This marks my 100th post. And there are really two people responsible-
It was late early Spring 2005 and I really wanted the gnome fabric by Munki Munki that had been out the previous season. I had investigated all known local avenues turning up nothing, and one night checked the internet. I googled something and stumbled upon Hillary's blog. I was confused at first about what I was reading, but not for long. Wee Wonderfuls blew me away, and I eventually told her so. Seemed like every day I checked in, there was a new, gorgeous, original, beautifully made project. And almost a year into reading Hillary's daily crafting adventures, I still find myself anxiously clicking over when my bloglines signal a new post. One of the things I love best about Hillary and her blog is the fact that she has such a distinctive style, in her writing, her creations, the look of her site, it all ties together. She has a confidence about what she likes and doesn't like. She seems to have done it with little effort (at least from the outside), and I think its all to do with the passion she has for what she does.
Several months into blog reading (lurking, really) Peter had
just come home from Japan and had brought back tons of crafting goodies. I timidly emailed Hillary one day and suggested a swap. Now, mind you, Hillary didn't know me from any stranger on the street, I really wouldn't have been surprised if she'd refused (I'm not sure if I'd ever even commented on her blog at that point). But she agreed and I was over the moon! That's when this guy
came to live with me-
WR-1138. I can't help but smile when I pass by this wee robot. He is in a prominent place in our house. When he arrived, Peter and I agreed that this is the type of thing we want out around our house, handmade, really original things.
From Hillary's I found Stephanie's. little birds...ah, little birds. I have such a soft spot for this blog and for Steph. I love reading about her beautiful family. She incorporates such style and grace into her writing. She infuses crafting and creativity into her daily life, whether on her own or with her kids, and this is similar to what I attempt in my own life. Plus Miles and Mia are almost the same age as my kids, so I felt like she was a sort of kindred spirit I'd never met. I am so glad you are back to posting on your blog again Stephanie. Something was definitely missing with you being away.
And now look what is living here at our house (shhhhh don't tell Emma)-
A sweet little lamb made by Stephanie for Emma's Easter basket (Ian's will have a stuffy too, but I'll tell you about that later). In all it's tiny stitches-itty-bitty-bell-pink-and-green-ribbon glory. It is just perfection, every inch. This little lamb was a long time in coming, the first one Stephanie made and mailed to me never showed up. It vanished into thin air it seems. (Steph, I'm still peeking out the door every day on lamb watch, by the way). We waited, wondered, I checked with neighbors, till finally we gave up and she made me another one. This one is safely in our hands. Luckily, Stephanie had insured the first package she sent, so she could at least get reimbursed. A lesson for all of us selling and shipping handmade things that this is the reality of what can happen.
At first I would check blogs only occasionally and it took me at least a month before I ever even knew to click on the comments, duh! But before long I began a new routine of sitting down with my morning coffee and checking/lurking. I was utterly awestruck at this world I'd stumbled onto. All these people, so creative, talented, and inspiring. All the things I was interested in here in my little part of the world! Its hard to classify what we do and post about on our blogs to someone in our real lives who doesn't really "get it". I have found myself muttering "I...make things, all kinds of things." But craft blogs gave so much validity to what I enjoyed doing every day. You girls were serious! I loved it.
So finally I jumped in. Hillary answered my mundane questions, directed me to some appropriate avenues for what I was making at the time (like Kim's Modern Quilt Along with my Once Upon a Time quilt, and Maitreya for my 1st patchwork handbag). The thread went on from there, and still goes on.
100 posts later, why did I start my blog? I loved the act of recording the creative process the way a blog can. It was an unexpected bonus for me to find my own style laid out before me on my blog. I wanted the opportunity to participate in a talented world. (I believe we are a very powerful force in this crafting world, and if I were still in the industry I would definitely take notice.) I valued the support of the commenters, the encouragement of fellow bloggers, and let's face it- I love the "wow" from you guys. Someone who "gets it" likes it! My husband and family are supportive in their own way of what I create,
but I will be the first to admit that the cheers I get from you guys
are the ones that really make me blush. I respect and value what you guys have to say, because you're doing it too, you understand the process. Plus, how
excited can I expect Peter to be over a purse for crying out
loud?
I won't gush again over the amazing relationships I've formed with people all over the world since the start of this blog. I consider you all part of a wider circle of friends than I could have
ever wished for. And, although I'm fairly new to this circle, I have
benefitted in ways I never imagined. You all have so much to share and have shared your generosity with me. Thank you for reading and supporting my ramblings, it means so much.
In celebration of my 100th post, I will randomly draw 3 commenter's names (commenters on this post) out of a hat and mail you a large swatch of the newsprint fabric I made this flower from. I'll draw the names on Monday night 9:00 pst.
p.s.- The top photo is my first paper flower from the Paper Source kit I ordered. Oh, these are addictive.