Wednesday 1 April 2015

Happy Blog 1st Birthday Giveaway

Happy Blog-day to me,
Happy Blog-day to me, 
Happy Blog-day emerald cottaaaaage
Happy Blog-day to me :)


Yes, its a whole year since I started my blog, wow! I can't believe I've actually managed to keep going this long :) Thankyou to everyone who's been reading and/or commenting for a while, and welcome to my new readers too. Its definitely the bloggy love that keeps me coming back to post more. The community of like-minded bloggers is not something I had considered, so blogging fellowship has been a really lovely happy surprise :) I wondered if I would have much to say, if I would get bored, or if anyone would bother to read my waffle. Well, I'm definitely not bored yet, and it would appear that you lot are happy to still be reading, so I count that as a success :)

Stay tuned to the end of this post for the details of a celebratory Giveaway :) Yes! Another one! This time you can win this crochet book, along with some yarn and a hook to make some hooky flowers :)
Hurray :)


I didn't do any kind of end-of-year or 100-post roundup, so I think my 1st year blogiversary seems like an opportune time to reflect back on what's happened, craft-wise, in the emerald cottage over the last 12 months. Take a deep breath and let's dive head first into a year of craft .....

There have been scarves and cowls ....


.... and cowls and scarves ....


.... and cosy mitts ....


Lots of dinky little bags ....


.... and happy bunting ....


Cuddly baby blankets ....


.... and cushions and cosies for home ....


Some crochet creatures ....


.... and Christmassy craft ....


Lots of crochet mini-makes ....



.... and loooooads of non-crochet makes too ....






My goodness! Did I really manage all that lot in a year ??!? You know, it's funny. I am my own harshest critic. I read other blogs, adore other people's creations and sigh with frustration - how much everyone makes! How lovely it all is! How much time I must waste! I ought to get more done! Well, maybe I am not wasting time and maybe I am getting plenty done :) It's been lovely to look back at photos of all these fun projects, and to think about where I made them (at home, on holidays, in the park, on the school run) and who they were for (my Little People, friends, family). To remember the workshops I attended (felting, fused glass, candlemaking) and the friends who came along for the ride! How lucky am I to be able to do all these fun things and then to share them with you.

So in the spirit of this sharing, let's get down to the business of the GiVeAwAy :) I know the last giveaway was quite recent (and I may or may not have got round to posting prizes yet - ho-hum ....) but it doesn't bother me and hopefully doesn't bother you either :) 
Anyway, I recently bought myself a new crochet book (and I do love a good crochet book) "Cute and Easy Crochet with Flowers" by Nicki Trench. It's so lovely, packed full of patterns for flowers to crochet, and imaginative ideas of how to use them. I have 2 extra copies to give away, and so there are two prizes, each comprising a book, some yarn and a hook. Here's that photo again ....


The rules are simple - to enter just leave a comment below, and please include your contact details - purely so I can contact you in the event that you win, I'm not going to start spamming you or anything. The giveaway closes at midnight UK-time on Easter Sunday, that's Sunday 5th April, after which time 2 winners names will be chosen at random (probably with the assistance of a small person). I should point out this is not a sponsored post or anything fancy like that, I just liked the book (ok I confess it was on offer on amazon) and I wanted a lovely prize for my lovely readers.

So what are you waiting for ?! Get commenting, and best of luck!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ps The actual blog-i-versary was actuallly on Saturday but I've had millions of annoying technical problemettes (the details of which I will not bore you with) but suffice it to say I feel like I have written, rewritten and proof-read this post about 365 (do you see what I did there) times so apologies if it is full of mistakes, I just can't see it properly anymore!

52 comments:

  1. It's amazing what you can achieve in a year especially when you have such a busy household too. Well done and congratulations on your blog anniversary.

    Mitzi
    email: littlecottagenextthesea@gmail.com



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  2. Yes, the blogging community took me by surprise as well and blogging about crafting is a lot more interesting than my previous blog. That was about gardening and I found that, after a couple of years, it became very repetitive.

    I'm not brilliant at crocheting little things, so if I win (hee hee, I never win anything), please pick another name.

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  3. I was amazed by how much you had done in such a short time. Some really wonderful makes - congratulations.
    mamasmercantile1@gmail.com

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  4. I bow to your superior busy-ness. You have made loads in a year!
    I have a different Nicki Trench book that I love, so cute and easy with flowers looks good as well!
    Blogging is brilliant for getting to know and learn how other people live. I've been blogging for 8 years now, and I still love it (although I don't blog as often as I should and I'm not a perfect blogger with planning writing and coordinating photos!)
    I think if you click my name, it takes you through to my blogger profile, or email me at jo.kneale@gmail.com if I win.

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  5. Congratulations Jill! Happy Blog-birthday! Here's to many more years of happy blogging. Like you, I found the friendliness and encouragement of other bloggers really took me by surprise, and has become such an enjoyable part of my life. I think you have my email address already, but I'll repeat if here to save you time, penny.homemadeheart@gmail.com I'm sure I won't win, but always fun to enter! X

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  6. Happy blogging birthday! I've enjoyed seeing the nice things you make. You're very creative. I'm glad you're enjoying being a blogger. I'd rather not put my email address online here, but you can click through my blogger profile and email me directly. Thanks for the chance to win. :)

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    1. Thanks Jennifer, totally fine to not put email here, "contact me on my blog" is perfect :)
      x

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  7. Happy Blog Day to you dear Jill!! (I have a sis-in-law named Jill and I call her Jillie - so I always want to write Jillie). Lol

    Congrats on your lovely blog and making it to a year already! Also congrats on all the lovely accomplishments you've done all year. I love them all and I'm so envious of yarn crafting and I'm determined to learn!!

    My Mom knows how to knit & crochet, but can't do it anymore as it causes problems with her bad back. However, she's kept some books for me and promises to teach me. Looking at all those lovely photos of your "makes" makes me want to get to work soon on learning!!

    Thanks for another fun giveaway chance! ;) xoxo

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  8. Wow - you have achieved loads. :)
    I think you can contact me via my blog or my email should be visible to you - I hope! :)

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  9. Many Bloggy Returns!
    Blimey, I would say you are a very prolific maker. If I could hook up that lot in a year I'd be very happy indeed, as I would also be, to win your giveaway so thanks for the chance. My email is on my blog. Don't eat too much cake now!

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  10. *H*A*P*P*Y* * *A*N*N*I*V*E*R*S*A*R*Y*!*!* on your blog! You've really done well over the last year and I'm glad to know you. Here is my email - teresa.kasner @ gmail.com -- ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  11. I love the pink owl mittens xxx

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  12. I love the pink owl mittens xxx

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  13. Happy Anniversary! I'm so glad I've found your blog and you should never compare yourself to others. Obviously you have had a very busy and crafty year. Here is my email. queenbetsy2@gmail.com
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  14. Happy Blogaversary Jill!!! I had no idea that you had only been blogging for a year! You have made a massive amount of things in that year. Well done you. Here's to many more great years of blogging and having crafting fun!! xx

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  15. Happy Blogaversary to yoouuu! You have had a very creative year indeed and should be very proud of all your makes. I always enjoy reading your posts, and am often inspired by your creative ideas. I bought this book at Christmas, and can definitely recommend it, by the way :)
    Cathy x

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  16. Happy bloggy birthday, i love reading your blog and always think how much stuff you do!!! and all those photos together proves it! Well done,look forward to another year of reading!

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  17. Happy Blog Anniversary, Jill! All that you have shown that you have accomplished this year inspires me. I have a tendency to always feel behind in achieving my hopes and expectations, but on the other hand I love seeing all that others achieve and am encouraged to grow in my creative pursuits as I admire the efforts of others :-) Should you need it, my email is graciesaylor@aol.com. Thanks for the chance to win your generous giveaway :-) xx

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  18. Congratulations once again! You've made so many lovely things. x

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  19. Congratulations once again! You've made so many lovely things. x

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  20. happy blog birthday! it's traditional to have cake you know! xxx

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  21. Congratulations on one year of blogging! I love the minions beenie!
    Leanne xx

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  22. Happy blogaversary Jill, that's a great achievement. So lovely to see all of your things together like that, you've created so many lovely items. Fantastic cake! CJ xx

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  23. Happy happy blog birthday!
    mmyheartishere@gmail.com

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  24. I must take more photos of my makes. I am like you I think that my productivity is low, but I make and give away quickly so forget many of the things I make. I must try and turn a new leaf this year, so I can look back and see what i made. Happy blogaversary - I missed my first year one as I was blogging away and forget to check the date.........

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  25. Wow! You could open a shop with all the things you have made, so clever. It's no secret that I would love to be able to crochet so please put my name in the hat, I need all the help I can get! And happy 1 year, and a Merry Easter xo

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  26. Oh well done and congrats on your blog-iversary. You never cease to amaze me on how much you create and share on your blog and I am always wowed buy your beautiful creations. btw I am just commenting because I love your blog, leave me out of any prize draws as I was a winner on your last one and want to be fair (not that I think I am bound to win or anything!). Happy easter, T x

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  27. Happy Blog Birthday Jill! I am amazed at all the project you have made in a year, I do like Nikki Trench and would love to win your give-away. Have a great weekend! Cxx
    christinascolourfullife @ gmail. com

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  28. Happy blog birthday Jill, how quickly it has flown.....Lovely prize, that book does look amazing....nikimurrayuk@yahoo.co.uk xxxx

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  29. Happy Blog Birthday!!! :) Wow, you certainly did a lot of crochet during that year!!

    :) Love reading your blog and hope to read it on for many more years!

    Take care
    Anne (Crochet Between Worlds)

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  30. Happy blogiversary!! What a lot of lovely makes, I still want to make a cappuccino cowl! Looking forward to the next year of makes and adventures :) What a lovely giveaway - you're very generous!! xx

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  31. Gosh it has only been a year? Wow! Congrats to you and who could ever, ever get bored reading your great bog? Love all that you have made and you have made so much!
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  32. Looks like you've had a busy year with your crochet work. Thanks for your nice comment on my blog. I'm one of your newest followers and look forward to your posts. Heather

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  33. Happy Blog-Day Jill! You have made a LOT this past year! Lil x

    housewithhearts@gmail.com

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  34. Wow! You have been busy and I love all of your creations.

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  35. Wow - super impressed with all your gorgeous makes, so much handmade loveliness that you have shared with us in your blog. Happy blog anniversary to you!
    Singhshareen@hotmail.com

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  36. Well done on your anniversary! Looking forward to meeting you on the 11th x Jane

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  37. Congratulations! You did manage a lot in a year!
    Amalia
    xo

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  38. Wow!! I love your Birthday Giveaway blog with these precious scarves and cowls!! I am organizing couple of events in this year and deciding to organize these events at SF event venues. Have you ever been to SF or not? It’s a nice place.

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Jillxxxxx