STITCH LINES...... Ramblings on life as a quilter, stitcher, traveler, photographer, gardener and lover of books, cats and fine chocolate....

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Grow Your Blog Party and Giveaway

 Hello and Welcome!  Hosted by Vicki at Two Bags Full, today marks the start of the 3rd annual Grow Your Blog Party, which gives bloggers the chance to make new friends and find new blogs to follow. Of course you don't have to be a blogger to join in on the fun - anyone can go to Vicki's blog here and peruse the list of participants, many of whom have listed some of their main hobbies or interests - isn't it fun to find new "like-minded" friends? A huge Thank You to Vicki for spending many long hours organizing this fun event for us! I am honoured to be one of Vicki's helpers this year!

 In another few weeks I'll be celebrating my sixth blogging anniversary, and am approaching my thousandth post! I try to do a new post every two or three days. Like many, I began blogging at the urging of a friend, and had my doubts about how successful I'd be or how long I'd stick with it. I gave myself one year... And here I am, almost six years later! As well as serving as a "projects and progress" journal for myself and a way to keep in touch with family and others who are "away", this blog has brought me a great deal of pleasure because of the wonderful friends I have made through blogging, friends who are always there to support and encourage each other. I look forward to meeting and making more blogging friends through this event. If you are new here, I hope you'll take the time to have a good look around, and perhaps consider "joining" me as a Follower - through Google Friend Connect, or via Bloglovin' or email.


This quilt was donated to a Guild charity project
A set of  placemats.
 Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Linda Hubbard and I live in a beautiful small city in New Brunswick, in eastern Canada. I'm a Mom to two young adults and one very spoiled cat. Let's just say we have a  "semi-empty" nest. By profession I am a teacher, happily retired; by choice, I am a quilter and a stitcher, loving them both equally. I'm always trying to find more hours in the day for both!! I teach quilting classes at a local quilt shop and for Guilds in a widening area.  I enjoy piecing quilts large and small, with scrap quilts a particular favourite. Here are a couple of recent "finishes".


You can see more of my quilts by clicking on My Quilts and Small Projects under "Looking for Something?" on my sidebar. I have several tutorials on my sidebar as well- the one on Finishing Placemats is very helpful and has been quite popular.

(Have you figured out that blue is my favourite color...? Yes I do work in other colors as well.)









 I also enjoy making miniature quilts, this little Pineapple quilt is 8.75" square, and has 447 pieces! I love the challenge of working small... (I know, I know, many think I'm crazy...) Actually "crazy quilting" is another one of my loves although I have not done any lately!! There just aren't enough hours in the day!! You can see more of my miniature quilts and crazy quilt projects in the Galleries on my sidebar.





Gardening is another of my passions. Our growing season here in Atlantic Canada is fairly short, but I appreciate the seasons and spend the cold snowy winter dreaming of next year's garden! I am a serious amateur photographer and spend many happy hours with camera in hand in my perennial gardens, and those of my friends. ( I use a Pentax SLR digital K7.)
I love nature; the natural world is my favourite "subject" to photograph. I enjoy doing seasonal collages with my photos. Here are a few...

Spring
Summer

Autumn


I always have a stack of books waiting to be read.






I am an avid reader. There's nothing better than holding a good book (or a camera) in your hands... well, unless it's a good piece of dark chocolate!! I love sharing book reviews, and my tried and true recipes on my blog too, chocolate and otherwise. When I started blogging, I began a list of  Books Read, you'll find it at the bottom of my sidebar. It's getting a tad long...

















Travel is a love I wish I could pursue more frequently. I recently spent 10 days in South Florida and have been sharing photos from the World Quilt Show in West Palm Beach, and other Florida adventures (like my visit with this cheeky parrot), so if you scroll down to earlier posts or visit again soon, that's what you'll be finding. Summer often sees me off on short road trips with my camera so I can share the beauty of the area I live in.

I always appreciate comments from readers. (After all, if you don't leave a comment, how will I get to know you?) If you'd like to leave a comment below on this post, I'll enter your name in my Giveaway, which will be drawn on Feb. 15th. In your comment please tell me where you're visiting from (i.e. where you live.) If you are not a blogger, or you are a No Reply blogger, be sure to leave your email in the comment so I can reach you if you're the lucky winner.  The Giveaway is open to all - you do not have to be a blogger to enter - and I will ship anywhere in the world. The prize will be a pack of 5 of my photo cards, with envelopes. The winner can choose from a floral pack or a variety pack. Or... if you're a quilter, they could be quilt photo/notecards... just sayin'...

EDIT: The Giveaway is now closed, but I'd still love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and let me know where you're visiting from.

Have fun with the Grow Your Blog party, click here to return to the list of participants. But before you go - thanks for stopping by, and I do hope you'll visit Stitch Lines often!

Peace,
Linda

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new." ~ Will Carleton

76 comments:

Jennifer said...

Blue is your favourite colour? Well, well......I would never have guessed, you know! *grin* Love all those pictures of nature, but the autumn ones really speak to me.

Dasha said...

Hello Linda. I have followed you for a while now and am always blown away by your beautiful photography. Today's post is no exception! I am a lousy photographer - just a point & press camera for me. LOL

Sara - Villa Emilia said...

I love your blog, Linda! (But this you already know...)
Your garden photos are wonderful, and I'd love to win a pack of your photo cards!
Have a great new week!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Even though I don't quilt, I always enjoy seeing yours and the ones from shows you share.
You created lovely seasonal collages and the picture of the poppies is exceptional.
I hope you make some new friends and followers Linda.

Mosaic Magpie said...

Welcome to the party Vicki and I are delighted to have you here! I loved reading the post and you captured my heart with the small pineapple quilt. I have an addiction to crazy quilting but a pineapple quilt is on my to do list and has been for years. We have many similar interests and I look forward to reading more of your blog! Once again WELCOME!
Deb

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Hi Linda. I love visiting here, and should really comment more. I promise I will. Love your book reviews too. Have a great HOP!!
xx, Carol

Lee said...

Let's see if I successfully enter my email address...

gpc said...

Blue is my favorite color, too, at least until I see something green or orange or . . . your work is lovely and I'm so happy to have a chance to meet you. I love this blog hop! :)

SuperMomNoCape said...

Just popping by from Grow Your Blog.

Your quilts are lovely, as are your photographs.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Visiting from Grow Your Blog hop, we are kindred spirits. I love quilting, crafting, cooking, gardening and photography too. Your pictures are beautiful! Thanks for being a part of the hop, will be following you on Bloglovin.

Anonymous said...

Dear Linda
Welcome to Grow Your Blog party. I love your photography and those beautiful capture of the nature wonder.
Hope you'll made some new friends and have new followers in the weeks to come. Big Hugs from Singapore

Stitch gal said...

Hi Linda,
I follow your blog each and every day and enjoy all your posts very much. Keep up the great blogging. I am certain it takes much time and patience to record everything.

Emily C said...

I'm visiting from central Pennsylvania. I live about 10 minutes from penn state univesity and we have 6 inches of snow on the ground from this week's worth of storms, with more on the way tonight.

glassbylindi.blogspot.com said...

Glad to meet you! I am working on a pineapple quilt, was on my bucket list, need to add the border and quilt it. I will be posting it probably in summer when finished. L

Joyce Clark Frank said...

What a wonderful blog. Enjoyed it. I joined Grow Your Blog for the second year and enjoy looking at all the different blogs. Thanks for helping.
http://joycesloveoflife.blogspot.com

Lin said...

Great post Linda and I love your sunset pic. xx

Shauna said...

Your quilts are lovely, and I love the mini pineapple quilt, but I would never attempt something that small.

barbara woods said...

Hi , just came over from Vickis list but already follow

Michele T said...

I am from Canada, I live in a small northern community located north of Lake Superior. I love your photos!! I also love your placemats and would like to know the name of the pattern, thanks!!

Pamela Gordon said...

Hello my friend. I enjoyed this post and always like visiting here and seeing the quilts you share and your beautiful photos. I hope you pick up so new followers. Have a cozy evening. More snow on the way. yay.

Kathy L said...

I'm from Missouri. Your photos and quilts are beautiful.

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Hi, New Brunswick! I'm visiting from St. John's, Newfoundland. Nice to meet you. Great photos on your blog. Thanks for sharing. Following via bloglovin.

Cheri the Quilting Nanny said...

Wow.. I love those placemates! Can I copy? Even the blue is perfect! I am in southern california high desert...wish I could get flowers to grow like yours!
Cheri
fabricandmemories(at)yahoo(dot)com

barbara woods said...

From Georgia!!!! Hugs

Shirlee Fassell said...

I am from Massachusetts, love your photography! Have fun at the party!

Debbie said...

Hi Linda,
Your photos are beautiful! I always enjoy reading your blog.

Gill said...

Lovely to meet you - I'm from England!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Blue is my favourite colour too! Thank you so much for the invitation to visit. Enjoy the tour!

Laney said...

Wow, you are quite a busy lady! Quilting, gardening, photography, cooking, reading! Lovely blog. :) Thanks for visiting my blog and serving as a helper for the group I am in. The hop has been great fun so far.

Laura said...

I love your cards!

Anonymous said...

Hi Linda, it's so nice to meet you, and thank you for popping by my blog for a wee visit. Yes, the same snow storm is on it's way to my house... it started snowing around 8:15 this evening with gobs more predicted. Guess I will have to just wait and see what's out in my garden in the morning! :D I just love your quilts and photographs. This past summer, after over 20 years of quilting I decided to once again attempt hand sewing and quilting and have fallen in love with it. Have you heard of "Inklingo"? It is a wonderful site that offers oodles of digital templates that you actually print out on the fabric... makes stitching so much more accurate. There is a link on my blog in case you are interested.
Well, I am your newest follower and look forward to sharing fabric and quilting stories in the future.
Hugs for now and stay warm!
Beth P
The Whimsical Dowager

Unknown said...

Hi Linda,
Thanks for visiting my blog. Yours is a pleasure to read with such lovely photos.Love that miniature quilt but I don't know how you find the patience
to make something so small with so many pieces! Your garden looks lovely too. I'm a big fan of perennials too. You must miss your daughter with her being so far from home. Is she at Mac? Such a great university. If you ever come to town we should meet up and I'll take you to our very own "fabric district". If your daughter sews as well then she should check out Ottawa Street in Hamilton. It's side by side fabric shops for several blocks! Great selection and great prices too.Have a great time at the party and I'll be following you.

tktl said...

What lovely photography!

t_ktl at yahoo.com

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Hello Linda, thank you for visiting my blog and your lovely comment. Your quilts are absolutely beautiful and your photography is stunning. Hope you keep warm despite that snow flurry! Hugs from Oxfordshire UK :)

Sheryl said...

Hello Linda, Always enjoy reading your interesting posts. Your pineapple quilt is amazing, what patience you have with so many tiny pieces. well you know me, that English lady living in Spain|

Maggie said...

Hi Linda, thanks so much for visiting Normandy Life yesterday as you hopped your way around the GYB party! I've been blown away by all the talented women taking part this year and the many places around the world that I've visited.
I checked out your book pile and didn't see any that I'd read so will have to investigate further.
Bye
Maggie

Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting. Your have a wonderful blog. I am following and will be back for future visits.

Threads of Inspiration said...

Beautiful photos and quilts! Then pineapple quilt is amazing! Enjoy the blog party!

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Hi Linda, I am visiting yiu from the GYB event. I love yiur quilting and I love reading books too & we have similar interests. I'm following you via Google friend connect! I do hope we can become blog friends. I hope you will stop by to visit me and I have a giveaway too. Thanks for your lovely giveaway.
Hugs, Julie's Lifestyle

aspiritofsimplicity said...

your quilts are beautiful and I see many of the colors you use in them in your garden flowers. I am a new follower and I am happy to have met you through the grow your blog party.

Sarah Huizenga said...

Linda - what a lovely wide variety of interests. I envy quilters, such an amazing art. I thought about quilting once upon a time but photography called my name instead, and then writing joined in. Maybe someday when I retire I can work on a quilt.

africanaussie said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog. your quilts are amazing - and those placemats are just perfect - I love the rounded corners. I hope you are doing OK in that storm.

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Hi Linda...I'm returning the visit and am glad I did!! (I loved your seasonal pictures) I added myself as a GFC follower and look forward to follwoing this year! Nice to meet ya! V

nicolesender said...

Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! Gorgeous photos!

Sarah said...

Hello! Your pictures are beautiful, and I would love to win your cards. I am visiting from western Pennsylvania. sarah@forrussia.org

Unknown said...

Hi Linda! I just recently subscribed to your blog and am already loving it! Your scenery pictures are beautiful! Also, enjoy seeing the quilt pics! Thinking of you here in sunny Port Saint Lucie, Florida while your up there in the cold weather! Stay warm and come back to visit soon!

Linda aka Crafty Gardener said...

Hello Linda, I'm visiting from the Grow your blog event ... so many wonderful sites to see and new friends to meet. It's great to meet another Canadian. How did you fare with the latest snowstorm? I'm in Ontario so it didn't hit us. We have gardening, reading and crafting in common. I'd love to be entered for your give away and if I'm the lucky winner I can be reached at crafty.gardener at yahoo dot ca

Sue Kosec said...

You throw a great party. Thank you for inviting me!

So that you know, I've become a Follower and when time permits, I'll be back to see what other beautiful things were made by your hands!

What this party is all about is to GROW your blog and I'm hoping to do the same. When you get to Section One, check out A Country Chic Retreat and SuZeQ Creations, my personal blog, in Section Fifteen I'd love for you to follow and subscribe to.

Happy crafting!
SuZeQ

janet said...

Hi Linda: So nice to find a blogger from Atlantic Canada! I am a recent Nova Scotian transplant to the lovely small town of Souris PEI. My dearest friend back in NS is not online and so I'd love to have a pack of notecards as she must be tired of yellow lined paper!
Your quilts are lovely and are sparkingh ideas of things to do with some of my stash - have bookmarked you and will returm often.

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

Nice to get reacquainted with your blog, Linda. Your photography is an inspiration as always... one can't feel "blue" for long visiting here (sorry, couldn't resist) ;)

Kaisievic said...

Hi Linda, loved, loved, loved your post. Your talents are boundless_ what gorgeous photos. I can see that we have lots in common_reading, craft, cooking and travel just for a start. Please count me in your giveaway, I am now a follower and I live in Melbourne, Australia. hugs, Kaye

gilly said...

II live in a village in Worcestershire, in the heart of England - and I'm with you on the book/camera/dark chocolate thing! 😉 Thanks for popping by my blog & saying hello too, it's lovely to meet you. Have a happy weekend,
Xx

Little Wandering Wren said...

Lovely to meet you here and to have your e-mail message on my blog. Let's make a pact?! I want to go to Canada, and you want to go to Australia, so we are a perfect match for armchair travel. Let's just kick back and enjoy through each others blogs! :)
Looking forward to getting to know you better!
Wren x

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said...

Hi Linda. It's Wendy here from Wellington, New Zealand where it's hot! Summer is in full swing here - my husband and son are out watching cricket. I hope it's not too cold where you are today.

Cache-Mire said...

Hi Linda! I am finally returning the visit and glad I did. Your work is amazing! The miniature quilt is just lovely! And, like you, I can't get enough travel in my life. So nice to meet you. I will be following.
~Terri

Mokki said...

The teeny tiny bird in your summer collage is adorable. Your photos are beautiful. You must be so patient and careful with your sewing to make such small quilts. Im visiting from Britain.

Art by Rhoda Forbes said...

Your quilts are fabulous as is your garden. Your stack of books are also wonderful. First thing I saw Follette...one of my favorites too.

Rosa said...

I'm visiting from the Spain.Love your quilts amd garden pics!

Kathy H said...

Beautiful photography and that blue quilt is wonderful too.

Quinn said...

Hi Linda - thank you for visiting Comptonia :)
Your quilting is amazing! And gorgeous photography as well. I'm happy to find a gardener from a similar climate, which means I can visit your blog for gardening inspiration without setting myself up for failure...I read many blogs from the SE US, and their long season seems like a miraculous fable to me!

AppleApricot Wen said...

Hello Linda, it's nice to meet you and read about you. Your quilts and photography are impressive, very beautiful. I love taking photos of flowers and nature too. I'm not a quilter but do love stitching and loved seeing your work. Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog! Wishing you a beautiful day ~ Wendy of Apple and Apricot blogsvanwendy@live.nl

KaHolly said...

Hi, Linda. I'm down in Tx for the winter. Just popping in to see what you're up to! Stay warm, stay safe!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Oh, I love this post! I like everything you do! Visiting from GYB, and will be following on Bloglovin!

Aunt TC said...

I can imagine you are itching to get the snow melted so you can have warmer days and gardening time. Your photos are lovely - I think I'll enjoy seeing your quilts. Even the snow pictures are beautiful when I don't have to shovel or drive in the snow.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Visiting via Vicki's GYBP and enjoying your lovely blog; you're a wonderful photographer!

Kim said...

'Tis a pleasure to have happened upon your lovely blog! Sublime photos! So much gorgeousness to drink in. I think I will need to pull up a very comfy chair, make myself a cuppa or two and sit for while, whilst I have a bo peep around your delightful blog.

afistfuloflemons said...

Hello from NYC! Thanks for participating in the blog hop!

You are so kind to offer such a generous giveaway. :)

Your quilts and the linked works you feature are so beautiful!

Kathi Martin said...

Hello from sunny Arizona! I love your postings. I own a small quilt shop and actually enjoy your photography as much as your posts about quilts! My friend Mary from Grand Manan suggested I follow your blog - she knows what I like!

Sharon said...

Hi, Linda! Thanks for visiting from the party -- and I'm enjoying my visit to you! Your flowers from the Atlantic side of Canada are so vibrant and pretty. You sound like you are enjoying retirement, which encourages me as I'm heading that direction (soon, I hope)! You asked about following my blog -- the follow button is in the right column just below my photo. Nice to meet you!

Pam @ Quilting Fun said...

Hello Linda, thank you for the wonderful introduction. Your quilts are lovely as are your photos. That pineapple quilt! Wow you have patience! Visiting from the other coast of Canada. In Vancouver our snow drops and crocus are starting to come up.

Dolores said...

Hello from Toronto. I do hope your weather isn't too bad today. We are in a deep freeze here.
Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow. I do enjoy your book revues and the miniatures.

Unknown said...

Hi Linda, I am a regular follower and love your blog. Would love to win a pack of your lovely cards.
(dmstiles@rogers.com)

HeathersSewingRoom said...

HI Linda, great to find you on GYB and read about your interesting life. I look forward to being a part of your blogging journey.

Tanya Rachelle said...

Fun to find you from GYB party. Lovely blog and lovely quilts!!!
~Tanya

kath001 said...

Hi, Linda! So glad you left a message on my blog. I am still making my way slowly through the GYB list. I'm following you now too. So many things here I love...quilts, books, tutorials! :)

Carol D. said...

Hi from southwest Virginia! Love the strippy blue quilt. Scrumptious fabrics in that. Would love to win your photo cards.

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