Three Years

Once upon a time I started a blog, solely for the purpose of getting more involved in the online quilting community. I was uncertain yet excited, and as with most journeys, I had no inkling of where blogging would take me. I did not foresee just how varied the experience would be, how meaningful the relationships, how downright motivated I would become.

At One Year and Two Years, I had already stretched and grown, and it isn't any different at three. I tried to come up with some really meaningful words for today, and I found myself cruising through old posts, stopping to read one now and then. And you know what? I find that I am bordering on speechlessness.

I can't seem to find the words to quite express how full life is because of all of you. To say that I find joy in sewing and sharing in this community of ours is in itself an understatement.

The fact that I actually just grabbed a tissue and dabbed my eyes tells, I guess, how much it means to be welcomed, accepted, and affirmed. It means alot. And it encourages me on. Who knows what this next year will bring. But with you in my corner, I can't wait to find out.

*This giveaway is now closed.* Celebrate with me just for a moment, won't you? We'll have a little giveaway . . . Just leave a comment on this post, and on Sunday night, I'll choose a random winner to receive a $40 credit to Knotted Threads, one of my favorite online shops . . . a small token with a heart full of gratitude behind it. So it is.

Two Years

Two years ago today, I took a deep breath, and created A Quilter's Table. At One Year, I shared about my blogging journey through that first year, and of course, the journey has continued and expanded.

What I love about a journey is that no matter how well you plan, there are usually elements of surprise, new experiences you could not have anticipated, and often growth in unexpected ways. And this last year has held all of that for me.

The first block swap hosted by A Quilter's Table was a roaring success, and as overwhelming as it was at times, totally fun. And now I'm in the midst of the Triple-Zip Along, which is proving to be equally enjoyable, and honestly, the whole side-trip with the Triple-Zip has been one of those "who would have thought" experiences that continues to reap rewards.

 

When I began blogging, I never could have imagined the great friendships that would be forged, and to actually meet many of those friends this past year has been a pleasure beyond words.

 

I still find surprise around every corner, it seems. Whether it's the month's batch of bee blocks, a sew-along that pops up, new techniques I find to try, or sweet comments that just make my day. All of that is just so gratifying.

 

Thank you for being part of this last year's journey. You know darned well we're in this together, and it all wouldn't be so wonderful without our individual contributions. The community we've built is an amazing thing, and I'm honored to be a part of it with all of you.

 

So again Thank You! I'd love to mark this occasion at A Quilter's Table with a little giveaway. Considering fabric is never far from my mind, and probably yours too, I thought a gift certificate would be appropriate. So celebrate with me by leaving a comment on this post, and on Saturday, I'll choose a random winner to receive a $40 gift certificate to Pink Chalk Fabrics. ***This giveaway is now closed. Thank you!***

 

Have a great day, and savor the journey.

One Year

I'm very fond of the word "journey": suggesting travel or passage from one place to another. We're all on journeys, aren't we? I certainly feel like this past year of blogging has been a sort of journey for me. Began somewhat hesitantly, just wanting to participate more fully in the online quilting community, my journey has brought me to a place of increased proficiency, connection with new friends, and expanded vision. My quilting has gone from being a hobby to a source of calm and keen pleasure, and blogging has helped make that happen.

Quilt-alongs, swaps, and bees have all been components; flickr has become a frequent companion; and affirmation has come through comments, "explores", features, and of course, conversations with you. My circle of like-minded quilters has grown from several to hundreds. And the joy I find in creating has grown exponentially.

I've appreciated the forum for sharing my love of the table. Though comparatively a smaller portion of my blog, it is no less important to me, and I'm grateful for those who have joined me around the table.

When it comes right down to it, I have you to thank for this year of growth and creativity. It's you that have spurred me on to projects I never could have imagined before. It's you that have encouraged me to be myself, that my craft has value. And it's you that have affirmed my journey itself. Thank you.

Will you join me in a little celebratory give-away to mark the one year anniversary of A Quilter's Table? It's a pleasure to offer this little bundle to one of you. After mulling over all sorts of fabric choices, I finally chose some fat-quarters of Malka Dubrawsky's new line, A Stitch in Color, which says 'modern' to me and represents stretching and growing. And I can't help but throw in my new favorite tool, a little hera marker - you need one!

Just leave a comment telling a bit about your quilting or crafting adventure. I'll choose a random winner some time Thursday. And again, I truly thank you for sharing the journey.