So Tread Softly

sotreadsoftly.typepad.com

How did you find out about blogland and what motivated you to join in?
I remember searching for something on Google one day and up popped someone’s blog on the results page. I can’t remember who’s it was, I imagine it had something to do with vintage fashion, but I was intrigued. I’d discovered a wonderful world that seemed to be filled with like-minded people, people who were as passionate about vintage clothing as I was.

I’m from the UK and I ran an internet business called Vintage Wardrobe that sold clothes, accessories, textiles and a little bit of decor worldwide. I had a mailing list but was really bad at sending out regular updates so I thought that a blog would be a great way to let people know what was happening in my vintage world.

How long have you been blogging?
I uploaded my first post on 10th September 2005. Postings were pretty sporadic (a bit like the mailing list updates!) but I soon got into the habit of writing a piece for the blog once a week. It wasn’t until October that I received my first comment from a reader. At that stage I didn’t realize that comments could be left. I was sooo excited and promptly visited all my favourite blogs to leave comments.

Please tell us a little of what your blog is about
I relocated from the UK to NZ in September of last year and when we’d made the decision to move that’s when my blogging focus began to change. I closed down my business in preparation for the move and I then began to use the blog to share what I was making under the design label Agnes Coy Handmades. I’ve almost always made ’stuff’ and this was a great way to get feedback about my designs and to test the water so to speak.

Upon leaving the UK my blog became a bit of a lifeline for family and friends. They could check in at So Tread Softly and see what we were up to and that we were safe. People who are dear to us in the UK continue to check in regularly which is just lovely.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?
What I love most about blogging is being able to share our lives with loved ones in the UK. Photos play a big part in my posts. It’s important for us to share the HUGE experience of moving to a country on the other side of the world, with others. I’m married to a kiwi but he’s been in the UK with me for 12 years so it has been a big deal for him as well.

I have to admit to loving the comments that people leave especially if it’s someone who has never left one on my blog before. Whoever leaves comment I always whizz over to their blog and try to reciprocate.

Where in NZ are you based?
I’m in Carterton, Wairarapa. I’m used to living in a happening busy city so this really is the complete opposite. I love the simplicity of our life here, the slower pace, smiling at a stranger in the street and getting a smile back instead of a suspicious look, having fruit and vegetables only when they’re in season and waking up and marvelling at how the mountains look totally different every single day. I know that I’m lucky to live here.

Anything else you would like to say…
I was chuffed to bits to be asked to be part of Lovely Blogs. You’ve made me feel like an honorary Kiwi - thank you. [ Yay! thanks Alison :) ]