THANK YOU for all the comments yesterday on the peplum dilemma… I looked at the comments and saw 22 and realized it was answer them or cook dinner… :o( :o) I put MY ONE comment at the bottom of all yours… sorry, it was late!
I know it’s goofy…saying “Blogaversary” instead of Anniversary, but that’s what I saw they were calling it when I googled it! It really doesn’t matter to me what it’s called, I’ve been writing this blog for 5 years today and can truly say I have loved every post written. And I can say that with all my heart.
This is post number 1643! Wow…when I break that down, that’s 329 posts a year, or 27 posts a month, or another way to put it… on average, I have only missed 3 days a month not writing a post since I started! Woohoo!
There have been 28,585 comments between us! That’s a LOT of talking back and forth! :o)
Sissy is a subscriber who has been with me since DAY 1! She left a comment that day, one of 10, and said “Good for you, Jeanne, I love your work, so I know I will love your blog!” Thank you SO MUCH for that word of encouragement Sissy! You have no idea how much it meant to me! It’s so much fun to see that she has stuck around. How did you find me Sissy? From the sewing I did for Riley Kish? That’s the only thing I can think of…The other 4 ladies who commented on that first day may still read my blog, but haven’t commented lately, so I’m not certain they still do.
Linda Doyle became a subscriber on Day 2 and I’m not even certain how she found out about my blog! She wasn’t buying doll clothes from me at the time, so maybe she’ll tell in the comments below. She comments most days and I’ve even MET Linda.. When my hubby had his bladder removed back in 2018, she and her sweet hubby came to see us in the St. Louis hospital. What a sweetheart she is!
I don’t know what most people are supposed to have accomplished after having written a blog for 5 years…but there probably is some kind of assessment test you are supposed to pass in order to make you an “official blogger!” Maybe by now I’m supposed to have thousands of subscribers… I don’t! Maybe I’m supposed to have sponsors or advertisers… I don’t. Maybe I’m supposed to have written a book… I haven’t. Maybe I’m supposed to have developed patterns and sell them…I haven’t. Maybe I’m supposed to have videos or live tutorials of sewing projects… I haven’t. Maybe I’m supposed to have gone to Blog Conventions and learned “what I don’t know about blogging” …I haven’t. Maybe I’m supposed to have developed a product line (of something)… I haven’t.
That’s a lot of “I haven’t’s” isn’t it? (Oh, I think I was supposed to have “improved” on my writing skills! There might be a “maybe” out on that one! :o)
SO…what HAVE I DONE?
I’ve made friends all over the world.
I’ve got 204 actual subscribers, with lots of ladies who just type in my website every day and read it that way. I have made the most wonderful friendships from California to Virginia to Florida and to Texas. I’ve got some overseas readers in New Zealand (Jane, where are you?) and some in France and some in Spain… and lots more places.
I’ve shared my friends with you and you have been so kind and gracious to them. (Alba and Edgar and Sara are doing just fine… still getting used to being back home in Colombia, though…)
I’ve shared some tutorials that many of you have done and achieved success. That’s what I was hoping for.
I’ve shown you some recipes and even had you make them… :o)
I can’t tell you how many doll dresses I’ve made since I started writing this blog, but they are all sold… gone to many of you and your dolls are wearing them. I hope you are enjoying them.
My whole purpose in writing this blog was to share my love of sewing and especially doll dresses with you. I hoped to inspire and encourage and motivate others to sew. Our own Susette, said this happened to her. She hadn’t sewn for I don’t think 40 years, and she discovered my blog and all of a sudden she started sewing again… I was thrilled and she was too…and still is!!
You all have blessed me in SO many ways, I can’t even begin to tell you… encouraging comments, wonderful emails, praying for us, sending cards, sending fabric and laces and trims and ribbons and DOLLS and kitchen items and MORE! I know I have the most generous group of subscribers any blog ever had! Thank you everyone.
Well, I could go on and on about what I’ve learned and what I wish I knew how to do, and what I’d like to do in the future, but that would take too much time, so let’s get on to something else.
I didn’t tell you in my title, but there’s a GIVEAWAY today… For all my readers, I’d like to know if there is something you’ve seen that I have that you’d like if you are chosen as the winner…(Sorry… no dollies! :o) but perhaps you’d like a pair of shoes for your My Meadow Twinkles doll, perhaps you’ve never won a tulle slip like I make for the American Girl dolls, perhaps you’ve seen a piece of fabric in my stash that you’d like a piece of, maybe you saw some buttons you’d like to have a few of, maybe you saw a piece of lace I have that you’ve been pining for, maybe you’d like a pair of fingerless gloves for your American Girl doll, maybe you’d like a pair of thigh highs for your American Girl doll, maybe you’d like some of my “famous” candied pecans! Maybe you’d like one of my “Brownies in a Jar” as a gift.
Maybe you’d like a 15 minute phone call from me… we could discuss your dolly situation! :o) I’ll do my best to give the winner what they requested.
You know what I do and what I have… don’t be bashful and ask away… this might be lots of fun! You have until midnight Thursday evening to post your comment (or hit the “contact me” tab at the top of my blog) and I’ll draw out a winner and post it on Friday’s post.
Thank you all, so very much for these last 5 years. I TRULY couldn’t have done it without you!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, congratulations! You truly are a blessing to your readers. Your blog reaches, not just across the world, but also across interests and talents. As you know, I don’t sew or craft or cook but I feel right at home here on the sofa.
My dollies and I are sending you (well just pretend) a hope chest (5th anniversary gift is wood) because we hope you will have many more years of writing your wonderful blog.
As for what I might want, I think that just being a part of the family is gift enough. I am really enjoying just sitting here on the sofa, chatting with everyone, and sipping tea.
I’d want you to continue to share your inspirations with us.
Congratulations on the 5 year anniversary of your blog! I haven’t been with you since the Very beginning, but I think fairly close to it–maybe just a bit into your second year? I can’t remember your mention of the first anniversary of your blog, but I’m sure I was here for the 2nd one. (Well, maybe……when you’re old [73] time tends to play tricks on you, expanding and contracting at will, so that you’re not Quite sure if it was 6 months ago or 6 years ago that such-and-such happened! LOL)
What would I like if my name is drawn? Hmmm…..I think something for Gigi (Ten Ping’s friend), since she doesn’t get a lot of attention in my house (of course lately all my dollies are saying that!). Either a tiny pair of shoes or a cute little jacket, or maybe a petticoat. I’ll think a bit more on it, and let you know if my name is drawn.
Looking forward to more years of sewing adventures and friendships!
Congrats Jeanne! I read your blog daily, and always find it interesting. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations Jeanne!
I haven’t been a subscriber for very long, but I LOVE your blog. To me, it’s what a blog is supposed to be. I have become disillusioned with MANY blogs which turn out to be nothing but advertising for the bloggers product or sponsored product, or worst of all, an advertisement for another person’s blog or product or sponsored product. You are creative and meticulous about the detail of what you do and I only wish I had found you sooner!
I want to come over with my 4 dolls and play.
You can look at my stuff and I will look at yours. We can have a picnic on one of my favorite hand made quilts and let the dollies play ball, and pretend swimming, and definitely tree climbing. Maybe a box of dress up outfits and a big mirror, and a tent.
Congratulations on 5 years. Your blog is always a joy to read
Congratulations!! I still read every day, not always commenting, but I do read it. I love seeing all your creations. I haven’t been sewing much lately, as there is too much other stuff going on around here, but I hope to get back to it soon. Much love, and hoping you will never stop writing your blog. 😀
I love looking at your beautifully handcrafted doll dresses Your attention to detail is exquisite! I make doll clothes from upcycled baby clothes and get lots of inspiration from how well made your dresses are. I have been wanting one of those doll slips from the beginning or maybe the doll gloves for one of my American Girl dolls…..yes I have collected quite a few since I’ve been sewing for dolls!
A big congrats on your Blogaversary! Like that word. You are too kind to spend time and answer all of us almost every day. I will thank you for your kind words and helpful comments. How fun it is to open my mail early in the morning and find something new and interesting each day. Please keep up the good work, but take some time today and do something just for Jeanne. You so deserve it.
Can’t wait to see the “new” peplum. Hope you enjoy “Jeanne Day.”
Happy Blogaversary. I look forward every day to your posts. It is the first thing I check for when I pickup my tablet.
What Navi really needs is a pair of shoes or a slip.
Good morning Jeanne, I too am thankful to know you and have also enjoyed your blog. The girls and possibly guys, are such nice people and I love reading the chatter.
The beauty and perfection of your hand made clothes, which would be the designs and choice of material and laces and buttons and jewelry captivated me when I cane across your blog.
Your kindness and friendship is treasured. Your blogs have always been so interesting. Meeting your friends for instance, recipes and the “ how to do’s” posts are interesting and fun to read and try myself. The ideas shared from you and all your readers have been helpful and exciting.
You know I don’t sew but seeing your creations make me wish I could do something as well but sewing and crafts aren’t my forte- my talents lay elsewhere.
Congratulations on this blogversary! You are so loved by all of us!! Blessings Jeanne.
I’m humming “Happy blogaversary to Jeanne!” 🎶 I’m not sure how I discovered you. eBay or Etsy or maybe American Girl playthings. It’s only recently that I found your blog. It’s the nicest thing in my daily emails! Congratulations 🎊🎉🍾 Jeanne!
Now if I should win your drawing, thigh highs for one of my American girls would be wonderful! 💕
Happy Blogaversary!!!! Five years! What a commitment! I have, over the years, joined a few other blogs, but I lost interest before too long or they just disappeared. Yours is the only blog I have stuck with and I look forward to reading it every day. I have only been with you a short time, maybe less than a year I think, but I have enjoyed every moment. I know it was before Halloween last year because I sent you some pictures of my yard decorations, but it wasn’t much before I don’t think.
As for what I want, well I was going to say Isabelle, but you said no dollies. LOL OL The other thing was one of those adorable miniature lacy appliques you used on bodices. Oh darn, you already used the last one. Hmmm!! I don’t usually win things, and I’m not proud, so I’m going for broke. Maybe a simple outfit for my LD/Paola Reina dolls (that would be one to share of course). My girls are getting quite a collection of Jeanne Marie wearing apparel (still plan on sending pictures of the new acquisitions).
My dilemma with the short set the other day has morphed into several pieces. I added capris for the peplum top and another shirt for the shorts and a couple other things that came from it. When I’m finished I will have outfits for three dolls. The washer and dryer have arrived and are installed. I will be trying them out as soon as I finish here. When I went to remove the water in the washer yesterday I thought I’d give it a whirl and try turning on the washer. To my surprise, it worked!! Now we really don’t know what was wrong. I still needed a new set because the dryer was losing functions and now it seemed the washer was going to work or not – and it’s been making an awful noise when it spins (thankfully it’s in the garage), so it was a matter of time each time I used it. Hubby jokingly said that if I wanted a new set I should have just said so. But he tried everything to find the problem so we figured the control panel had gone out. My oldest son needed a washer so he said he’d take it and see how much longer it might work while he saves up money to buy himself a new one.
Here’s to five plus more years of your wonderful blog and your reading my chatter.
Dear Jeanne, Happy 5th blog anniversary!! I, too, have enjoyed each and every day, and when I miss a post, I always go back to read it. I have loved chatting with you and all the other lovely ladies who read your blog. Even though most of us have never met, I feel that we do “know” each and are friends.
I think it’s wonderful that you share the creating of your beautiful outfits with us and also tutorial to showcase your expertise.
I would love a Civil War petticoat (your typical mulin one with the boning – like this one for Addy https://i1.wp.com/www.idreamofjeannemarie.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/CIMG3087.jpg?w=798&ssl=1 or perhaps a Civil War style bonnet that is neutral enough to go with varios outfits. I’ll think and decide if I’m lucky enough to have my name drawn.
My mom is having cataract surgery tomorrow and I would appreciate prayers. Thank you and God bless.
Prayers, Laura! I had cataract surgeries done (2 weeks apart) over a year ago, and all went very well, except that the anesthesiologist increased the dosage slightly the second time, and it was hard for them to wake me up! LOL (They want you to have light sleep, but to wake easily if the doc needs to ask you something.) I’m sure your mom will do fine with hers.
Happy blog anniversary ! And please go on sharing with us for 5 more years and even more!
Bon anniversaire !
Amicalement
Sophie in Brittany
Dear Jeanne – A great big 5th Blog Anniversary Hug!! What a wonderful accomplishment. I can only imagine how difficult it might be sometimes to have the commitment of writing almost every day. While I’ve been MIA lately (my 90+ Mom has been ill) I do eventually read every post – just no time to comment.
I love an appreciate all of your posts – especially ones pertaining to sewing, You are a very talented seamstress, designer and photographer. I am constantly amazed at your choice of fabrics, laces & trims and of course the final outcome.
Your tutorials are like a one on one sewing class. I think I have shared before that I don’t have a little girl to sew for but you have inspired me to buy a doll (sorry, it has to be a knock off) and sew a wardrobe for her to donate this Christmas. So far, I only have a couple dresses, skirts & tops but I hope to have time to get more done.
I also have very much enjoyed your home projects. I have gotten many tips from them and also have made some of your recipes. Well rounded topics that we all enjoy.
Should my name be drawn I’m sure my Elizabeth would love some thigh highs.
Wishing you another 5 years ~
Leigh
Happy 5th Blogaversary. I’ve been reading your blog everyday for about a year. I found it through another blog about dolls I read. Out of the blogs I read, I like yours the best.
I sew for my daughter’s dolls and for my dolls. Looking at your fabulous creations gives me inspiration for mine.
If my name is drawn, I would like enough of the ruffled tulle (if you have any left) and elastic lace to make a slip for a chubby bodied American Girl doll.
I, too, read your blog everyday, Jeanne, and am grateful for all you share. It’s been a blessing for me! I’ve had a very hard time thinking of a gift, as like the other girls, I feel you gift us each day you write this. I have been yearning for a little dress for Navi with sewn in puff sleeves, but I thought that too much to ask.
I have really missed the Sunday blog. I loved when you wrote each day, but really understand taking that day each week off!
I think what I would like, which would also bless all the others here, would be “A month of Sunday Blogs”. However, you could write two this month and then two next month, so you would still have time off. It’s your writing and sharing your life with us that has kept us here for five years!!
With Blessings, Love and Hugs, Ali C.
Congratulations you, JeAne, for writing the only blogIo follow…….And love! As you mentioned, I have been with you for quite awhile and here is how that unfolded. I was looking for clothes for my newly acquired Molly, and fell in love with a darling blue coat that you made on EBay. I was a bit new to EBay, bidding, and whatever else it took to actually win anything, and of course, lost out. I did see that you lived so,what. Lose to me, in the middle of the country, and , felt a special relationship with you, although I did feel that maybe you were some “uppity” seamstress that didn’t want to be bothered with normal people! How wrong I was!, and happily so!
Next thing, I remember, is that I saw that you were also a member of American Girl Playthings. I started commenting on your work, then messaged you there, and lo and behold, you answered and turned out to be one of the sweetest personI know!
Oh Jeanne, there is nothing I really want except your1friendship, which means the world to me. I have won several things here, and want others to have the chance. I have also made new friends here, none of which I would have known about, had it not been for your blog.
Meeting you and your sweet hubby was the highlight of my year, was that last year? As. Cute as Jeanne looks in pictures, everyone, she is a lot cuter in person! She has the sweetest
smile! I’ll be here for many more years, as long as you keep writing, Jeanne!
Oh my gosh! My iPad is terrible today! How embarrassing for me! I hope you all are having a good laugh at my expense, and can make out what I am trying to say! It willnot let me go back to fix things, so what you see is what you got!!☹️
No problem Linda D. I love those word puzzles where they run the words together and you have to figure out what it says, so I had no problem with what you were trying to say. Then everything was fine. I loved your comment. What a wonderful relationship you, Jeanne and George have.
Wow, Jeanne, I didn’t remember that I was here from day 1! I don’t remember how I knew about your blog, either…but glad I did. I don’t post much because it comes up on my email and I am lazy about going somewhere else to comment, but I read it EVERY DAY! I never miss. Thanks for 5 years of enjoyment!
Dolly hugs!
Blogaversary is quite clever! The best to you. Please keep up with your blog…I would be so sad to not check each day to see what is happening and read your followers comments. What a lovely group that follows you!
I’ve told you before I make myself do all the necessary emails and replies before I let myself read yours. It is my reward.
The UFDC doll convention last week was busy, busy. That NashvilleGaylord hotel has 2800 rooms and it was a half mile from going to meeting and back to our room. They had little carts available and 250 of the 1200 ladies used them. I should have swallowed my pride and used one..would have been more fun. I came home with 6 more dolls than I took. 🤗One antique one from Rachel Hoffman who runs the Virtural On line Convention, and won 5.
My lucky time!
Congrats!!!! I think I’ve been here since the first day or so too, maybe? What I would want is a Twinkle size christmas dress, or a pair of Twinkles shoes, for someone else (my sister of the heart), who’s also a reader of this lovely blog. 🙂
Congrats! I actually don’t remember how I found you blog but I am so happy that I did. It was about a year and half ago and I knew nothing about AG dolls. I am not a collector of them but had this idea so starting a business selling doll clothes. I remember emailing you about a doll that I had won on eBay and knew nothing about and you replied right away. It was so kind of you to do especially to a non collector. I read every post you make comment when I can but life and health always have their say in that. I’ve learnt so much from you and your blog about AG dolls and wonderful sewing tips.
Well I was lucky enough to win one of your AG slips and I will cherish it forever. I would feel greedy asking for something else but a pair of your beautiful thigh highs. You have a wonderful group of ladies/gents and its always a nice place to be.
Here’s to five more years in blogland.
Blessings
Congratulations on your 5th Blogaversary and hear’s to the next five years. I haven’t been a member since the beginning but it has been several years and I read your blog every day. I am able to sew, although not to your standard, so if I were lucky enough to be picked I would like you to pick someone who can’t sew and send them a lovely surprise. Please keep on blogging and sewing you are my morning treat.
Lorna in the UK
Happy blogiversary Jeanne. I always enjoy your posts. I can’t read each post every day, but I manage to find some free time and get caught up. As for the giveaway, if I were to win, I would like a piece of vintage looking lace to use on a LD dress. Here’s to many more years of blogging (and sewing)!
Congratulations Jeanne! I to love to read your blog, try to every morning. If I miss, at first chance I will be on my IPad to see what is going on in Jeanne’s world. You have been getting a lot of sewing done this summer. That is great! Have a wonderful year in the blog world so we all have something to get up for!!!!!!!!!
Sylvia in NH
I have made dear friends, too, though the blog. I’m the one who started sewing again after 40 years due to your inspiration! I still think you should put together a book with the stories you’ve created throughout this five year adventure.
I would be selfish and want a red slip that’s just like a prom dress my mother made for me ump-de-ump years ago. Just kidding, I’m 78! Thanks again for the only blog I follow and for waking me up in the morning. Everybody has said all the nice things I’m thinking now that I’m so late posting.