Remember the camera straps I’ve made in the past? You can see some of them here and here and here.
I recently made a camera strap for Jennifer Carroll – THE Jennifer Carroll of Celebrating Everyday Life. She blogged about the camera strap I made her – you can see it here. Jennifer is the power behind the magazine Celebrating Everyday Life – the Sept/Oct issue will soon be out and trust me, you don’t want to miss it. I just paged through some popular magazines today, some I had picked up at the library, and I kept thinking ‘Jennifer’s magazine is so much better’!! I’m not biased at all of course, it really is a GREAT magazine and I highly recommend it.
Anyway. Back to camera straps. After sending Jennifer’s to her I got an email from a lady asking if she could get one too. Hmmm, let’s see, Why YES, of course! She wanted a ‘D’ on hers and she wanted it longer. No problem at all.
I drew the letters on both straps with a pencil, then used black paint and a small artist paintbrush to create the monogram.
The paint is from an office supply store that also carries school supplies for homeschoolers. It is washable and doesn’t crack on a soft, fabric surface. The fabric is a dropcloth. Ribbon is satin pleated ribbon from Tin Tiara Trims on Etsy.
So that’s the Camera Straps. Now for the ‘Could You Help Me Out??’
I have been contemplating my blog name. I wasn’t totally sure I really wanted to keep using it when I went to WordPress over a year ago. And here I am still not sure it’s what I want. I do SO much more than sew. In fact I sew less now than I did a year ago. I still love to design new things, I will always be a seamstress. But I’m not JUST a seamstress. I paint furniture, and I am quite good at it (not bragging, just being honest!) I decorate – and I’d love it if that became a job at some point. I’m working at becoming a photographer. I never dreamed I’d be doing what I’m doing now with a camera. I’ve been second shooter in 4 weddings now and I L.O.V.E.D. it. And I dream of being the photographer for other kinds of events and for product shoots. Somehow ‘Sew a Fine Seam’ isn’t fitting anymore. I’d love to have some input from my blog friends (and my real life friends – please chime in!) about what direction I should go. Ideas? Advice? Do’s or Don’ts? Experience? I can’t believe I’m at this crossroad but it seems I have arrived so it’s time to decide which direction is the right one!
Have a happy weekend!
Jill
Somehow I don’t take Sew a Fine Seam, to mean just sewing. Oh course it could just be that I am used to your current name and understand it’s not all about sewing, but just doing your best at what ever you do. That “fine seam” that holds it all together. 🙂
Thanks Kendra!
Hello dear friend! I agree with Kendra, I know you to be multi talented. You have built up quite a following with your name which I love.
I faced the same quandary a few years ago as there are times my posts are food related, etc and not just decor. So I added the byline to my Decor To Adore header “and other bits of bliss”. Which really you have already done with the categories listed under the bible verse. So in essence, you’re perfect already.
Thanks Laura! So much! Your comment made my day Saturday!
I have always liked your blog name.
Perhaps just adding something like “and other fine endeavors” or “and creative pursuits” or “capturing and creating moments through photography and design”.
What about “Eye (I) Sew a Fine Seam Photography and Design”? It seems to cover photography, sewing, and design.
Maybe “Jill of All Trades”?
Maybe I need another cup of coffee before I post other options? 🙂
Yes – I like Laura’s idea of a byline. You’d have to change your web address, order new business cards, etc. Of course, like Kellie’s “Jill of all trades too – all her suggestions were good. Now the song from Shrek is in my head “Don’t go changing….to try to please me…” 🙂
🙂 I liked Jill of all trades too – had already thougth of that myself! but google it and there are tons of them already out there and the domain is already taken. sew a fine seam pops up mostly me so it seems to be a good idea to stick with it!
I agree with everyone else. I do not read your blog and wonder why it isn’t always about sewing. I think adding a tag line is a great idea! Of course, I’m a newbie but just thought it would chime in.
Thanks Laura!
That camera strap is so fun! I’m sure your client will absolutely love it.
I feel your pain regarding your name change. I’ve thought seriously about the same thing several times, but could never get to the point where I was sure it would be worth all of the time and effort to do it. Someone that I asked advice of told me they didn’t think the blog names mattered that much anyway, it’s the content. And, “Sew A Fine Seam” is how everyone already knows and identifies you, so a name change may be a bit like starting over. Not that this matters that much to me, but I also wasn’t sure what it would do to my stats and followers. I think the response would always be “you know Jill from -whatever the new name is-“, “she used to blog at Sew a Fine Seam.” I agree with the others, maybe just add a tagline. I also think a photo header like what you have now, but with photography, furniture, etc. added in would give everyone a fast look at what you’re all about! I certainly don’t want to discourage you though if you REALLY want a new name…go for it! Several have done so and weathered the storm well. Sorry for my rambling thoughts. I hope that all makes sense!
It would be a huge pain to change everything! I’m thinking from the feedback I’ve gotten a little tagline blurb right under sew a fine seam will do the trick!
I have never thought of you as just a seamstress. You are sewing that fine seam as a Godly woman holding everything together thru His Grace. I love and appreciate everything you have done and am anticipating enjoying all that you will do. If you really want a new name, go for it. I will always follow you. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Thanks Regena! I’m thinking just adding a tagline directly under sew a fine seam may be the best!
Love, love the camera strap!! The monogram is too awesome.
You are getting great feedback about the name. You could still do a different name/watermark for your photography and it could have it’s own tab or spot in your header.
i agree. I’ve been so happy with the feedback I’ve gotten. It’s nice to have the reassurance that it doesn’t make people think of just sewing.
Love the camera strap, Jill. I like the Sew a Fine Seam name and think it doesn’t necessarily speak just to sewers. How about adding something like Sewing A Fine Seam And (or While) Weaving The Fabric Of My Life. That covers a multitude of what you do and still incorporates your original name (which already has recognition) Can you tell I used to be in marketing? lol xo Diana
🙂 Thanks so much Diana!
Hi Jill, I’m so excited to hear about the magazine and the request for personalized camera straps, and as always your many creative endeavors. I, too, think that your name is still good for you. A tag line could change things as the need arises!
Liz
Thanks Liz!
Jill,
Love the camera strap! I still have one of the original ones and I love it. What if you just went with Jill Flory? Just like JenRizzo?
Just a thought!
Happy day friend!
karianne
Thanks KariAnne! I did buy the domain jillflory.com – just in case. But the whole process of changing everything sounds so overwhelming! Might just figure out a byline to add right under sew a fine seam.
The camera strap turned out great!! I echo everyone else…I love your blog name. I think it’s different and stands out. If you feel like you have to ‘expand’ a little, I do like the suggestions above of adding something more to ‘Sew A Fine Seam’-that way you’ll still be recognized as ‘you’.
Susan
Thanks Susan – it’s nice to hear from several people that Sew a Fine Seam doesn’t necessarily mean only sewing to them. I’m still working on a redesign and adding a byline – might take awhile but it is in the works.
I like the idea of a byline like,
Sew A Fine Seam
Create a fine home.
Thanks Jami! I’m leaning that way!