It was both fun and challenging to read the 30+ entries in this contest. I purposely held off reading any of them til I had ALL of them available. I didn’t want to get ‘stuck’ on one person’s idea and unintentionally not give my full attention to other messages.
I must say I enjoyed reading all the entries. Everyone had different but sometimes overlapping ideas about what constitutes a ‘good’ blog and a good blog article. I guess folks who don’t like my blog didn’t bother to enter! So, I got to read a lot of positive things about my ideas, my writing, my choice of subjects. For that, I sincerely thank all who took the time to enter.
The single favorite article that was mentioned by at least 4 writers was the focus on vintage crochet. That seems to resonate with many crocheters. Maybe there is something reassuring when we’ve seen a pattern that holds up well after 40, 50, or more years.
So, I read all the entries, made a few mental notes, then decided to step away and read them again a day or two later to determine if the words I deemed worthy on Saturday still stuck in my mind on Monday or Tuesday. I try to do that with books I purchase, but often fail. Sometimes, I just gotta have it NOW!
I hadn’t mentioned Runner Up prizes, but I do have a few magazines and such from my stash that I intend to send to the Runner Up.
Drum Roll Please!
Runner Up –
Brianna’s entry was exciting for me – someone who wasn’t familiar with my blog before the contest and someone who noticed the effort I put into each article. Thanks, Brianna!
- Brianna on September 15, 2008 11:30 pm
Grand Prize Winner and new owner of Blue Print Crochet by Robyn Chahula -Debi Carmichael on September 19, 2008 9:00 am
Deb’s entry pretty much sums up what I’ve attempted to do with my blog articles. I love researching the articles, reading books and magazines (and a catalog or two) for my reviews, and have even learned how to upload and download photos because of this blog. I very much believe in the philosophy of life-long learning. I learned to crochet only about age 50. Now, about ten years later, I’m still intrigued by this wonderful craft. Debi, thank you for summing up my efforts so nicely!
jd – I have been crocheting for over 40 years (yikes, is it really that long?). Your blog is in my favorites file for several reasons. The fact that you’ve got such a passion for crochet is the first reason. I love to read about vintage crochet, and try different patterns. I also love your book reviews. You seem to spend a lot of time researching, then give very clear, concise reports.
I have been disabled since 1991 – and would you believe my stash has grown, not shrunk. Since money and mobility are very precious resources – I appreciate you research and candor in reviewing items. Several times, you have helped me decide whether or not to purchase something – or whether it was worth the considerable effort it takes to get to the store and look for myself.
I can not say I have a specific favorite entry – just that the overall feel of the blog that makes me want to come back again and again. Mostly it’s your enthusiasm for the craft (art, really) and that you don’t shy away from sharing your knowledge with others. You give back in a way that not only imparts skills – but also beauty – and, if you’re anything like me, a sense that you are(and your student is)able to do anything. After all, isn’t that what this art is all about? You get a sense of self-satisfaction, you work with your hands and some fantastic materials, creating beautiful, whimsical, practical or goofy items – and hopefully inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and try something new. That is how the craft can keep moving forward and not stagnate.
Thanks to all who entered the contest. Wish I had a book or other gift for each of you.
I must also apologize for being late in posting the Contest results. I’ve been hit with a bad case of the flu and just couldn’t get to the computer for the past four days. I’m on the mend now.
DEBI AND BRIANNA MUST SEND ME THEIR SNAIL MAIL ADDRESSES. PLEASE SEND THOSE TO MY PRIVATE EMAIL AT jdwln@sbcglobal.net. I’ll get their prizes in the mail soon.
Again, thanks for reading my blog and for entering the contest. I hope to host another contest soon!
Wow–a giveaway I can enter! I’m used to throwing them, not entering them.
Of the most recent entries that I’ve perused (I’m new to the craftgossip world), the one that stands out the most to me is “A VANTAGE ON VINTAGE CROCHET DESIGNS”. I feel this way for a couple of reasons…
1 — It’s a personal feeling that you can almost never go wrong with vintage crochet, be it elements of a doily or edging that inspires, or whole garments and accessories that just are good, classic designs.
2 — It’s obvious that you spent time looking for great items to display, to pique people’s interest. What’s even more obvious is that you enjoyed the research. I can appreciate the effort, and the patterns you linked to are interesting. I’ve bookmarked a few to go back and look at later.