Yes, I’ve been blogging for one year today!  That’s 155 posts!  476 comments (thank you!)!  And my most viewed post ever was just yesterday (274 views!), so I can’t stop now.  I’m clearly on a roll!

Looking back at my purposes for starting a blog, I find that I’ve at least begun to accomplish much of what I set out to do.  I know that I’m just a little blip on the quilt blogging radar, but I’ve really “met” a lot of nice people from several countries.  Quilters are so positive and encouraging!  It’s a nice community of which to be a part.  I’ve enjoyed linking up to parties and groups at Patchwork Times, Freshly Pieced, Crazy Mom Quilts, Celtic Thistle Stitches, and A Quilting Reader’s Garden, as well as discovering far too many great bloggers who’ve linked to those sites.  It seems like I’m always behind and don’t comment often enough, but I truly appreciate my commenters.  Thank you, it would be hard talking to an empty room.

I’ve enjoyed taking part in Flicker groups:  Fresh Modern Quilts, Stash Pact II: Electric Bugaloo, Project Hope Online Quilt Show, and To Boston With Love.

I’ve probably shown too much of my own work, but I have done a couple of tutorials, and linked to some charitable and memorial giving.  We had far too much need for that this year, but it felt good when you let me know that you were inspired to contribute, too.

I thought all my cats would help with this project, but clearly it’s been Yuri who’s been the star.  I relay all your admiration to him.

My sewing skills have improved and I’ve done some things outside my comfort zone.  I’m not very patient about the photography, but it’s taught me much about light and the way it changes through the seasons.  I’ve added Snapseed and Picasso to my tablet to have some fun with the photos.  This blog had brought some traffic to my Etsy shop, too.

It was exciting to have my quilt, Hot Summer Cabins, published in Southern Weddings Magazine.  Hard to see, but exciting.

Another high point came when one of my baby quilts went home with a little premature baby.  Sigh.

It hasn’t been an easy year for me personally, but I’ve found a ton of support and laugher from the #Twilters on Twitter.  We all cheer each other on emotionally, quitily, and health-wise.  I’ve lost fifteen pounds this year and I’m now walking three miles most days, spurred on by our #qhc (quilters health check), and #QuiltBits (our FitBit pedometer group).  Together we’ve taken a lot of steps.  We’ve also had some great Sew-Ins.  These ladies rock.

I guess the only thing missing has been the free fabric from major companies.  Eh, they’d probably just expert me to sew something with it, and I’m pretty busy already.

Thanks, everyone!  And please keep reading!