finalist #7 :: the long thread

pardon me for cutting this one a bit short… but just trust me when i say that the long thread is another great blog for combining craft, family, and handmade shopping.

hey, ellen, why do you blog?

I started The Long Thread as a way to promote my machine embroidery business several years ago, but it was really about sharing my love for handmade goods since I never felt quite right about the self-promotion aspect. I never became passionate about machine embroidery, but I found that I loved to find and share inspiration online. One of my flaws is that I do care what other people think, so perhaps blogging is a way to seek approval from others. My husband has called it my daily affirmation. Something like that. These days, I consider crafting, sewing and blogging as a career since I am currently working on a sewing book for Chronicle Books.

and how has blogging influenced the way you create?

Blogging has utterly transformed my creative life. I never would have considered myself creative or even crafty a few years ago. Having a blog helps keep me focused and motivated to create on a regular basis. I also enjoy creating with my kids and love it when the kids say “Look what I made. Can you put it on your blog, Mommy?” What a different world from our days as kids. I recognize that the notion of blogging may seem self-indulgent and detached, but a blog can connect you with like-minded people all around the globe, allowing you to discover and share ideas instantly.