My goodness. That's a decade!
I remember giving considerable thought to choosing a blog name. I kept pondering a particular Bible devotion from Psalm 92:12-13 that explained how a palm tree grows, thrives, and becomes stronger by withstanding storms - an analogy of life. I have always been fascinated by palms and the many varieties and appearances they take, but a pun was undeniable - how I use my palms to flourishingly create. Since my blog would be mostly about how and what I make, it was clear that Psalm 92:12-13 would be my verse.
The righteous will flourishing like a palm tree... planted in the house of the Lord.If you visit my first blog post, you'll see that on that day ten years ago I lived in Iowa, and my hands made Pavlova, an Australian dessert that's traditionally made on January 26 to celebrate Australia Day. (Happy Australia Day, friends!) Visiting Australia was important ten years ago because our daughter lived in Sydney, and it's where our first grandson was born.
Now, 937 blog posts later (47 posts were about time spent in Sydney, Australia) I live in Florida where I continue to write about my flourishing palms, and a different life where I live among palms. How ironic is that?!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
Question: What do you do to celebrate a blogiversary?
Answer: Host a giveaway! Of course.
I was thrilled when once again PineappleFabrics agreed to sponsor this blog giveaway.As proof that I buy from PineappleFabrics.com here's a picture of a yardage order I received earlier this week - a needed re-stash of some solid being used in my temperature quilt. On the right are Painter's Palette Solids, and on the left is one of Pineapple Fabric's colorful 3-yard 108"-wide quilt backs called "Lava Lamps."
- First, the hand is beautiful - not as thick as another brand, and certainly not sheer.
- Second, they don't bleed. As a fabric pre-washer, I'm careful to include a color catcher in the load. I've only seen white color catchers come out of the washer when I've washed Painter's Palette Solids.
- Third, PineappleFabric.com has the lowest PPS online price I've found at $6.99 a yard.
All 168 colors of Painter's Palette Solids are made by PBSFabrics.com in Kansas City, Missouri.
Giveaway
- This FABRIC giveaway is open only to US residents. (I'm so sorry. But read to the end of this post!)
- Two winners will receive Painter's Palette Solids!
- One person will get 6 one-yard cuts of fabric
- One person will get 12 fat quarters and a Painter's Palette color card
For those of you who live outside the US, you too can enter to win a book!
Fox Chapel Publishing, the company that now owns Landauer Publishing (Landauer published my First Time Quiltmaking book in 2006), will give one winner a print book of your choice! How generous is that?!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
- Comment to enter for one of these three prizes by answering any of these questions:
- What are you looking for when you read a blog?
- If you're on Instagram, what do you like to see there?
- What book or author should I listen to while I sew and quilt?
- This giveaway closes Tuesday, January 29 at 9 pm Eastern time. Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you, if you win! (Many of you who comment are "no-reply commenters," and you don't know it.)
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
My sincerest thanks for a decade's worth of online friendships.
Please visit the blog of my New Zealand friend, Wendy:
WendysQuiltsandMore
Wendy leads a blogger's Peacock Party every Friday, and she is also celebrating five years of blogging. You don't want to miss the chance to enter the giveaway she's hosting! Linda
Please visit the blog of my New Zealand friend, Wendy:
WendysQuiltsandMore
Wendy leads a blogger's Peacock Party every Friday, and she is also celebrating five years of blogging. You don't want to miss the chance to enter the giveaway she's hosting! Linda
Basically, I read blogs for inspiration and information. I love to see what quilters are doing, especially when they explain their techniques.
ReplyDeleteI love Painters Palette solids and I buy them from Pineapple Fabrics to 👌💓 when I read a blog I'm looking for... succinct summaries of a concept not wordy waffle.
ReplyDeleteI’m looking for inspiration from a blog! I’m looking to share life on IG
ReplyDeleteI think It is Hello Atelier with Betsy Blodgett! I adore Painter’s Palette solids 💜
Very good to know about the solids! When I’m on IG I like to see pretty things. They can be just a simple block or a finished quilt. I just like to look to see fabric combos that I like/dislike and start to figure out my own style.
ReplyDeleteI love blogs that are fun, light hearted and inspirational. I can appreciate all styles of quilts and it fascinates me to see how others create! Painter's Palette Solids are amazing! I'd love to dig my hands into this pile of gorgeous fabric! Congrats on 10 blogging years...that in itself is amazing!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on ten threads of blogging!
ReplyDeleteI love blogs that teach me something new and also invite me in to the blogger's life. I also like reading about the ups and downs of a project and any tips to make it go smoother.
Sandy A
Scotty4me39 (at) yahoo .com
I love to read blogs that focus on quilting and read like a newsy letter from a distant friend or relative. Ones that give you a glimpse into the life of the quilter, their hopes and dreams for their creations, and sometimes a tutorial into a new block. Congratulations on ten years of blogging!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy all things made on instagram-parts of the process and finished projects.-even the mistakes made as to show you’re human too! And shares of your knowledge with all of your quilting experience.
ReplyDeleteI like to read quilting blogs that have lots of eye candy & how-to's, not always full-out tutorials, but how they solved a problem, or where they got their inspiration, plus some personal stuff that grounds them in the real world. Happy 10th anniversary.
ReplyDeleteOn IG, I love to see the work either in progress or finished. I also like to see or read how someone was inspired to make what they make. Plus, if there’s a tip or trick in there it’s the cherry on top. Thanks for sharing your work there!
ReplyDeleteI love to see the beautiful designs and colors other quilters post on Instagram . l also love to read blogs that show techniques and share how to pick color combinations. Love reading about what is happening in other parts of the world too. I haven't tried Painter's Palette yet, guess I need to.
ReplyDeleteHi, I usually read a blog as a follow up from instagram... to see more photos of a quilt, and to get the rest of the story. I look to blogs for tutorials and inspiration. I haven't sewn with a lot of solids, I'd love to give these a try! Congratulations on 10 years. I liked the story of how you chose your name.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading blogs that are inspirational, have a great tips and photos of quilts in progress and completed. Thank you for sharing your beautiful quilts!
ReplyDeleteI look for inspiration from beautiful quilts posted, and for instructions on techniques. I like to listen to Folk Alley when I sew. Congrats on your 10 years!
ReplyDeleteI love looking at interesting quilts and works in progress, both in IG and in blogs. Congrats on 10 years!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years of blogging. I came across your blog when I was browsing Modern Quilts, and I have been following your blog for almost 5 years. Your designs are inspiring, and your blog is very informative. Oh, Congratulations on the award ribbons at The Villages quilt show. My plan was to get her and hopefully see you to say hello, but life happens and plans change. Donna Weeks aka Momma Llama (dweeks4602@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations on 10 years. I found you on instagram. I just started quilting so I was searching for a couple people to follow for ideas. I love seeing your work especially the way that you arrange blocks differently to give the quilt a totally different look.
ReplyDeleteAnother idea from some other quilters I follow is to post short video clips of a quilting technique or how you put a block together. (Njrwedding2017@gmail.com)
Congratulations Linda! What a milestone. I never thought about the analogy on your own hands with your blog name...so appropriate! I’m so thankful for coming across your blog and the friendship we share because of it. I look forward to seeing you again soon in Nashville! To answer one of your questions, I go to Instagram for eye candy and inspiration as a follower. Too many selfies and I’m moving on! I’m looking forward to your next 10 years of inspiring us with your beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteI love to see tutorials and tips/tricks to avoid errors while piecing.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to see all the creative quilts that bloggers make. Yours are especially fun.Congrats on 10 years.
Congratulations! 10 years of blogging is quite an achievement! I enjoy blogs for depth and insight into a project - whether it works or not. I feel like I get to know a bit more about a person and their life. You might enjoy listening to the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters - I find them entertaining.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your big anniversary - that's amazing! I am a new follower via Wendy :) On both blogs and IG, I love to see not only the design but the color choice the quilter used. Also, the trials and tribulations of constructing the quilt - we all have them but few talk about them. Helps me learn how someone overcame a problem, because chances are, I've encountered the same problem, lol!
ReplyDeleteWow!! 10 years at the steady pace you've kept is amazing. Congrats Linda. I read blogs mostly to see what people I know are up to and occasionally for tutorials. IG is nice for quick glimpses into what's going on in the quilting world. It can all be overwhelming though and I'm trying to limit my intake. I'd love to try Painter's Palette Solids and win that color card. I wish they sold in smaller cuts though. That has kept me from buying in the past.
ReplyDeleteCongratz on 10 years and thanks for sharing. I read quilting blogs to be inspired and get tips and tricks.
ReplyDeleteHappy 10th birthday to your blog! I didn't realize that you once lived in Iowa! I'm here in Dubuque on the NE next to the Mississippi! Colder than ice cubes here now with -15 degrees. I love to read blogs to pick up new techniques, ideas and inspiration that will keep me busy in my sewing room. (Not that I have a shortage of projects....) I enjoy listening to podcasts while sewing. duchick at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI love reading blogs much more than being on Instagram. Much more personal! I like the stories people tell behind their ideas. Pictures are great, but with the story behind it, I am meeting the artist, and getting great insight into the who, what, why, when, and how of their creations.
ReplyDeletegottago40@me.com
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ReplyDeleteMy favorite things to see on Instagram are photos. I don't like wordy posts. I like to see photos of quilts and quilted projects as they progress.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years!!
TEN YEARS?!?! ;-) That's awesome! Congratulations!! On blogs, I like to hear a quilt's story. And on Ig - progress and finish photos and tips along the way. If there's an issue/problem with a project, I like to hear solutions. Plus I'm happy to see vacation photos, or any other thing from real life.
ReplyDeleteI just look to see what others are making. I helps me to see that they too struggle, and work through their struggles, and it helps me see their creative ideas and see things I hadn't seen before. I'm not on instagram, and don't listen to books while quilting. I like to turn on something that I can tune out when I need to concentrate and not worry about missing something. Music is my favorite. Congrats on your anniversary!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Linda. I am so glad you are still blogging after ten years because other blogs I follow are no longer posting. They have moved on to Instagram. I read blogs for inspiration, tutorials, and learning about the process. I also enjoy a glimpse into the blogger's life. Keep on blogging!
ReplyDeleteI like blogs much better than Instagram. I like blogs that talk about techniques and design decisions. I appreciate product recommendations, like yours for Painter's Palette. I've started weeding out blogs that just show easy patterns.
ReplyDeleteI always look for inspiration. Congratulations on your anniversary!
ReplyDeleteRemember that day and Your due diligence to get the rest of us to blog !! Regret not getting this skill but love watching all you do. Currently using Painters Palette in my Tula Nova, English Paper Piecing.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your ten-year blogiversary--you are such a stalwart and I enjoy reading all your posts and enjoy the correspondence between us. You are important to me, and so I celebrate this milestone. I don't need to be entered into any prizes, but I can recommend The Library Book, by Susan Orlean. I loved it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on ten years! One of my all time favorite books is "11/22/63" by Stephen King. It's a big book, so should give you hours of quilting entertainment.
ReplyDeleteTo notify me of my prize: johawks21@gmail.com
Congratulations, Linda! I found you when one of my friends told me of meeting you when she and her husband wintered at The Villages several years ago. When I read blogs, I like to see pictures of quilts either finished or in progress (or both), the colors are what usually "grab" me; and I love to save pictures of the finished quilting. I do my own quilting on the domestic machine, and I like to attempt to replicate quilting I see online. Congratulations again (both for the ten years as well as your ribbons and publications). You can reach me at bostickrw@gmail.com. Thanks for the opportunity!!!! PS I live close enough that I get to attend Pineapple Fabric sales in person!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read a blog I am looking for inspiration whether it be for pattern, colors, the quilting, etc. I also like the blogger to comment about themselves and what they are working on. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your ten years Linda. I have enjoyed reading your posts for many years. On Instagram I like to see quality photos with not too much talk!
ReplyDeleteHi I'm from New Zealand so just the book for me but that would be amazing. I like the tutorials on a blog as it shows someone's unique technique and it's fun to watch. If you enjoy something a little more thought provoking and probably listen to a little at a time sapiens by someone kumar is thought provoking. Good luck for the next 10 years
ReplyDeleteSo thankful I found your blog across this big internet. I enjoy blogs with a mix of things. InspirAtion of beautiful projects and understanding new techniques. But I also enjoy meeting your family and learn what’s important to you. Just like friends meeting face to face. Thanks
ReplyDeleteFor so many ideas and laughs along the way too!
I read blogs to see great photos and read about real people accomplishing what I hope to accomplish. I go on Instagram for the color photos of fabrics, quilts, and construction of quilts (and cats). And I like to quilt and create while listening to books on audio from the local library. I am into murder mysteries. But sometimes I listen to religious books off of You-Tube.
ReplyDeleteWow! Great giveaway. When I read a blog, I'm looking for inspiration, other points of view, and color!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years! So cool! I like your Bible verse also. When I read a blog, I like to see how different people make their quilts and the whole process! It's just fun! Enjoy your day!! :-) :-) angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations! I love reading blogs as a way of connecting to people and hearing their stories. I love to be inspired by design, colour, problem solving and creative expression. I suggest you listen to some Lisa Genova books and Kristin Hannah. I also like Louise Penny’s mystery series with Inspector Gamache and the Three Pines community. I tend to only follow people on one stream of social media and I prefer blogs because I enjoy narratives. Janice.snell@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIt was your Bible verse that first enticed me into your blog. I have been reading the blog since you were just moving to Florida. I have to admit that I like more traditional quilting but you still give me inspiration with colors, techniques, (learning spiral quilting) and as a Floridan want-to-be I enjoy your real life sharing of family and activities. God bless and here's to another 10 years. jmplla at hotmaildot com
ReplyDeleteHi Linda we met online through an Australian friend and we have corresponded numerous times. I really enjoy your chatty ( but not too much) blog posts especially with your photos. I also follow you on Instagram.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years Linda, that is fabulous!!! When I'm on Instagram I love to see what everyone is working on down to quilting designs. Love all the inspiration there!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years!!! When I read a blog, I am interested in seeing quilts, the quilting on said quilts, tutorials, tips and tricks, great recipes, and a peek into the life of the person writing the blog!! I like feeling as though I am reading a letter from a friend who is far away telling me about what is going on in their world...that personal connection to go along with our mutual quilting addiction!! wild_blue_farm at yahoo dot com Thanks for the introduction to a new brand of solids (my personal fav), especially if they don't bleed!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 10 years! Wendy sent me over. I like reading blogs for inspiration and love seeing pictures. I noticed the Homemade Basting Spray recipe on your blog. If it is cooked to a gravy consistency, does it easily spray from the bottle? Thanks, vlhill3459@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years of blogging. I like to read most things on blogs, but really, really detest how so many of them now are full of advertisements! I think the commercialisation of blogs was their downfall! So I am happy to read about anything sewing and quilting related/
ReplyDeleteI like a "gentle" blog- pretty pictures, some solid sewing (I enjoy ALL types of handwork, so I just love the creativity of the blogger), some creative inspiration. Peace, calm, a refreshing break from our current problems in the US. A little sharing of self and one's life- pretty much everything you put into YOUR blog. Congratulations on 10 years! -p.
ReplyDelete10 years is a wonderful anniversary of any kind, blogging especially. It’s a commitment for sure. I most often look for new concepts, tutorials, tips and hints. Your blog fills the bill, every time.
ReplyDeletefollow you on blog and like pictures, lots of them....love to see when someone goes to quilt shows and will post their pictures of the show...love to see new designs or just how they interpreted the pattern...
ReplyDeleteAs for a book you should try the Outlander series of books by Diana Gabaldon..
Congratulations 10 years is a very long time. Imagine if you had made one small block for each week of those 10 years. That would be a big quilt. I like blogs that teach me something. So any new trick, new tool, new way, new fabric, new pattern whatever is out there. I am in a remote area so I count on blogs to keep me up to date. I rarely listen to books because I get so involved in the book I forget what I am sewing. Music is easier for me or reruns of something.
ReplyDeleteOn IG and Pinterest I look first for inspiration so keywords or hashtags are important if I am search for a style, technique, color, or tutorial. I listen to music and like Diana Krall and Donavon Frankenreiter. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, that’s absolutely awesome! I’m both blogs and Instagram I love reading and looking at photos I can relate to and use in my own life. I love inspiration and DIY as well as self reflection tips!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing bloggers work space. Where all the quilting magic happens is a treat! I also have learned amazing techniques that have helped me be a better quilter.
ReplyDeleteI listen to Pat Sloans podcast, she always has amazing guests on and it's a fun podcast to listen too.
I can be reached at Michelle_horgan2020@yahoo.com 😊
Congratulations on your 10 year blogging anniversary. How time flies! When reading a blog I love seeing their sewing space, their quilt creations, tutorials and finding some kind of connection with the blogger. I so enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog Linda. Because YOU ARE INSPIRING AND FUN
ReplyDeleteI love your sense of creativity and color, it is pretty much "me"
I love that you are living in Florida, farting around in a golf cart, playing all day. I am here in Northern Virginia, just farting around, but chillier for sure, and I do not know where I am going with this...
Your blog is one of my very favorites
oh, and many thanks to Pineapple fabrics, for sponsoring. They really are an excellent online shop. Personal service and excellent shipping
DeleteBlogs that inspire are the ones I save to my favorites, and your history of blogging has certainly inspired many!! Thank you for your dedication to all!
ReplyDeleteI love reading blogs! I enjoy photos of projects, the stories behind the projects, tutorials, and the general inspiration from seeing what the blogger is working on. I don't do other types of social media and hope that blogs won't go by the wayside. Ten years is a long time to share your creativity, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy blogs that tell the process of how the specific project came to be, and that are personal and share the quilter's life as well. I enjoy seeing other parts of the country and learning about what inspires other quilters, as well as learning new techniques and ideas. Congrats on 10 years!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, that's a good question. I like hearing about the thought processes that have gone into quilt design, warts and all. I enjoy seeing what others have created especially since I struggle to find time to sew quilts (not much dressmaking for children happening!). I'm not on Instagram. And as to what to listen to while sewing, check out Just Wanna Quilt on iTunes (podcast). It's awesome, I have learned so much through it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I love to see what everyone is doing and I love blogs with tutorials, advice and lots of photos
ReplyDeleteWell, my goodness! Wasn't THAT a slippery slope! I clicked on the link above to read your first ever post, and MANY, MANY hours later, I am hanging a bookmark halfway through 2010, to be revisited soon! Your posts are FILLED with the things I love to find in a blog: creative quilt making, interesting tutorials, learning about you personally, above and beyond your quilting talents, and the many links you provide, to direct us to new blogs and interesting content. Thank you, Linda, for the many enjoyable hours, both today (when I should have been finishing my own projects, but preferred watching you snuggle baby Tay) and for the last bunch of years I have been enjoying your blog, learning from your expertise, and challenging myself to attempt some of your many, MANY projects! I look forward to reading for many decades to come!!
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations Linda. I loved hearing about where your blog name came from! I mainly read blogs now to learn a new technique or idea. I love seeing finished quilts on Instagram. And I would recommend Kate Morton as an author to listen to while sewing! deborahgunthorpe@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like to see ideas that will use my abundance of scraps. I also like that you are a Christian, and your blog name. I've been following you since you lived in Iowas as I do also but in Cedar Rapids area. I don't listen to books when I sew, so pick what you like best. You have my e-mail address. Congratulations on 10 years. I miss those that aren't blogging anymore and I don't do IG.
ReplyDeleteI read blogs for inspiration and to admire beautiful quilts. I love to hear the stories of people's lives and what inspires their creations. I'm dying to try out Painter's Palette Fabrics. Their colors are so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 10 years of blogging! BTW, what is it that motivates you to keep blogging?
I have been following you for years and remember when you moved to The Villages. At that time, I had no idea I would also end up in Florida (Tallahassee). I don't know if you are familiar with Dee Henderson books, but she is my hands down favorite. I think I have read every one of her books and I wish there were more! Thanks for the giveaway and congrats and 10 years!
ReplyDelete10 years of blogging and very close to 10 years of being my good friend! Congratulations, Linda, for persevering on both counts :-) I really admire the way you make the time to blog so regularly, and can only dream of being as consistent myself one day. Being time-poor, Instagram is my go-to site for inspiration, and I love swiping through and enjoying all the eye-candy. However, if something special catches my eye on IG, then I'll often look for a link to that quilter's blog or website for a tutorial, a pattern or more information. Nothing too wordy, though. What can I say? I like pretty pictures! :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years!! Isn't it fun to look back and see all that you've done in those 10 years?!? Hope you're doing well. Mary
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years, Linda! I just passed 5 with my blog but it went unnoticed - I've been involved in a house project that's left no time for sewing. I so appreciate the hints and tips shared on blogs. I have studied and used your tutorials on how to sew blocks together in a web, spiral quilting, and no-tails bindings. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy all of the inspiration I get from your blog, plus, the hints & tips. I also enjoy reading newsy items about your family & what’s going on in your life in Florida. Congrats on 10 years of blogging. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI yhink I've followed you for almost ten years. I know I followed you in Iowa and moved with you to Florida and always enjoy your posting. Of course, I like blogs about quilting, tutorials or tips on how something is more easier done. I think some personal news is always nice too! Keep up your good works and congratulations on blogging for 10 years!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 10 years, Linda! I certainly enjoy keeping up with you!
ReplyDelete