Friday, February 28, 2014

Waxing Eloquent on Blogging

So.  I've been blogging for about 3.5 years.  Seems like both forever and a blink of an eye!  I remember the day when I first discovered the world of sewing blogs.  I was searching for a good online guide to french seams for a dress I was making my daughter.  I found a great guide and also the world of blogs.  After about 6 months of reading blogs I thought to myself 'I can do this', and so I did.  (I looked hard for a picture of her in the dress, but no luck, and I no longer have it)

I started out more as a crafty, sewing, cooking blogger, but if you've been around for any length of time, you know that I am more now sewing, primarily quilting.  Incidentally, however, my most read post is for a pair of earrings I designed.   How funny is that?

 My second most read is for a quilt, though!

So after doing some math, I came to the realization lately that I've got over 600 people reading this little blog.  Unbelievable!

GFC 299
Bloglovin' 213
Feedly 48
Email 85

Now I realize there is probably some overlap, but I remember when I had 8 followers.  And I knew them all by name!

A funny thing about blogging, is you don't know whose reading your blog.  Not really.  I know some people, like family and friends that regularly read.  I've made some blogging world friends that I know who read, and I know some of you by your regular comments (thank you!)  But it is so strange when I discover people in real life that read my blog. Like people at my church, or my quilt guild.  It's great.  Plus, I think it keeps me accountable to be myself.

Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I'm going on about this.  No worries, I'm not going to quit and I'm not going to sell you something.  We're going to celebrate!  It goes like this:

Next week, Monday through Friday I will do a giveaway each day. Free Fabric, People!  Each post will go live at Midnight.  I will accept comments on the posts for 24 hours.  When the next post goes up, comments will have to be done.  You can go ahead and comment on each post, so you may win up to five times. (I am going to assume that won't happen).

Each post will have a question to answer about yourself, so I can get to know my readers.  If you don't answer the question, I'll delete your comment.  And please, please, please make sure I can reach you if you win.  If you are a 'no-reply blogger' or just to be safe, you can leave your email in your comment.
I will use Random.org to choose the winners each day.  I will contact winners daily, but wait to do the mailing until March 10.  And as much as I absolutely love to read comments, and try to generally reply on regular days, its just an impossibility on giveaways.  Especially five in a row!

Good luck!  A by-product of this is that I essentially get a week off from blogging, so hopefully I'll get lots of projects done!  Hah!


10 comments:

Leanne said...

I sure enjoy reading your blog, congratulations on all the followers.

byhooks4u said...

I have those earrings!!! and yes I still am reading you.

Jan Baker said...

What fun. I never have any luck on contests but will give it a try. I am one of your many readers by email. Looking forward to next week.

Mindy said...

Ooh, how fun!

And I've made your earrings several times. =) I love how each pair can be altered slightly so they're all unique.

Kristine said...

Ooo fun! I keep intending to really start blogging, but I have yet to be consistent. I've been realizing that once a week is ok, and that simple is good. I'm going to try again, as I want to share my crafts and thoughts.

Vicki said...

That is a lot to celebrate! Congrats on your wonderful success. Looking forward to next week.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

congrats Rachel. I've enjoyed reading after getting to know you through the art group.

Sarah said...

Congratulations on the followers! I've been reading blogs for nearly three years, but still haven't begun myself. I know I just don't have time, but I do think to myself often the same things you did!

Regina said...

With 800 some odd readers you should be getting over a 100 comments for each post. I guess I will just have to make up the difference :)

Regina said...

Congratulations on 3.5 years blogging! I'm making up for those missing comments with this comment :)