tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post8522771399961689516..comments2024-03-21T22:00:15.368-07:00Comments on Communing With Fabric: Get OFF My Internets!!shamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06070023218199309005noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-17822854179448821092014-11-15T15:44:47.630-08:002014-11-15T15:44:47.630-08:00Hello there! I just found your blog. Interesting p...Hello there! I just found your blog. Interesting post, I too try really hard to hear the useful feedback in the criticism. And when I was a technical writer, yup, that was always a kicker when the user feedback didn't align with the work!MrsC (Maryanne)https://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-3045895564604683252014-10-26T08:44:49.602-07:002014-10-26T08:44:49.602-07:00" It's a lot harder than "everything..." It's a lot harder than "everything you do is awesome" or snark." well said RD!<br /><br />Also, we're only seeing pictures on the web. The whole situation - the 3D garment, the actual requirements and priorities of the wearer - is only faintly represented.<br /><br />A lot of my sewing decisions are dictated by my severe neuropathy. It causes lots of pain and limited mobility. Now, i'm certain that many of my hand-sewn, less than perfectly finished garments would make (for example) Bunny of LaSewista! break out in a huge, all-encompassing hive. And rightly so! But - hand sewn seams are much easier on my poor bod, and i sew slowly anyways so at a certain point 'good enough is good enough' - i don't want to be running around in rags all the time. <br /><br />But i really do not want to be hammering away at my medical troubles every single time i post a new garment, pounding it into people's heads that i have this big bad problem oh woe is me, bleargh. As well, i am not going to take the type of advice that will give me 'high end RTW type garments' because i don't like the look of those type of clothes much anyways, forget the discomfort. I don't want to be in a position of asking people to go out of their way to provide advice, then repay their efforts by just shooting it all down.<br /><br />Which, Ms. Dandelion, is all just to expand on your excellent point. But two other points always come to mind during discussions about constructive criticism on the sewing blogs. First, if a blogger wants CC they can just lay out the issue which is troubling them in a blog post and ask. Secondly, it's entirely possible to do a bunch of web searches on the problem, find a likely solution or two and make up some test samples/muslins to see how they work for you. <br /><br />Anyways just my two cents. Happy Weekend and Good Sewing! stephtinyjuncohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03614867046924013061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-68717686014036251242014-10-26T05:11:22.453-07:002014-10-26T05:11:22.453-07:00Shams, you have sparked a great conversation here!...Shams, you have sparked a great conversation here! So many good thoughts have been shared in this comment thread. <br /><br />As you say, most of us would agree that constructive criticism can be a very good and helpful thing. GOMI aside (I just see it as people blowing off steam), giving and receiving truly constructive criticism is hard! How do we do it well? You gave us a good example with regards to the bra situation, although I think you generally do an amazing job of resisting gravity.<br /><br />I would theoretically like to receive genuinely actionable and objective feedback on my blog posts, but I also realize that giving such feedback takes a lot more thought than a quick "good job!" and receiving honest feedback requires openness, maturity, flexibility and endless good humor. It's a lot harder than "everything you do is awesome" or snark.Virginia at A Sewing Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15734911883557993627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-67357363799615468412014-10-25T14:05:11.793-07:002014-10-25T14:05:11.793-07:00Golly! I had no idea there were people out there ...Golly! I had no idea there were people out there with nothing better to do than run down blogs. What do they do when they are not being so negative? There seems to be a lot of anger on the GOMI site. Hey, I love your posts, admire your dedication to the immense time they take (especially tutorials), and your bravery for displaying garments and showing the highs and lows. In many ways, you have shortened the learning curve for me. BRAVO GIRL!! THANKS A MILLION!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-32955628592381558012014-10-23T14:16:12.465-07:002014-10-23T14:16:12.465-07:00ugh, i spent a couple of weeks off and on on that ...ugh, i spent a couple of weeks off and on on that site a while back, i order to make sure i wasn't judging too harshly or missing out on the 'great information' and 'constructive criticism' the members kept talking about. I agree wtih Shair, liza jane, SJ Kurtz, and others - but most especially Yoshimi.<br /><br />I know a lot of people like to think they're being witty by making nasty comments, i do not see the appeal but it's common enough to see people who do. How on earth this type of activity is supposed to be 'constructive criticism' or (my personal goal) encourage more people to want to join in the sewing community is beyond me.<br /><br />My time at that site simply strengthened my resolve to be welcoming and encouraging and thoughtful to people who take time and courage to post about their own sewing online. I have learned so much and been so inspired by other sempstresses who have posted about their own work, i want to do all i can to provide a welcoming atmosphere so that we here in California don't end up in a situation like Yoshimi saw unfold.<br /><br />(second try at posting - please excuse if it's a double post)tinyjuncohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03614867046924013061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-80164257706745703822014-10-23T12:11:36.739-07:002014-10-23T12:11:36.739-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Marthahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09815988914005580044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-51407407038262058452014-10-23T08:37:17.176-07:002014-10-23T08:37:17.176-07:00Based on some of the comments made here, some folk...Based on some of the comments made here, some folks may find this recent episode on the Diane Rehm radio show of interest as it explores online harassment of women. GOMI is not mentioned specifically. One of the guests was harassed after posting a story on a website. Her story is cautionary tale on the potential hazards of posting about yourself online. <br /><br /> http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-10-22/women-and-online-harassment<br />Sharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12626097899470039194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-90268334210178461522014-10-22T23:48:28.729-07:002014-10-22T23:48:28.729-07:00Hi Shams
I hadn't heard of the site before y...Hi Shams <br />I hadn't heard of the site before you mentioned it, and when I looked, I found some comments very funny, some I agreed with and some that seemed pointlessly mean. <br />I don't see what is to be gained from commenting on bloggers' face or figure. And, for the record. I love looking at your blog - your clothes, and odd bag/hat are quirky, interesting, original, creative and flattering..... and "artish". I know that is not a word but your projects are very different to those where choice of fabric is the only variable. <br />I am not sure where commenters think that large breasts should sit - perhaps somewhere like the hilarious Lekula diagram you posted some time ago?? <br /><br />From Anne in Melbourne <br />My comment keeps disappearing so I retype and hope that it does not appear 3 timesAnne in Melbournehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14669685012933570595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-2066724378907670822014-10-22T18:08:05.918-07:002014-10-22T18:08:05.918-07:00For some reason, I wasn't able to open the pag...For some reason, I wasn't able to open the page to the GOMI site but that's OK. I don't need to spend precious time reading a site where people's physical characteristics are made fun of - very mean spirited. You handled their unconstructive criticism graciously. Kudos to you!Tomasahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12001675806748209852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-45009958260707376452014-10-22T17:31:30.021-07:002014-10-22T17:31:30.021-07:00Body, gender, ethnicity, etc. should never be snar...Body, gender, ethnicity, etc. should never be snarked, IMO, with one big exception: those who insist on designing and sewing darts that end past the highpoint of their nipples. Can't stand that!!!!! doesn't matter if their boobs sag or not. Those darts just don't belong there.Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-6323713495739735442014-10-22T16:18:50.052-07:002014-10-22T16:18:50.052-07:00By the way, "gomi" is Japanese for "...By the way, "gomi" is Japanese for "garbage."Virginia Sorrellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10072724617290853444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-78975713011942110372014-10-22T15:22:15.656-07:002014-10-22T15:22:15.656-07:00I took a peek at GOMI awhile back and backed away ...I took a peek at GOMI awhile back and backed away from the abyss. I spend enough time in obsessive online forums about comix and movies, I don't need another one.<br /><br />Sure, there are plenty of weasels and jerks, and I've had my days of being both. I do get annoyed by the happy face pile-ons, but ya know....<br /><br />I had to make myself a set of rules about blog/comment limits. I don't crank on other folks' comments pages. I don't comment unless I have something useful/new to say. I take that damnable high road whenever possible. I go to Pattern Review for the dirt on patterns. My blog is not a diary.<br />SJ Kurtzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871599515352715171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-10776621744722804962014-10-22T15:00:31.523-07:002014-10-22T15:00:31.523-07:00Brava, Shams! This is a fantastic post, and I hav...Brava, Shams! This is a fantastic post, and I have to say that I'm not sure I would have addressed it with the comical maturity that you did. I agree, looks should be off limits to criticism. What is this, 7th grade?! I didn't know that place existed, but I should t be surprised, because it is human nature, after all, and the anonymity of the internet opens the door for that behavior, unfortunately. Although I do have to agree with the dislike for the mutual admiration society that exists among the independent pattern makers. I would like to see some real constructive criticism like the Big 4 get. I don't buy the indies because I don't believe most of the "reviews" that I read on blog tours, etc.Su-zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07817519272798857249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-54546345566116920192014-10-22T10:33:03.393-07:002014-10-22T10:33:03.393-07:00Yes, exactly. Everybody agrees there's a need...Yes, exactly. Everybody agrees there's a need for constructive criticism, but GOMI isn't that. Thanks for this--you said it much better than I did.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-10004355312228323732014-10-22T08:08:51.120-07:002014-10-22T08:08:51.120-07:00aww, I just wrote a great comment and lost it! Dar...aww, I just wrote a great comment and lost it! Darn! I was just saying that I don't think I would have been interested in GOMI back when I was blogging because I didn't have time to keep up with my favorite blogs, much less all the discussion forums out there. But it only takes one person with inadequate sense of boundaries to mess up the fun of blogging. It was not fun to deal with on my real job. Anyway, I am not as offended by it as I might have been in the past. When I got an unexpected opportunity through my sewing blog, a couple years ago, all kinds of "nice" people gossiped viciously about me and I learned from that. Even "nice" people can be mean spirited. It's just human nature and worth forgiving. Maybe being "nice" all the time is too hard!!! ha ha. Great post!!a little sewinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18086285440873869055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-43877224339030503812014-10-22T07:57:24.197-07:002014-10-22T07:57:24.197-07:00OK- quick and dirty. They are ASSHOLES. You my d...OK- quick and dirty. They are ASSHOLES. You my dear Shams are a generous, thoughtful, smart and kind Saint. I'm going to my Rabbi to nominate you. Hubby was outraged by all this.wendyrbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12644260273808033631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-91544933204519451332014-10-22T07:43:12.375-07:002014-10-22T07:43:12.375-07:00Wow. I just visited the GOMI site and got sucked ...Wow. I just visited the GOMI site and got sucked down the rabbit hole. I figured the world of internet snark would eventually reach the sewing blog community. GOMI is not a site I will be taking part in. I think the justification of 'constructive criticism' is really just an excuse for cutting each other down. I read very few helpful criticisms. Most things I read were personal attacks, like complaining about how someone's smile was annoying (and not a 'commercial' blog, by the way). I hope people who post over there will reconsider because that kind of ugliness is a reflection of character. I agree that constructive criticism is a good thing, but that site is not about being constructive. That left a really bad taste in my mouth. Life is too short for that kind of crap.liza janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916364137307894200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-49786156140011761372014-10-22T07:39:27.802-07:002014-10-22T07:39:27.802-07:00I stumbled across GOMI once and hit a couple of cr...I stumbled across GOMI once and hit a couple of cruel-tone threads and never went back.<br />There is a place for more humor in blogs as well as way more constructive criticism.<br />I may re-visit to see if I can find better threads.<br />The problem of self-important bloggers who are monetizing their blogs in a abrasive way is solved by taking them off the blog roll.<br />Same with the "we all agree" commentors.<br />I miss The Selfish Seamstress.<br />She excelled in being snarky in a good way.<br />kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13468763091074811797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-39312410491186926532014-10-22T07:11:31.824-07:002014-10-22T07:11:31.824-07:00I don't follow gomi as most of the commentary ...I don't follow gomi as most of the commentary pertains to blogs I don't read. Some people find gomi entertaining. I'd rather read a book or watch a movie.Sharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12626097899470039194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-6277357522068987332014-10-22T06:12:27.174-07:002014-10-22T06:12:27.174-07:00Well...in my humble opinion, you catch more flies ...Well...in my humble opinion, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar :) A moto that I try to live by. RhondaBusshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12555069797738423675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-6016811076290451652014-10-22T06:06:20.249-07:002014-10-22T06:06:20.249-07:00Great post! I have created an ID and have been po...Great post! I have created an ID and have been posting on GOMI. It's pretty fun to post somewhere where I can say, "Her work sucks!" without being attacked for all kinds of irrelevant things. <br /><br />I originally found it when I was looking at my blog stats, and there were lots of hits from GOMI. I went over there, and everyone was saying really nice things about my work. Never one to resist flattery, I looked around. I was originally put off by some of the posters, but I came around and decided to stay.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-22448464301667470082014-10-21T23:48:51.011-07:002014-10-21T23:48:51.011-07:00I don't like the sound of GOMI but I do get an...I don't like the sound of GOMI but I do get annoyed at how uncritical sewing bloggers are. 55 comments for a t-shirt, 35 for a dress with crooked hem - as long as the person is the picture is attractive (no saggy boobs!) the raves roll in.Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00622769905155059570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-31470117308733705072014-10-21T22:54:16.528-07:002014-10-21T22:54:16.528-07:00I haven't looked at the site yet, but I will d...I haven't looked at the site yet, but I will do (and read the rest of the comments) - I wanted to put my comment in first, which it that it is never acceptable to criticise/comment on a person's face or body. No exceptions! No-one has the perfect face or body IRL especially since views on this are so subjective. I am an approaching middle age mum of 3 with a naturally large chest. Of course gravity has done it's thing. So what! I 've lived a life and for all I care they can dangle round my waist! If I lived in a different society I would be getting increasing respect now rather than being expected to keep up some mythical youth worshipping image. My advice is be who you are and don't change anything!!Philippahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979470577235630724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-82122366926043647862014-10-21T20:50:32.340-07:002014-10-21T20:50:32.340-07:00Great post - I've never heard of GOMI. The si...Great post - I've never heard of GOMI. The site is interesting reading, but quite vitriolic. I started reading the Tilly thread - and although I agree with some of the comments about the simplicity of her designs - if it means that it brings lots of new people into the sewing arena, that is a HUGE plus. With so many fabric shops closing down, retailers need to know that there IS a market for fabric - and not just quilting. It reminds me of watching some of the reality shows on TV - I love watching 'Face Off' because all the contestants are so kind and supportive of each other. But on the flip side - I am addicted to Ink Master and back stabbing and bitchiness!!!! Sigh!<br /><br />I also wanted to make a quick comment about bras - hope you don't mind :) I recently took a bra making class in Hamilton, ON., (Bra Makers Supply) and one of the things we were taught was that the bra band and underwires hold the girls in place, and the straps are for holding the cup fabric up - not for holding the girls up. I found that when I wore a properly fitting bra, my bust point was 1 1/2" higher! Wooot!! So, if you ever get the chance to make your own - I would highly recommend it!! twotoasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04432778966553987105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920875739028519515.post-24891323024886597792014-10-21T20:35:15.240-07:002014-10-21T20:35:15.240-07:00May I just say you are awesome! You took a commen...May I just say you are awesome! You took a comment that was way out of line and you would have been justified to call them out on it....and instead you handled it with such grace. You are my hero. <br /><br />I like GOMI. I think they serve a need in the community. They can ease up on the negativity but a lot of the bloggers can ease up on the sunshine and rainbow posts about how awesome every pattern/product/book is. C'mon the Big4 and the big box stores never get that soft-hand treatment (I always thought the Big4 was better because of it .) So to me, GOMI serves to balance the scales.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com