10th Year Blogiversary Reflections!

Ten years ago on this day of September 15, I created my first quilt blog post! TEN years people! That's longer than most people commit to doing anything these days!


Probably the reason for my long term commitment is simply that I really enjoy it. Blogging combines a few of my favourite things -  writing, quilting (of course!) photography, and social connections to like-minded people. 
It is often a safe haven for me, where I ignore all the problems of my life and the world in general, and focus on what gives me joy. It has become part of my lifestyle, and I am happy to say that even after 10 years, I'm still all in! My ability to visit other blogs and be an active commenter waxes and wanes depending on my other commitments, but it's a big part of my blogging life.

Over the years I have learned so many techniques, read thousands of blog posts written by other bloggers, and started way too many projects because of the enticement of the beautiful projects I've seen. I have seen lots of bloggers come and go over the years and I've seen a lot of trending - hot new things that are here today and gone tomorrow. Everything is in a state of growth and change, including each of us as quilters, and the internet as a tool in our quilting adventures.

What I love about blogging:
*Socializing - the opportunity to meet quilters from around the world, take a peek inside their studio and see what they are creating in their lives. I have met so many wonderful humans over the years, and some I have even had the privilege to meet in real life! I also really love my Slow Sunday Stitching weekly party and virtual visits with like-minded stitchers.

*Beauty - I love to see beautiful photographs of quilting activities, fabric, quilters, and quilting adventures. 
*Learning - about the "must see" places in the quilting world, including the most inspiring quilt shows, and amazing quilting stores.
*Quiltalongs - I am a social quilter, and I really enjoy working on projects with other people, whether in real life or in cyberspace. It's fun to see many variations on a theme, and to watch projects develop that are similar yet so very different. I thrive on the positive energy that is generated by a group of creative people working on the same goal.

What I don't love about blogging:
*Overwhelm - I don't like feeling overwhelmed, but I have a tendency to overcommit my personal resources, and to underestimate how long a task will take to complete. At my quilt guild meeting this week Elaine Theriault called this "Delusional Doability"! SO true! This can make my life stressful at times, and I have been working on being more realistic about my time and energy. The blogging world presents endless enticement for creative endeavours, which forces me to set healthier boundaries for my own enjoyment, and to reduce feelings of overwhelm. (**Janet I can see you rolling your eyes and saying "Oh sure you are cutting back"!! I am... starting next week!)
*Advertising - there is definitely an increasing trend of "blogging as marketing tool/advertising". I pay money each month for the use of linky services for Slow Sunday Stitching, and have never made a cent from my blog. I blog because it enriches my life, not for profit. I dislike most kinds of advertising (although I do enjoy some of those creative Budweiser commercials!) and believe that most people don't comprehend the power and influence that advertising has in their lives. Most of the blogs I frequently read are written by regular quilters, ordinary people like myself, who quilt and blog for pure enjoyment. 

To celebrate my 10th blogiversary, I am happy to share some of my most recent fabric purchase with one of my blog readers. I bought the entire collection of Amanda Jean's new fabric line called "Good Neighbours".  Yep... bought the whole thing!
I have never done this before but I just love it and can't wait to start putting little bits in my Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks. This is a terrible photo of part of the fabrics and trust me... they are much prettier in real life! 

I also bought one huge hunk of this lovely fabric for a backing. Don't you just love the selvage edges?!? See the little cups??
If you want your name in the draw for the "Good Neighbours" (Canadians have to spell neighbours with a 'u'!) charm pack, leave me a comment below. I'll draw the winner in 10 days... good luck everyone!