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Jan 26, 2020

10-Year Blogiversary + 5 Reasons I Still Blog


Friends, last week marked my 10-year blogiversary.

When I started writing this blog in January 2010, I had been sewing for six months.  I was posting my projects on the Pattern Review website but they were hard to find.  I thought it would be nice to have a little place of my own where I could share what I was up to.

A little grayer but basically intact.

With the exception of a few skipped months over the last couple of years, I've continued to blog regularly, though nowhere near as frequently as I did at the beginning when I blogged seven days a week.  Ten years later, blogging once a week on a regular basis sounds balanced and attainable.

A lot of my fellow bloggers and blogettes from back then are no longer writing today.  If you check my Sewin' Sisters blogroll, you'll notice that a good eighty percent of those blogs haven't been updated in the last six months.  Many bloggers have migrated to other platforms, especially to Instagram.  I'm active on Instagram too, but it doesn't foster community in the same way that blogs do.  It does facilitate quick back-and-forth, one-on-one communication and I appreciate it for that.  And it's just all-around faster.

I understand why people stop blogging.  I continue for a handful of reasons.

1) I still enjoy writing about my sewing projects; in fact, I've come to recognize that writing about my sewing projects is what I enjoy most.  And doing it here, where I don't have to run my content by anybody first, allows me to express myself authentically, which is invaluable for me.

One of my favorite vintage sewing machines is this gorgeous Singer 66 with lotus decals.  It's currently in my treadle table.

2) I enjoy the sense of community blogging fosters.  It's true that blogs aren't as popular as they were when I first started.  But nothing better has come along that serves the same purpose, that allows for the depth and the detail that a long-form platform does.  I love to hear from you and, while I don't always respond directly, I always appreciate reading what you write.  And you've taught me a lot!

Whatever happened to The Selfish Seamstress, one of my all-time favorite sewing blogs of yore?
3) Blogs suit me better than other forms of social media.  I don't use Facebook other than to promote a new MPB blog post and I've never understood Twitter.  I don't do Tumblr or LinkedIn, let alone Tinder, Grindr, or SlowCookr.  I have a YouTube channel but haven't posted a video in years.  Sue me, I like blogs!

4) Perhaps blogs still feel relevant to me because I still enjoy reading them.  In a way, having fewer blogs makes me appreciate the ones that are still around.

5) One of the best parts of a blog for me is that it provides an archive of almost every sewing project I've undertaken, not to mention family events, flea market jaunts, vintage sewing machine acquisitions, and MPB Day adventures.  Sometimes I go back and see what I was up to in, say, November, 2011.  It's like reading your old journals.

I have tried to make it easy to search through the archives of Male Pattern Boldness.  I've been very consistent about labeling posts and I've taken nothing down since the beginning, though sadly some of the early links don't work or photos cannot be supersized (this is the result of Google Photos taking over Picasa, where my images were originally hosted).  Most things still function.  I hope to create a post linking to the (25+) Cathy photo shoots someday soon.

Cathy in her shimmering two-piece evening set and faux fur coat.  She's still the personification of chic!

Readership may be down but MPB Day attendance is up!

I feel more motivated to blog lately than I have the last couple of years.  When world events seem scary, this blog feels like a safe harbor.

I'm thrilled to see that you're still reading and contributing.  I don't know if I'll be blogging ten years from now--who knows what life has in store for any of us--but I wouldn't be surprised!

Have a great day, everybody, and thanks again for reading and being part of this community!

Coming soon--mark your calendars!

61 comments:

  1. Your blogs are entertaining and informative, I like your style. I've never understood Twitter either and have never tried Instagram but perhaps I should.
    I can't imagine spending any length of time without sewing, I'm picking up a male torso on a stand tomorrow and I'm looking forward to bringing him home...

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  2. I'm glad you are still blogging. And what did happen to the Selfish Seamstress? She was funny. I still love blogs for the depth but also like Instagram for all the lovelies.

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  3. I love the longer format of blogs as a reader. The story, the reflections, the details. Over the years I have learnt so much from blogs, insta is nice as a snack but never so satisfying as a good a blog post.

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  4. I know what you mean about blogging. I don't blog anywhere near as much as I did in the early days and if I'm managing one post a month I'm doing well. But I wasn't working full time then and I am now. I love reading your blog and like you there are some blogs that I used to love reading that I now miss. I love instagram too, but can't get on with Vlogs, I just find them a bit cheesy.

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  5. Thanks Peter, I love to read blogs and am grateful some of favs are still going. Love your archives and reading about your sewing achievements.

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  6. I really enjoy your blog. I don't do IG or Twitter, and I don't have a blog myself, but I enjoy sewing BLOGS, because a blog post allows me to see and understand changes you as the artist have chosen to make, and it allows me to see your process from beginning to end. Sometimes, both the micro- and macro views are necessary. So, thank you!

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  7. so glad you're still blogging! I've kind of fallen off, but haven't had anything big to blog about. but hoping to have a project to post soon.

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  8. Thank you for writing your blog. I've been a long-time reader, and only recently started to write my own, sporadically. I definitely find it makes me more thoughtful and reflective about my makes, and I still love reading about what everyone else us up to. With a hobby that's mainly a solo affair, it's so lovely to be connected. Thank you.

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  9. Thanks Peter, I enjoy reading your sewing blog. A lot of sewing blogs have fallen by the wayside but others seem to gain momentum, slow down and then speed up again. Some disappear altogether and I miss them like an old friend I’ve lost touch with. I look forward to you blog posts so please keep going with them.

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  10. I haven't been here for years, but I do look at your Instagram, I don't post anything on Instagram, but I do like to follow some people, mainly people with rescue pets. I do love your posts because you are always educational, sharing interesting finds and of course your sewing.

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  11. I'm glad you are still blogging! I too like the long form of writing (and still blog myself), and I appreciate the information you can glean from a blog post as opposed to a quick IG photo. I do understand why IG is easier for people, but I guess I'm long-winded (and not super phone savvy), and enjoy reading other people's blogs too. The conversation can be different across the platforms, and I learn a lot from both, which is probably why blogs still hang on!

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  12. Valerie, I'm pretty sure I came in second to Elaine (Selfish Seamstress) in that LBD contest. I'm still bitter. ;)

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  13. Peter you definitely covered many of the reasons I still blog. Plus you just can't explain a detailed technique, fix or process on Instagram. I don't facebook or twitter either. I'm also feeling the urge to blog more lately so we may be the last two standing but Imma keep blogging until I can't anymore.

    Congratulations on your 10th Anniversary!

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    1. I appreciate both of you (Peter, Carolyn) so much, and am always delighted/excited about reading what you have to say (and being able to make the photos big enough to really appreciate the work)(tiny phone here).
      Here's to as many years as we can get!

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  14. As much as I enjoy instagram, I prefer blogs. It seems a blog reader or feed is one of the last places left where we can choose what we read, rather than having an algorithm decide for us. I still love blogs and I think it's fabulous that they're holding on, despite all the talk of dying off.

    Well done on your tenth anniversary! May the next ten years be just as fabulous.

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  15. Congratulations on MPB's tenth anniversary, Peter.
    I've been visiting more-or-less since the beginning (Cathy's pink opera coat remains a standout!) - and still love to, having realised a few years ago that I like seeing what other people sew rather than making myself. These days I make strictly on an as-needs basis (I'm tiny so am limited to children's sewing patterns), but I thoroughly enjoying sewing vicariously through you. Instagram serves a different purpose and I enjoy your posts there too.
    Well done for keeping it going so long and thank you for continuing to share.
    Spud

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  16. I love blogs, and yours is one of my favorites. I too wonder what ever happened to Elaine/The Selfish Seamstress. I quite enjoyed reading her blog.

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  17. I love your blog and I'm glad you're keeping at it! I enjoy IG, but I've learned so much more about sewing from blogs and vlogs. Not only do I enjoy your blog, but my family gets a kick out of it, too. I hope to make it to MPB Day some day! Thanks for all of the inspiration! :)

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  18. Congratulations on your tenth blogging anniversary! I am so glad you haven't stopped blogging. Instagram is okay; I like it fine but it's not the same as a good blog post. Instagram might be quicker but it's more superficial. The photos are nice there but it's difficult to get a real sense of what someone has done or thinks about what they have done--especially with a sewing project or something like that. I love a good blog and yours is excellent.

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  19. Hope you continue to blog. I always enjoy your content. I like that you're in New York. I am often in your neighborhood and hope to run into you one day. I did meet Michael at the barber on 23St. And told him how I recognized him from your blog. It's a lot of work but keep up the good work.

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  20. Congratulations on reaching your 10th birthday, a significant milestone that deserves a celebration. Your blog was probably one of the first I ever came across and your witty yet informative writing style is a joy to read. As a relative latecomer to blogging I haven't yet understood the attraction of Instagram the thought of needing more (quantity and frequency) photographs fills me with horror. Long live the blog!

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  21. Hello again, I don't write too often, but I read all your posts. I read Instagram, of course, but it is something done on the fly, without too much thinking about. Something for the fun, for the time in between two chores. But everyday I open my Feedly and read the new blog posts. And one I appreciate more is yours. I really like to read your sewing posts, your explanations, and your photos. I enjoy too -with a little envy, if I have to be honest!- when you explain what you have done on the MPB Day, and about your holidays too. You help me develop my sewing, and for that I am very, very grateful to you.

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  22. It's great that you are still blogging. I like blogs too. I'm sad that mine was hacked and I've not had the motivation to start a new one. I loved how mine was an archive of all the things I made. Maybe I'll start a new one some day...

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  23. Happy Blog Birthday! I think I've been blogging for 11 years but my tendency is to blog about random things not just sewing and now rarely, and mostly about performing and costuming because that is where my life has gone. I don't mind that hardly anyone reads it. But I DO always read yours and I'm quite pleased that they're not every day, it used to take more forever to read all the blogs in my list and now it doesn't take very long at all ;)

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  24. happy blog-aversary, i enjoy reading blogs and sewing stories, as it makes me feel part of a larger sewing group. years ago while i was in school and art college i had a ready group of makers but less so now - because of getting back into sewing and reading blogs,i ended up writing my own blog (although actual writing is harder than sewing for me) and i started a small knit/crochet/sew group where i live - enjoy reading your posts, and love your makes (and machines)

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  25. Happy Blog anniversary, and keep blogging! I really enjoy your blog although I don't comment very often. I have a blog but don't post often enough to get readers! Wish I lived near enough for your meet ups!

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  26. Happy blogiversary and many happy returns!
    Pamela

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  27. Happy anniversary Peter and thankyou for all the posts. Your blog is always interesting and fun to read. Long may you continue to write it.

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  28. Happy Anniversary Peter
    I have always enjoyed seeing your name pop up in my email and I hope you continue to blog for a long long time. I actually don't sew very much anymore (working full time) but I still enjoy seeing what you sew and how you decide what to sew. I also enjoy going through your archives and revisiting your tips and techniques. Thank you for taking the time to continue to blog.

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  29. Congratulations of your 10 year blogiversary, Peter! I love reading your blog. I work full-time, and every lunch-time I down tools and read sewing blogs. Your blog, in particular, is one of my favourites, as I know I'll be in for a good ready. It's witty and well-written, as well as informative. Keep up the good work!

    Lee, UK

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  30. I’m always excited to see your blog pop up on my Feedly list. I love reading it. Please keep blogging away!

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  31. I started blogging in 2010 too and a lot has changed since then. I too notice that a lot of bloggers quit blogging, but I still enjoy it. At the moment I'm going back t my old blog posts to correct te broken links an remove everything unnecessary. And it is fun to look back like that. I'm glad you keep on blogging, I will keep on reading ;) .

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  32. I'm so glad you still blog! Blog reading (and writing) starts my day. Your journey has been so interesting to follow.

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  33. Congrats on ten years, Peter.

    We are separated at birth regarding blogging! LOL (I don't get Twitter, either!)

    Best Wishes,

    Stana

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  34. I've followed your blog for almost that long and really appreciated this post with your reasons for continuing. Completely coincidentally, after reading yours, I found this fascinating post detailing the rise and downturn of the sewing blogs, https://lasewist.blogspot.com/2020/01/blogging.html. You probably saw it already, but it was new to me. I do appreciate those quality blogs such as yours.

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  35. I am so glad you are still blogging! I stumbled upon your blog only recently and am thoroughly enjoying it. There aren't many male/menswear bloggers out there and the world needs you!

    I fully agree with all your reasons for continuing. The social media options such as Facebook, Instagram, and the like can't adequately relate the the thing I personally am most interested in - your process. All the thoughts, choices, the "Oops" and "AHA!" moments.

    Keep up the fantastic work and hope to see you on your 20 year blogging anniversary!

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  36. I only started reading your blogs about a year ago, and you're one my favorites! I think your assessment of why people do and don't blog is pretty spot-on, but there is still value in long-form, "public journaling." It seems when there's only a quick update Instagram is the way to go, but if you actually have something to say, blogging is still the best option.

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  37. I just celebrated my 7-year "sewiversary" and have been blogging since I started. I have no plans to quit! And I am so grateful for the people who continue to blog their sewing projects.

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  38. Your blog was one of the first blogs that I read when I started getting back into sewing. I have enjoyed reading your blog immensely and look forward to reading your continuing sewing adventures. Congratulations on 10 years!

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  39. I'm glad you still blog!!!! I really enjoy the blog and learn quite a bit from all the sewing blogs I read. I see that Stana posted too and Carolyn of course. Keep on keepin on.

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  40. That pic of Cathy sweeping out the door is just so wonderful. She looks so elegant and sexy.

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  41. After reading sewing blogs for nearly 14 years I still enjoy reading/following them. It's part of my daily routine like checking in on friends and sharing the latest "new thing" in sewing. Instagram doesn't really thrill me as I'm all about the blogs. Thank you, Peter, for sharing your latest projects and showing your mad skills! Karen

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  42. Congrats on ten years! I think I've followed you for maybe 6 years. Really not sure. It was your featherweight features that initially caught my attention. I enjoy reading your blog and am happy to hear you are continuing.
    Kathleen -- kakingsbury at verizon dot net

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  43. I really like your blog. You are very good at communicating the joy have for sewing...and especially for a few machines.
    Will C.

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  44. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
    Your blog has been and inspiration and a motivator for me for several years. Your writing is delightful, intelligent, and informative. And to quote David Page Coffin - MalePatternBoldness (Best.Blog.Name.Ever.)
    Good health and best wishes in the new year.

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  45. Thank you so much for continuing to blog!

    To me, the difference between a Facebook posting and a blog entry is like the difference between a classified ad and a magazine article: one is by necessity short and full of abbreviations; the other can expand to the limits needed to provide a full explanation. Or: I can write a tiny blurb in the church bulletin to advertise your group's mission trip (P.R. group meets 2:30p Mon., Jan. 27 in Parlor) or use a two-page spread in the monthly newsletter and add photographs.

    Each format serves a purpose. The expanded version is always more interesting to the reader/viewer.

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  46. Peter, you showed me how to make a placket, I am forever grateful. Keep up the blog if u can, we love you, you're like a fantastic sewy friend. Thanks again from UK

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  47. If the universe ever offers dispensation in an attempt to gloss over everything else we are putting up with, we'll see a photo shoot where Cathy catches up with the Selfish Seamstress.

    Only in a place called "MPB", is such a happening possible.

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  48. love your blog, I read every post. Its fascinating to see how you have developed, a
    nd the posts are always interesting. Its nice to have something a little longer and in more depth to read. Thanks for making the effort.

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  49. Your blog is enjoyable, and a fantastic learning tool. Until I read your post on the burrito yoke, I could not for the life of me figure out how to do it. Your method was a total AHA, and I've been using it and showing it (always properly attributed!) to others for ages. Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing to blog.

    (And if you ever do find out what happened to The Selfish Seamstress, I, too, would love an update.)

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    1. Didn't she get married and move to Germany? I dimly remember that is why she suspended publication.

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    2. I think she moved to Switzerland after marrying Dan but I haven't heard from her since.

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  50. Congratulations! I love reading blogs and always have. And you own your blog whilst Instagram and all of the content in it could disappear overnight. A blog is a little bit of internet real estate that you own.
    And last week was my 3 year blogiversary! I hope I'm still going after 10 years :)

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  51. I agree with all your reasons for blogging. I enjoy reading blogs though I have dropped off a little with my own in the last few months (life..) but plan to get back to documenting my makes for me and for anyone else who chooses to read it. I use Instagram a bit. I am on specific closed groups on Facebook which I find invaluable for asking for help with a technique or a source rather than showing off a finished product. Keep on blogging! Congratulations on reaching 10.

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  52. Hello, happy 10th anniversary! I've just discovered your blog! Inspiring! Love from Belgium!

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  53. Happy 10th Anniversary Peter!
    I follow your blog since the beginning. In the past, my day was not completed without reading your daily entrances!
    I have learnt so many nice sewing tricks and tips here! And then, there is also Cathy... she definitelly gives a touch of Hollywood glamour to the blog!
    You, Michael, the dogs, your mom, your friends, family members and even your neighbors are somehow like old friends of mine and I love to read about you all. Thank you for sharing all of these things with us!
    Greetings from Germany

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  54. Congrats on 10 years! You are amazing and thank you for sharing your sewing adventures with me. I love reading your posts. Love and peace from Oklahoma.

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  55. Awww congrats, I miss the selfish seamtress too and many others but I sure am glad to see you and Handmade by Carolyn still around

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