenomenal. You are fun and funny! I’m a new sewer, and I’m so glad to be able to learn how to better my skills from people like you.
    So I guess you could say I’m a blog stalker. I rarely leave comments (I suppose I figure you are busy enough, and you don’t need one more post to worry about replying to.) I’ll try to be better about that! I don’t have a blog, so no need to worry about that.
    Have a relaxing weekend! I’ve got to go get started on my gathered clutch…

  55. Elsa says:

    I completely enjoy your blog, pillows and all! don’t think there is anything that you need to change about it. it is nice when there is a reply to something written, but not needed … you have 55 comments so far … how could you reply to each and every one? when I make a comment it’s because I enjoyed something and wanted to let you know!
    thanks for being so creative and have a wonderful reconnect with your husband!

  56. Sarah says:

    I absolutely love your blog! I found it during the summer and have been comming back to it a few times a week since then. I really love your tutorials. I am sort of new to sewing and your directions are so easy to follow with the pictures to go along. I also really appreciate that when I click on one of the links to other blogs from your site that it opens a new window for the other blog instead of directing me away from your site all together. Have a nice break and I look forward to your return.

  57. Denise says:

    Enjoy your break! I LOVE reading your blog, thanks for sharing all your great knowledge. 🙂

  58. Brenda says:

    Balance, balance, balance. We women in general, and moms in particular seem to have a bit of difficulty with this. I’m so glad that you and your hubby are taking the time to reconnect. With little ones we sometimes forget what came together to create the family in the first place! I want you to know that I LOVE your blog. You are quite creative, and your patterns are clear and easy to follow. I want you to know that you have actually given my daughter-in-law and me some common ground. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that we don’t get along, it’s just that we don’t know each other very well, and your blog is something that we can share. She is just starting to sew, and I would describe my skills as “advanced beginner” – you know, still with quite a bit to learn.

    Thank you for sharing a bit of your life!

    Blessings on you and your family.

    Brenda

  59. Enjoy time with your family! Time is precious and goes by way too quickly. Thank you for sharing your talent and projects. I enjoy everyone of them! Have a wonderful weekend!
    Sarah

  60. Becka says:

    I am a faithful visitor to your blog. I enjoy the updates. My crochet blog is rarely updated, so you don’t have to stop by mine. 🙂 Unless you are extremely in the mood.

    I think you do a great job. I love all the pictures that you put up. I really can’t think of anything you should do different, unless it’s post more often, even if it’s not necessarily a pattern or project. I REALLY loved the post about your new bench and the quest for it. 🙂

    Keep up the good work! And enjoy the time with the hubby.

  61. Wow ~ how are you going to rest with having to read all these comments! Your blog is wonderful ~ and it is so hard to keep up a good blog with all that goes on in daily life. Get some rest, recharge your batteries and come back to share all of your great talents with us!
    Layne

  62. Ohhh, a break..that would be nice 🙂 I hope you enjoy yours. Much deserved my dear. And you are most welcome for the link in the roundup, how could I not add you?
    Hugs and thanks again for the guest post – luv ya!

  63. Jess says:

    Enjoy the break!! I really enjoy your blog – especially the tutorials. I have a folder in my Outlook titled crafts and a lot of your updates end up in there. My Mum, my sister and myself would like to know which one of us clever cookies found your blog first, because we love to glean from your ideas!

  64. alayne says:

    I love to read your blog just the way it is!!! Your tutorials are totally awesome – that’s actually how I found your blog in the first place – but I enjoy everything you put up here.

    I think it’s great how you reply to your comments. It always makes me feel a part of your community. But, as a mom of 3 young children, I know how precious time is. So, I won’t feel bad if you can’t reply back. And, of course it’s always nice when people stop by my blog, but again, time is precious…

    Basically, be yourself and do what you would like to do and have time for with your blog. It’s so wonderful as it is, and will be whatever you decide to do with it. Your blog is a piece of you that you choose to share with the world.

    Enjoy your time off. It’s so wonderful to take that time to reconnect with your loved ones. We all need to do that now and again.

    Smiles all around.

  65. Abby says:

    I love your blog! I stumbled upon it when someone had linked your gathered clutch pattern. I am primarily a fiber arts gal (knitting/crochet), but I am a budding sewer and I love to see all of your projects. It is inspiring! =)

  66. hiyaluv says:

    enjoy your time away:)
    smiles,
    gina

  67. Nat says:

    I am a huge admirer of you, Anna. I, too, love your tutorials, and think you have an excellent sense of style & taste combined. I think you are very good at replying to comments (and emails!), and find myself needing to improve on the same thing in my own blogging life. I admire your ability to keep up with blogging now that you are back to work- it has proven extremely difficult for me. Enjoy your time off- well deserved!

  68. V and Co. says:

    i think you are awesome just the way you are. maybe a little more about your progress on your decorating…just cause i think you are so cool in your style. other than that enjoy your husband enjoy your fall enjoy those beautiful girls! i kind of wish i could plan a trip or you could plan a trip out here so we could have a weekend of sewing. sigh.

  69. Mary says:

    Hi Anna! I hope you have a nice break! I love your mix of tutorials and sew & tell and pictures of you and your little ones. What I think we are missing is a picture of you with Mr. Noodlehead 😉

    I always love hearing from you (and I’m so grateful for my bloggy friend!), but please don’t ever feel obligated to respond to each and every comment! I’m assuming that most people don’t expect a response unless they’ve actually asked a question, so responses are just a bonus, not an expectation.

    Have a great break!

  70. Mary says:

    P.S. – Love your new picture – so pretty!!!

  71. Larissa says:

    I LOVE your blog. I love everything about it. So just keep being you. I am glad you are taking a break everyone needs one. I hope you have enjoyed it.

    Hey have I said you are amazing??? Well you are.

  72. Becky says:

    heya! i just stumbled across your blog today, and i browsed through alot of your tutorials. i have to say i love the neatness of your layouts/tutorials and your sewing. if there is anything that unispires me, it’s when bloggers/seamstresses post their projects and their very own sewing is sloppy. jus sayin. 🙂 i also love your style and the way you recycle/upcycle. very creative.

  73. Alfa says:

    First of all have a geat time with your husband, that is a very important thing to have a break.
    I really think you do a fantastic job with ypour blog, everithing is so perfect, i have to admit I´m suscribe to a lot of blogs, but yours is the number one in my list, please keep doing the way you do.
    Also the first pattern I bought was your,i haven´t done the bag , but soon i´ll send some pictures, Kisses

  74. Janice says:

    I love your blog, and I love the way you do tutorials. I havent bought a pattern yet buy I will at some point.

    I would love it if you stopped by my blog

    quiltingcamper.blogspot.com

Comments are closed.