Hi & Welcome.
My name is Fran and this site is my personal blog. Why? I enjoy recording and sharing my crafting, sewing and techie projects and ideas. I also love finding great Canadian and local sewing and crafting sources. I keep my lists updated on this site. You will also see posts about a lot of different things that interest me or that I’m in the process of making or learning. You are welcome to come along for the ride.
My main interests (at the moment) are making textile things, sublimation projects, building and maintaining websites, like this site, and enjoying my family and dogs.
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
Carl Sagan
But Really, Why?
After years of having hobbies focused primarily on internet coding and technology, I accidentally sewed something adventurous in 2017 and I really, really enjoyed it ( I know, late bloomer!). Since then, I have been sewing almost daily and I still get such a kick out of finishing a project. My mum would be shocked! So, really I’m a sewing newbie. Sewing is a skill, absolutely, but there is also a ton of complicated and technical information to learn as well: types of needles, threads, fabric composition, standards, machines, including VSM (vintage sewing machines). Enough technical and deep learning information to warm the hard core of any techies’ heart!
My Domain Name
And I am a techie at heart. The wicks.ca website has gone through many iterations since 2001 when I first bought the domain name. For years, I hand-coded every line in HTML using Allaire’s Homesite software. I upped my game with browser-side JavaScript and all its challenges. Then I moved into server-side scripting with custom databases, MySQL and PHP. Eventually, I offered website development services to friends, family and clients and became proficient with Adobe’s Photoshop and illustrator and hundreds of software programs in support of my habit.
At first, I laughed in the face of all-in-one packages like WordPress or Drupal as any “real” website developer would. I write my own code thank you very much! However, as the technology evolved, I had to break out of these habits and face the truth: WordPress had grown into this incredible functional and flexible CMS – all free!
At my last check, there were 60,283 WordPress plugins to add endless functionality and customization! In 2022, 43% of all websites on the internet are using WordPress. So, I dumped my old sites and dug deep into the WordPress. Now, years later, I can still say that WordPress is the best way for anyone, coder and non-coders alike, to build a website today.
Oh, I also use and highly recommend Web Host Canada for hosting and domain registration in Canada. They have their servers IN CANADA. This means we are not subject to another country’s laws of data collection. They run green too. Sure, sure, sure, Fran, all that is great, but I have a business to run. Well, they also have super fast servers, great pricing and even their support is incredible – in both official languages. I do love WHC!
About Me
I worked for over 30 years in the federal government – the last 15 of them as a national project manager. Married since 1982, I have two incredible and interesting grown children. On August 20, 2020, we welcomed a little girl, Rhea, into our hearts and we are now have the fabulous titles of Grandma and Grandad!
My husband and I also share our days with two lovely Boston Terriers, Jazzy and Tuppence.
Wanna Hang out; Grab a Coffee?
I offer two ways for you to stay in touch with me and the content I post on this site.
First, you can follow me on any of the social media links below.
Secondly, you can sign up for my newsletter. It includes a roundup of list updates and new content on my blog. Sign-up form below.
Thanks for listening. Talk soon.