Saturday 13 October 2012

Number Crunching

We all start blogging for different reasons. Mine are a little hazy but it was part curiosity if I could come up with something to write about, part the challenge of doing more writing as that has always been something I enjoyed but had not been doing enough of, and part to keep a wee diary of what I was making and doing.

I have stated before but it didn't occur to me that people would read me, other than my best friend because she had to. I am sure it is in the best friend forever rule book somewhere. But other people started reading me. Complete strangers - many of whom have since become friends. And I became obsessed with my stats. I hate to admit it, but I did. I was a stat-oholic. *sob!*

Last winter I went through a real blogging blah period. I took half term off, reassessed why I was blogging, what I got out of it and if I wanted to continue. I did. From that point I stopped worrying about who was reading me, or not. Whether I got more hits each month, and if not why. And if someone stopped following me it no longer felt like something really personal. It just was what happened at times. I was back in a good place.

So recently I noticed that my followers had almost reached 300, and I felt the obsession creeping back. I couldn't help it. It is an evil addiction. (Really!!) I thought I would do a g*vea*ay when I reached 300. And each day I checked to see how close I was.

I got to 299. Eeeek! I was poised, ready - and I lost a follower. You know what? It was the best thing ever. It was the proverbial kick up the backside to remind me that we are all into blogging for different reasons, and mine is not to be the biggest blog on the block. It would freak me out totally. I like that people read me. I love getting comments. It is nice to get to know you all. I am human after all. But I am not hugely ambitious. I like my little corner of the world, and am happy in it.

Therefore this weekend I decided to celebrate having 299 followers. It's a great number. It may go up, it may well go down - especially after prattling on like this today. But one of you will win this -


It is a tote bag. No more, no less. Made to the same pattern we are using in Mouthy Stitches. If  you would like to win then please leave a comment. I will do a draw for the winner on Wednesday, October 17th. About mid-afternoon. If you need something to comment about then tell me why you started reading my blog, or how you found it, or whatever. Really, it doesn't matter. This is my thank you for making me feel good about my sewing, my writing, my life.

Please do not blog about this g*vea*ay. Or tweet it. Or facebook it. This is between you guys and me. One comment, one chance. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. If you get carried away and leave two comments I will delete one - no offence, but it will be the easiest way for me to keep track of entries.

And if you think that the photos of the tote bag are limited, then please have a look at what the weather was doing five minutes before I took them.


Susan

112 comments:

  1. awww, that's a lovely post! I can't remember how I found you - it may have been via Hadley, but I have no idea how I found her either, so that's no help at all! I love reading about your day to day stuff, as well as seeing all the lovely things you make, and I like to count you as a friend too :-D

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  2. Great post, Susan! The tote is lovely, too. And is that sleet? Hope you are keeping warm and having a reasonably relaxing weekend!

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  3. Great post - I like the way you blog. Some bigger blogs are high on frequency, low on content. You're not, so stay the way you are.
    I have no idea how I 'met' you...I may be getting old and forgetful but it is nice to 'know' you.

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  4. Hi Susan! I can freely admit to doing the same thing at times with stat watching. It can be very exciting and frustrating to see the numbers climbing etc and it is so very true that you lose focus of your actual reasons for starting the blog. Thank you so much for the reality check and reminder to do this for me!! Hopefully your bad weather doesn't last. Here is Calgary we had snow all of wednesday but it is gone now! Your tote is lovely and I know all of us ladies would be very proud to own it if we win!

    Kallie

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  5. Happy 299. And you blog for new reasons now, namely keeping me entertained :-) Good job! x

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  6. Yes, happy 299! I love your blog, but since I met you you have become a good friend so I am sticking around as long as you feel like writing. The bag is so lovely, I would love to win it too, it is a lovely giveaway.

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  7. The weather here has been the same and we have been dodging the hail showers too. I can't remember how I started following you, but I know I'm jealous you went to the retreat weekend....and I didn't. Looks like everyone has a great time. thanks.

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  8. Thanks for such a lovely post. I recently blogged a school trip to Sri Lanka and got completely obsessed with stats so I know exactly how you feel! I'm just about to kick start my own blog at half-term and I'm really looking forward to it.

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  9. You've been in my reader, for a long time, but I don't remember the why or when. Today, I became your 300th follower, it's official! Myself I just reached 100 followers, and had a giveaway. Yay for giveaways.

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  10. What a lovely post! I think I found your blog when we started up Brit Bee and I've loved getting to know you. Totally agree with Alison, I really like the way you write and I love finding out about what you're up to. Gorgeous tote, what a nice giveaway x

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  11. Great post Susan: you started blogging a bit before me and I found your blog when I started mine. Nearly two years now! Love the tote

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  12. Hi Susan, thought I'd sign-up (long time overdue) to be your 300th but think I was too slow and now I'm number 301. See where you get your stats-mania from! Keep on blogging Susan.

    Big Bro Andrew

    PS - I think that tote bag would look really good over my shoulder!!

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  13. Some wonderful insight for all of us Susan! I stumbled into blogging looking for a better way to bind a quilt I was doing at the time, before then I was winging it. Low and behold, I googled =, and up popped this list so I clicked and got my answer but then I began to explore this blog and found that if I clicked it took me to other blogs. I was amazed that there was this vast community out there that I too could tap into and I did. The first blog I had was less than stellar so I started aga in with this one and I must admit I don't know what I'd do without it. It's not the numbers for me so much as the connections I've made through my little piece of this virtual land.
    That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!

    Hugs,

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  14. See! You're up to 301 followers now! even if the last one was your brother!!!
    Love the tote!

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  15. I started quilting and sewing earlier this year, because I needed something to do while home sick. I decided to set up a blog for it to keep track of my projects and progress (I knit, too, and I track most of my work elsewhere for that). I didn't really care if anybody else would ever read it (I still don't mind one way or another). I never expected to find such a wonderful community of people to read and interact with in the quilting/sewing world.

    I don't remember how I found your blog. Probably through a linky party. But I enjoyed reading (and still do!), so I kept coming back :)

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  16. Oh yes please put my name in the hat. No idea how I started following you, I probably saw you on someone else's blog I came over to check you out...I do that a lot. And keep that weather over there please!! Hugs x

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  17. I am happy that you never stopped blogging. I don't remember when I started to follow you and I don't know where I found you ... I just like reading your blog, see the lovely pics and enjoy it!

    I am so sorry that you had this awful weather 5 min ago as I am sitting in beautiful sunshine and eat my cake!

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  18. The funny thing about following blogs is there are a handful that i really feel are my friends. It sounds odd as we've never met, but some are written so well it's as though we've known each other for years. Yours certainly fits into that category. Feel free to pop by for a cup of tea when you're in the area!

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  19. Well said and I agree wholeheartedly and you know I would love anything handmade from you so keeping my sewing needles crossed!

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  20. Can't remember how I found your blog, maybe through the Brit Quilt group on Flickr, or someone else mentioned, so i followed a link. I don't think i'm technically a follower, although you're one of my fave blogs, and linked to my blog list which tells me when you post, and i come right over. Enough babbling, i love the blog, and i'd better follow "properly" now!! Ange :)

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  21. I honestly can't remember what led me to your blog, but I think that matters less than that I enjoy reading what you write. For me, your friendly and casual writing style is what kept me reading over the past year. I am glad to be one of the 299 because my blog reading is more enjoyable with your blog in my feed. Congratulations.

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  22. I don't know how or why I started following you...but I have enjoyed every moment of getting to know you and your family. I like to think that we would have great fun together if we lived closer.

    I'm loving that weather you are having today. Here it is cloudy...that is about it...cloudy. I have on shorts and a t-shirt and wish it was jeans and a sweater. Oh how
    I miss fall.

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  23. Happy to be among the 299! :)

    I started following a bunch of people in the Mouthy Stitches swap because everybody makes such great stuff. I can always use plenty of totes and I love this one. It would be happy in my home.

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  24. I can't remember exactly when I started reading your blog. I can't remember a time when I didn't. I suspect we were in a swap together? I think we all get a bit stat obessessed to a certain degree. Just earlier I was thinking ooooh if I can get 200 followers I'll have an excuse for a giveaway!

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  25. Gordon Bennet! Are those hails stones??? We've had glorious blue sky all day - what a change! I'm so glad you chose to blog and are keeping blogging! Can't remember how I discovered you, but so glad I did. And 299 is such a great number! Jxo

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  26. It is cold here too. We might have snow tomorrow... I found you on the Let's Get Acquainted Blog hop and loved your perle cotton quilting so much I had to become a follower. And I don't regret it:) Thanks for the chance to win my very own Susan Standen creation!

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  27. Well aren’t you sneaky. I am certainly happy you blog because it means now I am in your life. What would you do without me? get more work done? Probably! Lol so about that bag...

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  29. you are at 302! LOL Congrats on a great blog. I like your style and I like your honesty and I think that's what makes your blog fab!

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  30. What is it about numbers - on the blog stats chart, on Facebook and twitter, on the scale - that makes them so obsessive sometimes?! I think it's fantastic that you're able to keep it in perspective, though 299 followers is still hugely impressive. I can't remember exactly how I found your blog, but I love checking in with all your baking and patchworking projects!!

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  31. Love your attitude, your work, your Blog and that bag :) x

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  32. Now that is a beautiful bag! I love your blog. You make me smile, Å·ou are honest and you make lovely lovely things. I think I found it when Cindy did her mug rug swap. I am so pleased I did!

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  33. Love getting to know you in your blog Susan, and have become addicted to finding out what you've made today/every day. Happy 299.

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  34. Goodness knows, but I am glad I did, you may be far, we may lead different lives but there have been times when you have emailed or commented with the perfect words right when I needed them, so thanks and I am SO happy you are still writing!

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  35. Well you are at 302 now!! Imagine all those people in a room together looking at you - freaky eh!!!?

    I think we can thank Brit Quilt swap 1 for our introduction - I wouldn't be without you my friend xxx

    Smashing tote, you generous one!

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  36. I can't remember how I found you or when it was, but I first saw a pic of one of your Birdies (whether in a block or just a scrap, I can't remember, but I know that I thought it was great!)
    Your writing always feels like we're in your kitchen drinking a cup of tea, so please don't stop being you!

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  37. I've no idea now how I found you, nor why I carried on reading! I know I was impressed by your relationship with your girls. No, don't laugh, I was.
    I sometimes get downhearted when I see people who have been blogging a shorter time than me, with more followers. But hey ho, that's life.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  38. I am new to reading blogs. I have been reading quilting/sewing blogs and following links to new sites. I started following your blog because you are Canadian (and so am I) you are Susan (and so am I) and you live in the UK (and I so want to get there someday).

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  39. I'm thinking that I came to your blog via the Brit Quilt group but I could be wrong. I always enjoy your prattling ;) I'd love that tote bag! Gorgeous!

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  40. I think you're safe - you're at 302 now. I seem to have been following you for ages - can you remember when I started reading your blog? I certainly can't! But I do enjoy it and continue to be astonished by the fact that you blog nearly every day.

    Pomona x

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  41. I had seen you before, but recently I found you again via mouthy stitches (missed the sign up window) and decided to follow you. 1. because I'm Canadian too, 2. because I like your "voice". Although I'd rather have coffee than tea.

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  42. For the life of me I cant remember how we came to "meet" but I'm so glad we did. I think you and I are very similar in our outlooks and the way we think about stuff so it's a little like having a surrogate sister with a Canadian accent.

    I think we all get a bit obsessed with our stats at some point. I got over that ages ago too.

    Thanks for the chance to win a Susan original!

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  43. I think I found you through the first Brit swap. I love reading your blog and chatting with you over the tinternet! Xx

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  44. I found your blog because I was searching for crocheting blogs and you had just made some lovely crocheted blankets. I had no idea then that you were just a new blogger but I really loved all the varied and interesting things you write about. I think your chatty, conversational style got me hooked and your recipes looked so good too! I'm so glad to have found you on 'tinternet Susan and now can't imagine hanging around here without you!

    Who needs blog stats when you've got bloggy friends?

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  45. Okay now I feel a whole lot worse ( see my earlier email) - just kidding. I would love to win this tote - it's perfect and in lovely cool tones too. Congrats on reaching and going beyond 300 followers - woohoo! Oh and happy to have known you almost since Day 1.

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  46. I love reading your blog because it makes me feel like I am listening to a old friend. You're friendly and not pretentious and you make great stuff that I want to win ;0)

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  47. I love your blog Susan. I have no idea how I found it, but I do remember being struck by your use of colour. Then I started reading your words and just enjoyed it even more :) if I see that Canadian Abroad is in my reader, I scroll down and read that first before reading all the other new posts. I'm a random stranger who is very glad that you blog :) well done on being such a creative person, 299 reflects what a lovely read your blog is :)

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  48. I'm not sure anymore how I got directed to your blog, but I wrote you a comment and you sent me the kindest response, which I found inspiring. You have such a great mix of family/personal and quilting life on display here and I've really enjoyed having a view into your world.

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  49. I can't remember how I found you either! I enjoy reading your posts - about normal-fit-it-in-somehow everyday life (and not so everyday recently) and crafting. And I can't believe you had hail! (well I can, but it is a bit worrying......)

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  50. Your write a lovely blog! I really like the give and take between bloggers and you have always been so lovely about commenting and responding to comments. I am always happy to see a new post from you pop up on my list!! I NEVER skip you. :o)

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  51. I met you in the bar of The Grange Strathmore in London ;o) I tried to figure out where my friends were married - and finally remembered on my way back home... in Picton, Ontario. Celebrate your lucky 299 and I wish you a relaxed blogging future... no pressure, please ;o)))

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  52. Hello my Canadian friend!! Happy Belated Thanksgiving!! I think I discovered your blog through the Fat Quarterly Flickr group or something related to FQR :) I love how I have met you in person so reading your words and seeing your projects are REAL to me and not just words or sewn things by some random stranger! 299 is impressive and what a lovely bag for someone to have :)

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  53. I am very new to this blog but am enjoying myself seeing all the great things you are up to. good luck

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  54. You know I can't even remember how I found you, it might have been through Laura Jane actually thinking about it. That seems likely doesn't it? Anyway congratulations on having approximately 300 followers, give or take!

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  55. I don't remember how I found you either, but liked your blog name, being Canadian and all! I really enjoy all your projects, and hearing about your family! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!

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  56. It's just a diary, and we love you just the way you,are! Thanks to the first BQS and Brit Bee, so glad you enrich our lives :). Bloomin gorgeous bag too missus!

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  57. Gorgeous tote! I love the lining you chose! Thanks for the chance!

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  58. I imagine that I found you after seeing something you kade posted somewhere. I probably clicked over, read a few posts and decided to stay awhile. I like that your blog is low key and personal. Kind of how you'd talk to someone who was sitting in your kitchen. :)

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  59. Lovely tote! Congratulations on 299! A most fabulous number and well worth celebrating! I started following you because, hey, you make lovely things and you are Canadian like me. : )

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  60. I can't remember how I found you. I read a ton of blogs - too many really - and I'm guessing I found you via another blog. I enjoy the content on your blog - I'm finding all the self promotion and promotion of others rather tiresome - which makes me enjoy the blogs that don't do that even more!

    Is that SNOW?

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  61. Laughing at your big brother right now. He's a keeper isn't he.

    You tell me how I found you because you hassled me senseless first until I finally gave in and followed you back.
    Ok so I loved every minute of it and still do.

    I have been through all manner of blog & stats phases. Ironically it seems that when you least care that's when all the followers come. I know how you feel though- I started to pay attention again a few weeks ago when I got to 599. I stayed there for weeks after that lol

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  62. I don't remember how I found your blog at all, it's actually really bugging me now! I do remember the first post/s of yours that stick in my mind though, the rainbow hexi pillow with the gorgeous flowers etc that you did by hand. Seriously one of the most amazing things I've seen. I loved seeing how it developed over the series of posts you wrote :) I love seeing all your paper piecing, I want to try some myself after seeing all yours :)

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  63. Your tote is beautiful Susan! I found your blog last year after seeing your lovely mini quilt with the sherbet pips girl on the scooter. It is still one of my favourite minis!

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  64. Congrats on 299 followers! I read your blog because I like your style and get a kick out of your writing.

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  65. Congratulations on your 299 followers! I think I have 14. Woot! Anyway, I can't remember how I found you anymore. I think the 'Canadian' in your blog title caught me because I'm Canadian too. Plus, I really like all the handwork you do, and your blogging style is lovely.

    I really hope I win your tote!

    beaniekins84(at)gmail(dot)com

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  66. Looks like word got out about this wonderful gi*ea*ay!! You are now at 303 followers, so you didn't need to worry! I don't remember how I found you but I'm sure glad I did! Even though I already own a "Susan-original" I would love this tote! Thanks for being such a generous soul, and talented too!

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  67. Susan, I just checked and you're at 303 followers already, congrats! You can thank Rhonda (Quilter in the Gap) for getting me into reading your blog. She talks about you a lot in her podcast and I like to listen to her. Here you go!:) Were you the one posting about hospital visits with daughter? How's she doing? I tried to dig up what was the reason, but just couldn't find anything. If you didn't want to share I understand. Your tote looks absolutely gorgeous!

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  68. What's funny to me is that I thought I was an official follower of your blog all this time, but I couldn't find my picture in your sidebar gadget. So now it's official! I enjoy your projects so much, Susan. Keep enjoying life!

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  69. Congratulations! I need Archie TW Dog like I need a weekly tranfusion, and so I started stalking her sidebar and thats how I came across you! and love your humour too. I used to be an Aussie Abroad, so i love your expat take on life in another country. Your sewing is sooooo perfect and I admire how you can juggle all the balls in your life. Keep blogging girl! By the way, the mtns west of Sydney had snow on Friday. Not hail... but far-out weather.

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  70. I started to follow you because of your name (I'm Canadian) and am still a follower because of your content.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  71. Speaking of number crunching is that the most comments ever? Inquiring minds want to know!

    Big Bro Andrew

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  72. I started to follow you from the FQ retreat links party. I feel more like a stalker as I rarely comment on blogs and even less rarely write on my own blog lol.I am always amazed at how quickly you get through projects. What a great prize. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

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  73. I started reading your blog after you left lovely comments on my mine. I stayed and became a follower because you make me laugh with your witty observations on life and motherhood, as well as inspire me with your continually evolving creative output. I am sure you won't mind me saying that you came to this as a bit of a beginner and it has been amazing to see how you have developed your skills to such a high level in such a short space of time.
    Thank you Susan.

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  74. I started reading your blog through Shay .. and have kept reading it because I enjoy it. thanks. btw, you are up to 304 now !!

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  75. 299 is a far better celebration than 300 as it is totally original and that is totally you Susan! An original

    Love you and I started following you way back and have lost all recollection of where I came in and how but you were my first blogging buddy and so friendly I haven't looked back! So many things you have gotten me in to! Thanks xox!

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  76. sometimes we need those "little" reminders fo why we are doing something... keep on with the same... it works for me x

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  77. Hi, l found your blog last week, l think it must have been mentioned on another blog and read back through all your posts. I love it.
    You have a lovely blog, with a lovely style of writing and your projects are so inspiring.
    Thankyou for the chance to win the tote bag, its gorgeous.

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  78. I really enjoyed this post - I agree that we all go into blogging for different reasons.... congratulations on 299 followers. We all enjoy following you and the extra things you bring to the blogging community x

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  79. No need to reward me with a prize. I like your blog because it's fun, it's real life, it's the good and the bad. Sometimes I comment, sometimes I don't, but I have a friend who is a Canadian abroad. Great job.

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  80. Well I think your blog is fab and your projects are awesome.
    X

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  81. A great thoughtful post. I honestly can't recall how I came across your blog, but I very much enjoy reading it and seeing what you have on the go. I particularly admire your EPP projects. I love the look of EPP, but handwork is not my forte, so I am forced to live vicariously through others (like you). Your tote bag is lovely.

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  82. Great post, Susan. I can't remember how I found your blog and when, but I've been reading it since that time simply because I love the way you do it, I love your sewing projects but also the way you talk about your family and everyday life. And although I'm sure your blog shows us just a tiny bit of who you are, I still feel like I know you a little bit and I like this person very much.

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  83. Great post, no idea how I found you but I'm glad I did. And just to really play with your head, I follow by RSS so don't count as a follower on the GFC thingy, so you might have even more than that number (304 right now).
    Gorgeous bag, not so gorgeous hail stones!

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  84. I went through a counting the stats phase as well so I totally get where you are coming from.

    Not sure when I discovered your blog, but it was lovely to meet you in real life at FQR. See you next time.

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  85. How lovely to read this post, Susan! I start reading your blof when I saw some Mosaic Quilts and yours was the one that I liked most. You helped me with the instructions, I started cutting and had to take a break from it. But that does not mean it will become an UFO! Just wait, I'm just about to get my hands on it again ;o))) Thanks for this lovely giveaway!

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  86. What a great post! I have no idea how you blog so often (with interesting and funny posts, not just a list of what you did that day!) and keep up with your comments (I'm just glad you do!) and I can't for the life of me work out how the owners of 'bigger blogs' manage to do anything other than reply to comments!
    I found your blog when Lynne set up the Brit Quilt Flickr group and would pop in every few days to read your lovely posts. I think I started following you whilst/after following the progress of the pervy bird mini - I wasn't in that swap but really, really missed it when it was over!!

    Happy 299 or 304 or whatever it is now!

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  87. Haven't been following for long, and I just realized that the reader on my phone doesn't actually put me on your list as a follower, so you'll have one more official follower when I can get to a real computer. I know I found you through some link party, as to which, I have no clue. I really like what I've seen, thank you for being real!

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  88. what a gorgeous bag, thanks for the chance. i know what you mean about getting obsessed with the stats. The thing is, whenever i come to comment on your blog, I have to scroll down half a mile past the 382 comments you have, that's what counts! I'm lucky if I get 5!

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  89. I enjoy your blog, thanks for the chance to win the gorgeous bag :) I follow you on Google Reader, not sure if that shows up in your stats :)

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  90. Great post. I found your blog when I first got into patchwork by googling how to make a patchwork quilt. Yes, I was a complete novice. I like your writing style and how you incorporate snippets of every day life into your posts. I consider you as a bloggy friend. Di x

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  91. I would read your blog even if I wasn't your best friend and had to. I look forward to the pictures of the quilts almost as much as the updates on the girls. You do beautiful work. I just wish we lived closer so I could see in in person more often.

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  92. I feel just like you do about the "stats." It can get to you and you have to let it go. I have felt the same way recently trying to decided what blogging means to me and if I want to continue. My blog has grown slowly because I won't narrow it down. If I just focused on quilting or sewing and entered every single linky party, it might grow faster. But I know that then blogging wouldn't be satisfying anymore, it would just be trying to get followers. I've come to know that no matter how many followers or what your stats, it can get to the point where more is never enough or never satisfying. That is why I said, I'm going to blog about what I want to "review" like I set up my blog originally. And if more followers come great and if not, I'll be happy that my blog gives my mom something to read every few days!

    I can't remember how I came to know your blog? Plum and June blog hop maybe?

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  93. I think we were introduced through the Let's Get Acquainted Blog Hop - I became a follower because you love hand quilting as much as I do and because your work is beautiful! I love reading about your life too, and how you, like me, (and I guess everyone) have to fit in boring old domestic tasks in between sewing and making - I know what I rather be doing! Congrats on over 300 followers by the way!

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  94. I love your blog - read it every day and it was great to finally meet you at FQR. 299 followers sounds like a lot to me!!!

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  95. Ha ha! Love this post - been through that loop myself :) I love your blog, the balance of family, delicious baking and sewing makes me smile, along with your comedy write-ups! Think I found you via the infamous Brit Bee :) x

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  96. Great post Susan!! Glad I got around to read it. My followers have gone up and down a few lately. last week I noticed a lost 2 or 3; was disappointed....then a few days later...I had more than what I had lost!! Who knows eh....I think some go when they go on to Google+; not sure. but I love being here in our little blogland.....thanks for the wonderful tote bag...hope I end up with it...lovely!!

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  97. As with some of the other commenters I have no idea how I found you, from some other blog I imagine. I keep reading because of the "Canadian Abroad" theme as I was born in England but moved to Canada as a small child, and like to keep up with both places. I also like your attitude!

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  98. Aw, what a lovely thing to do! I love reading your blog Susan, you always make me chuckle - or go green with envy at the wonderful thing you sew! I like how it's a real slice of your life, and you write as if you were sitting down for a chat with me over a cuppa and a slice, or two, of cake. I can't remember how I first found your blog. I think it was probably through flickr, or maybe an afternoon spent hopping from blog to blog :-) At the time of writing this you are up to 304 followers - when are you going to make us all drink the kool aid?

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  99. What a lovely post, Susan! I've been following your blog a long time - I thought it was since Lynne's Dresden QAL but just been looking back and don't think it's that! I maybe came across you when nosing around Brit Quilt flickr?
    Anyway, yours is one of my fave blogs and I always catch up with you at some point even when life is getting in the way as it is at the moment.
    I'm usually on the sidelines and rarely comment - must try harder! So sad I didn't make Mouthy Stitches this time, but maybe for the best.
    Always a big fan of your stitching xx

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  100. I am a long time follower of Diary of a Flutter Kat. I saw all the ongoing banter between you and Kat and thought that your blog must be worth a read- I was right!

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  101. Ooh 101st comment! Lucky me. I think I found you via Shay's blog or maybe Kat's I don't remember but I'm very glad I now know you. A great post and that bag is a real stunner. I still think you should make a quilt using those EPP's!!!!!!!! That last bit will probably get me outed from the give away, lol.

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  102. Ooh, here I am at the coo's tail!
    I can't remember how I found you either but glad I did - I think we all have a very special community going here in blog land, long may it continue.

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  103. I'm a couple of days behind on my blog reading so forgive my lateness!

    I read your blog because I like seeing what real quilters in Britain are up to and your posts are always upbeat and fun to read. There are other blogs I follow but I maybe skim the posts or think "another sponsored post" and then move on very quickly. With your blog I stop and read it every time, even if I don't always post a comment.

    There's a few blogs like that- Hadley, Jan Isisjem, Lynne, Lucy Charm About You and Angie Heart of Charnwood are the ones that immediately spring to mind. You're one of the good guys!

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  104. I'm not sure how I found you but I'm glad I did. I've found that you can't follow everyone and I like to comment on the smaller blogs for encouragement. So I use you blog also for the lovely links to others that I don't follow.
    Also I love to create, but I'm not creative so I love the inspiration.

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  105. ohh that's a gorgeous bag, can't remember how I found you but your a definite *regular* on my reading list, your recipes too are delish.....

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  106. I write for me & thought some of my friends & family in Oz would like to keep up with what is happening.
    Though I really love comments I am a little startled when they arrive, especially from people I don't know.
    I got giddy excited when I realised I had 7 followers most of whom I don't know.
    I have 11 now & think double figures is amazing!! Mind you I think that once you start writing for others the pressure increases.

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  107. Oh wow what a post. This rings so true with many of us bloggers. The obsession with stats, the realization that is not why we blog, etc. I'm with you chicky.
    I found you through Fairy Faced Sarah, I think. She told me you were always game for a good time (insert Hadley's rude comment here...) so I started reading. You're now my daily dose of laughter, inspiration and education. I wouldn't miss out on a post. xx

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  108. I found your blog by accident when I was reading "Quilty Doings" and saw the name of your blog in the side bar. I spent a month in Canada last year and have become a little obsessed...probably with blogstalk you now (lol) in the home of reading more Canadian things. Loved this post - can relate to all you said.

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  109. fab post! you are right it is easy to become obsessed with it but I agree with your conclusions! gorgeous tote and yes the weather ..............yuk!

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  110. Hello Susan, I am a new follower. Probably stumbled across your blog as I was looking for fellow Canadians, eh! I love hearing how you and the girls are doing in a strange place and the little treats that perk up your day. Yeah for celebrating the everyday! Thank you, Pam

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  111. Hi Susan, I just wanted to comment to tell you you really have one more follower or maybe to give you one more reason not to be obsessed with the Official Total of Followers. I follow you via my browser bookmarks, but I'm not a member of the follower list, because Google Reader makes me crazy. I think I originally found your blog via Life's Rich Pattern, but how I ended up *there*, I have no idea :)!

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  112. I hope I'm not too late. You know I love you no matter how many followers you have.

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