Saturday 2 July 2011

Me-Made-June '11: and another thing...

Why is it that one shitty comment, even in a sea of positive ones, stands out and effects us more than the rest? Is it because being unpleasant is such an incongruous act in this very supportive and positive community of ours? Or maybe there are others which also share those negative views but don’t actually go as far as to leave them as comments? Whatever, I’m not going to waste a chunk of my Saturday dwelling on it too much. But I will say that my Me-Made/Self-Stitched challenges have garnered a few negative comments since their conception, in fact I received one the other day which I thought may be interesting to look at.

‘Samantha’ (who left no link) said 'This month not many bloggers participated in the me made june event. I think they are all over this concept and time for something new I guess'. Now the sheer number of comments on the same post proffering an opposing view of Me-Made-June ‘11 et al, should be reason enough to gloss over her’s, yet I naturally found myself internally responding to her’s the loudest. So let’s have a look at the two points she makes. The first is that, in her opinion, not as many bloggers have participated in MMJune ’11 than previous challenges. Well, let’s pretend that the number of participants actually matters in anyway to the value of the challenge; if we look at the number of participants signed up and contributing to this recent challenge’s Flickr group, we will see that more people were actually part of this than both the proceeding Me-Made-March ‘11 AND Me-Made-May '10. But Me-Made-June ‘11 etc, are not some sort of numbers game, like how many friends you have on facebook or something. If only a handful of participants took part and found it a fun and useful experience, then it can be viewed as a firm success in my book.

The second point she makes, it that people are ‘over this concept’. Once again, the numbers would tell the opposite. If by ‘over this concept’ she means that it is no longer new, then yes of course that is true. I fail to see that the newness or otherwise of the idea has any impact on it’s worth in anyway. I would also like to point out that the majority of participants of this most recent challenge had either taken part previously OR had followed one or more previous challenges as other stitchers participated, which would indicate to me that people are not actually ‘over the concept’.

I am only bothering to address this thoroughly irrelevant comment of ‘Samantha’s’ because it reminded me of one particularly unpleasant and, to my mind, unjust comment I received last year about Me-Made-May '10, which really upset me. I let that one dwell on my mind for a while, and in the end I deleted it because I didn’t like having it hanging around in black and white for me to revisit whenever I was feeling masochistic. Well, I have since come to regret not flagging up that comment and answering it, not that most ‘hit and run' commenters ever tend to return to get involved in a balanced debate. But by deleting it I kind of muffled myself and I never got to vent my counter-arguements. Now, I’m not getting involved in a whole freedom of speech debate, but I am a firm believer in the phrase ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it’. Or say it on your own blog if you really feel it’s relevant and needs voicing.

Ok, done. Unpleasant comment addressed. I now want to talk about a couple of the lovely aspects I experienced by participating in Me-Made-June ‘11 that I didn’t specifically talk about in my last post. The first is the ability to meet and ’hang with’ the other participants, particularly through the Flickr group. If time/money/relative distance could be overcome, I’d love to meet all the challenge’s participants in the flesh. A few examples: I’d love to go for a coffee with Hilary in Fargo and chat 'subconscious-association outfit-making’ and see if the locals really do say ‘Yah’ like the characters do in the film; I’d love to go novelty-print fabric shopping with Stacy, and hopefully locate a Catlanta Cat en route; I’d love to throw on a summer frock and go and see Cecili and talk tattoos and teaching English, and pray she’d let me have a peak at her stash; to name but a few experiences I lament I am unable to have. Neither is there time in my day to hold down a full-time job and relationship AND follow every single creative person’s blog that I come across. But if it wasn’t for these challenges, I possibly wouldn’t even know about most of these cool, funny, insightful, intelligent and inspiring women who chose to particpate at all, let alone get to know them on some level and share some banter.

The other benefit I’ve experienced in Me-Made-June ’11 that I’ve found to be more pronounced than through previous challenges, and that is one of body/self-image. Now, unfortunately like most women I’d say, I have a pretty distorted and constantly shifting view of my body and appearance. Some days I think I look pretty good, other days, to be frank, I detest what I see (or think I see). In fact, my view can swing back and forth from these extremes within hours, let alone days. I know that it’s all the result of a construct of media manipulation of female imagery and advertising etc., and I’d like to think I have a more balanced view than many, but it still effects me and I do waste precious brain space thinking about what I look like and how I am subsequently viewed. Since turning 30 in many ways I have become much more confident and relaxed, but I can also sense myself and my life moving from one distinct period towards another unknown one. And that’s pretty unsettling. My face is changing, my body is changing, what is expected of me is changing, and although I’d say I’ve answered (or chosen not to answer) a lot of the issues that seem to arise, my self-perception is still influx. Seeing a whole month’s worth of images of myself, as someone else sees me has actually calmed me down a bit and stopped my imagination running out of control. A solid record of a month of my life, a month of myself.

58 comments:

Amber Elayne said...

It's funny you say that about negative comment leavers because I've come across a couple of other blogs with similar complaints in just the last couple of days.

Keep your head up. It takes a lot of bravery to lay one's life out in the open and share with others and I enjoy reading about your experiences and those of others :)

Unknown said...

What a pointless comment! Clearly people are not "over it" since "it" is all over the blogosphere with participants from all over the world.
What a peculiar thing to say!
Now, on the subject of how fabulous you are...I look at you and can only aspire to be THAT cool...in my eyes..you rock.
I look at me and feel the same way you do...sometimes I think I look ok...then later that afternoon I'll catch a glimpse in a different mirror and think I look rubbish (revolting on occasion). As I get older it bothers me less, but it will always bother me I think. In my eyes I will never be as cool, as funny, as clever, as talented, as pretty, as slim as I wanted to be or think everyone else is. But then I suppose I'd be teetering on the brink of conceit if I thought I was, lol! It's a funny one innit?!
The two Me Made challenges I've taken part in have helped me to confront that in many ways. So thankyou Zo!
Remember, you rock....;)
Px

Amanda said...

Wow, I'm surprised by that negative comment because, if anything, I feel like everyone participated this time around (well, not everyone, but you know!). So many of the blogs I follow made the pledge. I did MMMarch and had a good time seeing people's styles - Hillary of Fargo stuck out to me too :)

And I agree, it'd be so fun to have a meet-up if only that were possible. I guess you kind of get that with your London ones, which look like a lot of fun!

judidarling said...

Let'see. In some naysayers' worlds, numbers are what counts, new is better and perhaps anonymity engenders "bravery." Don't you just love the delete button!

Anonymous said...

Well. MMJ was new to me. I think you are a lovely and creative lady and I only wish I could participate also in your meet-ups (geographically challenging, that).
Don't let one sourpuss get you down.

I took MMJ as a chance to challenge myself. Though I may have failed at getting through the entire month wearing MM clothing, it did get me thinking more about making for myself and I discovered a whole world of stitchers online with whom I can relate and learn from. I would certainly be willing to try a Me-Made month again.

I said...

Wow. Well, there's lots of reasons why people don't participate - for one, I didn't participate because I know I'd be busy with school stuff (I'm trying to transfer colleges and that's a hassle in itself). I sew on my own time and even though I still participated in Me-Made-June '11, I just didn't do it formally. I'm sure a lot of people have tiring jobs and just didn't have the time to fit it in their schedule but wished they could.

MMJ'11 was still just as successful as all the other MM(insert months)!

I don't necessarily think that Samantha's was a negative comment, I think it was just a little quick comment with not too much thought.

Anonymous said...

You have so much to be proud of, Zoe. All those people from around the world on the Flickr group - I found it fascinating and, as I've said, humbling. There are some seriously talented people out there, generously sharing their accomplishments and taking the time to contribute. Regarding the body issue images: yes, getting older and seeing your body change is an odd one. I have a theory that sewing attracts many types who have struggled with body image issues and this reflects the sheer joy and empowerment of sewing. We take control and celebrate ourselves and our bodies. What is there to 'get over' in that?

Kathy Vaughn said...

For those of us who are just becoming acquainted with interaction between fellow seamstresses, the Me-Made challenges are a great way to get initiated. For the first couple we sit because we don't have enough, we gain inspiration. We continue to sew more so that we can actively participate in the next one. We are working with fervor for the next one. Please tell me there will be a next one. We want to make new friends and not keep sitting on the sidelines just watching. I don't want it to be over. I'm just getting started. But that's only my humble opinion.

Kirsty said...

I totally agree, why is it in a sea of good comments its the negative one that sticks out. So frustrating!

I didn't actually participate in MMJ as I'm a bit new to all of this I only have a handful of things that I would have been able to wear, but I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed everybody's participation.

Don't let the grumpus get to you :)

Jenny said...

I'm sure you'll get a lot of comments like this, but even when I don't participate, I enjoy watching you and others post their daily outfits. I look forward to joining in on Self-Stitched September! I guess others are entitled to their opinions, but it'd be nicer if they'd just click away or unsubscribe.

Hearth said...

You know ... I haven't participated in any of the Me-Made months because I don't feel like I have enough in my wardrobe to do so. Sort of silly really, as almost every day I wear something that I made.

It's probably "you sew more than I do" envy. :) Don't worry about it, it's a good and challenging concept.

emma said...

I have recently discovered your blog and I love it. So me made is something I'm looking forward to taking part in. I dont blog myself, but I do follow, enjoy and am inspired daily. Who knows I may even post a photo one day.
By the way absolutely love your blue shorts outfit!

Stacy aka Stacybeads said...

Oh, what fun we would have novelty-print shopping together! :) I am not "over" the me-made months, and if some people are, well so what? There are lots of new people finding out about it and participating for the first time. You've created a fun little community with challenges, and you should feel great about that!

K.Line said...

It's fantastic that this challenge can help you to observe yourself newly in light of life's ages and stages.

Leah Franqui said...

I'm just extremely grateful that you host these events and inspire people around the world to share what they made with pride. I'm going to do a more comprehensive and thoughtful write up on my blog, www.strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com, but I want to thank you, and to say that I'm not over this, I'm just starting, and to have periods of time where I document and feel good about all the work my hands and mind has done to construct something wearable makes me feel accomplished and attractive and part of something. So thank you. And thanks to everyone who participated in this month and shared their beautiful creations with the world.

Roobeedoo said...

Your final point is the one that made this so worthwhile for me too - the idea that I have a whole month of my life in pictures is a really interesting aspect of the whole "concept" of a me-made month. I am making my pictures part of a "June 2011" journal which I know I will treasure for years to come and I think my daughter will enjoy it too! Blogging is something I do for ME so the naysayers can get lost! ;)

niddetissus said...

First of all, thank you again for organizing the challenges and thanks for sharing what you go through sometimes as the organizer!

Secondly, I totally hear you about moving toward an unsure future. I'm in my early 30s and it's a bit challenging to figure out a style. I find that my style from when I was in my mid-20s doesn't work for me anymore...and in my late 20s I had mainly office-type clothes, but I no longer work in an office. That's why seeing what people all over the place are making and wearing is so inspiring and helpful. :)

Bunnykins said...

Try not to take it personally. Great advice; almost impossible to do, but try. I swear some people are miserable and want to make everyone else miserable, too.

Me-made months are NOT over. They're wonderful for stretching your imagination and thinking about what it takes to make clothes instead of just buying stuff made in sweatshops half a world away. And, from someone who's old enuf to be your auntie: you look great in what you make; you're a very nice looking young woman; you have style; you're brave enough to show and inspire the world. Now, dwell on the compliment (ha!) And, if I can get organized, I'll be doing the September one.

Marina von Koenig said...

Zoe, negative comments are part of life, I don't think one should get upset about them. As creative people, they help us to see what we do from a different angle even if it's something we disagree with. Now, I didn't participate in MMJ because I just could not keep up with MMM, full time job, kids and blogging. But I am bracing for the SSS! :-) I love your challenges because they help develop personal style and encourage DIY, as opposed to consumerism. Figures are not important - it's the spirit that counts, so keep up, and thanks for pioneering this great challenge!

Roisin Muldoon said...

Ugh, I read that random comment and thought it was so rude! I haven't taken part in MMJ because I don't yet have enough self made clothes to last a month, but I've loved reading about your month and others as well and it did inspire me to wear my own me-mades a lot more often. I'll echo what the other excellent people above have said, and just add that haters gonnna hate. It's beyond me what someone would take time out of their day to leave an arsey comment, but lots of people do for no reason other than they want to be arsey. It's a bit sad, really. You should keep on doing what you're doing, you have lots of loyal readers!

Magpie Mimi said...

I just wanted to say a wholehearted THANK YOU! You work so hard getting everyone involved and setting up the flickr group and everything, and yeah, I suppose anyone could set up a flickr group, but they didn't, you did. I love every Me Made month and am looking forward to the next one, and if anyone doesn't like reading about it on my blog well Pffft! to them!

Rhonda said...

I'm with you re "if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". what does a person get out of bringing someone else down? baffles me.

Anonymous said...

Well I want to say thank you for doing me made june. It was the first time I have done it and it was a wonderful, challenging, fun, and educational challenge for me I learned a lot and I would have been to afraid to do it if I hadn't had this challenge, so thanks a million:)

Bella said...

Okay, Zoe, I'm almost 50 and I just figured this out in the last year or 2. Mostly when people say something nasty, they want YOU to feel bad, because they feel bad. It really is no reflection on you or your idea (which is why the numbers are growing). MMJ is a fun idea, and it's not a requirement--don't do it or read about it if you aren't interested...

Jane said...

Far from being old hat, the Me-Made concept seems to have taken on a life of its own. I attempt to read a few German blogs, and there is a whole group of German bloggers who join in a Me-Made-Mittwoch (ie every Wednesday). I think this is another great idea, once a week is less intimidating for those of us who haven't yet built up enough of a me-made wardrobe for a month-long stint. Keep up the stimulating work, we are all grateful to you for starting this, and hope it carries on long into the future!

Kit said...

As a newish reader to the blog (and therefore your me made challenges) I loved checking in to see what you'd be wearing each day. I think it's amazing that there are so many talented women out there who can sew their own clothes! I loved it, keep up the good work.

punkychewster said...

you can never please everyone (not that you need to) sometime somewhere someone out that just has to be the negative one. but to be able to see past the negativity and focus on the positive is the key and i think that's what you're trying to do (i know it's hard but thumbs up!)

keep your chin up, you are doing more good with this challenge than you know you are. thank you!

Meg the Grand said...

Chin up, pretty lady - that Samantha chick is a negative Nancy who's just raining on the Me Made Parade. I didn't participate in the Flickr group, but I did the me made challenge on my blog and it was awesome! I had the best time, and I totally plan on doing it again. Don't let her get you down, because the rest of us love you and love being part of this :)

Erin said...

I am only getting started sewing clothes and I look forward to the day I can try to participate in one of the me-made or self-stitched month challenges. The trend and mindset for sustainability and creativity is growing, not shrinking, but some people just have to be negative to feel like they've put their mark on something. You can only examine their comment for relevancy - and if you find none, discard it.

Octi said...

Meh, haters gonna hate. Just keep up the good work!

I'm looking forward to Self-Stitched September, myself--I think I'll have enough stuff to participate by then. And posting pics of just a few things I've made has already made me more okay with how I look, so documenting should be interesting!

Shelly said...

Why make negative comments! Clearly she is the one who is 'over it'. You know, all she has to do it NOT READ these posts/blogs for a month. Personally, I have only recently started blogging and found the challenge. Needless to say this was my first time joining and even though I was unable to fulfill the commitment I certainly enjoyed participating and reading about the experiences of others. I only wish I was able to meet up with everyone on your excursions.

Irene Bullock said...

Maybe advanced sewers see it differently, but for (semi)beginners, the MM months are an incredible experience - own it!
I have to admit that MMM11 left me exhausted, not for the challenge itself, but due to personal circunstances, so I've passed on MMJ11 - but I've been watching you guys!

Sølvi said...

I´ve seen some people talking about how they are "over" the Me-made challenges. First of all: The way I see it, MM´s are a great way to monitor my sewing, not a trend that passes. Since I participated in MMMay last year, my whole wardrobe has changed completely, and that is thanks to you, Zoe! And secondly: What people do on their own personal blogs are their owns business, not anyone else's.

Keep going, you look fantastic, and I love your style! :-)

Anonymous said...

i am going to say thatbi think the comment in May 10 was by me. i didn't want to watch the tutorials etc disappear from my favorite blogs for a whole month! and i do loathe style blogs. but i am a convert to the me-made concept. i think it has had the opposite effect to style blogs. when i read those, i usually end up feeling kind of weird and as if i ought to worry more about how trendy etc i am. the me-made months have celebrated real creativity and variety and have a real can-do vibe, rather than an "ought-to" or "asking the style guru's permission to wear it" kind of vibe, which is what i get from style blogs. so well done.

and yes, i am still anonymous! Why? Well, this is the internet. even if i give you a name, you don't really know it's mine, so it makes no odds....

but sorry and i am glad you didn't let it stop you.

Alessa said...

If anything, I think the Me-Made Months are getting a bit overwhelming, with so many people participating. It's difficult to keep up with so many new pictures in the Flickr group every day, which is why my participation over there was a bit subdued this time around, since my month was quite busy in other aspects.

I had loads of fun participating, though, and I'd like to add that I don't know if I would have kept on sewing if not for last year's Summer Essential Sew-along and Self-Stitched September, which were such a lovely introduction into the sewing blogger community for me! (Also, I don't know if I would have started a blog if I hadn't admired your Me-Made May pictures...). So please, Zoe, be proud of your ideas and your influence. :)

Sarah said...

a jealous comment-er I would say, who doesn't sew (or not very well) and therefor can't take part.
I've enjoyed look through the me made june'11 I would love to take part but although I sew I only have a hand-full of things that I've made for myself
anyway I think it's a brilliant way for people to see what others are making and for providing inspiration, don't ever let the comment(s) put you off especially as you have tons of positive ones.
just press delete :)

fashbrickroad.blogspot.com/

julia said...

I don't like the phrase "if you don't have anything pleseant to say, don't say anything". People have to speak up if it's important.
But this one is just totally irrelevant, it's not even mean. It just sounds that the person doesn't understand the challenge at all.
I totally agree with you that if 5 people would do it and find it usefull and fulfulling, it would be just as worth doing as if there are 2 or 200.
This was my 2nd time participating and I learned a lot (again). Thanks for organizing all this for us.

Anonymous said...

Zoe,
Your me made month idea is totally inspirational. I think it is particularly strong in its repetition, as some others have commented. That way, it gives people the opportunity to observe, be inspired, allow the will and creativity to germinate and jump in as and when they feel ready. Ergo: I don't think it matters at all who or how many people participate - the momentum of the thing is what counts. I thoroughly admire and commend you and what you have done with this. And you get shit done! Which sets you apart from so many people 'like' you.
Harriet xxxxx
(did you get your May poem?)

zoë said...

I agree totally with "anonymous" who left the last comment before me (unless someone gets in quicker than me now!). Your me-made months are totally inspirational and actually the repetition is a good thing - I participated for the first time this last month having followed the others with interest - I finally built up the courage. I also wholly agree with those that have linked sewing your own garments to body issues - I started sewing as an environmental/originality thing but will also freely admit that my own views of myself and my body don't always seem to line up with what i would like. I failed miserably as taking photos every day this last month but I did wear me-made clothes every day (including many that had been made ages ago but had never seen the light of day before) and what surprised me most (apart from the fact that I managed to wear me-made stuff every day without any problem) was that I think this last month I got more positive comments about my clothes and also myself than I have ever got before. I think this last month made me really think about what I wore and how to put it together much more than slinging on a pair of jeans and a cheap tshirt and I have definitely ended the month feeling much more positive about myself than I started it - and that is thanks to you so one massive thank you to you and to those who want to slate other people's efforts to do something and inspire others well - go and comment elsewhere. Too much good has come out of your me-made challenges to let one or two negative comments get you down. cheers to you! xx

Christina said...

There is a nice phrase I just read and like to add here: Don't learn from your mistakes, learn from your successes!
If there is just one odd commenter that is "over" the challenge (btw: good for you, Miss Terious, but others might be behind you) then it's not a problem measured against all your faithful participants and bystanders. If there is a problem you'd really notice it. Problems usually smack your face quite often. ;)
But I have to admit it's hard to learn to ignore the odd negative influence. I guess we just love to have perfect harmony.

Sunduri Das said...

Well I think the challenge is wonderful. I am in the process of finally finishing my craft room (after several years) so that I can participate for the next challenge (I believe that is called "inspiration"). Don't worry about people who have nothing nice to say, they are not worth the time or energy. By the way, you look lovely.

Darci said...

I really hope that Samantha comes back to see how everyone's responded to her thoughtless comment. Some folks just don't "think before they speak", and the Innernets give you the option for anonymity in a pretty big way. Hopefully these comments will challenge that misperception.

Zoe, you've encouraged your readers to embrace their bodies, their self-stitched clothing, and to share their creations with the world. If anything, it brings our helpful, supportive, welcoming community together.

I'm very proud to be a part of it. Thank you!

Tilly said...

A negative comment says much more about the person writing it than the person it is aimed towards.

Also, I'm starting to consider negative comments a sign of success. I know that sounds strange, but I have a theory that the proportion of negative comments increases with blog popularity (ie. as readership grows). When a blog is popular/successful, people see it more as a resource, an entity in itself, than a personal diary, hence the reason some people feel they can criticise if you don't post exactly what they want to read about. Which is sad, as a blog is a blog, personal to the writer, and why it is much more interesting than reading a magazine. That's my theory anyway, and it definitely makes sense with MMJ which is a mega mega success that you should be sooooooo proud of.

BTW, re. self image etc, you are GORGEOUS! I know that doesn't contribute much to the ageing, self-image debate, but it needs saying. xx

ChrisF said...

I didn't participate in MMJ11, not because 'I'm over the concept' or 'looking for something new' simply because my sewing has been in the slow lane lately. You're spot on: it's not about numbers of participants or novelty value, but about an opportunity to share what you've made and how you wear it. There's so much to gain from seeing other people's takes on patterns and how garments can be worn. As a newbie, I was heartened by comments I received during MMM11. It took me quite a while to pluck up the courage to photograph me wearing the clothes rather than the clothes on their own. You are young and beautiful with amazing talent and awesome style, so go for it Zoe and don't let anyone or anything stop you.

Carolyn said...

Firstly, thank you for organising this wonderful idea yet again!
And secondly, I know what you mean about negative comments. A few people that read my blog and I read theirs and we exchange comments etc, openly stated on their blogs their negative opinion of the concept and how they stopped reading participating blogs during that month. Naturally, that meant my blog, too!
I also received one comment during the month that was a bit "snippy", which I agonised over and felt sad about for a ridiculous amount of time...
This made me question myself, why AM I doing this; am I doing the challenge for myself or for others? Of course the answer should be is that I am pleasing myself... but negativity is undeniably a powerful de-motivater.

Urban Rustic said...

I was a first timer and thoroughly enjoyed MMJ and will do it again!!As I have commented before the whole MMJ thing was personally great for me because at 50 and with the past few years not being terribly brilliant I was not too confident to say the least.I made clothes but didn't dare wear them,so I mostly made for my daughter,and I hate the way I look.Doing MMJ has made me realise that I don't sew too badly after all,I can look relatively nice in what I make and that out of the months photos there are actually 3 that I really love of me....which is something I would never have thought possible before the 1st of June...SO THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER!
Apart from that of course it was inspirational to see what everyone else was making.By all means people can make negative comments if they want to, but that is THEIR problem and don't let it get to you.xx

Gabrielle said...

Ignore the meanness! I took part in MMM and it's still food for thought, a few months on ! I'm intending to participate in your next MM event that happens when it's warm down under, so please keep going with them :-)

Also I'm with you on the body image stuff, but I think blogging and MM-ing can help with how you think you look. I used to avoid having my photo taken at all because I absolutely hated the way I looked, but the digital camera self-timer means a single snap doesn't have to taken to be "it". And having little kids helps: mum is always pretty :-)to them.

Anonymous said...

Please don't let silly negative comments get you down. I've loved Me Made June - loved seeing what other participants were wearing and enjoyed wearing things I made myself. It's really useful to take photos & see the clothes on me & to get other participants' views.
Me Made challenges encourage us all to wear what we make.
Thank you for organising them.

Zoe said...

Wow! All I can say is THANK YOU all sooooooooo much for your super-sweet comments. You all have made me feel so amazing just when I really needed a boast. I have the nicest, more supportive readers in the whole wide world and feel incredibly grateful to everyone that commented.

Zoe xxx

Debbie B said...

I have not commented before but have been following yours and several other blogs with interest over the last year or so. MMJ especially has been a total inspiration to me. I have, as a result of seeing everyone's fabulous efforts started recently to actually wear some of the stuff I've made myself. I really now wish I had a job where dressing down was not necessary so I could wear more me made stuff more often. Thank you for making MMJ happen and for the inspiration given, I am sure, not only to me.

On the subject of body image and confidence, this I have found is a growing thing as you get older. Now, at 50 I am far more confident in my appearance and body shape than I ever was when I was younger.

Take negativity with a pinch of salt and carry on the great work, it is much appreciated by many.

MrsC (Maryanne) said...

Gosh,there are millions of blogs in cyberspace that people can read if they are 'over' what a few are doing, so why the random comment? I thought it was odd too. I've only followed yours and Jane's and Karen's MMJ's but that's my choice, and if I didn' want to follow them I wouldn't! :) People are so odd...
You on the other hand are NOT odd. You are gorgeous and wise and sensible, and fun, and I love the incredible range of styles your MMJ showed, and how delightful that reviewing all the photos in their entirety allowed you to see yourself as we do - Gorgeous! :)

Zena said...

Someone's a jerk on the Internet - sad but true.

I saw this post today and thought of "Samantha": http://tinybuddha.com/quotes/tiny-wisdom-how-criticism-helps-you-excel/

The nutshell version: either she's right and can help you improve, or she's wrong and can help you develop a thicker skin.

Anonymous said...

Why do people feel the need to say such hurtful, untrue things? Me-Made-Months have CHANGED how I feel about my own wardrobe and this is a change that will affect the rest of my life, and I think that is a pretty big deal. I will never get over the concept! I was gutted I couldn't participate this month as I had a lot going on with visitors and uni, but I cannot wait for the next one, so don't listen to her!

Sants said...

Teeny tiny observation from a MM follower and participator (alas, the latter only in spirit due to lack of MMs in present wardrobe!): one of the best parts about MMJ was getting to meet so many amazing peeps in Brighton a few weeks back! For the friendships made or strengthened there alone, MMJ is a resounding success.

Big hugs xx

Corrine said...

I am a little late to the party here but these people (I use the term lightly in this context) are rather sad. Having little creative ability of their own, they scheme to malign others. I think you did the right thing by not giving credence to the negative. These people do not want an intuitive dialog, they are hit and run. Again, sad. Get a life. While I did not participate in MMJ11 I thoroughly enjoy seeing how the other participants work it out. You keep up the good work. OK?

Carolyn said...

Over it-smover it...I loved MMJ and had a great time participating and watching others participate as well. Just know that there are many, many people out there who love the event and really appreciated your efforts in putting it together!

Juanita said...

I follow lots of sewing blogs and enjoy seeing what people post during me-made months. I've never joined in myself... largely because I don't work and don't leave the house every day, which means that I'm not usually "photo ready." And, well... I sometimes wear pajamas all day. LOL They're all self made, but not really the pictures I want to share with the world at large.

Anonymous said...

I've been slack lately in keeping up with my fellow & fav seamsters, but I have to say this: after catching up on MMJ, and then reading this post, I am totes on board with SSS. And now I actually think I can get enough garments under my belt by then so as not to wear the same thing every day. So take that, anon S!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...