It's Been One Year

since I started this little blog - for the sole reason of being able to leave comments on Carolyn's blog. Prior to Carolyn starting her blog, I would read Yarn Harlot religiously. I also really enjoyed Mardel, especially her knitting blog, and Liana. I also spent more time reading Sewers Guild (I can't remember now if this is actually the correct name) which sadly no longer exists. I participated in the first three (!) SWAPs hosted by Julie of Timmel Fabrics. Another of my favorite websites, was Gigi's now defunct website. I must say that once I saw a fabulous garment on Gigi's website and I emailed her to ask how she had added the placket to the neckline of a super cute t she'd made. She emailed me back with all the instructions I could ever hope for! Since starting this blog - I have found new friends - both virtual and real! For example I met Little Miss - and I like her and consider her a friend. In fact, I tricked her into becoming co-leader of our neighborhood ASG group with me :) She's so cool, she didn't even mind!

I met and chatted with Cape Cod Mary for quite awhile - we have a lot in common - we both have bloodhounds and basset hounds, we both work in the area of law, and we are both still learning with the sewing curve. Unfortunately, I haven't seen Mary in comments lately, she's blogless so I can't check on her that way - I hope she's doing okay.

It's funny how much of a connection I feel to you gals over the Internet. I feel -through reading your blogs, sharing emails and comments - that I actually "know you." I consider most of you 'friends' and I'm always shocked when one of you links to me! Also, I wouldn't think twice about trying to meet any of you if I was in your fair City for a vacation. And, what's even more amazing, my husband no longer thinks it's weird that I have to meet my 'virtual friends' in real life when the opportunity arises.

Through comments I have learned what your favorite fitting books and general reference books are. I have learned where the 'best' places on the Internet are to buy fabric (much to my husband's dismay). I have found people who can relate and support my issues with weight management and my fear of using "good" fabric. And I've found some really cool - new to me blogs. I'd like to send you guys to a few :) **Randi's I Have to Say **Done by Tuesday **Stephanie Sews **Gorgeous Things **Sew West (Nan Flan) **Stitches and Seams - who I 'knew' from reading the PMB threads **Newmans Needle

There are many, many more blogs that I read daily. What I have learned is that most of us are in the same boat, we're constantly learning new things, stepping outside our comfort zone, taking classes and sharing information. I simply cannot express how thankful I am for all the support I have found through this blog - and all of yours - for what can be a very solitary hobby.

I promise this weekend to update the links on my sidebar. There are a ton of knitting blogs that I read that aren't listed. There are several sewing blogs that aren't listed - I don't know why. I wonder - how many of you follow links on the sidebar? I tend to read comments (from my blog and others) and follow links from comment posters.

Often, I feel a self-imposed idea that I need to be funnier, or make you think more, or whatever. But you are still coming back and leaving comments, so I think I'll just continue what I'm doing. Posting thoughts, photos, ideas, questions, suggestions, etc. So, thank you all for a wonderful year in blogland and for all the support and encouragement that you offer. Thank you :)