…of blogging! It’s true — this is our 5th Bloggiversary. In previous years we have held contests and/or given away fabulous prizes. To keep it fresh, this year we are doing neither. (Read: cheap and lazy). Instead, we thought we would share what we have learned from blogging these past five years.
- It is humbling to make your knitting mistakes in such a public arena. You start something, it’s a flop, and the “whole world” is a party to it.
- It is also humbling to celebrate successes in such a public arena! When something goes well, we are overwhelmed by the gracious comments we receive.
- People can be “touchy.” If you say something wrong, they sure let you know about it!
- People are forgiving. If you say something wrong, they are quick to show their support.
- We still have ‘startitis’ like most knitters — the next project is always more fun/interesting than the one you are working on — but having an audience has pushed us to finish more projects. (This is especially true of Sally, who is notorious for the number of projects she starts and abandons.) We feel the need to produce something to blog about, and we reap the benefits.
- We have met some great people as a result of our blog. We have often been approached at knitting events by our loyal readers, which is wonderful. We have also met some pretty famous bloggers: WendyKnits, Yarn Harlot, and Brooklyn Tweed are three that come to mind. It is fun and exciting to be part of the larger knitting world.
- We really love sharing our experiences with you and with each other. It helps us keep track of each other’s knitting progress. We also use the search feature on our blog quite a bit — it chronicles projects, tips, techniques, and references. Ravelry is great, but it can’t replace a blog for everything.
- Chronicling our knitting has made us more “mindful” knitters. We think more consciously about what we do in order to share it.
- We always learn from and enjoy reading the comments from our readers.
- We were surprised to discover that some of you (and you know who you are!) think our banner photo is recent:
It isn’t!! At. all. The pants are a dead giveaway — otherwise, we haven’t changed a bit.
All in all, it has been a great experience, and we will keep blogging as long as you keep reading (or until we stop knitting!). Thanks for your loyalty, friendship, and support.
PS1: the picture was taken in Florence, Italy
PS2 to Betsy from Susan: I also see myself in #3!! 😉
Happy five years of blogging to you both. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog and looking at all the wonderful pictures of your knitting projects. Happy knitting!
Comment by Snowbird — March 20, 2011 @ 2:48 pm
Congratulations on five great years! I love your blog a lot.
PS. I had pants like those and loved them a lot too. Way more comfy that today’s shrink wrap styles.
Comment by Joanna Ryan — March 20, 2011 @ 4:02 pm
Happy blogiversary! I can’t say I’ve been here since the beginning, but I have been reading (and lurking – sorry) for a good three or so of the five. Thank you! and Happy Knitting 🙂
Comment by Ruth — March 20, 2011 @ 4:07 pm
Happy Blogiversary! Even though it hasn’t been that long since I started reading and commenting on your site, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you both have many more years of blogging and sharing your wonderful knits.
Comment by Beverly — March 20, 2011 @ 5:10 pm
Congratulations to you both, not only for your 5th blog anniversary but for all the beautiful knits and inspiration. I am a loyal reader although I rarely comment. I love your knits and also enjoy seeing your Minnesota weather since my son lives in the Twin Cities. Sorry Sally(?) (I get you two mixed up). Oh, I also knit your lace tam in red and I love it.
Comment by Shirley — March 20, 2011 @ 6:21 pm
Happy Blogiversary! I wish I had been reading for all 5 years with you, but the last two have been such fun! You even inspired my sister and I to start a blog together a couple years ago… although you are waaaaaaaay better than us at updating.
Uhm, and you might want to see if you still have those pants… they’re totally in fashion. Again.
Comment by KathleenC — March 20, 2011 @ 6:47 pm
Happy 5th anniversary!
Comment by Cheryl S. — March 20, 2011 @ 7:31 pm
Congrats! Love the blog, keep on knitting.
Comment by Barbara — March 20, 2011 @ 7:33 pm
hAPPY hAPPY! 🙂
Comment by Michelle — March 20, 2011 @ 7:39 pm
I join in celebrating your 5th Blogaversary. And regardless of when that wonderful picture was taken, it continues to bring me great joy every time I see it!! I can’t keep from smiling. You two are positively adorable. Don’t ever change it!
Comment by Holly — March 20, 2011 @ 8:14 pm
I know the banner photo isn’t recent, if only because you both look like someone I went to college with back in the day, but it wasn’t either of you! If that makes any sense.
Comment by Janet — March 20, 2011 @ 8:16 pm
The thanks are all to you!
Happy 5th Bloggiversary!
Comment by Beth — March 20, 2011 @ 9:00 pm
Happy 5 years! No contest needed – your posts are prize enough. But the best prize is your friendship. See you soon!
Comment by twinsetellen — March 20, 2011 @ 11:38 pm
Congratulations on your five years of blogging and thank you for sharing your knitting life with us.
It’s been fun seeing some of the lovely things you’ve made. It’s an inspiration to me to keep trying new things.
Comment by technikat — March 21, 2011 @ 12:14 am
Belated congrats on your blogiversary! I knew that the banner photo was not current (due to the pants style), but have always wondered where the photo was taken.
It was a surprise (and funny) to me to learn that Sally starts and abandons so many projects, since she’s always displaying such beautiful, intricate knitting projects that surely take a long time in the knitting process. I thought you two always displayed every project you started! I never thought about you not blogging about what you start and don’t ever finish! I feel much better now, since I seem to be the Queen of Startitis.
Mary G. in Texas
Comment by Katie's Granny — March 21, 2011 @ 12:38 am
Congrats on 5 years!! I met Sally first at a Yarnharlot book signing in VA, in the autograph line. I was at least as excited to meet Sally as I was to meet Stephanie, especially because I just recognized Sally standing in line near me!! And then I saw her some time later in a LYS in Baltimore. I felt like I was meeting someone famous, and I acted like a goofy starstruck teenager too! LOL
Comment by Lee Cockrum — March 21, 2011 @ 7:56 am
Congratulations on 5 years of blogging! I’m pretty new to knitting and pretty new to your blog – and I love them both!! Thank you so much for sharing your talent, creativity and especially your amazing generosity with us. Your readers a very lucky bunch!!! Best wishes on many years of blogging AND knitting!!!
Comment by Barb — March 21, 2011 @ 8:36 am
Congratulations! Thank you for letting us to sit a spell and knit along with you.
Comment by Needles — March 21, 2011 @ 8:48 am
Please DO keep blogging – I’ll keep reading. I so enjoy your blog and your projects. They are the type of things that I enjoy knitting. Happy Anniversary to you both!
Comment by Nancy — March 21, 2011 @ 10:13 am
Happy 5th Blogiversary! I was pretty sure that the picture wasn’t recent as I had the same outfit and hairstyle once upon a time and it wasn’t recently! Hoping to read your blog for many years to come.
Comment by Sheri Hisey — March 21, 2011 @ 10:48 am
great summary! Thanks for blogging.
Comment by Ruth — March 21, 2011 @ 10:59 am
Happy 5th Anniversary Ladies! I really enjoy reading your blog, I have learned quite a bit.
Comment by Debbie B — March 21, 2011 @ 11:47 am
happy anniversary! i always enjoy your new posts – keep up the great work!
Comment by marina — March 21, 2011 @ 12:17 pm
I have learned a lot from both of you. Thank you. I refer to your blog all the time for your techniques.
Comment by Michele with one "l" — March 21, 2011 @ 3:27 pm
Yay! For you, and for those of us who enjoy reading your posts. Now, what I really want to know about your banner photo is where it was taken, and how old were you two?
Comment by Lisle — March 21, 2011 @ 3:48 pm
happy 5th anniversary. I always enjoy your posts.. Thanks for sharing
Comment by Robin F. — March 21, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
Here’s to the next 5 years —the approximate time frame when your Surround Afghan climbs to #1 in my queue. 🙂
Comment by Scotlynn — March 21, 2011 @ 7:06 pm
Thanks for your terrific blog. I’m in constant awe of your knitting and designing expertise and most appreciative of your excellent instruction. I always adore checking in to see the latest jaw-dropping projects. What inspiration! Oh, and you’re wrong about the pants. They’re so chic right now…
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446396357&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492821480&bmUID=iXqBRi5&ev19=1:7
Here’s to the next five years!!!
Comment by Rebecca — March 21, 2011 @ 8:43 pm
Happy Blogiversary! I so enjoy following your knitting lives. You constantly inspire! Keep it up! 🙂
Comment by Kym — March 21, 2011 @ 9:30 pm
Hey! Happy 5th year anniversary! I’m buying new furniture and I may, just may, mind you, pull out my dusty old knitting needles and make an afghan to match the new color. Haven’t knitted an afghan in over 30 yars. Do I still remember how? Do I still remember how to even start one? Hee!
Love the PANTS!
Comment by Shadylil — March 21, 2011 @ 9:32 pm
Yes, happy anniversary to your nice blog that use to visit. As someone says, you’re plenty of talent, creativity and generosity. So keep on blogging and knitting for our pleasure !! from a french knitter !!
Comment by lo de lille — March 22, 2011 @ 3:26 am
Thank you for creating and sharing your wonderful blog with us. I am constantly inspired by your talent and creativity.
Lisle ask and I will second; please tell us where the picture was taken.
Comment by diana wessel — March 22, 2011 @ 9:26 am
Happy Blogiversary!!! And…I owned those pants, I know I did…but I won’t tell!
(((hugs)))
Comment by Knitnana — March 22, 2011 @ 11:44 am
Happy Blogiversary!!! I loved those pants. Why didn’t they come back in style when the platform shoes did?
Comment by Melinda — March 22, 2011 @ 12:38 pm
Happy Blogiversary! Yes, you have changed since the banner photo. Now, you have many gorgeous sweaters to wear in photos and I would be willing to bet that when the original photo was taken, you didn’t have as many (knit by yourselves). Thanks so much for letting all of us be along for the ride with you.
Comment by LISA — March 22, 2011 @ 1:12 pm
congratulations! thank you for the inspiration and the peek into your collective knitting knowledge!
Comment by elise/knitinsage — March 22, 2011 @ 1:35 pm
happy birthday, and many many congratulations! your blog is a pleasure to read, and you two are so generous in giving away this bit of your lives. I hope I’ll be reading you many more years!
Comment by Luisa — March 22, 2011 @ 1:56 pm
Unfortunately, I recognize myself in #3…fortunately I also recognize myself in #4…I DEFINITELY enjoy your blog and may it continue for many years to come…thanks for the effort it takes…
Comment by Betsy — March 22, 2011 @ 7:24 pm
Happy Blogiversary! I really enjoyed the reading the post!. Keep up the good job on your site! Thanks for sharing! Bookmark for future reference!
Comment by Cullen Crest — March 23, 2011 @ 3:39 am
Congratulations! I have learned so much from you both. I hope to be able to keep on learning.
Comment by 2muchfun — March 23, 2011 @ 2:19 pm
Ah! You need to look at the April issue of InStyle magazine. Your jeans are nearly identical to those shown on several pages! You are so cool ….and didn’t even know it!
I love your site and appreciate your energies. I hope that you-two continue long into the future.
Comment by Susan — March 24, 2011 @ 7:53 pm
surtout continuer comme ça ! votre blog est magique et il m’a reconvertie au tricot avec bonheur, vous faites des choses extraordinaires et vos conseil ainsi que vos reflexions sont un véritable plaisir à lire .
Amicalement, sophie de l’autre côté de l’océan in Belgium
Comment by sophie — March 31, 2011 @ 2:13 pm