In 2007 I named my brand new tiny blog a name that I thought was cute and funny. I had two babies and life felt a little crazy and wild. The Train To Crazy. HA! How fun is that? Well, little did I know that it would become a self-fulfilling prophesy. Well, not really, but I’ve sure been riding that train and it’s not going anywhere sane. Trust me.
This blog started out humbly.
I wrote a lot about how my kid didn’t sleep and then I wrote about how she still didn’t sleep. And then I embarked on a multi part series where I answer all your questions about children’s sleep issues. I still get hundreds of people coming to these pages daily looking desperately for wisdom. Well, years later I’m here to say, “sorry”. The more kids I have, the less I know. But then I made a cute sleep sack. I can still say that I do know how to do that.
And I’ve written a bit about how we’ve moved around. And I also wrote a lot of random things. And serious things. And then I got a sewing machine. And sewed a few skirts. (Please pardon the poor tutorials and photography. It was way back in 2008 after all.) And then some pants. And a few hooded towel backpacks. And I was hooked. And suddenly I was tired of writing about random and serious things and just wanted to write about sewing. That seemed a bit odd to me at the time, there weren’t many sewing blogs around. But I went for it anyway. The Train To Crazy became a sewing blog.
And I’ve happily written here full time about sewing since 2009. I contemplated quitting and changing the name many times but never did. And then I started designing sewing patterns. And started a pattern business, and another. And now I feel like I need to get off The Train To Crazy.
It’s not that I don’t love it.
And I know you feel a strong emotional connection to the name as well. I’m not making you get off your own train to crazy. You can feel free to ride that thing around for decades to come. Go “nuts”.
But the time has come to match the name with the content. This blog is about designing things, creating and making. It’s less about crazy things and not about trains at all. So I’m renaming her. She’ll be my little creative notebook.
Andrea’s Notebook.
I’m Andrea. So that works out well.
But I need you to be on board. Or rather, get off-board (train reference). Because I like you all and want you to keep coming back.
Here’s what you can expect at Andrea’s Notebook:
- My sewing designs & patterns.
- Creative wins and probably some creative fails.
- DIY (that’s do-it-yourself)
- Things I’ve been making to eat. Just the good stuff. Probably Gluten Free & Dairy Free/Peanut Free because that’s how we roll
- Inspirational and creative things I think you’ll love.
- Possibly some style posts. Though I don’t have a lot of style. So maybe you can help me with that.
Thank you for the update! I missed all of the first “crazy” years but have enjoyed all of your sewing patterns and so much! I am glad you are going to continu e! Looking forward to many more years following you!
Thank you so much, Barbara! I’m glad to continue as well!
Oh I love you no matter what! “What’s in a name” I’d follow you if you called youself….well anything!
You were there for me in the beginning of my sewing adventure and I will follow you throughout yours! I am excited to look through your notebook!
I’m excited! It’s so hard when you just don’t feel at home in your name, look, etc.
I know change can be hard but congratulations on taking that step. You are doing what is right for you and I will continue to follow and see the great things you create!
love it! perfect.
Sounds like your blog is growing up with your kids. I can’t wait to see some of your posts!!
🙂
xx Crystelle
Love your explanation… it is spot on! Look forward to watching you grow ♥
It’s your train, steer it where you want it to go! Happy to be a passenger. On to the next journey.
Congratulations, Andrea! I’m looking forward to reading your notebook!
i think its great! you could call yourself whatever you want and we would still follow along:)
I k now you’ve been pondering this. I do still think the train name was super cool, but glad that you are doing what makes you happy. Thank you for posting all of the awesomeness that you do.
Makes a lot of sense, Andrea. Thank you for explaining. Looking forward to everything you share from your Notebook.
Question: I’m currently following your blog through bloglovin, and want to make sure you don’t fall off my radar. Will your url change? Will I need to drop train to crazy and sign up for Andrea’s notebook??
Change is often a great thing, so happy transformation making!
Have followed you for at least a couple of years and truly enjoy all your posts. Andrea, Smandrea — life with children is definitely the train to crazy — you’re just at a rest top, where you almost feel sane again. Wait until they’re teenagers 😉 Keep up the excellent blog, no matter the name!!
I haven’t been able to sew at all since an accident in August. I’m recovering from shoulder surgery now and look forward to sewing again in a few months. I am 55 and have been sewing regularly since the age of 8 so you can imagine the withdrawals and depression. I have looked so forward to your posts. It’s truly sewing vicariously! Thanks!
I don’t read many blogs, but I look forward to yours. I will follow you where ever you go. Thanks for sharing all your greatness.
I’m so happy for you that you’ve decided for yourself where you want your blogging to go,as you move forward. I don’t think you owe anyone an explanation about why. Just make sure you let us know if/when the web address changes.
congrats on finding a new name! I did this years ago and moving on was so worth it. Thanks for sharing your story and I can’t wait to see what’s coming up next.
I love it and you are awesome! 🙂