So you want to start a blog?

I have been doing websites since 1996, and each summer I challenge myself to learn something new. Summer is website time for me because it's too hot in Texas to go outside.

In March, I re-launched Lucysfabrics.com with a brand new e-commerce platform (the fourth, counting the old eBay store). At the time I didn't focus much on the graphics so I re-did them this week. I wish I got paid to download free fonts and brushes, because that is pretty much all I did in my spare time this month!

Then I decided to take on upgrading Texoma Bully Breed Outreach and re-doing those graphics also. Whoa! I have fallen head over heels in love with WordPress 2.8 and a new theme. I can't wait to apply what I learned on my personal site.

You don't have to go theme, font, and Photoshop brush crazy like I do to have a blog. The blog you are reading now uses Blogger, a Google product. This is by far the easiest to use. You never have to worry about upgrading software, and the set up process is basically just point and click. If you can use Microsoft Word, Blogger should be a snap. An advantage for business users is that your posts should begin showing up in Google search results almost immediately.

Blogger is free and is adequate for a personal or basic blog. I don't care for the image-handling or the design control Blogger offers, however. Another option is the free version of WordPress hosted by WP. I believe this will eliminate the need to upgrade but I can't speak to how much flexibility the free version has. My fully-featured WP software is included with my website hosting package, so it was essentially free but has no limitations.

If you want to have multiple authors, WordPress is a must. The free version allows up to 35 authors/editors. You can set different permission levels for individuals, and set posts and pages to draft or password protected. Your team members can edit the blog without messing up the code or design.

If anyone has questions about blogging, please feel free to ask me. I love to talk about nerdy things!

30% off Sale Extended through Monday

30% off sale extended through Monday August 3!
The "Sale" and Bottom-Weight knit fabric categories are an additional 30% off. And as always there is free shipping on orders of $75 or more in the Continental USA, so now is a good time to stock up for Fall.

The sale price does not show up until you add the item to your shopping cart and view the cart. The old price is crossed out and the new price shows, along with a message confirming that you saved 30%.

This means for example that the Rayon blend double knit is is now $8.05/yd instead of $11.50/yd. Customers love this fabric because it is easy to work with, is wrinkle-resistant, and can be machine-washed.

For more casual garments, check out the brushed jersey knit in several colors, which is made from pre-consumer recycled cotton. If the pattern requires just a little give and not spandex, it is good for tops, hoodies and lounge pants - a little like fleece but lighter. It is a good price at $6.25/yd. and even better at $4.38/yd.

And if you have not checked out the recycled cotton knit fabrics, do! Several of my art-to-wear and custom clothier customers are using it.