I went to bed last night and it ocurred to me that I have been blogging for a year now. A quick check on typead confirmed that I'd missed my blog's first birthday by about 10 days but no matter - let's celebrate it now.
I cannot believe that I've been 'going on and on' for a year and quite honestly I'm surprised too because I wasn't sure that I had it in me. Like a lot of stay-at-home Mums I'd lost a lot of self confidence in thirteen years and I wondered at first what I would write about, how I would even write - being married to a journalist doesn't exactly give me masses of confidence in my writing ability. I also had this thing going about how the stuff I made compared with everyone elses. We all know there are some amazing and prolific women out there - would my stuff be as good or as inspired as theirs?
Well, I tell you I've come a long way in a year. I have no problem with what to write (as you may have noticed) and as for my style well I write just as I would tell it (maybe that's why my posts are so long!). On the comparison front - I stopped that long ago. What's the point? As long as I'm happy with the result who cares. Blogging isn't about making you feel inadequate next to someone else. For me it's about sharing ideas, making things and getting feedback and more importantly creating community. I've said it before but being Indian and having grown up in an extended family I find my nuclear family life lonely. Having a blog has given me a new and different community of like minded people and boy DO I LOVE IT.
If it wasn't for you all and your praise and encouragement would I have gotten through nursing my Mum last year? Would I have stuck to the plant dyeing? Would I have had all those wonderful off-blog conversations? Would I have pushed myself that little bit harder be creative? I'm not sure I would have........
So I owe you all A BIG THANK YOU. Thank you for reading my ramblings, thank you for leaving me such lovely comments, thank you for the wonderful thing you've said about my children, thank you for buying the stuff I make and thank you for just being there.
To show my appreciation I've gone as Mad As A March Hare because I've put together no less than three little gifts for you.
Number 1 - a 40g bag of plant dyed curls, plus three felting needles and a piece of soft felt on which to needlefelt. Plus I'll chuck in some English sweets too:
Number 2 - some of my plant dyed blanket plus two wooden doll figures to dress. Plus some English sweets:
and Number 3 - a lavender bunny, a piece of sari fabric, an amigurumi booklet (in English) and two patterns to make this and this. You don't get the English sweeties sorry - you've got more than enough to keep you busy:
Please click on the highlighted words to see the blanket and patterns.
As last time if you would like one of these gifts please leave a comment after this post and I will put the names in a hat and draw three in about a week's time. Even if you've never left a comment before here's your chance to come out of the woodwork (or is it woodpile?). I'd love to hear from some of the 500 hits I'm supposed to have had yesterday.
PS I'm happy to post anywhere.............
oo, oo, pick me, pick me! I'm glad you've stuck around for a year Simmy, I love your blog and our offline conversations. Congratulations on your anniversary!
Posted by: Georgia | March 15, 2007 at 10:57 AM
I was a hit yesterday but I'm not sure you wanna mail all the way to the US. A very happy blogiversary! Many happy returns of the day :)
Posted by: Julie | March 15, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Happy blogiversary ... I admire your blogging, and look forward to it continuing for many more celebrations!
Posted by: Leah | March 15, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Hi there, count me in as one of yesterdays hits, Happy blogiversary to you, and may there be many more. :-)
Posted by: Sharon | March 15, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Happy belated blog-birthday!
Posted by: Flibbertygibbet | March 15, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Hi there, I've been reading along for a few months now and I love your blog. Here's to another great blogging year!
Posted by: dahlia | March 15, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Happy blogiversary! I'm not sure if I've commented much before, but I been visiting your blog for quite some time. And who could resist those amazing goddies? Thanks, you're a peach! (fingers crossed!)
Posted by: jenny b harris | March 15, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Happy blogiversary, and wishing you many more !
Posted by: Jo | March 15, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I've been reading your blog for a few months now. I came across it while searching for Waldorf crafts. I really enjoy your seasonal tables and have reinvigorated mine. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sarah in Vermont
(who doesn't need you to send anything)
Posted by: Sarah | March 15, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Happy year and a bit Simmy! You're a voice of reason when the world seems to have gone a bit nutty - long may it last.
Posted by: Ali | March 15, 2007 at 12:56 PM
I have been reading your blog for a while now, but haven't commented. The comment about all the hits is enough to drag me out of the "wood pile." I love all your crafts and am even now working on my new nature table. Thank you.
Posted by: Pamela Frohn | March 15, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Hi, Simmy! I've been reading your blog regularly now for a couple of months. You do beautiful work and share wonderful insights on family and fiber! Congrats on making it to the one year mark!
Posted by: Jessica Madsen | March 15, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Happy Blogiversary! I have been reading your blog and commented a few times, but have to blame you with my new addiction to knitting dishcloths! You are a great writer, and your kids are amazing, so creative!! Hope there are many more blogiversaries in your future.
Cathi in Ireland
Posted by: Cathi O'Neill | March 15, 2007 at 01:33 PM
Yeah, happy year (and ten days!). Have you got to see Wives and Duaghters yet?
Posted by: Erin | March 15, 2007 at 01:35 PM
Happy Blogiversary to you! I love all the ideas you share on your blog - they are so well thought out, and always come with beautiful pictures. Thank you for keeping with it!
Posted by: Kassia | March 15, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Dear Simmy,
I love reading your blog, mostly because it gives me nostalgic feelings of when my three oldest children were small and the things we would do together: cooking, crafts, reading, family time, etc. When I was a young mom, there were no PCs or Blogs. A lot of the things we did were unusual (old fashioned) to our neighbors. Back in the 80s a stay at home mom who did crafty things with her kids (and liked it) was an anomaly, at least where I lived. Wow I'm making myself sound old and this comment is getting much too long. I still have an 11 year old at home, and your blog is inspiring to us. I often want to write words of encouragement to you when you write about your own daughter growing up, (been there, done that). You're a wonderful Mom filling your children's lives with great memories, keep it up!
Jodi
Posted by: Jodi | March 15, 2007 at 03:46 PM
congratulations on one year simmy, i will hit mine on sunday and felt the same way when i started... who in the world would care what i did, and the writing part scared me to death. well, you certainly don't have to worry about the writing, i love your style and the way you tell a story - it is entirely possible you husband might learn something from you even... i am so glad to have come across you and your site, it has made this year a better one.
Posted by: stephanie s | March 15, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Happy blogiversary to you! If you're throwing folks with US addresses into that hat, I'd love to be added. Love your blog--always something beautiful and homey to distract me from my messy desk!
Posted by: Nancy | March 15, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Happy anniversary Simmy!
Posted by: Ash | March 15, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Hi Simmy. I just bought some more of your wool. I was so pleased with the last batch that I wanted to make sure I had enough to last awhile. Congratulations on keeping your blog. We're so happy to have you around.
Posted by: Michelle | March 15, 2007 at 05:03 PM
great blog. i'm so excited to receive my wool. thanks again!
Posted by: celeste | March 15, 2007 at 05:27 PM
I am setting up my first seasonal table with my little girl and have found your seasonal tables so inspiring. I ordered tons of wool and can not wait to get started. Great thanks and appreciating for shaing your thoughts and life with all of us!
Posted by: Christine | March 15, 2007 at 05:41 PM
Happy blog birthday Simmy. My birthday is 24th March so we both have something to celebrate! Here's looking towards your second blog birthday.
Posted by: Simone | March 15, 2007 at 06:04 PM
Ohhh...lovely jubbly! Love your work. Love your blog. I visit often. I guess I have always lurked before though...now I have come out of the woodwork to say Happy blogiversary and keep up the delightful work! You spin a smile on my face often enough to make a difference.
Posted by: Marie | March 15, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Dear Simmy,
I'm from Singapore, now living in Houston, Texas. It gets lonely here sometimes. I read several crafters' blogs and you are one of my favourite.
I am hoping you will give me that extra push onto my own blog. It has been >6 months and I keep giving myself all kinds of excuses.
Love,
Evelyn
Posted by: Evelyn Lum | March 15, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Dear Simmy,
Today, right now, I feel REALLY enthusiastic about starting my own blog. Have been a reader for >6 months. Always in the background. So much words stored in my mind. Can you tell me the best way to start before I loose this zeal again?
Love,
Evelyn
Posted by: Evelyn Lum | March 15, 2007 at 07:10 PM
It's my 1st comment here, though I'm around here a lot, and see you on Flickr.
Happy blog birthday. And PLEASE, keep up the amazing work!
Posted by: Kooka | March 15, 2007 at 07:47 PM
Happy Birthday!
I too am now inspired to start my own blog and am very excited to be part of such a great community of amazig moms...
Warm thoughts to you on this exciting day:)
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca Wolpinsky | March 15, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Hi Simmy,
I just found your blog, about one week ago ( I saw your link at Flickr)! I love your nature table and your plant dyed projects .
many celebrations from over the North sea ( Belgium)
Many more lovely blogyears to go.
Posted by: ilse | March 15, 2007 at 08:05 PM
Hi, Simmy,
Congratulations with blog anniversary. Wish you a happy and healthy life, with tons of happy posts. Keep up the great work :=)
Is it too late to join the lucky draw?
Posted by: lucia | March 15, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Hello Simmy,
Happy blog birthday from the Netherlands. I love your way of writing. When I was studying Textiles in 1975 I learned to work with natural materials. For many years it was old fashioned to even talk about things like that or make things by yourself. So I'm so happy to discover blog's like your's and knowing I'm not alone in my feelings for nice and good materials and handycrafts. Thanks for sharing your blog and I wish you many more blog years.
Posted by: Marian | March 15, 2007 at 08:19 PM
Happy Blog-day!
You don't look a day over one.
Hope you have many more Happy Blog-days! I look forward to reading them all!
Posted by: Margaret | March 15, 2007 at 08:30 PM
Happy blogiversary!
I really should comment more, I love the things you do.
I never get to celebrate my blogiversary because I've lost my posts from the pre-blogger days so celebrating just doesn't seem right.
Here's to many more years of blog posts.
Posted by: Celeste | March 15, 2007 at 08:33 PM
I really enjoy reading your stories and crafting adventures Simmy. Keep on blogging as you have so much talent to share and create.
Lucette
Posted by: Lucette | March 15, 2007 at 08:56 PM
Happy Blogversary and many more. I applaud you for sticking to it for (over) a year and the honesty and insight that you share. You're right; it's all about community.
Posted by: carol | March 15, 2007 at 10:25 PM
Happy blogiversary! I'm looking forward to reading your blog in the year to come :-)
Posted by: HildeC | March 15, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Wow! Really I would like to thank you for writing your blog and sharing your talents with me. I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your beautiful photos.
I am inspired after reading your posts, I have been baking more bread and have a fairy almost in the making.
peace- michele in Colorado
Posted by: michele | March 15, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Congrats on one year! I believe I missed out on your locks, they are beautiful. I hope you'll be listing some again soon.
Posted by: Donna | March 15, 2007 at 11:09 PM
Hi Simmy, Congrats on a year of blogging. Discovered your site last fall while "Googling" for natural dying. Have enjoyed your thoughts, comments and crafts. "You go girl"!!!
Peg from Indiana =^,,^=
Posted by: Peg | March 15, 2007 at 11:25 PM
dosen't time fly - happy 1st blogday! and please add me to your draw
Posted by: Joy | March 16, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Hi there, and HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!
I just found you about a month or so ago, but I find it really charming. Thank you for a wonderful blog- your pics and your words both inspire (I am really hoping to learn to plant dye some day, too) and hit home (I've been home homeschooling just 3 years now, but I know what you mean about the loss of confidence. Starting to feel a little of that already). And my husband and I are in love with your home and village and FRESH MILK! Echoes of a dream, indeed! Thanks for a wonderful treat of a blog :))
Posted by: sue | March 16, 2007 at 01:21 AM
i've just come up on my one year too. seeing your amazing gifts is really an inspiration to also put something beautiful out there.
congratulations on one year. i celebrate with you and am happy to "know" you and your blog. also looking forward to another wonderful year ahead. xo
Posted by: kristin | March 16, 2007 at 03:32 AM
Hi There,
I've been reading your blog for a couple of months and love all your stuff. My son is 2 1/2 and we attend little class at our local Waldorf school. A lot of your beautiful projects remind me of the crafts that we do at school. Your blog is a real inspiration. Happy blogiversary!
Posted by: shannon | March 16, 2007 at 04:15 AM
Well done.. you are always inspiring and creative.. I really enjoy reading from NZ
Posted by: kay | March 16, 2007 at 05:52 AM
Hi Simmy! I've been reading your blog for a few months now and am so inspired by your pictures and your writing. Thanks for the inspiration. Happy blogiversary!
Posted by: Jade | March 16, 2007 at 07:12 AM
I've been reading your blog quietly for a while now and have been learning how to do crochet flowers from your tutorial this week. Thanks for the help.
Posted by: vicky | March 16, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Happy 1st Birthday.Along with everyone else who has commented i really enjoy your blog for its honesty and creativity. They are wonderfully generous gifts.I hope you enjoy reading all your lovely comments.
Posted by: little jenny wren | March 16, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Happy blog birthday! I really enjoy your artwork. I also appreciate your tutorials.Thanks for sharing. xxoo
Posted by: Laura | March 16, 2007 at 02:16 PM
happy blogiversary, simmy. i am very happy that we met via our blogs. i value your entries and you a lot. whta a lovely idea to celebrate with some freebies.
Posted by: ramona | March 16, 2007 at 02:16 PM
Congratulations Simmy! Happy 1 year anniversary! Thank you so much for being such an inspiration! You are truly a beautiful person! I love your thoughtful emails and have so much fun reading your blog! You are amazing! I just started needle-felting, taught myself some and have been looking at pictures of other crafters---I've found some wonderful ideas from you, I truly look forward to reading your blog as much as I can, it takes me away to a serene place full of creativity and humor---thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Oh, I could read all day, but I better go tend to my little ones who are deperately craving my attention at this moment! I love your blog----here's to many more years!!!!Oh,almost forgot-- are you all out of your beautiful plant dyed fairy locks??? Thanks for the inspiration and motivation--Best wishes always---Brenda
Posted by: Brenda | March 16, 2007 at 04:15 PM
Yeah, Simmy- I love your blog! and everything you make is so lovely.
Posted by: melody | March 16, 2007 at 07:09 PM
Oh my gosh!! Happy Blogiversary!! I would be happy to receive any of your lovely gifts!!
Posted by: Susan | March 16, 2007 at 08:40 PM
Happy Blogging Birthday to YOU!
From USA-Indiana Thank you for sharing your interests and family with us. I love learning about different cultures and crafty ideas.
Posted by: Angela | March 16, 2007 at 09:58 PM
WOW!! That's some generosity on your part. Amazing stuff.
Posted by: Kathy | March 16, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Happy blogaversary!
I am one of those nearly daily clickers. I have to say, I always leave your blog the last one to read, it is like cream on the cake :) I have been reading your blog for maybe around 7-8 months.
Posted by: crazyestonian | March 16, 2007 at 11:40 PM
Happy blog birthday! i love looking at your blog! I always check, every day!
Emily
Posted by: EmilyS | March 16, 2007 at 11:57 PM
Happy blogaversary!
I'd love to be entered into your draw - very generous of you.
Thank you :0)
Posted by: dottyspots | March 17, 2007 at 01:22 AM
Happy Blogiversary Simmy!! Wow, there's a lot of crafty bloggers that started their blogs around this time of the year. I wonder if it was the lure of back-tack? Or just seeing how much fun it looked like everyone was having. Either way, congrats on having made it to your first year. :-)
Posted by: Tami | March 17, 2007 at 04:20 AM
Simmy, I love your blog and looking at all your wonderful creations. That plant dyed wool I got from you is just screaming to be needle felted into something and now that the baby is here, I finally have time. :)
Posted by: Kristi | March 17, 2007 at 09:49 AM
Happy Blog Anniversary Simmy. I enjoy reading about your lives, home, interests and English life in a Cotswold Village. Looking forward to another year....
Posted by: Carol | March 17, 2007 at 01:29 PM
Happy Blog Birthday!!!
Simmy, I adore reading your blog. You are wonderfully creative...I love seeing what you're up to. But most of all you are so friendly. Reading your blog is like having been invited for a tea party. :-)
Posted by: Dannielle | March 17, 2007 at 01:44 PM
happy blog birthday ! I hit you every day (that sounds wrong!) so I am one of your 500!
I love your lavender bunny he is so cute:-)
Posted by: paper-and-string | March 17, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Happy blog birthday!
I just found your blog and I'm here to stay :D You are so talented and I hope your talent rubs off ;)
Posted by: Tikrimari | March 17, 2007 at 04:51 PM
Happy day to you .. still loving your blog, fab pictures, colours and wonderful ideas.
all love to you & yours
Denise
x
Posted by: Denise Ridgway | March 17, 2007 at 05:24 PM
I read your blog regularly and love the glimpses into your life. I have never commented before so "hi" from St Louis, MO. :)
-Jill
Posted by: Jill A. | March 18, 2007 at 12:46 AM
happy anniversary (coming out of the woodwork (or pile) for the chance to finally learn how to needlefelt...hehe.
Posted by: Marianne | March 18, 2007 at 12:52 AM
happy 1st blog-day! You're inspirational! I'm a mom in New York City and am "crafting challenged." If I'm picked, send LOTS of instructions:)
Posted by: Leigh | March 18, 2007 at 05:57 PM
De-lurking to say happy anniversary. I've been popping in to read your posts for a few months now and really enjoy your blog. Glad you overcame your blogging fear and kept with it!
Posted by: Taimarie | March 18, 2007 at 07:18 PM
Congratulations on one year of a beautiful blog. I just love your blog and in case you will send to the US throw my name in the hat too!
Posted by: Jill Pettis | March 18, 2007 at 07:22 PM
Happy blogiversary! You know me, I've been reading for nearly a year I think and sometimes comment.
Thanks for your compliments re my photos recently.
Oh, and that illustration at the top of the post? Is it a Janet/Allen Ahlberg picture?
Posted by: suse | March 18, 2007 at 10:26 PM
Hi Simmy,
I have been read your blog for several months and I think I have commented once or twice. I am in Long Beach, Ca and I enjoy reading about your family and all projects! No matter what you think you get way more accomplished then most folks! And I am anxious to try out the Waldorf doll patterns and felting ideas too.
Posted by: Mary Ann | March 19, 2007 at 02:10 AM
hi there happy blogbirthday!! i love reading your blog and checking out all the wonderful things you make as well as those lovely photos of your home thankyou so much for sharing your life with us!!! : )
Posted by: sarah | March 19, 2007 at 02:39 AM
Happy 1st Anniversary. Better late than never. I only discovered your blog a couple of months ago and I love your stories, creations and ideas too. I hope you pick my name, I love the second and third prizes, never done any needle felting before so I would be intimidated to try it out yet. Please pick my name out, but I will still read your blog on a daily basis anyway. Hope you have another wonderful year and look forward to reading much more.
Posted by: Sue | March 19, 2007 at 05:08 AM
oooh, I would love some of your beautiful dyed things! I completely feel the same way about the lack of extended family - I just have me and my boyfriend, my mom lives nearby, and my sisters relatively near, but I want like a family compound, or for us to all live in the same town, or SOMETHING - I want a whole community here with me! So online is the next thing. :)
Posted by: søren | March 19, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Just found your blog via whipup and your lovely faery tutorial. Very cute!! I'd like to enter for the drawing as well... if it's not too late...
Posted by: Helene | March 19, 2007 at 01:51 PM
I just found you TODAY because of your 'roving angel' pattern. I LOVE it & the other work you do!! I immediately added you to my sub list. Good luck to you on continued success (& good luck to ME to win one of your fabulous gifts!! :-) )
Posted by: Jo | March 19, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Happy anniversary...I love the colours of your rovings...enjoyed the fairy tutorial.
Posted by: Pauline | March 19, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Happy anniversary...I love the colours of your rovings...enjoyed the fairy tutorial.
Posted by: Pauline | March 19, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Happy Blogiversary! I just found your blog when you showed us your house reno. Do we get to peek inside as well?
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 19, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Happy anniversary! I love you fairy tutorial!
Posted by: Ann | March 19, 2007 at 04:31 PM
Congratulations on your first year! May you have many more fruitful ones. I just found your tie-dying tutorials (I'm going to try mini-spirals!), thanks for that. Your cute coloured curls are gorgeous!
Posted by: Errant | March 19, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Congratulations on your 1 year bloggiversary. May you have many more of them.
Loved the faries
Take Care
Sunshine
http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com/
Posted by: sunshine | March 19, 2007 at 04:55 PM
This is my first comment, which is crazy 'cause I've been reading your blog for months! I am in rural Kentucky, US, and love your projects, especially the natural dying. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Laura | March 19, 2007 at 05:09 PM
I have stopped in to your blog before, but lost it for awhile, now I am subscribed through the RSS feed so you won't get lost again. Happy Blogversary, too. Perhaps I can find some time to create a fairy -- I know just the cutest little girl who would treasure her... perhaps peach and green for spring...
Posted by: susan barker | March 19, 2007 at 05:38 PM
Thanks for the blossom fairy tutorial - she's gorgeous. I'm going to have to make a few...
And happy anniversary. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, inspiration and tutorials, your generosity is much appreciated.
Posted by: Reethi | March 19, 2007 at 05:45 PM
wow...
i have just found you today
and here you are,
a year?
congratulations
and i will definately be back!
Posted by: gkgirl | March 19, 2007 at 06:32 PM
Congratulations on your first blogaversary! May you have many more!
And thanks for inspiring the rest of us to bring more creativity and joy into our lives.
Posted by: Marsha | March 19, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Holy smokes! I should comment more often. I breeze by your inspiring blog every few days and love it!
Posted by: heather | March 19, 2007 at 07:07 PM
Happy Blogery to you.
Keep up the good blog work!
Posted by: Liz | March 19, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Hi, Happy Blogaversary. This is my first comment.. I've been reading your blog for about two weeks or so. Love the pics of your home.
: )
Posted by: Michelle | March 19, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Hi! I just discovered your blog today and am adding it to my favourites. :) Thanks for including me in the draw!
Now... off to read your blog! :)
Posted by: Ann | March 20, 2007 at 01:57 AM
just wandered over from the link at whipup - and i am loving your natural and seasonal creations. congratulations on 1 year of blogging!
Posted by: kristin | March 20, 2007 at 03:24 AM
Congratulations on a year! I would love to be in the draw. I just found your blog. It's wonderful! Laura
Posted by: Laura | March 20, 2007 at 05:57 AM
happy bloggy birthday simmy!!! it has been wonderful so far and as i say, its all because of you, so thank you again for being my first port of call on this amazing journey. heres to our next bloggy year!
louloux
ps you don't have to put me in the draw - just getting those numbers up!
Posted by: louise | March 20, 2007 at 10:42 AM
happy blogthday.
i enjoy reading your blog- we're planning waldorf schooling for my year-old daughter and i like seeing the things you and your children create.
Posted by: monica | March 20, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Congratulations on your blog! Is that Allan Ahlberg's pic? I love his artwork.
Posted by: Ellen | March 21, 2007 at 12:36 AM
Happy Blogiversary! I really enjoy reading about your experiments with plant dyeing and other crafts. Your seasonal projects are quite inspiring--we do a bit of Waldorf schooling ourselves.
Posted by: Donna | March 21, 2007 at 04:53 AM
I love your blog.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 21, 2007 at 05:17 PM
I just found your blog while I was researching Waldorf families. I love your crafts.
Posted by: CanCan | April 07, 2007 at 03:47 AM