• I am looking forward to this 2012 year and now even more so with the Titanic 1912 Sewing Project. I am up to the chanallenge for it will educate me in vintage clothe works. The best part is meeting other needle and thread enthusiest like myself and opening up to future friends for years to come…thanks to Janyce Hill!Posted by ask4cjsewfine | January 21, 2012, 12:29 am | edit
• I also am looking forward to the adventure… and with greatest appreciation and thanks to Janyce Hill for the courage to set this goal for herself and her generousity in sharing it with everyone. I shall try my best to meet the challenge…. Bonnie M from Burnaby BC Canada

  Posted by Bonnie M | January 21, 2012, 5:46 pm | edit

• This going to be fun. I have enjoyed all the messages recieved on Facebook and am looking forward to starting my project. It has been said you can eat an elephant but only one bite at a time, hopefuly this project is like that.

  Posted by Pam Wilson | January 23, 2012, 2:01 am | edit

• Me too, me too!!
  I check the mail box every day! Trying to wait patiently for the first pattern to test.

  Posted by Rebecca Kelley | January 24, 2012, 2:32 pm | edit

• I can’t wait to see what I’ll be sewing either!

  Btw, everyone, if you comment when you are signed in, your name (and avatar if you set it up) link back to your blog. =)

  Posted by Brooke | January 25, 2012, 3:05 pm | edit

• Just TOO many blogs to read!!!This is going to be a fantastic project, and an exciting year ahead. I already have many vintage and antique things to help make the gowns!! Ooohhh, how wonderful!!

  Posted by Joy | January 28, 2012, 7:26 am | edit

• I can’t decide which part will be the most rewarding, sewing new patterns, learning more about this historical period, meeting and making new connections or learning new things. Group efforts are so rewarding. I haven’t decided to set up a blog as of now. I’ll just post comments/pics and see where it goes.Thank you so much Janyce Hill, Patternmaker Software, all support staff and to all of you!

  Posted by garmentconstrux | January 28, 2012, 3:51 pm | edit

• If you’re still interested in test sewers, I would be happy to volunteer. I’m used to working with vintage patterns that are unmarked and vague at best on the instructions/descriptions.Posted by Cisa Barry | January 31, 2012, 7:07 pm | edit
• I really WISH I had heard about this before, as I would have loved to have the chance to be involved in something like this!! I’m going to send luck to all you lucky gals (and guys?!) instead, and watch with baited breath to see the results as I hand draft and adapt a lot of vintage/historical patterns, as you say, from not very many instructions, and the results can be somewhat interesting!! Good luck from the UK!! xxxPosted by midnightlaura | February 2, 2012, 7:39 am | edit
• I have just received my pattern and rushed over to send in my $10.00 donation for printing and mailing. Thanks Janyce

  Posted by Frr Mallory | February 3, 2012, 4:20 am | edit

• I am a bit confused. I rec’d an email saying I am in group 5 and confirming download patterns but haven’t gotten anything else. Have patterns gone out to everyone or have I missed something?Posted by Melani | February 4, 2012, 11:33 pm | edit
  • Hi I am MaryAnn also in group 5 and have not received anything yet

    Posted by MaryAnn Hoover | February 5, 2012, 2:09 am | edit

  • I don’t think you’ve missed anything. I think just the first 2 or 3 groups have started. I’m in Group 4 (possibly 3 – there was a little email confusion with our contact list title) and we are still waiting on patterns as well. I’m sure Janyce is still getting patterns together for lots of groups and sending them out in stages. =)

    Posted by Brooke | February 5, 2012, 3:18 am | edit

  • • Posted by Brooke | February 5, 2012, 3:18 am | edit
      • Thank you both.

        Posted by Melani | February 5, 2012, 3:34 am | edit

  • I find the passion and energy put forth by your members inspiring. If you wish please see my post on this site.

    King Rolf

    Posted by Carl Waddington | February 6, 2012, 11:35 pm | edit

  • I see some of you have already received patterns. How exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing what I get. I’m planning to make them my size if I possibly can. Hope I can find fabric locally, but I may have to purchase on line. Except for quilting shops, we only have a JoAnn fabrics. Anyone else planning to make a muslin first?

    Posted by Miira Allen | February 7, 2012, 6:13 am | edit

• ted by shelly | February 7, 2012, 6:27 am | edit
• We are over 230+ members, looking forward to everyone’s versions.
  I’m blogging about it on adonising.blogspot.com, starting with the corset.

  Posted by L | February 8, 2012, 12:38 am | edit

• How many groups are there in total? I live in Washington, DC and I’m group 15. I have not received a pattern yet, but I’m drooling over the challenge pattern. Does anyone know where I can download it?

  I’ve been sewing for 15 years and I’m always looking for people who sew in my area. If you are in the DC area and are in group 15 e-mail me at Laurelledesigns@yahoo.com

  Brooke

  Posted by Brooke Paxton | February 9, 2012, 7:18 pm | edit

  • I think there are at least 30 groups.

    You need to reply back to Janyce’s email about the “Feb Challenge Pattern” to get the pattern emailed to you. I started my mock-up (costumer’s term for a muslin) of it today.

    Btw, I like your name – it’s a good name. =)

    Posted by Brooke | February 9, 2012, 10:01 pm | edit

   

• I heard from Janyce today and I am so excited. I had tried a few times to get my blog going and am excited I finally have something that will energize me to blog! I just love the fashions from the Titanic era and am very excited to jump right in to make work on these.

  Doing this project looks to be very fun and challenging.

  I can’t wait to hear what group I will be in. The above comments have really helped me understand what I need to do to keep everyone posted on my comments.

  You can follow me here…http://tlcdesigns4u-teri.blogspot.com/

  Thanks for sponsoring this project! Teri

  Posted by Teri Halbert | February 10, 2012, 3:33 am | edit

• finally received my pattern… group 5… princess slip… already ahd the batiste…. cant wait to get started… it looks so pretty…Posted by shelly | February 29, 2012, 4:15 pm | edit
• I completed my February challenge – the ladies princess slip from March 1912. I decided to do it doll size as I couldn’t imagine myself wearing anything that had 12 yards of insertion lace. It’s posted on my blog – http://www.merrymeg.com.

  Posted by Martha David | March 2, 2012, 1:09 am | edit

• I haven’t received a pattern yet, but I’m so jazzed about this project. I wrote a short blog post about the project here – http://www.vintagegams.blogspot.com/2012/02/1912-titanic-sewing-project.html.

  Posted by Karen Hustus | March 2, 2012, 3:24 pm | edit

• Hi, I’m in Group 9 also. Looking forward to the project and challenges of recreating these fashions!

  Posted by happyfarmrgrl | January 29, 2012, 2:42 pm | edit

• am in group nine. Hello! I live in the SW corner of WY. Nice to see another WY girl! Hi India!! We will have to share our e-mails so we can keepin touch once our pattern arrives. I am so excited!!Posted by Joy | February 6, 2012, 7:28 pm | edit
• Another group niner here. Are we anywhere near each other? I’m in central Wyoming.Posted by India | February 1, 2012, 5:54 am | edit
• Welcome to group 28! I am waiting impatiently for my 1st pattern.

  Posted by Ellen Nardozza | February 7, 2012, 1:02 am | edit

• I really don’t know how to use blogs and I am still trying to find some time. I have just moved hose and find I have waaaaaay tooooo muuuuuuch stuff. And of course I couldn’t find the linen in my stash that I wanted to use so I am using a dark brown linen instead. I haven’t made it to the art gallery yet to check out any 1912 clothes they may have for appropriate colours but as I am not going for the truly authentic look, I guess it doesn’t matter. I am hoping to have some time free next fortnight as I have been called up for jury duty and have organised a week off work, so as long as I don’t get some nasty long trial I should have some time in the city. I have cut out the pattern and the material for the skirt and it looks pretty straight-forward. I may be able to finish hand sewing in at the courts.
  Jenny in MelbournePosted by notdrowningwaving | February 29, 2012, 12:39 pm | edit

• Too many blog accounts to follow. Can’t they be simplified to one address? Spending all the time on blogging and not on sewing. Don’t people have other things to do? Carl Jean

  Posted by Carol Jean Locke | January 29, 2012, 10:49 pm | edit

• 

  Everyone – I think that THIS blog has been set up to be the place to comment on your specific pattern and link to your own blog post about it in the comments of the page of this blog about your pattern.

  For example, say I receive the pattern for “Ladies Jacket (# 0169)” then blog about it on my blog. Then I come here to this blog and comment on the post for that pattern and include a direct link to my specific blog post on my blog about it.

  That helps everyone without having to keep up with a million other people’s individual blogs. =)

  (I’m in group 4.)

  Posted by Brooke | January 30, 2012, 11:18 pm | edit

  • 

    You are right; this is the one place where everything should be! We ABSOLUTELY expect everyone to post their updates here with linkbacks to other blog posts if you are using your own blog. (So Janyce & I don’t have to visit a zillion blogs to keep track of everyone) But you are also free to do all you posting here whether you have your own blog or not.

    Posted by vpll1912projecttech | January 31, 2012, 12:13 am | edit

    • 

  • Welcome to the Vintage Pattern Lending Library 1912 Titanic Sewing Project!

    Believe it or not, the Revamp of the project happened on the exact day that we were mentioned in THREADS! (pg 76, not that we’re excited or anything!) So I’ve been a little busy!  If you’ve requested to join the project, I probably have your request and just haven’t gotten to it yet.  (4/18/12)  I plan on having all patterns out and all people entered by 4/20/12.  If you don’t hear by 4/22, you can bug me again.

    For the latest news on the project click here! The project has been COMPLETELY REVAMPED!  And the Job Descriptions for Instruction Editor and Blog Editor have been posted! Download Pattern Requests take 3-5 days. (Updated 4/16/2012).

    With the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, there seems no better time to be motivated to tackle one of the Vintage Pattern Lending Library’s archives largest projects.   The scanning and digitizing of the patterns and magazines of La Mode Illustree – once France’s foremost publication of fashion of the era.

    We have over 400 Test Sewers that have volunteered to sew patterns that probably haven’t fit living people for 80 years to document what they did and give results. The pattern packages will be downloadable pattern sheets, a translation into English of any construction information, and a graphic of the garment.

    Construction and cutting information for these patterns are very vague, usually amounting to only a paragraph or two. These patterns come from a different era without all the luxuries that we have come to rely on.  They may have no instructions and no markings. Any notes or supplementary information about the construction process that you are willing to share would be wonderful.</p.

    The patterns are replicated directly from the original pattern sheet without changes – so sizing tends to run fairly small.  3/8-inch seam allowance will be added, and other information to clarify construction.

    We will be starting with the April 1912 Issues, which are the ones closest to the Titanic date.  Afterwards, we will be working through the rest of issues in the hopes of completing the full year by the end of 2012.

    If you would like to join the 1912 Project – email vpll.1912@gmail.com

    You can also find us on Facebook.

    If you would like to help with the project by donating to cover postage or pattern costs, just click on the button below or contact:

    Vintage Pattern Lending Library
    869 Aileen Street
    Oakland, CA  94608

    

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    Discussion

    63 Responses to “Home”

    1. 

       I am looking forward to this 2012 year and now even more so with the Titanic 1912 Sewing Project. I am up to the chanallenge for it will educate me in vintage clothe works. The best part is meeting other needle and thread enthusiest like myself and opening up to future friends for years to come…thanks to Janyce Hill!

       Posted by ask4cjsewfine | January 21, 2012, 12:29 am | edit

    2. 

       I also am looking forward to the adventure… and with greatest appreciation and thanks to Janyce Hill for the courage to set this goal for herself and her generousity in sharing it with everyone. I shall try my best to meet the challenge…. Bonnie M from Burnaby BC Canada

       Posted by Bonnie M | January 21, 2012, 5:46 pm | edit

    3. 

       This going to be fun. I have enjoyed all the messages recieved on Facebook and am looking forward to starting my project. It has been said you can eat an elephant but only one bite at a time, hopefuly this project is like that.

       Posted by Pam Wilson | January 23, 2012, 2:01 am | edit

    4. 

       Me too, me too!!
       I check the mail box every day! Trying to wait patiently for the first pattern to test.

       Posted by Rebecca Kelley | January 24, 2012, 2:32 pm | edit

    5. 

       I can’t wait to see what I’ll be sewing either!

       Btw, everyone, if you comment when you are signed in, your name (and avatar if you set it up) link back to your blog. =)

       Posted by Brooke | January 25, 2012, 3:05 pm | edit

    6. 

       Just TOO many blogs to read!!!This is going to be a fantastic project, and an exciting year ahead. I already have many vintage and antique things to help make the gowns!! Ooohhh, how wonderful!!

       Posted by Joy | January 28, 2012, 7:26 am | edit

    7. 

       I can’t decide which part will be the most rewarding, sewing new patterns, learning more about this historical period, meeting and making new connections or learning new things. Group efforts are so rewarding. I haven’t decided to set up a blog as of now. I’ll just post comments/pics and see where it goes.

       Thank you so much Janyce Hill, Patternmaker Software, all support staff and to all of you!

       Posted by garmentconstrux | January 28, 2012, 3:51 pm | edit

    8. 

       Too many blog accounts to follow. Can’t they be simplified to one address? Spending all the time on blogging and not on sewing. Don’t people have other things to do? Carl Jean

       Posted by Carol Jean Locke | January 29, 2012, 10:49 pm | edit

    9. 

       Everyone – I think that THIS blog has been set up to be the place to comment on your specific pattern and link to your own blog post about it in the comments of the page of this blog about your pattern.

       For example, say I receive the pattern for “Ladies Jacket (# 0169)” then blog about it on my blog. Then I come here to this blog and comment on the post for that pattern and include a direct link to my specific blog post on my blog about it.

       That helps everyone without having to keep up with a million other people’s individual blogs. =)

       (I’m in group 4.)

       Posted by Brooke | January 30, 2012, 11:18 pm | edit

       • 

         You are right; this is the one place where everything should be! We ABSOLUTELY expect everyone to post their updates here with linkbacks to other blog posts if you are using your own blog. (So Janyce & I don’t have to visit a zillion blogs to keep track of everyone) But you are also free to do all you posting here whether you have your own blog or not.

         Posted by vpll1912projecttech | January 31, 2012, 12:13 am | edit

         • 

           Now that makes sense to me!
           My first “update”: I got my pattern today–a lovely skirt with a 25″ waist. Mine is 35″ so I’m afraid in adding enough to wear it I would destroy the design. So guess I will just make a muslin, and ask for my next pattern online so I can play with the size on Patternmaker.

           Posted by Karyl Carlson | January 31, 2012, 1:24 am | edit

        

    10. 

        If you’re still interested in test sewers, I would be happy to volunteer. I’m used to working with vintage patterns that are unmarked and vague at best on the instructions/descriptions.

        Posted by Cisa Barry | January 31, 2012, 7:07 pm | edit

    11. 

        and we’re off! First VPLL 1912 project pattern!

        Robin must be psychic! She recently asked me why so many of the project volunteers were buying fabric since we didn’t know what kind of pattern we would get. What if we got a blouse? Well, Robin, the answer is……wait for it……we got a blouse! A really pretty blouse.

        We will be double blogging at http://idlehandsthems-fitsworkshop.blogspot.com/

        Posted by lisaandrobin | January 31, 2012, 8:01 pm | edit

    12. 

        Well, after sleeping on it I decided to reduce the pattern (skirt #169) to 1/4 scale for my mini dress form. I did it the old-fashioned way on graph paper. It was easy–nice straight lines for the most part. I used Kim’s method of drawing on the seam lines rather than on the seam allowances which is how I usually do doll clothes anyway. I found the “top-stitched” method recommended in the instruction sheet quite easy and it gives a nice finished look. I think it will actually fit a waist quite a bit bigger than 25″ human scale, as it is a good inch too big for my 7″ dress form.
        It occurred to me while sewing that made up in Navy blue and paired with a “Middy” blouse it would make an adorable outfit for “a day at the shore”.

        Posted by Karyl Carlson | February 1, 2012, 1:18 am | edit

        • 

          Can you post a picture? I’d love to see it.

          Posted by Lisa | February 1, 2012, 1:41 am | edit

         

    13. 

        I am in group 18 but I have no blog yet guess I will have to work on that. Any other group 18′s out there?

        Posted by Vicki Good | February 1, 2012, 8:57 pm | edit

        • 

          Vicki, alot of people aren’t establishing their own blogs, but are going to post on this blog! Feel free to join them!

          Posted by vpll1912projecttech | February 1, 2012, 9:27 pm | edit

         

    14. 

        I really WISH I had heard about this before, as I would have loved to have the chance to be involved in something like this!! I’m going to send luck to all you lucky gals (and guys?!) instead, and watch with baited breath to see the results as I hand draft and adapt a lot of vintage/historical patterns, as you say, from not very many instructions, and the results can be somewhat interesting!! Good luck from the UK!! xxx

        Posted by midnightlaura | February 2, 2012, 7:39 am | edit

    15. 

        I have just received my pattern and rushed over to send in my $10.00 donation for printing and mailing. Thanks Janyce

        Posted by Frr Mallory | February 3, 2012, 4:20 am | edit

    16. 

        A post on measuring the skirt pattern pieces. Yup, the waist is bigger than 25″! (see pix)
        http://domesticnews.wordpress.com/ladies-skirt-0612-3-feb/

        Posted by domesticnews | February 4, 2012, 12:19 am | edit

    17. 

        I am a bit confused. I rec’d an email saying I am in group 5 and confirming download patterns but haven’t gotten anything else. Have patterns gone out to everyone or have I missed something?

        Posted by Melani | February 4, 2012, 11:33 pm | edit

        • 

          Hi I am MaryAnn also in group 5 and have not received anything yet

          Posted by MaryAnn Hoover | February 5, 2012, 2:09 am | edit

        • 

          I don’t think you’ve missed anything. I think just the first 2 or 3 groups have started. I’m in Group 4 (possibly 3 – there was a little email confusion with our contact list title) and we are still waiting on patterns as well. I’m sure Janyce is still getting patterns together for lots of groups and sending them out in stages. =)

          Posted by Brooke | February 5, 2012, 3:18 am | edit

          • 

            Thank you both.

            Posted by Melani | February 5, 2012, 3:34 am | edit

         

    18. 

        I find the passion and energy put forth by your members inspiring. If you wish please see my post on this site.

        King Rolf

        Posted by Carl Waddington | February 6, 2012, 11:35 pm | edit

    19. 

        I see some of you have already received patterns. How exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing what I get. I’m planning to make them my size if I possibly can. Hope I can find fabric locally, but I may have to purchase on line. Except for quilting shops, we only have a JoAnn fabrics. Anyone else planning to make a muslin first?

        Posted by Miira Allen | February 7, 2012, 6:13 am | edit

        • 

          I always make a muslin first then I work with that as the pattern. You should try fabric.com

          Posted by Brooke Paxton | February 9, 2012, 7:20 pm | edit

         

    20. 

        I am looking forward to receiving patterns (group 5) and communicating with everyone about the techniques and methods used… HAPPY STICHING

        Posted by shelly | February 7, 2012, 6:27 am | edit

    21. 

        We are over 230+ members, looking forward to everyone’s versions.
        I’m blogging about it on adonising.blogspot.com, starting with the corset.

        Posted by L | February 8, 2012, 12:38 am | edit

    22. 

        How many groups are there in total? I live in Washington, DC and I’m group 15. I have not received a pattern yet, but I’m drooling over the challenge pattern. Does anyone know where I can download it?

        I’ve been sewing for 15 years and I’m always looking for people who sew in my area. If you are in the DC area and are in group 15 e-mail me at Laurelledesigns@yahoo.com

        Brooke

        Posted by Brooke Paxton | February 9, 2012, 7:18 pm | edit

        • 

          I think there are at least 30 groups.

          You need to reply back to Janyce’s email about the “Feb Challenge Pattern” to get the pattern emailed to you. I started my mock-up (costumer’s term for a muslin) of it today.

          Btw, I like your name – it’s a good name. =)

          Posted by Brooke | February 9, 2012, 10:01 pm | edit

         

    23. 

        I heard from Janyce today and I am so excited. I had tried a few times to get my blog going and am excited I finally have something that will energize me to blog! I just love the fashions from the Titanic era and am very excited to jump right in to make work on these.

        Doing this project looks to be very fun and challenging.

        I can’t wait to hear what group I will be in. The above comments have really helped me understand what I need to do to keep everyone posted on my comments.

        You can follow me here…http://tlcdesigns4u-teri.blogspot.com/

        Thanks for sponsoring this project! Teri

        Posted by Teri Halbert | February 10, 2012, 3:33 am | edit

    24. 

        I’d like to hear if any other Australian/New Zealand participants are having problems with the way the pattern prints out? I’m using a Canon printer (new 2 months ago) but when printing out the pattern there are some serious problems with lining up the pages so that the pattern lines meet – in some areas – ie armhole area I had to spread the 4 printed pages apart approx 3/8ths of an inch in order to work out where the lines should be meeting !!!
        I’m printing the pages with the printer setup so the blank paper feeds in from the top/back of the printer – not coming out of the paper tray under the printer body.
        Any suggestions would be much appreciated so that I can finally get onto the cutting out and sewing!

        Cheers Ainslie.

        Posted by Ainslie | February 14, 2012, 4:29 am | edit

        • 

          I had a bit of trouble with that same area of the pattern.
          Print only the pages from the arm hole area using “scale = fit to printable”. You won’t loose any lines, but you will have white space to remove. This will show you how the pattern lines line up, but will not be full sized pattern pieces.
          see what I did here:
          http://rebeccakelleysews.blogspot.com/2012/02/princess-slip-1912-pattern.html
          Hope this helps you.

          Posted by Rebecca Kelley | February 14, 2012, 12:01 pm | edit

          • 

            sorry for leaving this reply here – I tried to get to the site you referred to but had an error message –
            I understand your method – it would certainly help and I’ll follow up on that. Meanwhile Janyce is helping me to sort out the problem. It seems to be something to do with the A4 paper size here in OZ is not the same as the A4 size elsewhere – and the slight difference between A4 (a) and A4 (b)is where I have problems.
            ie when I print out the 6 inch square mine measures 6 inches AND 1/8th inch in both directions – instead of 6.0 inches in both directions.
            Cheers
            Ainslie.

             

     

  • Posted by Ainslie | February 14, 2012, 12:11 pm | edit
  • 

    Hi Rebecca,
    Thanks for your suggestion. I’ll try that idea tomorrow. (its 11pm Tuesday)
    Cheers
    Ainslie.

    Posted by Ainslie | February 14, 2012, 12:34 pm | edit

I received the email slip pattern to download and print. My printer must be off a little since my test square was 5 15/16, so it was 1/16″ short on each side. I do not know how to adjust printer to accommodate. I think I will take it to FedEx/Kinkos. Hopefully they will be able to print to scale. I may try one more time.

I would like to make it a larger size so it fits someone in today’s size range, so I am waiting for the pattern sizing software person to send me the pattern in the correct format to re-size it.

I plan to use a fine batiste for the fabric and 90% cotton 10% Poly French Lace from Martha Pullen. I have a lovely Victorian beading for the ribbon. I can’t wait to get started cutting and sewing.

This is my first ever blog, so I don’t expect much from me in this area unless I get some help from my niece setting one up!
Cher

Posted by Cheryl Pollock | February 17, 2012, 9:16 pm | edit

• 

  Cheryl, to get your printer to work right, go into your print settings and check if you have it printing to fit the pager or to actual size. I also had to tell my printer to print borderless so more of the printing at the edges would show.

  Posted by loeloebelle | February 20, 2012, 4:22 am | edit

I really don’t know how to use blogs and I am still trying to find some time. I have just moved hose and find I have waaaaaay tooooo muuuuuuch stuff. And of course I couldn’t find the linen in my stash that I wanted to use so I am using a dark brown linen instead. I haven’t made it to the art gallery yet to check out any 1912 clothes they may have for appropriate colours but as I am not going for the truly authentic look, I guess it doesn’t matter. I am hoping to have some time free next fortnight as I have been called up for jury duty and have organised a week off work, so as long as I don’t get some nasty long trial I should have some time in the city. I have cut out the pattern and the material for the skirt and it looks pretty straight-forward. I may be able to finish hand sewing in at the courts.
Jenny in Melbourne

Posted by notdrowningwaving | February 29, 2012, 12:39 pm | edit

Some of you have questions about adding links to VPLL 1912 Project Blog blog posts. It can be a bit daunting and tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, I PROMISE you, it’s so easy!

I’ve created a PDF with screen shots to demonstrate how to link. The important thing to remember, with the new posting format, is to link DIRECTLY TO a post vs. your general blog. This makes tracking projects much easier from an admin level and also makes it easier for other participants to admire your work without having to search through your blog for it.

How to Attach a Link in a Blog Post

As always, if you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Tina.

ETA: Video tutorial on how to add links to blog posts and how to add links to your Check-ins!

(Please just remember to categorize your posts correctly to help keep this multi-user blog searchably organized.)

This post is about all the information a comment contains that you may not be aware was there, and a little about the differences in commenting on different types of blogs.

If you are anything like me, you are curious (OK, nosy) when you read comments and want to know a little more about a person who wrote one. Depending on how much information the commenter has chosen to include in a profile, all you want to know about a person may actually be right there – without you needing to ask someone for the info you want.

WordPress & Blogger use slightly different formats and overall layout depends on the template that a blog is using, so there will be slight variations in how the information is presented from blog to blog. But no matter what blogging platform you are viewing, most of the same information is still included in comments and easy to find.

For example purposes, I will use screenshots of a comment I made on this blog to keep it simple.

Here is a comment I made back in January – I have highlighted a few things with red arrows & numbers for further explanation:

1. When a commenter is signed in to WordPress using Gravatar or Facebook, the name listed will be a hyperlink to the homepage of their blog (if they have one) or their personal Facebook page. This also means you don’t have to sign your name to everything you write. (I set my Gravatar to show my display name as simply my first name.)

2. When you hover your cursor over an avatar picture, if it is a Gravatar, it will be clickable. More about hovercards here. (Facebook avatars will not have a fly-out or be clickable – they are just identifying pictures.)

3. To reply to a specific person’s comment on WordPress (more in a minute on how Blogger and other platforms do it differently), click the “reply to this comment” directly under the comment you are referencing. This is something called Comment Threading, and will insert your comment right after the one you are talking about. (If you have your own blog on WordPress, you can adjust the comment settings to control the conversation on your blog.)

4. If you want to comment on a post and there are no comments before you, or you aren’t addressing one specific commenter, you can leave your thoughts about the post’s subject by using the “leave a reply” comment box below everything. (This will alert the author of a post and be visible to all others who view the post later.)

On this blog, all comments follow the “Discussion” heading, which may be below the profile of the post’s author. (See below this post for example.) Only those authors with a Gravatar profile will have the little profile blurb following a post, but every post will have the author listed at the top of the post under the title. Comments are always at the bottom of a page. (I’ve noticed a little confusion on some posts when comments are directed at another commenter someone thinks is the author.)

If someone uses Gravatar, the picture icon beside a comment will pop-out when you mouse over it, and more of the person’s profile can be seen by clicking the blue “View Complete Profile” button on the fly-out:

When you click the complete profile button on the hovercard, you will see the information that a person has chosen to make public. I have included a link to my blog on my profile:

You can choose to add all kinds of information to your profile like an email address and other ways people can connect with you. (Since most of that information is already on my blog, I chose not to include it on my profile.)

The major difference between comment format on non-WordPress blogs (like Blogger) and in forums is not being able to reply directly to a specific comment in the middle of a list. To compensate for that, many users will aim a comment at someone by beginning a thought with “@” before a commenter-name to make it known that the comment is intended for someone specific – even if it is many comments after the original comment that is being referenced.

A simple example of unthreaded (or unchained) comments might look something like this:

————————————————————————

Mary:  I think I will wear my black dress to dinner.

Sybil:  I want to study nursing.

Matthew:  @Mary – Oh, but you look so lovely in your maroon dress!

Edith:  I love driving – has anyone else ever learned to drive an automobile?

Molly Brown:  @Sybil – Such a noble calling! Good luck in your studies!  @Edith – I can paddle a boat, but driving sounds like more fun!

————————————————————————

Hope this makes reading comments more understandable and actually making comments a little less scary to those new to blogging!

If anyone has questions or a specific topic that they would like me to address in a future post about blogging, let me know in the comments below. =)

How to accept the WordPress invitation!

First things first – bookmark the page you are currently reading to your Favorites for easy reference.

I will go into detail on a few more specific topics in some posts in the future, but for now this is your “crash course” with useful links to get you started. 

Below are some of the links that allowed me to teach myself to blog back in 2010.  Screen shots and videos are included on most of them. =)

Next link to save:

WordPress support mainpage

Almost everything you ever wanted to know about blogging (and then some) can be found on the support page link above.  And the support page search box is your best friend if you don’t see what you are looking for immediately!

Here are a few other shortcuts you may want:

Administrator, Editor, Author, and Contributor User roles explained

Dashboard (aka “blog control panel”) general details explained  (Note: Because most of us are just considered “contributing writers” on this blog, you may not have access to everything you see on the dashboard.)

User profile – your personal info/picture and how it is displayed to others on the internet  (Everyone, whether you are new to blogging or not, should definitely read this info about your profile!)

Writing a post

Introduction to WordPress and blogging  (Probably more useful to those who want to or have just set up their own personal blog through WordPress.)

Well, that’s it for now – have fun exploring the help files & videos that the wonderful WordPress tech team has provided!  I’ll be back with another “blogging how to” post when I have time in a few days.  =)