Reflecting on Year 2 (And lots of PRIZES to give-away too)
December 10th, 2009
Break out the wine glasses, grab a slice of chocolate cake, and help the Quilting Gallery celebrate it’s second birthday/blogiversary!!! Two fabulous sponsors are helping me celebrate with 11 prizes up for grabs.
It has been an amazing and exciting year for the Quilting Gallery. Starting with the Charms for Charity contest last winter which raised 1,500 charms and ending with the release of the Quilter’s Cookbook yesterday with 119 fabulous recipes submitted by quilters from around the world.
February saw Guest Blogger Month featuring 58 quilters. In April, the Spring Blooms Mini Quilt Swap was the first of five swaps organized this year with almost 1,000 swap packages being exchanged worldwide. Also in April was the release of the then newly designed web site.
In May, I travelled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for my first International Quilt Market and the official launch of the Quilt Shop Locator. In June was the start of the Friday Give-Aways featuring a new prize each week. June, August and November we’ve had fabulous quilt contests with amazing prizes up for grabs. There’s still time to vote for your favourite quilts in the Holiday Traditions Quilt Contest.
More than 1,700 new blogs have been added to the Quilting Bloggers directory this year. It’s currently at 3,583 bloggers from 67 countries. There have been numerous free quilting projects, tutorials and videos featured too.
On a more personal note, I’ve connected with amazing quilting friends from all over the world and many in person too. My quilting abilities have expanded more in the past year than in the previous 10. I can’t believe I’m actually free-motioning, and loving it! I’ve had published my first article, and am already thinking of a couple more I’d like to research and write.
What an amazing journey! And, I owe you, yes you reading this post, a huge thank you for being a part of this magical ride.
What’s next? Pat Sloan will be helping me kick off a new weekly contest starting right after New Years and there will be a new weekly quilt block challenge starting around the same time too. I am so excited about these two events … they are going to be SO (sew?) MUCH FUN!
I’ll be taking time over the next several weeks to plan, schedule and decide. This is where you can help. I want to hear what you’d like to see, or do on the Quilting Gallery site. What’s missing in the quilting community? How can this site help you connect with quilting friends, improve your quilting experience, share ideas, etc. I’m open to all ideas and suggestions. If you would rather send me comments privately, please go ahead, but be sure to leave a comment below too, saying that’s what you did, so that I can keep track of all the entries for the give-aways in one place.
Helping me celebrate this special birthday/anniversary give-away is Kona Bay Fabrics and RG Quilt Designs. Up for grabs are 2 sets of 5-yard cuts of gorgeous Kona Bay Asian fabrics and 9 super cute charm pack tins… aren’t they adorable?
I’ll be randomly choosing 11 winners from the comments that answer the questions above. I’m really looking forward to your suggestions, so thank you in advance. You have until December 18th to enter the contest, but you can send me suggestions at any time.
Raising a class of wine (ok, it would really be a bottle of beer, but wine sounds so much more sophisticated) to all of my quilting friends from around the world. Let’s bring on Year 3!!
Reminders:
- The Quilters Cookbook is now available; send the link to your Santa!
- Last week’s Friday give-away has been extended until Saturday. Enter on the blog post for that day for your chance to win one of two sets of Terri Thayer’s quilting mysteries.
- Cast your vote in the Holiday Traditions Quilt Contest.
UPDATE: This contest is now closed; however, comments have been left open for those that wish to have their say. Congrats to the winners:
- #114 Cynthia Lynn (you must share with Betsy!)
- #38 Michele Bilyeu
- #22 Deborah
- #106 Barbara G.
- #56 Janet
- #49 Sara
- #60 Linda Oberholzer
- #80 Jane
- #103 SewLindaAnn
- #98 Kristi Van Os
- #89 Vanessa
Congratulations Michele!! You’ve done a wonderful job. I’m ready for year #3! I look forward to all the new swaps and contests!
Maybe setting up a Yahoo group with some forums?
Raising my glass to you!
Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary! That is quite an accomplishment!! A message board would help get everyone acquainted and maybe a Secret Pal exchange (with guidelines) every season would be fun to do! Thanks for asking for the input!
Michele, fabulous job and what a great year you’ve had! Congrats!
How about setting up a quilting forum where everyone can post links to their projects, ask questions for help with something, brainstorm an idea, etc. It would make the site really interactive!
Jenn@FFP’s latest post: Send a Free Holiday E-card
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Congratulations on your blog/anniversary!!!! I would like to see more charity events such as your Charms for Charity event. Thanks.
Rene’’s latest post: Cross Stitch Memories
oooooh!! The new year sounds like it will be a lot of fun!!
I would like to see some tutorials on different quilting techniques, possibly with video? I am a beginner and am always looking to learn more.
I love the block challenge idea… that would help increase my ability and confidence. Can’t wait to see the blocks.
Keep the give aways and contests coming too! They are always so much fun, even if I don’t win!! heheh
Thank you for all that you do!
SheilaC
shecarita(at)yahoo(dot)com
Congrats! I love any and all MODA charm packs :)
sarah gaylor’s latest post: Damask minky bib
Congrats on this fabulous network you’ve created, Big Sis! You do so much for so many for a craft you and your readers adore. Happy Blogversary!
Carly’s latest post: About to make your day: Here are the winners!
michele you have done a wonderful job and i really enjoy everything. i would like to see a little history about different blocks or quilts. how they originated and how old the blocks/quilts are. also quilts from different country’s.
thanks
cindy
It’s a great blog that brings so many of us ‘together’. A forum for discussion would be fab.
Love the prizes.
Abbe
Abbe’s latest post: Basted!
What a great job you’ve done, Michelle! Congratulations. Job well done.
Wow congratulations on your 3rd anniversary! I have not been blogging near that long, but one thing that I have enjoyed is tutorials and free patterns. There are so many patterns out there, but many of the free ones are labor intensive. I’d like to see tutorials that are easy yet challenging ;-)
I think you’re site is wonderful and you are doing a great job! I wouldn’t mind participating in a challenge involving one person sending another a piece of fabric and the receiver using it to make a quilt square. It could be done in a group of 9 persons, for instance.
CHiming in here to congratulate you on a successful and positive first 2 years! We do appreciate all that you do in helping us to expand our horizons. I’d look forward to a block of the month or sew along where we can all end up wth the same quilt but in our chosen colorways, but with patterns that go a step beyond the rail fence basics….something with a twist? Anyway a place with info such as suggested needle/thread sizes (for those of us that don’t know the difference) charts etc to keep on the site for reference? You’ve got so much covered, I really am content with all you’ve done already…. THanks again!
I love tutorials. Hints, tips, and anything else that I can use to learn virtually. I love the modern quilt patterns to include and not limited to wonky anything, string quilting… So much fun to think about!
2 years is fabulous! This is one of the first websites I bookmarked when I started quilting last year. One thing that I would appreciate is a place to review sewing tools. (The patternreview.com website is great, but definitely geared to garment construction- quilters have different needs and insights.) There are so many things available to purchase, but knowing someone has tried and liked them first helps save wasted money. Also, tutorials are always lots of fun- you can never have too many! Thanks for all your hard work!
I only just found this site about 2 weeks ago and I can’t seem to stay away from it. I have only done 1 quilt (for my grandson) so I know NOTHING. My mother-in-law is an expert but does not pass along any of the joy of quilting but because of your site I have just ordered my first pattern and can not wait to go shopping for fabric. Anything you add or improve will benifit me. Thanks for all your har work.
Happy 2nd bloversary!!!!, you rock!!!!, I like to come here and see what’s new, and it’s a good idea you’re asking us what we’d like to see here, because I know you get a lot of people coming here, hmmmm, well it’s a hard question, I’d like to see tutorials, and what about some BOMS?, kind of online group all together making a block, hmmmm and what about explaining a hard technique (I’m thrilled with trapunto, and still I don’t know how to do it), or what’s new or the fashionable quilt, with some story involved, ahhhh also we can share the tips we use for quilting as well. An idea quickly crossed my mind: you can make the easiest quilt to do, then the medium and then the hardest, and we can see it, and try by ourselves!. Well, I’ve a lot of ideas, just hope this place turns better than ever!, congrats!
congratulations!!!
Congratulations! You have a wonderful site and I read it every day. I think that a group or a forum where all of us can write and communicate would be nice. Quilters always have so much to share with each other. Pictures, stories, experiences and so on.
Lotta in Sweden
I know more about what I don’t want you to do, than what I want… I love, love ,love what you do, it is delivered to my mail box.. love that…contests… love those, blogs of those who post are shown…. I love that… have visited and met so many nice folks and sites.
I can shop, love that…..
I would join in with a forum… maybe Yahoo….
that could include the opportunity to show and share, critique, or ask for advice…..Folders could be set up for different categories and who ever wanted to post and/or comment could…
And please, please don’t use ‘ning’… I think that is what it is…. it is horrible, I belong to two groups who use that and have quit because it is impossible to get around… or get in.
You are doing a great job!!
I get lots of visitors to my blog from here, and I have your logo on my blog. The connectivity is great!
hugs and congratulations!!
Carole’s latest post: Beneath the Surface
Happy Blogiversary! I have enjoyed the Quilting Gallery. Of course, my favorite feature is the Friday Giveaways. Who doesn’t want to win fabric or another fun sewing notion? Me! Me! Me! Keep up the good work!
Deborah
comfortjoydesigns AT gmail DOT com
Deborah’s latest post: Oh Joy, Giveaways! December 6 – 12
Congrats to you on your blog-iversary! I’ve not been a “follower” of your site long but I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been here.
Suggestions? How can you improve on such an awesome thing already? Wow. Hmm….
I’m a blog-aholic. I love reading blogs. I don’t know how difficult it would be but what about tagging blogs? What I mean is maybe have a search available for all blogs that have “charity” or “applique” or “crazy quilting” as tags. My “obession” wavers between styles. Right now I’m stuck on applique, especially Baltimore style, Civil war style, and minis. I’d love to find blogs to read that have such styles.
Or…what about a “Designer of the Month” type of thing where a designer is in the spotlight? They could be well known or a newbie to the designing world. That would give the newbies some awesome exposure. For the well-known designers, it would be a way to bring about some more lovers of their designs.
I also like the idea of a BOM as well. I’m a BOM-aholic too.
What ever you decide, I’m positive that it will only be adding to the “awesome-ness” that you’ve achieved in 2 short years. Keep up the awesome-ness!
Dear Michele,
Wow, 2 years, that’s fantastic. I owe you a lot. Thanks to your website I “met” wonderful like-minded people and found some new dear friends. I also discovered more things to do with my computer and getting better and better in it. I can’t emphasize enough how I enjoy participating in the swaps. I’m a fan and log in every day, so year 3: bring it on!!
Big hug from Anita.
Congrats Michelle on your achievements with this site. I have only been blogging for a short time, and am still learning. Reading the other comments, I too would love a forum where we post a question and/or put up a pic and get some help/ideas as sometimes the brain just gets stuck!
But anything you do will only enhance this site even better. Thank you
Happy Anniversary and congratulations Michelle. The Quilting Gallery has helped me meet likeminded people across the world and I have loved following quilting blogs and writing my own. I’m really excited about your ideas for the coming year – love ongoing projects and challenges. I suppose I wish there was more UK content on the site but I guess that’s up to those of us here! You’re doing a great job and thanks to the sponsors too – I love KonaBay, hint hint! Happy Christmas and roll on 2010 for all that quilting brings us. love Lis x
Elisabeth Harwood’s latest post: Jellyroll Christmas Quilt
First of all, congratulations! I have found lots of things and people through The Quilting Gallery. After that, I started reading blogs more and more and it is about to take over my life if I am not careful ;-). For now, I honestly don’t know what more there could be. You have some plans for the new year already… Please forgive me for not having more ideas just now.
Jantine’s latest post: Sinterklaas
Congratulations! I’s love to see a gallery where everyone could upload their quilt pictures and categorize them by pattern/block/colour/theme. That would be the best inspiration ever!
Anna’s latest post: En ny leksaksmaskin
Thank you for a great site and congratulations! I am very excited about the idea of the weekly quilt block challenge because I love trying new things all the time!
Anne’s latest post: I Won and More!
Congratulations! Quite an achievement. Quilters Gallery is so helpful to us all, for that I am thankful. It’s also tons of fun! What a great way to see what so many creative people are doing and “what’s new” in our quilty world. Thank you!
Congratulations on two years; looking forward to year three! I’m fairly new to quilting and this site, so anything you add would be appreciated. Thanks!
Congrats…it’s been such a wonderful and insightful journey.
I would also love to see ore simple, easy to accomplish charity events like the charm squares. Maybe blocks for Project Linus.
Just found the site this summer and love it. I have learned so much–love the tutorials. So many creative people. I’ve gotten many new ideas from others. I love the swaps–so much fun. You are doing a great job!
Congratulations! I’ve really enjoyed checking in over the past two years and particularly enjoy getting the geographic sense of where blogs and stores are.
I too enjoy BOMs and would like to see some and tutorials. Have learned a lot from tutorials since I started quilted in the absence of ‘in the flesh’ mentors.
Happy Holidays!
Wow, you offer so much already! It’s hard to think of things that I would like to see. I would love more tutorials/patterns for small quilted items that aren’t mini quilts. Like little gifty type things. I am always looking for quilty things I can make for people who don’t want a quilt or who I don’t have time to make a whole quit for.
Another suggestion I have, when posting links like in this post:http://quiltinggallery.com/2009/11/09/cross-country-christmas-quilt-designer-blog-hop/
it would be helpful if you could link to the actual post that includes the project, not just the general blog URL. That way it is easier to find the specific project/post mentioned.
I LOVE swaps (of course) and your swaps have been awesome! Keep up the good work!
Jenna Z’s latest post: Track Laying
Congrats!! I love reading your newsletter when it comes! I am looking forward to more swaps and enjoying the gallery of quilts for inspirtation.
I love tutorials. I learn so much from them. Looking forward to year 3.
It’s been a fabulous two years and you and your website have added so very much to the online world of quilts and quilters.
I would love to see more ‘real’ people featured on the website…just like you did when you first started out. Being featured as one of your ‘Charity Quilters of the Week’ was such an honor, and brought me into contact with the other dedicated quilters whose own lives focused on charity quilting. Some of us have remained in contact, ever since.
The idea of different themes such as ‘charity quilters, art quilters, traditional, contemporary, liberated/free-piecing, etc. would not only open up our eyes to the diversity of quilts and quilters out there, but also open up our hearts to expanding to new techniques and vision in the quilting world.
Michele Bilyeu’s latest post: Liberated Quilting
Congratulations on your upcoming thrid year. You site has always provided me with such inspiration as well as being able to meet many friends through participation in your projects.
I was trying to think of any way in which this site could be better and was drawing a blank, but I, too, think a forum would be a wonderful idea. It would really provide an invaluable resource to many of us. There are always many ways to “skin a bear” and it would be fun to bounce ideas off each other.
Mary’s latest post: Saturday…Saturday
Congrats to you Michelle!!! Thanks for all your hard work keeping the Quilting Gallery going… there’s always something fun going on here and great sites to visit. I’m looking forward to year #3
Congrats on your 2nd year anniversary. Here is to a fabulous year in 2010!
I enjoy swaps and tutorials and have enjoyed your site tremendously!
Happy Holidays!
Randi-Sue
Randi-Sue’s latest post: 40th Birthday sale
Congratulations! I love blogs that include tutorials or links to tutorials.
Anya’s latest post: Go Big Red!
Congratulations, this is so exciting!!
How about a Flickr group? It would be a great way to utilize forums, share photos of what we’re working on, etc. Just a thought!
Happy Holidays!
Meg in CT’s latest post: Snow Day!
Congratulations on the successful completion of year 2. Onward and Upward towards the future. This is a great site with loads of pertinent information for the quilter.
Congratulations on your second year. You have offered a lot of inspiration to many and we all look forward to what you have to offer in the upcoming year. We all love seeing quilting hints and the block challenge will be very fun to see. Pass the cake please, it looks deliciously chocolate.
Happy 2nd Blogiversary! Thank you for a wonderful giveaway – good luck to everyone who enters :) I think a posting board/bulletin board would be a fun addition for sharing ideas and posting accomplishments or calls for help :)
I just recently found your site and it’s wonderful. Great job. Keep the contests and like the forum idea too. Also like the free projects, charity ideas. Congrats on another year.
Congrats on your anniversary! I’d like links to tutorials. I have made many items using them. That picture of that chocolate cake is yummy!
Marianne’s latest post: New Winner
FIrst of all – Congratulations on 2 years. I really love this site – mainly because it inspires the heck out of me. I love dropping in just to click on the random quilters blogs to see what they are doing.
I can see by reading your post that I really have not used this site to it’s full potential – so that is what I intend to do this year.
I can’t think of any changes – you already offer more than most sites!!! Just keep it going!!!
Sara’s latest post: My Treat to Me…
Congrats and many more.
Quilting isn’t just making the quilt … there’s the actual quilting, binding, label and etc. I’d like to see more about ‘how to quilt it’.
I’d like to see more about retreats … where, when, cost and etc.
Maybe even a project for our military … how we can help them, their families, support Fisher Houses, etc.
Maybe some videos like what Missouri Quilt Co. has on YouTube.
Maybe a Mystery.
Thanks again.
sandy’s latest post: Buckeye Machine Quilters Dec. 2009
Congratulations on two years! It is a fabulous site, and I have only begun to explore it. I look forward to joining in on some swaps in 2010.
Since I am still relatively new here, I doubt that I have seen all that is offered – so I am not sure what could be added to make it better. It is already so thorough!
Chris’s latest post: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! I’ve loved being part of Quilting Bloggers community. I’d like to see a charity project, perhaps a tutorial, or an online retreat.
Well done Michele, Ros x
Ros’s latest post: Pay It Forward
Congrats on 2 years!!! Here is a toast to the next year ()-(~~~ That is champagne on its side…lol.
I like when special guests are invited to share tricks and tips in their area of speciality. I also like swaps and viewers choice contests too.
Challenges to use certain products usually bring out the creativity in people.
I also like product reviews.
Hope this helps :)
Smiles,
Kelly
The Quilting Gallery is fantastic! Since the contests and swaps have been so popular, what about a Quilt-along with a specific pattern? Perhaps a mystery quilt or another charm or jelly-strip swap?
Keep up the great work!
I’m so excited for you! I would imagine keeping a blog going would be a lot of work. It was only 6 months ago that I visited my first blog (as usual, I thought they would be just a passing fad. How wrong I was!!!). I finally had to check one out for myself, and in 6 months I have gathered a list of favorites that is longer than I have time to keep up with on a daily basis. My sewing time has greatly suffered because of the time I now spend on the computer. But there are just so many good blogs!!! And I’m sure I’ve barely scratched the surface. I’ve heard about being a follower, but I’m not quite sure what that means.
ANYWAY, congratulations! I don’t have anything original to add because those before me have come up with quite an extensive list. My top favorites would be to have tutorials, collectively make charity quilts, a forum (as well as a place to critique or seek advice; I really liked that idea), another great idea was to have a photo gallary that is categorized. Seeing 50 quilts all done with the same block or similar pattern would be wonderful! Some of us tend to get into color ruts and seeing what other do would be really helpful.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a prize in your generous giveaway! Here’s to many years to come in blogland! Congratulations!
Bridget’s latest post: 2009 Quilts
Hi Mischka: Been reflecting right along with you for these two years – remarkable growth! Congratulations! I understand that you have to go with what is popular, but I introduced the idea of “slow quilts” about 5 years ago and have recently been reading a lot of blogs that discuss slow food, no-shopping, etc as ways to support sustainability, and also classic style and I feel that segment of the quiltmaking sisterhood that emphasises slow – by hand – over trendiness is poorly represented.
Can we talk about this?
Janet in cold and blowy Nova Scotia
janet’s latest post: Fall and Winter Open Hours
congrats on your blogerversery Ireally enjoy reading your blog I would like more tutorials maybe videos
congratulations on 3 years!! i only found you about 6 months ago and really enjoy this site – i’d like to see more tutorials and perhaps swaps too
gill x
The Quilting Gallery is wonderful just as it is but I agree with some of the others. A blog where we can ask questions or for advice would be icing on the cake. Also, it would be nice to see sections for different types of quilts, such as Applique,one color, two-color, fourpatch, nine patch, embroidered, scrap fabric, purchased fabric, and wool. Of course there are other catagories, but it would take to much room on this comment. Congratulations!
First of all, congrats on two great years! I love all that you have done–especially the cookbook. Can’t wait to start cooking from that. Suggestions, keep the giveaways, everyone loves a chance for something free. Maybe some challenges, tutorials and swaps! I love quilting and quilters!
Michelle, you are doing a great job here. I found the site when you joined the discussion group at Quilting Weekly and have been on here ever since. Don’t really know what else to add to what the others have suggested. Best wishes for the the coming years.
Pat
Congratulations on year two… and wishing you many more to come! I just began blogging this year and have enjoyed visiting many creative bloggers through your website. How about this addition to (comment #38) on the idea of different themes… IE: If focusing on one per month, add a segment of a real quilt teacher doing a trunk show (youtube or smilebox) and tutorials to help new quilters.
Darlee Byron’s latest post: Selvages and Christmas Stockings
Let’s see … can you find a way to give me more time to spend quilting?!? LOL! :) Seriously, I think you do a fine job of balancing other artists/quilters, techniques, swaps, etc. I’ve really enjoyed reading the feed. Great job and good luck with all you undertake in 2010! May it be a quilt-filled and prosperous year for us all! :)
Denise :)’s latest post: snow daze (and some unfinished business) !
I have really enjoyed the Quilting Gallery. I like everything about it. I thought about forums but then that is what the blogs already are…communicating with each other. Instructional categories might be helpful.
I’m in the process of planning an Asian inspired quilt, so the Kona fabrics would be just right! I love your daily comments. During the past year I especially loved the guest bloggers. Lots of inspiration.
Hey, thanks for working hard on this for two years! I think tutorials and a place to exchange fabric or blocks would be great!
Keep it up in the New Year, Merry Christmas!
Woooow three years !!! I spaek only a little bit…but I think this site is fantastic. I like the swaps are fun.
Maybe this site needs video tutorials.
Marian’s latest post: RETOMANDO EL DEAR JANE
I am very glad to be a part of this great site. I have participated in several swaps and continue to enjoy all the projects of other members! It is such a vast site, I find something new to look at each time I sign on. If I had a suggestion/comment it would be that I sometimes have difficulty navigating through the site..I am sure this is ME, not the site, but I somethimes have trouble finding what I am looking for. Other than that, keep up the great work…I know I will continue to enjoy the site….Happy Birthday!!!!
jay dodds’s latest post: Winter Time…and Christmas
Congratulations on your blogiversary. I think you are doing a great job here, and don’t really have any suggestions.
Wow! Two years — it’s great. I’d like to see even more quilt shops listed. And, have you considered adding a listing of quilt guilds. I participated in the Inchie Swap this year.
Bonnie Stapleton’s latest post: Cookie Swap I
Congratulations. That’s a mile stone.
Congratulations! Woohoo! I love so much about your site, it’s hard to think of improvements!
The idea of video tutorials mentioned above is great! is great!
Cheryl’s latest post: More Handmade Goodness!
would love a forum for discussion
So very exciting, Michele! You have done an amazing job with this website.
Trisha’s latest post: November Schnibbles
Happy Anniversary! This is a great site, thanks to you I have made wonderful friends around the world and learnt so much.
The only thing I could think of to enhance the site even further would be a forum.
Jennifer Richards’s latest post: Another helpful WOW
Happy Anniversary! I love the tutorials and of course the free patterns. Money is tight for everyone these days but I do love learning new techniques. Keep up the great work!
What a good idea that blossomed in two years. Keep up the good work. An interactive group, tutorials, and more giveaways would be great.
Donna K from N. TX’s latest post: Virtul Christmas Show
Congratulations Michele on 2 years. That chocolate cake looks so yummy. I think the site is great how it is. Maybe we could have some more tutorials which use up things we have in our stash. I do enjoy the giveaways which involve books. Love finding new authors.Maybe we could have a list of quilting inspired stories. Good luck with that Christmas sewing and all the best for 2010.
What a lot you’ve accomplished! I’m fairly new to your site, but really like it. Can’t think of much to add to it, but just want you to know how great it is already!
Congratulations on your anniversary. I know it is with passion and a lot of work that you have made this terrific site.
Some suggestions:
Keep the small quilt swaps–such fun!
Be creative with the swap themes–use different concepts to allow more creativity–our world, friendship, harmony, colors, children, etc
See if there is interest in embroidery quilts.
Keep it colorful.
Have a good time.
Jane in Kansas
Continued success to you Michelle! My suggestions are the same as many comments above, tutorials are so appreciated by those of us learning at home on our own,
BOM’s are great fun, explaination of available tools and handy hints and how to use them. This past year I have been into patterns by many of the ‘Down Under’ designers that do include embroidery which has made it fun to go back to a skill not used for many years and incorporate it into quilting. Free patterns are always appreciated as well as your wonderful giveaways.
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary. I know that I’m looking forward to a great year following this blog and all of the fun things you have connected me to through the website. Hats Off To Year Three!!
Sara’s latest post: A good read with a bonus
I am a fairly new follower, but from what I have seen in the past few months, you pretty much cover all angles in the quilting community. The first time I found the site, was for a swap, and I totally loved that! I know they are a lot of work and organization (which you obviously have, since the matches went without a hitch), but they are so much fun. Would love more..for the little stuff…like the little tote…that are pretty quick and fun to send to someone.
These are such gorgeous gifts that are being given away! someones will be very lucky.
Thank you for keeping up the traditions.
Congrats on your blogversary. I love your site and all the information contained here.
I hope you keep the swaps going as I really have enjoyed doing them.
I would like to see a forum or group
A BOM would be great
Anything you add will only enhance what you have already accomplished here. I am looking forward to this next year. Thank you for taking on this huge project and allowing all of us through you to meet quilters from all over the world.
Congratulations on 2 years and here’s looking to another fabulous year, can’t wait to see what the future holds. I have been a follower for only a short while, but I enjoy your blog and visit it often.
I would like to see a story section, after all every quilt has a story. It may be one that was made for a special person or reason, it may be one that spent years on a self in a closet, or one that was made to honor a family or event. Of course a hint section always helps both experienced and novice quilter’s. And last but in no ways of less importance, is the giveaways. After all we all love to enter and win.
Bonnie Coleman’s latest post: My Letter to Santa
Congrats on an another year! I really enjoyed guest blogger month, so fun to see new blogs that I might have otherwise missed!
Aunt Spicy’s latest post: Bath: the Abby
What a great milestone, I’m sure this year will be even better! So many good ideas, but a forum would be nice, most quilters are really friendly and love to chat! Can’t wait to see what lies in store for the new year.
Congrats on 2 wonderful years. I am a seasoned beginner quilter as I just finished 3 quilts for my children for Christmas. I learned many things from looking at other blogs and tutorials. So I would love to see tutorials from you or anyone for that matter. I think a quilt along would be fun and since I love doing some embroidery maybe one with some embroidery in it or some applique.
lsandes@comcast.net
Congratulations on your Blogoversary Michele!! You’ve done a wonderful job!
I am very glad to be a part of this group and I can`t wait to see what`s next!!!
Your Blog is wonderful as it is. It`s really hard to think of new ideas…
Let`s see…
I look forward to all the new swaps! So I was wondering… since you`ve brought together quilters from allover the world, maybe you could make a swap where we can exchange “cultural” things, like fabrics from our country, patterns related to it, magazines, traditional recipes, etc.
And how about a “profile” section? A place where we can share our experiences… like how or why we start quilting, our first work, preferences, fabric addition, how quilting change our lives…
I also love BOMs, especially the ones with forums and a gallery, where we can share every step.
Well, thanks for being so creative and doing so many beautiful things for us!
:)
Vanessa’s latest post: Estamos dentro!!!
Great job! I love quilting mysteries.
What I really enjoy seeing is projects completed in a couple of different colourways. Often an alternate colour combo makes the item look so much more appealing to me than the original.
Also, I like to see remakes of old patterns. I think it’s important that the roots of quilting stays alive!
Congrats on your anniversary, wishing you many more years of posting.
Hugs, if you want one,
Julie Andrea
sundayschild1966ATyahooDOTcom
I like quilting-blog because I like to see what other people are making… to get inspired. I like to read / see where other people get their ideas for their projects! So share!
What an amazing contest! And an amazing blog. I can hardly keep mine going, much less do one as involved as yours. Here’s to a fantastic THIRD year!!! :)
Congrats!! and well wishes for year 3! I love to read all the tips and great ideas. I’d also love to hear some things about incorporating machine embroidery into quilts. There are alot of us out there who use our embroidery machines right along with quilting at times. Keep up the great work~~Carole
Congratulations!!! I would love to see a randome blog of the day from all that are listed here on the site. I love finding new ones to read and follow.
Congratulations. I have just recently found your site and have enjoyed it so far. How about more on free motion quilting and other machine quilting patterns. I find it hard to find much on the web about that except the great site on 365 days of free motion quilting.
Thanks for your work and keep it up.
Congratulations on a wonderful 2 years and here’s to many more. When visiting some of the blogs I have come across, often by accident, some wonderful tutorials that people have put together. Would it be possible to set up a searchable database of tutorials to make it easier to find all this useful and wonderful information. Even if a searchable database isn’t possible, what about a listing by topic and links to the tutorials, that would be a great help.
Vicki’s latest post: Christmas Quilts – Part 7
Michele – Congratulations!! I’ll raise my beer to ya! It’s been quite an adventure. I’ve connected to some wonderful people via blogs that I don’t think would have happened with out your site.
I’d like to see a BOM possibly. Maybe something with embroidery machines and quilting, tutorial are also a wonderful idea.
There are a lots of things – Good luck on deciding…..
CONGRATULATIONS – it has been a fantastic year and I am so glad to be a part of it! Love all the contacts I have made, swaps I have participated in! All are wonderful.
I would like to see more tutorials like we had for the friendship bags……seeing is the best part so we can actually have hands on learning…..ALSO maybe have a pattern swap!
Happy Quilting
Congratulations Michelle on your 2nd blog-iversary! I only discovered your blog a few months ago but really enjoy coming back to it. Keep up the great work. Regards, Christine M
Great job Michelle! I really appreciate that your site, I’ve met some wonderful quilting friends around the world and I would never have met them if it wasn’t for this site. I would also like to see free patterns, tutorials and a forum if possible.
Deborah’s latest post: Christmas Memories Wall Hanging
Congratulations! I would like to see some quilting tips and new tutorials. Thanks for the site.
There is so much information to digest on your site, places to go and visit and people to meet it’s just amazing. In the New Year I would love a BOM that pertains to history. I don’t recall seeing anything like that before. Also, I would love it to be smaller than 12″, maybe a 6, 8 or 9″ block to be challenged with a smaller size. We could learn about the history of the block and maybe the women(men) who used it. Or maybe we could work from one historical book and you could choose squares to be made from it while we learn about someone in particular.
For meeting new people online I’d love a few swaps a year with different themes and styles. Like one being a particular square size of fabric, another being a applique or embroidery block, and another in colors of the swap partners choice. We could connect with an individual and have some fun with it.
Thanks for an amazing Blog and you obviously have done a lot of work to make this all so comprehensive. Congratulations on your blogiversary and many more!!
Congratulation on two years!! I would like to see highlights of quilt happenings in different parts of the country.
Hi! I’m new to this site so will have to have a look around. Not sure if I can make any useful suggestions right now. I do know that there is just so much info out there – and so many wonderful blogs. I find it hard to keep up with what everyone is doing and I am finding that time limitations preclude commenting on every post I take a quick look at… anything that helps to ‘organise’ blogging is very useful…
Will now go and look around the site while I have a moment before work…
Cheers!
I love seeing what international quilters like to make and maybe see some patterns and blocks representing those countries. I am interested in their history as well, it makes it more personal to them and for me.
I also am a advocate for scrapping for charity. I like seeing organization in those patterns because I feel its important for them to have something beautiful as well as for warnmth. Its a avenue for me to practice making new blocks as well.
Thanks for the contest. This site has been a good resource for me.
Congratulations on year 3!!
I love to see tutorials. Whether it is a new pattern/design or an easier or more efficient way of doing an old technique.
robin(rsislandcrafts)’s latest post: B I N G O
Congrats and to many, many more. thank you for all your hard work. I like swaps, no I love them, and you can never have to many. It is hard work to hold a swap, maybe you could ask people to help, say one ever few months. Also love the giveaways!
Congratulations! I look forward to year three!
As for what I’d like to see in the future… Personally, I’m totally addicted to online quilt-a-longs. I have so much fun making a quilt, and seeing how everyone else’s version of the same quilt turns out.
I’d also love to see forums, to make it easier for members of this community to share ideas and advice.
Jeanne ’s latest post: Summertime Quilt Swap
Mysteries, tutorials, hints and tips are all feature I love to see. Also, how about testing new products and listing pros and cons along with cost. Looking forward with anything to do with Pat Sloan!
Di
I don’t know what to do to improve. I love all the contests and swaps. I have learned a lot from this site. Keep up the swaps and anything else. Thank you!
Lynn Reyes’s latest post: Giveaway From FMF
I just found your web site in time to enter your Holiday Traditions Quilt Contest with my Christmas Fireplace quilt. Have not been around long enough to make any suggestions but will be around long enough to make one for your next anniversary.
Congratulations! Here’s to many more! As one of the new bloggers for this year, I’ve really enjoyed connecting with other bloggers both here in the UK and all over the world. What a small world the quilting world is! I’ve enjoyed taking part in my first swap, and would love to see these continue, and am intrigued with the new weekly block. Guest bloggers would be good, or your pick of some favourite or interesting blogs to go check out that we may not have come across. And I love a good sew along too! Happy Anniversary!
Trudi’s latest post: Free Gift!
Michele, congratulations on a fabulous two years! I’m a relative newcomer – but you’ve helped me expand my quilting skills and my self-confidence as I’ve sent my work around the world.
I’ve really enjoyed the swaps and the introduction of new techniques. I learn so much from the tutorials and the comments and photos from my fellow quilters.
Perhaps an “Ask the Master Quilter” Corner – A place where we can post a question or ask for input on a quilting issue.
Thanks so much for all your hard work!
I have really enjoyed finding your site.
It is great to be able to find bloggers from a specific area. I am just getting to know your site but I love articles about any forms of quilting. How to, Tips, about other quiltiers.
Your site is very enjoyable
There is so much goodness here already – how to improve on that is a challenge. I do like the forum idea – being able to have it all in one place without having to go offsite into Yahoo or Facebook would be nice.
Regina’s latest post: Post-Christmas project
I too love this site and would like to see a discussion forumn.
Tonya May’s latest post: I love these blocks..
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Congrats! Keep up the good work!