Saturday, September 28, 2013

A Giveaway to Celebrate 100,000 Pageviews!

I love quilting. I think that's pretty obvious to anyone that hops over to my blog on a regular basis! Of course you have to know that my life consists of more than just quilting! I have a husband, teenaged kids, some dreaded book work to take care of on a regular basis, a huge extended family and loads of friends in our church. Life is insanely busy at times and it's not always peaches and cream! lol
Happy Flowers progress
So I quilt. Sometimes I even quilt when I should be cleaning house, but you won't ever see those pictures around here because this is where I talk about quilting, which I love. Oh yeah. I already said that, didn't I? There's not very many people in my day-to-day life that love quilting like I do. And that's why I started lurking around on quilting blogs several years ago. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all the people who share their little quilting obsessions and/or share pictures of the current quilting project!
Inspiration from Barbara Brackman
For instance: Barbara Brackman. Her blog is an absolute treasure trove of inspiration to me all the year long! Years ago I used to go to Tallgrass Prairie Studio all of the time to read about her quilting process. Her quilts, wonderful though they are, aren't exactly my style, but the process--fascinating! And there are a hundred others who quietly inspired me to keep quilting, keep trying, keep doing what I was almost embarrassingly obsessive about really fascinated with doing so that my life could be just a little more vibrant today.

When I finally got brave enough to quit lurking anonymously, I started my own quilt blog. Then I slowly started showing more and more of my own quilting efforts--the good, the bad and sometimes even the really unfortunate. I started commenting on what I couldn't hardly help myself from commenting on and now today, it's led to some good friends and the random interesting conversation with some really crazy people. I mean, we're talking about people who find joy in cutting up bits of fabric into little tiny pieces and then rearranging them into something to stress and lose sleep over because of 'layout' difficulties. THEN, immediately upon a quilts finish, they cuddle up with said object thinking warm fuzzies until they are safely asleep and no doubt drooling on it as well. Tch, tch! Like I said. Crazy.

So, to all you crazy people out there who read my blog--thank you for your wonderful, if sometimes quiet support! Yesterday I reached 100,000 page views which probably needs to be celebrated. Some of these visits are random, one-time visits, but a lot of them are not. There are followers of my blog. So... crazy. Yep, they probably come back to see the next strange project I'm diving into or if I ever figured out my border dilemma. Things like that. It deserves a good giveaway, don't you think?

The Giveaway: I am giving away to one lucky recipient only, one piece of 80/20 Hobbs Heirloom batting. This batting is 96 inches long, so if you're the winner, you'll need to give me the width you want (UP TO 100") along with your mailing address at the end of the giveaway. I'll send this piece of batting to a winner in the United States or even Internationally. I have a lot of visitors from other countries and no matter what my kids say, it's not all spam! To enter you gotta leave a comment and tell me something interesting about your quilting process or even your quilting obsessions. That's the rules. It won't go anywhere from here. Lips sealed and all that.*wink Feel free to leave a second comment if you are a Google or Bloglovin' follower. The giveaway will be open for one week! Good luck!

56 comments:

  1. Well...I too am CRAZY about quilting!! And like you I was a lurker for a long time before I took to the keyboard! Something about my quilting...OK OK...I confess I have WAY too many UFOs...WAY! A friend of mine said that it's because I am bored and I need to challenge myself more. Fact is, if quilting became too difficult I would NEVER finish it! At least with my current UFOs I rotate them and they eventually get finished! And I am having FUN!! Is this enough info?? haha
    Thanks for the chance...and the bigger the better!! I need to buy my batting by the roll too!!
    P

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  2. Hi from another quilt lover! I'm one of your faithful followers and love seeing all your wonderful projects. I need to get started on a wedding quilt SOON - it'll be queen sized so your piece of Hobbs batting would be just the right size for that project!

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  3. Congratulations! I am a recent follower of your blog, and equally obsessive about quilting. I would like to know what on earth non-quilters do with their time? I love watching your progress and hearing about your layout dilemmas, it's all part of the fun. I think my recent foray into 1/4" hexies has made my family think I need professional help.

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  4. I love the online quilting community- I've made so many friends from it that I cant help but be thankful. Some of those people are real life friends now too - and one of them is actually my best friend. Being able to swap ideas and be inspired is such a great way of connecting with others who share our passions.

    I haven't been quilting all that long compared to some people- I only started 5 years ago - and my quilting is still pretty basic. I've only just recently dipped my toe into the hand quilting thing to see if I enjoy that way of quilting. I'll keep you posted !

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  5. Congrats on 100,000 views! I'd say that's a pretty awesome milestone! Quilting is totally an obsession, a passion, a way of life for me! And no, those 100,000 views are not spam, they are honest to goodness real life quilters, being inspired by your wonderful quilts!

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  6. Hi, Audrey. Congrats on 100 000 views. I have secret to tell... there has not been any sewing going on in my house for the last 4 months. And it is not fun at all! But I have read all your post, and loved them all. Thanks for telling your quilting story.

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  7. what a great prize you are giving - I know what you mean - I have followers too and I'm amazed at times :) been at it longer than you and I'm totally addicted to blogging!

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  8. I love your blog and I'd say yours is one that inspires me! My quilting obsession is hand quilting and it's really slowed down my output but I love the texture and finish. Can't go back!

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  9. I'm a follower on feedly and bloglovin, but I have to say feedly is my new favorite reader.

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  10. Huge congratulations!! Isn't it all just so fun? :) I have followed you for quite a long time---even have you listed on my sidebar cause I love your blog. :) I think I must be the Queen of UFOs, have ADD, only start---rarely finish anything, but I am totally obsessed with quilting. And I never have the right fabric---although I have waaaaay too much fabric. ROFL

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  11. I love your blog. I love the way you express your love for quilting. Your life sounds very similar to mine: Kids. House to "manage"...and...friends who don't LOVE quilting. ;) congratulations on your milestone!

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  12. Audrey, I read your blog through bloglovin and just love it! I have a terrible obsession with making things to match every seasons so I am always making something to display every month. I have extended this to even making monthly wall hanging and toppers for my daughter. I just cannot stop!

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  13. I love quilting and quilting blogs. I have learned so much from them. I finally have my kids and husband trained to get me material for Mother's Day, Christmas, and my birthday.

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  14. You have a new follower by blog lovin

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  15. Congratulations Audrey! Yours was one of the first blogs I followed and I get it through Bloglovin'. I love reading about how others manage their process. I keep a notebook and a small camera in my bag at all times because inspiration really is everywhere and that's the first step in my process. And how obsessed am I? Well, after years of counting sheep, I visualize piecing blocks. Works every time! Take care, Byrd

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  16. Well, I lurk as I don't blog but love to read. Sweet-P was my first. I quilt, enter them in our local county fair. Win some ribbons and sometimes don't. Now I am sharing my quilting time with rug hooking.

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  17. Hi Audrey, and congrats on 100,000 page views!!! Like you, I hung out in the world of quilting by reading blogs for about 3 years before joining in on the fun. It has lead to "meeting" wonderful quilters from all over the US, Canada, and other corners of the world! I don't think I would spend as much time in my sewing room if not for being inspired and challenged by the talented quilters in blogland... including you! It's so comforting to know that I am not alone when it comes to laying awake at night, pondering fabric combinations, sashing, on point or straight rows, border or no border, or how many borders, the right batting, color of quilting thread as it relates to the design, etc. etc. etc... you get the idea!
    My current quilting obsession? Mini quilts! And the challenge of obsessing over mini quilts is coming up with creative ways to display them... oh goodness... here comes another night of pondering...!

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  18. Congrats on this milestone. So glad I've met you thru blogging and I appreciate your sweet comments on my blog. In my quilting journey I've always tried to change at least one thing when using a pattern. Just to make it mine. Not too exciting but sometimes it leads me in unexpected directions.

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  19. love the 100K views and hope it is soon 200K. trhanks for the chance to win my favorite batting

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  20. What a fantastic milestone! Congratulations. :)

    I have never been a lurker, because you know, I always have things to say! I'm not sure, though, that I can think of anything to say about my process that I haven't already said in stultifying detail on my blog, lol. I can say, that although I am still a "determined beginner", my aspirations are high! Happy quilting!

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  21. Congratulations! I have been quilting my own quilts and basically use the walking foot as my guide. It can be a little challenging at times, but it's what I feel comfortable with. And I am afraid I am obsessed with fabric! I've got to work down my stash ;-)

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  22. I really enjoy your blog, it's on my fave blog sidebar.
    My obsession is fabric "collecting", used to be block swaps. I have kits and fabric to sew but love to shop for bargain prices.
    BTW- I sure don't need any batting but just wanted to leave a comment ;-)

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  23. I love reading your blog and seeing what you are doing and what you have to say. Your style is similar to mine. I love applique and hand quilting and the more muted colors. I especially enjoyed your series on the courage to be creative, well said. I too love quilting! Susan in Troutdale

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  24. Congratulations on 100,000 page views! I love seeing your posts and your works, both in progress and completed. It's comforting to hear that your house isn't sparkling. Sounds like mine. In fact, I've found that we agree on lots of things--creativity included. It's been fun to make friends with you this way.

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  25. Congrats Audrey, I love your blog, your style, what you have to say. X

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  26. And I am a happy follower, not a spam :)

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  27. My obsession is obviously collecting FQ's. Just cleaned out my closet and wow....I need to do more piecing and less buying!! Of course, I also need to start quilting as I have alot of tops that need finishing!!

    Thanks for the chance to win!!

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  28. I follow you on Bloglovin. I'm not commenting for the giveaway as I have plenty of batting. Just wanted to congratulate you on your blog views!!

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  29. Congrats on 100,000 views - certainly worth celebrating! I love your happy flowers and I am happily following along.

    PS - I have plenty of batting so I won't enter your giveaway but I wanted to leave a comment.

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  30. I'm a lurker at the moment. Every once in a while I think "that's it" I'm going to jump in and come out of the closet but chicken out. I'm looking forward to retirement and think I'll blog at that time. I have coffee each morning and check to see what everyone is up to and then get on with my day. My quilting process? Well I cut fabric and pin at work (I'm self employed) in a back room during slow times, get up early and put petal to the metal, press, go to work, pin, get up early, sew, press ect until the top is done. Lots of fun!

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  31. Your blog is one of my favorites, both what you write and the quilts you make. I read your posts in Old Reader and frequently visit your blog. Like you, I've learned so much from many different blogs.
    About my quilting: I'm almost completely a hand quilter and there aren't many of us around in my area (tho there is a great active FB group) . I quilt without a hoop which is unusual; I quilt for me, not for shows or competitions. Also love hand applique. But I go to the machine for both liberated and traditional patchwork. My process for patchwork quilts includes using fabrics I have (to save money, even tho I love new fabric of course :) and figuring out what I can make with them.
    I'd enjoy trying a new batting if I win the giveaway. I've just machine quilted my first small lap quilt and am interested in battings for hand and machine quilting.
    Congrats on having so many visitors and followers! Thanks.

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  32. I love being obsessed with quilting. It always makes me laugh when people are shocked when they see my fabric stash, and I refuse to apologize for any of it! I love each and every piece of that fabric! Now if there were just more hours in the day to pet all those pretties! My husband asked me once why I buy so much fabric, when most everything I make is teeny tiny. Well....you just never know when they might quit making it - better have plenty on hand...just in case.

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  33. And one thing I'm not obsessed with is technology - good thing my husband is a techie - or I wouldn't be able to follow at all. But I am with Google!

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  34. Well, that is pretty sweet!! I live to Quilt...I am beyond loving it...I am aborbed in it....I have a Gammill Longarm and I do have a hand quilt frame and also a lap frame....I have not got back into hand quilting...I am planning on it. A few years ago my sister in Ohio and I opened up a quilt shop for a short time..it was maingly 1800 Repro fabs and 1900 vintage....notions, backings...etc....but the crash of 2007 was looming and frankly God impressed on my heart to close it....to go back home....(long story)....and it was very much a God lead thing. It hurt my sister but she said that short time was the best time of her life.....she has sense been divorced, etc...so ...I am glad we did it. The person that bought the building also, could never have moved back into town with her Lazer Memorial business due to another business in town that would have blocked her...(another long story)...but God lead her to look online for a building in her hometown...where her parents had had a Memorial business at one time...an wouldn't you know it....she bought our old livery builiding and you guessed it, her Parents first business building!!...and with that we had to carry her for 4 years due to the banks....so!! long story but God does lead us.....so now I have my longarm and all our fabric...ready to open up many years later in our Cabin that my hub and I built by ourselves....I was an RN, now I hold a quilting needle....I love every part of quilting....and I want to teach it..... and whatever I can do to help others in their journey.....We also started to make Barn Quilts....we are going to offer to make them for folks....so I am working on 4 blocks of the Swoon Quilt Block in different colors for the west side of the cabin!!.......Quilt Absorption....Thats what I cal it!! Love your blog.....mine is at inthesewingbasket.blogspot.com....I am just learning how to do it all!!!.......and yes, eat and clean the cabin!!....... Karen

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  35. Happy and proud to be one of the crazies!! I love your writing style as much as your quilting style and really appreciate what you share. I'm so glad the Internet lets us be friends because we have so much more in common than quilting! Congrats on 100,000 and here's to the next 100,000...I'll be along for the ride for sure!

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  36. I'm obsessed!! Thinking about quilts keeps me awake at night and then when I fall asleep I dream about quilts! Congratulations on 100 000 pageviews!! I can understand why you get so many pageviews, you have a great blog, keep it up!!

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  37. CONGRATS ON YOUR BLOG>LOVE IT
    FOLLOW ON BLOG LOVIN'!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  38. HELLO,LOVE ALL THINGS "QUILTY":FABRIC SHOPPING AND DESIGNING AND CUTTING,PIECING AND NOW I'VE DECIDED I MUST LEARN TO DO FREE MOTION QUILTING! BEEN PRACTICING FOR A FEW MONTHS ON PRACTICE SQUARES+DOODLING ON PAPER.FINALLY DOING FM ON ACTUAL QUILTS! STARTED WITH BABY QUILTS ON MY HOME MACHINE+IT'S GONE BETTER THAN I EVER DREAMED.I'VE DONE VINES+LEAVES AND HEARTS+RIBBONS AND DAISIES! WORKING ON SCROLLS,BUT DON'T HAVE THAT YET>MORE PRACTICE. THANKS FOR YOUR GIVEAWAY!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  39. I leave a design for a quilt, that is not working right, up on my design wall for months, or until inspiration hits. Drives my husband crazy. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  40. I am one of the few who buys fabric only when starting a new quilt. The only reason I have a stash is sometimes I change my mind when I see something that will work better then what I had picked out.

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  41. As a completely mad fabricaholic, I am using stash as fast as I can! Today I finished a log cabin top and drove up to rent time on a longarm to quilt it. It looks great but my dear hubby needed to rub Ben Gay on my back and shoulder muscles. Thanks for the chance to win some batting!

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  42. Congratulations, Audrey! I remember finding your blog a year and a half ago and knew instantly that you are as obsessed with quilting as I am!! (Maybe even more!) You are an inspiration!!
    Kerry

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  43. Wow, 100.000 page views! Congratulations! Love seeing your work on your blog, very inspiring, like the happy flowers this time, they are great. Am not entering the give- away, sending that batting across the ocean would be too expensive. But it's great you are organising a give-away, always a nice opportunity.

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  44. I've discovered a new quilting obsession: EPP-ing hexagons. I have long wanted a potable project for our trips, and I finally decided to bite the bullet on our trip to Hilton Head. May I say that there's nothing better than handwork while sitting on the beach? ;-)

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  45. I have no idea if you will find this interesting but it popped into my head when I read what you wanted us to comment on. I have a quilt that I started in the 1980s that is still unfinished. The top is done and it is basted together with batting and backing. I have even started quilting it (the centre.) I started quilting it in a hoop and with white thread. That's when I stopped. Why? Because it is a very colourful quilt and I wasn't sure if I wanted to quilt it all in white or if I should change the colour of thread depending on what part I was quilting. I'm still undecided but I am hoping to get to finish it within the next year. I'm going to put it on a frame and quilt it though, instead of using the hoop that I had.

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  46. So proud to be one of the crazies!
    I think you know that I love the process of slow stitching, and although it takes me forever to finish a quilt (my daughter's "big bed quilt" took 18 years!!!) I just love every bit of it. And I am totally obsessed with scraps...it's an illness for sure, but it makes me happy so it's a pretty cheap obsession to have!

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  47. congrats on the big milestone!
    HHHMmm, I have a general obsession with quilting,but my favorite things are applieque' and hand quilting.

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  48. Yep. I'm another crazy Audrey. Not only do I cut tiny little pieces of fabric, but I rat through the bins on sewing days to see what other people have thrown out! Not only that, this crazy lady sews all the 2" and 2.5" squares up into quilts for charity. I do so much of that that I have little time or inclination to sew for myself. Now my secret is out and I have shared it with the world. LOL

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  49. PS I am so useless at this blogging stuff that I have no idea how I follow you. Definitely not bloglovin whatever that is. All I have done is added your blog name to my reading list on my blog dashboard, and it appears on a reading list.

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  50. The only interesting thing about my quilting process is that I do it with the help of a few cats and a toddler. Therefore, they often have "unique" features.

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  51. You are not the only one that is totally, crazy in love with quilting. I've been at it for 30 years or more and I am even more in love with it now than ever!!! I really like scrap quilting, so no piece of fabric is too small to save. I have a small box just for one inch squares! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    Cheryl
    www.katydidart.net
    katydidart60@yahoo.com

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  52. I enjoy someone else obsessively talking about quilting. I'm sure I could discuss the subject of quilts non-stop, there's always something new to see, a different technique, a surprising use of color, something to drool over, and a way to spend some more money. My friend Marlena calls me a "real" quilter and it's because both our lives revolve around the project(s) we are currently passionate about. You're a "real' quilter too.

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  53. You are such a speedy worker, Audrey! You show us an idea and the next thing we know, it's half finished. I sometimes wish I were a fast worker. Your flowers are gorgeous. I would have recognized them anywhere as yours.

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Thanks for visiting! I love getting comments and always try to respond via email. Please leave an email in the comment to ensure a return reply! {Many of you are popping up as Anonymous for some reason, so I have no idea who it is.} Regardless, I appreciate all the comments and read every single one.