Feliz dress from Etsy.com and the book "Swing clothes kids love"
Some of what I have learned following sewing groups on FB:
* You can get tuned in to museum shows and runway designs. Certain pages have major access to behind the scenes and it's fun to visit.
* You definitely get notice of every new pattern, PDF or paper, to hit the market. There are so many it can be overwhelming at times.
* Many groups are "closed" and you have to be "let in", aka, "approved" before becoming a member/friend. One of my favorite groups, a really productive one with lots of serious convo ,does not allow any "designers" in the group. If you are selling patterns you can't get in. And in case you are wondering it has a very positive vibe and lots of open discussion.
*New sewists are craving a place to talk about their sewing and patterns without the intrusion of fangirls or the attitude that can sometimes be associated with Pattern Review. Closed FB groups provide that.
*Most new sewists really want to learn how to get to the next level, zippers, plackets, etc but have very little time to invest with small children in the landscape. I admire their tenacity and still getting out cute garments. I did no machine sewing at all when mine were little.
* Lots of self taught new sewists have lots of respect for those who have been sewing longer and really appreciate knowledge shared.
*Younger sewists will frequent blogs but then leave messages on the blog owner's FB page, not the blog. So next time someone says "she hardly gets any comments, how is she so well known?" ---she's getting the feedback and following on FB.
* FB is frequented a lot more by new sewists than Bloglovin' or Blogger and many of the sewing forums out there.
*PDF Designer pages are extremely proprietary. Disloyalty, shown by critique and legitimate questions is not well tolerated.
* Some pages are just put up to post your garment and wait for the attagirls, not much substance there, but often inspiration from a quick scroll through. I enjoy these as well and can always count on a quick pik me up with these types of pages.
*Following sewing pages on FB is definitely worth while. I suggest a variety of pages for the most substantive participation.
Now that I have gotten that all out there, whew, these are my own personal observations and others may have their own. All in all I think the sewing pages on FB are a lot of fun, and good for a quick sewing buzz. Some impart a lot of knowledge and provide a real service. Others truly inspire and some are just good quick fun. I know you all follow blogs and Instagram, but do you follow FB sewing groups and what are your experiences?
To show my appreciation to all my blog followers and FB sewing friends, I have an awesome book, "Sewing Clothes Kids Love" to give away. It is in never used perfect condition. All of the patterns are included and have never come out of their envelope, so factory folded perfect. The designers are European, Farbenmix and Studio Tantrum and therefore seam allowances need to be added. The Feliz pattern was very popular among my heirloom sewing friends. If you would like to be in the running for this book just leave your name and sentence or two in the comments below. I will take names until April 15th and sorry, continental US, only. Now I just have to get going on Instagram! ............Bunny
Bunny - I find all of your references to FB fascinating but the thought of adding more social media interaction makes me wonder when do people sew? And please do not enter me in the drawing, I hope the book goes to a good home!
ReplyDeleteI've never had a Facebook page. There, I've written it. I don't know how to use it or how it might use me, and the latter gives me the greatest pause.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the peek into that world.
I have been trying to find this book for me and my little one to sew from! Thanks for being so kind.
ReplyDeleteI did not realize how many use FB! Interesting.... and, please do NOT enter me into the giveaway for the book, my "littles" are almost 6 feet tall! Much better to go to a mom with very young ones.
ReplyDeleteHi Bunny, I enjoy reading your blog and have learned so much from them. Thank you for being so honest. I am in quite a few facebook groups but I enjoy the review on the most. I would like to be entered in the "Sewing Clothes for Kids" book give away.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the FB info - need to look into more groups . I would love to win this book to sew for my DGD !!! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI do not do Facebook or any other social media. Blogs and forums take enough of my time I should be sewing as it is. Even Pinterest is not part of my day, ESPECIALLY since they no longer allow non-members to see boards and have started to foist their recommendations on those who are members. That said, you are making it very hard to not join FB, just for the sewing pages. Which brings up a question - how does one go about finding the pages with really good advice?
ReplyDeletePlease do not put me in the giveaway - I have no little ones to sew for. And based on what I see little ones wearing here, even if donated to the library, it would sit on the shelf lonely and unloved.
It's as simple as putting in the names of a designer or merchant that you are familiar with. For example: McCalls or Gorgeous Fabrics or Classic Sewing Magazine or any person or business sewing related. The page will pop up and you can either "join" which is usually for businesses or become a "friend". Just click either. The page owner will approve and you will then be receiving in your "feed" any posts that that individual or business publishes. You can read these. ignore them or comment. Other than pages by those who are already recognized in the sewing industry, like a Nancy Zieman, there is no other way to tell the quality of information but the information is as good as the readers who post. I have found it pretty enlightening at times. Much is fairly shallow but there is also some substance out there too. Like any group, its as good as those who participate.
DeleteYes, social media is a timesink. I tend not to sew at night as that is when I am tired and make mistakes. So I'll sit at the computer a bit and "destress".
I am infinitely grateful to sewists, like you, who continue to blog, in addition to using FB/Instagram/Twitter/etc. I am a dedicated blog follower, but decided long ago that I needed to not go down the path of further social media. (No judgments here - this is just what works for me.) Please don't enter me in the drawing, but please do accept my thanks and appreciation for your blog.
ReplyDeleteThx for the chance! This book looks great!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy fb groups! I learn new things and get inspiration from others.
ReplyDeleteHi Bunny-I read a lot of posts on FB and enjoyed your input. I've joined several groups of fantastic sexists, and have learned a great deal from each. I would love this book. My granddaughters, ages 9, 3, and 18 months would like for dresses ASAP. Thx. Have a great day and good luck to everyone. Brenda Clark, Bradenton, FL
ReplyDeleteI meant Sewist, not sexist. Sorry
ReplyDeleteBrenda Clark
Made me smile, either way!
DeleteYou have made it tempting to sign up for FB just for the sewing groups you have referred to but I won't. The little spare time I have I want to sew. I barely have time to post on my blog.
ReplyDeleteNot only that but I also feel uncomfortable with the FB platform. I had a FB account many years ago but closed it when I found out back then that FB had sent users information out to marketing companies without permission. I recently read an article about FB tracking features and how now you see a lot of commercial websites giving you the option to "Log in using FB". The reason is that once you log in that way, that company can use the same FB tracking features. My husband and I were victims of identity theft a few years back so now I am very guarded about social media.
But that's just me! Obviously, there are people who get a lot out of this platform.
Oh and please do not enter me in the drawing. The little ones in my family are now in their 20's and 30's!
ReplyDeleteI'm in a few FB groups but I find that it is such a time consumer! I don't like to spend so much time on the computer and can barely keep up with blogs and Threads insider. What do you mean by the attitude w/ Pattern Review? I find it useful and don't see what you are referring to, but maybe that's because I don't spend that much time on it. Personally, I hate PDF patterns as I don't like spending all the time taping. Give me a full sized tissue pattern or I won't use it.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I love PR and think its an amazing resource. I have occasionally run into comments in groups regarding it being skewed older and less friendly to newer sewists. That's not my perception and when I get the opportunity I pass on what I like about it. I do think, and I know many agree, that the interface is so old and dated looking that it can give the wrong impression, much the same way most humans sum up a person on a first impression. Not that PR needs more followers but I think with an updated interface they could attract more of our newer sewists and therefore a more diverse viewpoint.
Deletewhat PR *really* needs is a search function that works without resorting to using outside search engines. As far as the forums there, I think PR might be a victim of its own success - there are so many members, from all over the world. I love reading what other countries have for sewing, but it sometimes makes it easy to unintentionally offend someone and then heck breaks loose.
DeleteOh, and please don't enter me in the giveaway, I have plenty of patterns and I subscribe to Classic Sewing.
ReplyDeletePlease do not enter me in the drawing, but I found this a very interesting post. Like a few others have mentioned, I'm wary of FB privacy policies, so I don't use it myself. However, I do come across others who use it extensively and I am always happy to pass on internet resources to fellow sewing enthusiasts.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing all the inspiring thing people make in the FB groups, but I do think if I spent less time being inspired I would get more sewing done. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd oh the Feliz! I used to drool over that when I had only a baby boy 8 years ago! I have a baby girl now and if I don't win I'll definitely go buy it for her.
I would love that book!
ReplyDeleteI almost choked on the sexist typo above. Can't. Breathe.
I love your description of all the sewing groups!! I love being in lots :) I'm pretty new, so I'm interested in all the knowledge I can glean from more experienced sewists, and all the pdf pattern releases are so fun! I would love to win this book!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that FB group, too - and I've never seen this book! Love to find more sources of good patterns.
ReplyDeleteEvery word is so TRUE! Wish I had known all of this a year ago...it took me a while to figure out the "proprietary" nature of the pdf "designer" world...and the fangirls. I had forgotten about that book! I too bought it just as my little one was outgrowing that look...definitely should go to a young mama!
ReplyDeleteI never thought to check out fb for sewing! I'm one of those newish sewists with small children looking to upgrade my skills on the cheap. I enjoy your blog, and would enjoy the book as well!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not alone. I do not FB, Twitter or even Pin. Even retired, there is not enough time in the day for all that social interaction and then actual sewing. I am grateful to all the bloggers out here, Bunny included, who continue to post interesting sewing projects with informative text. That said, I've found some blogs that only want attaboys, and designers who assume ownership and suppression rights to all comments regarding their product. I wonder if they realize that both attitudes discourage interaction and can be cause for me to avoid them.
ReplyDeletePlease do not put me in for the book. I was so delighted to find people of like mind I had to say hi.
So true! I am a mostly self-taught sewist and am so appreciative of all the knowledge that is so willingly shared! I've learned so much. I don't have a ton of time to sew, but love being able to sew for my 3 girlies...it's fulfilling a life-long dream, and that thrills me to no end!
ReplyDeleteThat thrills me, Jodi.
DeleteI love your insight and thoughts as always. I see facebook as a tool not a lifestyle. Either way though as tempting as it is - I don't have time. I am more traditional in my thoughts and approach. I have even had folks tell me that they appreciate a hand written note or card more than a txt or an email. As for pdf patterns - I see the usefulness but I would rather support a designer/pattern maker than I would to spend time cutting and taping.
ReplyDeleteSorta like books - nothing can replace holding a book in hand no matter the convience or the usefulness of our tech devices.
Many Blessings - Glad you are doing better - been praying for a speedy recovery.
Thanks, I am at about 90% and that's good enough for me. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi - I love it when you post in the Pattern Reviews and Resources group. Even though I've been sewing for many years, I have learned so much from your posts and your blogs. Although it would be wonderful to win that book, which I sure definitely would use, having you in my sewing life is a big win in and of itself. But just in case I do win, I'm Bonnie Hillman Riley on Facebook :)
ReplyDeleteFB groups can be a great resource. One of my faves is moderated by a designer of children's patterns. The designer frequently offers suggestions. People share pics of their projects and ask each other questions about patterns. Occasionally, there are "challenges". In the current one, we are all making the same dress pattern and sharing our original ideas. A prize (usually donated by a retailer) is given to a randomly selected entry. I'd love to win the book as sewing for children is my favorite type of sewing!
ReplyDeleteI was amazed, overjoyed and a hundred other adjectives when I stumbled onto Pattern Review. Then, I was overcome with joy to,learn there were sewing bloggers! OMG, people who spoke my language! I've spent many happy hours, and lots of $ lol) reading blogs. I'm so grateful for them! I also discovered, as you have, that Facebook can be a wonderful source of inspiration. I'm not into twitter or Instagram, however. I would LOVE a chance at the book, now that I have adopted a little boy and my niece has blessed us with a boy and a girl in the past two and a half years. Thanks for the opportunity, Bunny!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tip. Very handy to know that and so logical when you think about it.sewing patterns
ReplyDeleteI am sewing a lot and teaching my 10 year old granddaughter. I am thrilled that she is excited to learn. Her goal is to make a dress to wear in a little fashion show next March.
ReplyDeleteI'd be delighted to win the book.
I am sewing a lot and teaching my 10 year old granddaughter. I am thrilled that she is excited to learn. Her goal is to make a dress to wear in a little fashion show next March.
ReplyDeleteI'd be delighted to win the book.
Great run down of the fb groups! I certainly spend more time reading then then my huge blog list these days. I've learned so much through it too and I especially love the review group!
ReplyDeleteGreat run down of the fb groups! I certainly spend more time reading then then my huge blog list these days. I've learned so much through it too and I especially love the review group!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I had NO idea FB had sewing groups to follow!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bunny, I am friends with your coworker, Barb Pelletier and love your blog, I also use FB for different groups like spinning and weaving, but would love to join heirloom sewing since I have 3 granddaughters under the age of 3 and they live in the South so I am smocking like crazy! Would love this book. Linda from NJ
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great info! I do follow a couple of FB sewing grohjps/pages, but you have definitely piqued my curiosity to take a better look. Excited by the book giveaway; after raising four sons, I finally have 2 granddaughters to sew for!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, especially the heirloom sewing parts.
ReplyDeletePlease include me in your give away. I have just discovered your blog and I enjoy reading it.
ReplyDeleteI sew for my grandchildren and would enjoy this book.
ReplyDeleteI always e joy reading your posts, Bunny! Thank you.!
ReplyDeleteMe no like book; please don't enter me!
Thank you.
Hi, Bunny! Thanks for your blog and the names of sewing groups you found on Facebook. I'm a novice using FB but I find it fascinating. Please enter my name for the book. I just recently completed a sewing course so I can sew for my grandchildren. Happy Sewing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all your interesting and inspiring posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. With more grandchildren on the way, this book would be really appreciated. I love your blog, one of the few I follow regularly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post and the opportunity! According to the B&N link, the book is well liked.
ReplyDeleteI don't do FB, but know that it has a lot of info on it.
I'm glad that you are feeling better. Time does heal.
I agree - I've found some wonderful and inspiring posts on FB. And it's fun to cruise the pages.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book -
I enjoy reading your blog and this post is very interesting. I do have a Facebook page but can't really get into it, though I am a member of a couple of closed groups. It takes me all my time to read the blog posts I follow. I tend to go by recommendation rather than simply browse, when time slips away so rapidly.
ReplyDeleteBTW don't enter me in giveaway. I'm not sewing for children and am not in mainland USA anyway.
I enjoy reading your blog and this post is very interesting. I do have a Facebook page but can't really get into it, though I am a member of a couple of closed groups. It takes me all my time to read the blog posts I follow. I tend to go by recommendation rather than simply browse, when time slips away so rapidly.
ReplyDeleteBTW don't enter me in giveaway. I'm not sewing for children and am not in mainland USA anyway.
Interesting post, Bunny. I'm not really a FB enthusiast, but recently I've joined Instagram. It's fun to keep a daily photo journal. I still prefer writing and reading blogs; in fact, your wonderful blog inspired me to sew my first (and probably last) smocked bishop. So thanks for sharing your projects and for the chance to win a cute book. I do have little ones, and I just adore sewing for them as though they're my baby dolls. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a fan!! I've been sewing for at least 57 years and still learning. I don't have little ones of my own but my friend do. The book would be such a gift. Thank you for all your lessons.
ReplyDeleteBunny, I have 9 little grandchildren that I sew for occasionally. This book would be a dream to own with new patterns. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletesewfabrics at outlook.com
I love your blog. I need it to get over my sewing slum, I guess everyone has them. I have little granddaughters-3, who love it when grandmama make them something super special for them. Wishing to win the book,but if not maybe I can find it on Amazon or something. Have a great weekend. Tanya
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to hear about the sewing groups on Facebook. I used to have a Facebook when it first came out when it was for college students exclusively. When advertisements came and it became so main stream I got off...that was about 7 years ago. I just haven't looked back. But I am glad there is that resource for others!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! That book looks like fun!
I would love the book, I have 6 granddaughters, no grandsons, and sew for them a lot. I do like social media, yes it is a time stealer, but even tho, I have sewed for years, I have learned many new ideas, techniques and ways of doing things. Also have learned much from your blog, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI would love the book. I have 6 granddaughters that I sew for a lot. So I always am looking for ideas. I do use social media, even tho it is a time stealer. I have learned a lot of new ideas and techniques from both sewing and knitting blogs and Facebook groups. Love your blog, thanks. Sharon
ReplyDeleteI get excited every time I get a email from you. Your imagination and talent is unlike anyone I know and I know a lot of people in the sewing world. Whether I win or not, keep those emails coming!
ReplyDeleteI've joined a couple of the closed groups for inspiration, but nothing beats a good book you can hold in your hands and use.
ReplyDeletedebbygrawn at yahoo dot com
This looks like a great book. I am newer to sewing (started about four years ago) and I do not have in in real life mentor, except for my Grandma that lives accross the country. I am part of a sort-of local sewing group and it has been very helpful to me when I get stuck or need something explained. I know there are a lot of resources online but sometimes it is helpful to talk about things first. I learn so much from the people in that group. Great inspiration and encouragement. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering the book. Love your practical tips and well thought out planning for your projects.
ReplyDeleteSharon D
I'm on FB and have joined a few groups, but I am obviously in the wrong ones :0
ReplyDeleteThank you I would love to be included in the drawing! Would you please give out the names of some of the really helpful/ productive fb sewing pages? I don't know where to start...
ReplyDeleteThanks again :).
S
Pretty much go into FB and do a search for any of the pattern companies, Indie and Big Four and you will get a page for each one. Decide if you want to follow a page and click either "friend" or "like" and that will do it. Anything sewing related pretty much has a page, Nancy's Notions, Classic Sewing Magazine, Claire Shaeffer, Claire Kennedy, Sew News, Vogue patterns, etc., anything sewing related. I have found a lot of imput on the pattern pages but it is not consistent and sometimes unpredictable. Tons of groups can be found just by doing a FB search and typing in "sewing". Have fun searching.
DeleteThanks you for all the info, I had no idea there were so many sewing groups on FB. Thanks for the giveaway, as well!
ReplyDelete