I think this is actually my favourite topic of the Sew Grateful Week. I mean, giveaways are great (have you seen some of them??), and projects are always wonderful, but I just love hearing people's stories and being allowed a little glimpse into other sewists' worlds. I'll let the Hostess explain:
Tuesday the 25th February: Reflections Day. This is the day to reflect on the role sewing has played in our lives, reflecting on those who have been supportive in our journey and reflecting on what the online community means to us! What are you sew grateful for?
When I started musing over this a week or two ago, a rant by one of my favourite comedians, Dylan Moran, on his Yeah, Yeah DVD came to mind:
"Now I'm not a feminist - I don't qualify. And neither do most women. If you women were serious about feminism you could have everything that feminists want you to have. Equal pay? You could have that tomorrow....IF women would stop bitching about each other for FIVE MINUTES. Which doesn't seem to be possible..."
That may not be verbatim (I have too many Sew Grateful posts to visit and read to spend time transcribing right now...), but that was the gist of it. And it's one of those laugh-and-wince-in-recognition things, isn't it? I can't imagine there'd be a woman alive and breathing who hasn't experienced the painful end of female cattiness.
And yet... In the hundreds of blog posts and thousands of comments I've read over the last year-and-a-bit, I've yet to read a single comment that's snide, belittling or snarky.
Posting photos for the world to see of your created work is a vulnerable thing. Actually wearing your created work is even more so. But this community understands that. Even more importantly, this community respects that.
Women championing women is one of the most beautiful, inspiring and empowering sights imaginable. And as women we have the capacity to do that so naturally and so very, very well. THAT'S what I see every time I click on a blogger's post, and that's what keeps me coming back for more of this amazing community.
This community brings out the best in women. That's what I'm Sew Grateful for :)
You are so right Danielle!
ReplyDeleteWomen have so much potential to be supportive and nurturing of talent, and the online sewing community is the perfect example of all of our best points!
It is wonderful, being praised by and helping other women achieve is a great feeling.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you've put that, "helping other women achieve" :)
DeleteAbsolutely true. In a medium (internet, anonymous to some degree) where people often feel they can get away with cruel, bullying or unkind comments I think the sewing and crafting community is extraordinarily kind and supportive. Lovely post :)
ReplyDeleteIt is extraordinary, isn't it :)
DeleteSo true! I just love how you've put it!! It is such a fantastic experience to read all the supportive comments!!
ReplyDeleteYou really do see the best of people, don't you?
DeleteHear hear. :)
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteGosh, I've never thought about it like that! but you are absolutely right! What a great post. You've approached the subject from an angle I'd never considered before. Thank you for that, x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen!
DeleteWell said! One of my favourite parts if reading sewing blogs now is reading through the comments & seeing all the love, support & advice offered. Such a change from all the negativity of fashion mags - lose weight, life is meaningless without a man etc etc. it's a wonderful community to be a part of!
ReplyDeleteSo very true - it's such a striking difference, isn't it?
DeleteThis is one of the reasons I love this corner of the internet! The encouragement, advice and just sheer kindness is something to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! :)
DeleteOh goodness I did enjoy this post! I'd never thought of it like that before but you are so right. I've made a couple of clearly disastrous items but all my comments have been encouraging, helpful and kind. Not often encountered elsewhere! Thank you for the lovely reminder.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty rare, isn't it? well worth celebrating, I thought!
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