iStitch

Wednesday, 31 December 2008

I've survived one year!

Today, exactly one year ago I started my blog! If you visited me during the early days you might remember the above picture was on my header and I had a very basic blog look. My first posting (here) had eighteen comments; the first comment by Deb (my blog mentor). During the year I have had over 24,000 visitors; made 192 posts, had two giveaways; joined a few stitching/exchange groups (and lost count of the number of exchanges I have taken part in); joined my first Round Robin (QFRR)(where my original piece went missing); read 35 books and listened to 5 audio books; placed many (I wonder exactly how many?) stitches in many projects and started a new group for 2009 (here) (which group is already full!) But most of all I have 'met' the most wonderful people. Some of these people have become close friends (and some I have learned to keep at a distance!) but all in all I have had a brilliant year.

And now ... the bit you have been waiting for ... my blogaversay giveaway. I had hoped to have something stitched and finished so I could post a picture but .. the best laid plans etc .. so yes I am having a celebratory giveaway but this will be a surprise, not only to you but to me too!! But trust me I will send the winner something stitched by me plus some extra goodies. All you need to do is enter a comment (on this post only) that you wish to go into the draw. This draw is open to one and all, even those that lurk although, if you have no blog, please leave an email address in the comment. As it's a busy time of the year I will leave the drawing until January 14 which should give everyone a chance to enter (and give me time to stitch the prize). Good luck.

To everyone who has visited me in the past year, to those who have left such lovely comments and especially to those who have become my 'friends' ... I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Thanks for visiting (and please come again in 2009)

Take care

72 Comments:

On 31 December 2008 at 12:26, Melissa

Hi Carol,

Has it been only one year? You have accomplished a lot! Congratulations! I hope I will do half as much by one year. I would love to be involved in your draw.

Happy New Year!
On 31 December 2008 at 12:41, Suburban Stitcher

Well, I've only recently discovered your blog, but congrats on a great year! I'd love to be included in the drawing!
On 31 December 2008 at 12:46, Nima

congratulations....you can be proud that you used your time very well.

Thank you for organizing a draw. Please do add me for the draw.
On 31 December 2008 at 13:16, Yuko

Hi my SMILe!
Happy blogoversary!
I'm happy that I could meet you this year!
And hope you and Ken and your family will have a wonderful year 2009!!!
I would like to be entered for drawing, please!

((hugs))

Yuko
On 31 December 2008 at 14:01, Susimac

Great accomplishments for your first year - its wonderful.

Can I be included please in your blogversary giveaway.
On 31 December 2008 at 14:02, Nina

Congratulations!!! And happy blogoversary!

And I wish you a very happy new year and all the best for 2009!

Your giveaway sounds so nice, please enter me.

Hugs from Hungary,
Nina
On 31 December 2008 at 14:06, Danielle

Congrats on your year anniversary! It's a big deal. And I am in awe that you read 35 books this year. I am just getting back into reading and I love it! Please enter me into your drawing.
On 31 December 2008 at 14:26, Meghann

Happy New Year! I'm a lurker, please enter me in your giveaway.
Thank you.
On 31 December 2008 at 15:11, Cindy

Congratulations on one year of blogging!

Please enter me in the drawing :)
On 31 December 2008 at 15:13, Anonymous

Happy Blogiversary and a very Happy New Year!!
On 31 December 2008 at 15:46, Paisley

Congratulations on your first year of blogging and all you've accomplished! Looking forward to another year!

Please include me in your drawing, and have a Happy New Year!
On 31 December 2008 at 15:49, CarolG

Congratulations on your one year! I don't have a blog but think I might start one in January. I would love to be entered into your drawing. Thank you so much!
cgrierson@hersheys.com
On 31 December 2008 at 16:02, Karoline

Congratulations on your first year of blogging. I would love to be included in your draw
On 31 December 2008 at 16:58, Anita

You have a lot of wonderful stitching here in the past year. Happy blog anniversary. I would love to be included in the drawing. How exciting.
On 31 December 2008 at 17:27, Barb

Wow Carol what a lot you have achieved,I am not brave enough yet to join the world of blogging but you can leave me a message on the board at Jaynes Attic if you need my e mail addy as I would love to be entered into your draw Thankyou for the chance to take part. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Barb
On 31 December 2008 at 18:33, Nic

Happy blogoversary and Happy New Year too!
On 31 December 2008 at 19:35, Cindy F.

Happy Blogaversary Carol!!! Your accomplishments are inspiring.
I wish for you a most wonderful, healthy and prosperous 2009!

and thanks for the opportunity to be in your give-a-way:)
On 31 December 2008 at 19:41, angelasweby

Carol,
What a lovely way you had of starting a new year. Now, a year on and with so many experiences behind you, I expect you are a mentor to many others. I know you have helped me a lot even in the short time we have known each other and, for that, I am very grateful. Many happy returns to your blog. Wishing you (and us) many many more years of pleasure ahead.
Please enter me for your draw. It sounds really exciting :>)
Hugs, Angela
On 31 December 2008 at 19:55, doris

Congratulations on quite an accomplishment! Since I've just started, to see what you've done helps to motivate me. Thanks very much for that. I'd appreciate being included in your drawing. Happy New Year!
On 31 December 2008 at 20:45, Cole

Congratulations! I'm a lurker who's started with blogging and exchanges and am very excited to do so! I've come across your blog and many others and am awestruck at the beautiful work and amazing generosity I've seen in the land of stitching bloggers :)

I would love to be included in your giveaway, thank you for the chance!
On 31 December 2008 at 21:01, Edgar

Dear Carol - congrats on the 1 year!!!! please enter me in your super surprise drawing!!!! I just love Hannah!!!! and can not wait to see Miss Potter!! Have a great New Year!!

edgar
On 31 December 2008 at 22:50, Daffycat

Happy Blogoversary, Carol! Congratulations on your first year!

Enter me in the draw, please!
On 31 December 2008 at 23:31, Carol

This comment has been removed by the author.
On 31 December 2008 at 23:34, Carol

Happy Blogaversary!! I'm looking forward to the 2009 Christmas challenge. Thanks for organizing it! I'd love to be in your drawing. ~ Carol H in VA (sorry about the boo boo post, too many typos, LOL)
On 1 January 2009 at 00:12, tangerinedream73

Congrats on your anniversary! So glad to have met you. Your friendship brightened my year!
On 1 January 2009 at 00:25, mainely stitching

Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it? :D Best wishes for the next year!!

I'd love to be entered in your drawing.
On 1 January 2009 at 01:32, valerie

Woo! One year already?! Hard to believe! Congratulations on surviving blogland! I am so very happy and proud to call you my friend.

Happy New Year and please enter me in your draw ::fingers crossed::
On 1 January 2009 at 02:44, DaisyGirl

Happy New Year!!!! You have had a busy year!
I'd love to be included in the drawing!
Donna
On 1 January 2009 at 03:00, Heidi

Wow Carol! Only one year? ..and you've done so many wonderful things! Count me in on your draw and I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work.

Happy New Year, and many hugs from icy Holland,
heidi
On 1 January 2009 at 04:12, Ellen

Happy blogoversary and New Year. I would love to be included in the draw. Love to have something stitch by you, always admire your stitchings.

Hugs
On 1 January 2009 at 06:03, Elizabeth MacGregor-Kirkcaldy

Congratulations on such wonderful accomplishments, Carol! Your blog is always a delight and your stitching and finishing simply beautiful! Please enter me in your drawing.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful, stitchy New Year!
On 1 January 2009 at 07:44, Sandra

Happy New Year Carol. I would love to be entered in your draw please, I don't have a blog, but my email address is in my blogger profile (just in case).
On 1 January 2009 at 10:14, Anonymous

well done for all you have achieved in the past year and thanks for all the help you have given over the past months.. i would love to enter your giveaway thanks again carol and happy new year may your stitches be many and blessed
On 1 January 2009 at 11:07, Anonymous

May this new year be filled with joy, peace and happiness! My best wishes to you and yours!
And happy blogoversary! :)
On 1 January 2009 at 11:21, Janaina

was a true delight to follow yours works here, Carol. Such an endless source of inspiration! =)
Congrats on the blogversary and please include my name on the drawing! =)
Hope the next 364 days we have ahead may be filled with finishes and new friends for both of us!
Hugs from sunny Brazil!
On 1 January 2009 at 21:00, staci

Happy Blogiversary Carol! Your blog is such a joy to read and I your stitching an inspiration! You've accomplished a lot in the short span of a year, here's to many more!!!

A very Happy New Year to you and your family!!!
On 1 January 2009 at 22:00, Hazel

Woohoo! What a lot you did last year. I would love to be entered into your draw. You have been very inspiring. xx
On 2 January 2009 at 09:00, Simone

A year already? I remember you had some "alcoholic" problems when you started ;))) Congratulations and please enter me in your drawing!
Happy New Year!
On 2 January 2009 at 15:16, Chiloe

Happy new year full of wonderful stitching !!! :)
On 2 January 2009 at 20:56, glamlawlib

Wow! You've really taken to blogging in a big way :) I'd like to be entered into your giveaway!

Good luck for the next year!
On 2 January 2009 at 21:18, Rachel

Congrats on your blog anniversary! I just got through a year on mine as well!!

I would love to be entered for your give away. You always stitch the most wonderful things :)

Have a great new year!!
On 2 January 2009 at 23:15, Miokka

Congratulations on your blogoversary! You accomplishd a lot this past year!
Well done!
xoxo
~~Martha~~
On 3 January 2009 at 02:58, Melody

Carol; congratulations on your first year of blogging.

Please include me in your drawing.

Thanks.

Melody
On 3 January 2009 at 14:10, Patricia Lessell

Happy happy Blogaversary Carol. I just love your blog, but I think you know that as so many of us do and I can't believe it's only been a year :0) I would love to be included in all the other people for your draw please? Lots of Love and a very Happy & Healthy New Year Patti xxx
On 4 January 2009 at 00:07, Lisa V

WOW, doesn't time fly!! Congratulations.
I would love to be entered in your draw.
Thank you.
On 4 January 2009 at 20:07, Margaret

HI Carol. Congratulations on your one year anniversary. I'd love to be included in your giveaway.
On 5 January 2009 at 00:55, Michele B.

Somehow I missed this post - Happy Blogiversary. For many reasons, I'm glad you have it, mostly because you have become a friend and mentor to me, and I so appreciate your presence in my life. Thank you!
On 5 January 2009 at 04:18, Anonymous

Count me among your 24,000 visitors. I've enjoyed discovering your blog this year and admiring all of your wonderful finishes. Happy blogaversary to you!
On 6 January 2009 at 13:56, All things beautiful

Wow, all that in one year, CONGRATS!!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us. And yes, I would love to join in the draw. Thanks.
On 6 January 2009 at 23:16, Michele

Congrats Carol! I always enjoy visting your blog. Hope 2009 is a great year for you!

and of course add me to your drawing .. please :)
On 7 January 2009 at 13:18, Wendy

Happy Blog-aversary, Carol!
On 8 January 2009 at 03:48, Cathy B

Well, I may as well join in on the fun too! Congratulations on your blogaversary!
On 8 January 2009 at 21:01, msstitch01

Congratulations on your first anniversary of blogging. I would love to be included in the draw for one of your beautifully stitched pieces.
On 9 January 2009 at 03:40, Marlon

I've only just begun being a somewhat regular blog poster. The fact that you've kept it up for a whole year is terific!
Thanks for sending me to your blog it's gorgeous :)

Please include me in your anniversary drawing.

Wishing you and your feathery friend the very best in 2009

Hugs, Marlon
On 9 January 2009 at 20:31, Sonda

Happy Blogoversary! Please add me to your draw. Anything from you is sure to be lovely!
On 9 January 2009 at 23:26, Solstitches

Congratulations on your blogaversary.
It's always a pleasure to see what you've been stitching.
I'd love to be entered into the drawing please.

Margaret
On 10 January 2009 at 23:13, Meari

Congrats on blogging for one year! Hard to believe... it goes by so fast, doesn't it!

Oh, and Happy New Year!!

And.. yeah, include me in the drawing, too!!
On 12 January 2009 at 15:27, VegasJilly

congrats on your blogoversary!! i love reading your posts and seeing your wips! giveaway is super cute!!
On 12 January 2009 at 16:28, Anne Sans Tete

Happy anniversary! I love the giveaway piece- it is darling! Please enter me!
On 12 January 2009 at 17:41, Von

A year already?! Congrats! Looking forward to many more years of lovely stitching. :) Please include me in your drawing.
On 12 January 2009 at 17:57, Theresa

Congratulations on your one year blogoversary!!!!!! Your works are such an inspiration to me~ Keep them coming!!! I would love to enter your draw. Thank you!!

Theresa
On 12 January 2009 at 18:04, Dovilė

I'm happy to find you as "our passion" friend this year:D
Have a good and happy year!
and please add me to the drawing:)
On 12 January 2009 at 19:08, Annemarie

Hi Carol, I've been away for a bit, but I believe I am just in time to wish you a very happy blogaversary! I just wanted to say that you're an inspiration to many a stitcher out there. I know you are to me! I would love it if you could enter my name in the drawing. Your birdie gift is gorgeous! It reminds me a bit of a Fremme design I've just ordered :o)
On 12 January 2009 at 21:30, Kathy

Happy Blogaversary!!!! The piece you stitched for your prize is gorgeous. I love the colors and your finishing is beautiful. I would love to be included in the drawing.

Happy New Year and Happy anniversay.
On 13 January 2009 at 03:08, DonnaTN

Congratulations on your Blogoversary! I would be thrilled to be included in your drawing.
On 13 January 2009 at 08:14, Taijuska

Happy anniversary! I love the giveaway piece, it is nice! Please enter me! (www.taijuska.vuodatus.net)
On 13 January 2009 at 08:15, Taijuska

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
On 13 January 2009 at 10:05, Anonymous

Happy blogoversary!
Please enter me in the drawing :)
On 13 January 2009 at 18:13, Sadie

Congratulations on your first blogoversary. I would love to be entered in your draw. Your work is beautiful.
On 13 January 2009 at 21:01, traciottawa

Congratulations on your blog reaching one year! I love your stitching!
On 14 January 2009 at 02:01, WendyJo

Congratulations Carol on your blogoversary. Please enter me in your drawing.

Wishing you and Ken all the best in 2009.
On 14 January 2009 at 05:12, Belinda Y

Congratulations on a year of blogging! I would love to enter your giveaway. Happy stitching in 2009!