Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Thinking about my blog at the beach


On Sunday we went to one of my favourite public beaches. There is this massive shallow bay so when the tide is out, it is way, way out. When it comes in on a sunny day, the water is quickly warmed by the warm sand and it is like swimming in a nice warm tub. There were a lot of people there, but that did not prevent me from taking a few photos with almost no one in them. This beach is at Parksville, B.C. which is on Vancouver Island in Canada. Those mountains, the ones behind the island in the foreground, are on the mainland, a ways north of Vancouver.


I've been thinking a lot about this blog, and I wanted to share some of the changes I am going to make - they are not big changes but you might notice. First, I wanted to do a bit more in partnership with my blog sponsors without changing the fact that this blog will always focus on my quilting journey. However, I don't post as often as many of my blogging friends, and I thought I could take advantage of those empty days  to post some sponsor stuff.

So here is what you can expect to see. I have offered my sponsors a chance to have a give away once ever quarter on the blog, at their often. These give aways will generally start on a Monday (but not every Monday) and run to Thursday morning with a post on Thursday night to announce the winners. I am also going to do a post every Friday - I think I will call it "If you want to shop" (but I am open to title suggestions) with sponsor news - sales, discounts, new products, events, etc.

These two new regular posts will not change the number of my regular quilting posts but will hopefully give readers and sponsors a chance to connect better, achieve bargains, and win or give away nice stuff.


The other thing I have been thinking about is what else you might like to see happening in this space. Jess and I will be finishing up Decipher Your Quilt over the next few weeks, on our totally laid back and unpredictable schedule. Beyond me sharing my quilting ups and downs, ideas and new patterns, would you like me to do something more - a regular link up, another semi-regular quilting series (I keep thinking a tips and tricks series would be fun, for example), or something else?

I'm off to the big island again today, but I'll be quilting tonight. If you have not yet entered the draw for Jess's pattern, go here to do so. It is a lovely pattern, as is she.

Leanne

24 comments:

Tanyia said...

I am going to start implementing changes on my blog in Aug, I felt it was time for myself as well. I don't have any sponsors though to feature, maybe one day :) That is a great idea though I think

Jessica said...

Tips and tricks would be fun, and it would be cool to open it up to other bloggers in a linky! (like, tips and tricks for using a longarm, for machine binding, etc.). I know what you mean - I've been contemplating my blog as well.

Sheila said...

I think blogging in general is experiencing a shift these days and I look forward to your changes.

Pieces of Cotton said...

Personally, "tips and tricks" is probably the main reason I read blogs. I'm all about learning how to improve accuracy, make the process quicker or easier, and saving money.

Vera said...

You can call it WTCH Friday = worth to check :-)

andrea @ tideline quilts said...

I'm at my blog thinking about your beach. Ours here in NS are pretty nice, but yours....aaaahhhhh yours, complete with those stunning mountains in the background and those vivid blues everywhere...I am drooling. Seriously. Thanks for the share...!!!

Razzle Dazzle Quilter said...

What amazing scenery. I have a Canadian friend here who tells me that New Zealand is a pocket sized Canada. I can see that by your photos.
Linda

Isisjem said...

Love your pictures. I'll look forward to seeing your blog changes. Tips and tricks always useful!

MariQuilts said...

So wish I was on the island....sigh. I think tips is always a good idea, I was thinking about having a page on my favourite quilty things....books, fabric, gadgets and machines etc. Of course I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Cindy said...

It looks like you're in a stunning place. A wonderful place to do thinking/focusing such as this. I would really love to see more quilt math - I think those posts are just great! I also love when you do product reviews - you're very clear and honest. You know...if the mood ever strikes you. Maybe your sponsors will give you stuff to review?

Benta AtSLIKstitches said...

Could someone offer a trip to that beach? It looks fab! No ? Then I'll settle for tips and tricks ! X

Judith, Belfast said...

Beautiful pics L! Your blog is always so inspiring and informative. Keep doing what you're doing, and enjoy your holiday. jxo

Janet M said...

I love your blog. What ever you decide to do, I'm with you!

Rita@PinPrickedFingers.com said...

Oh, beautiful Canada! Each place is more stunning than the next. We live in such a great country!

Carla said...

It's hard to say what I'd like to see. I'm just glad you post! So many have stopped due to IG. Perhaps a link up could be fun : )

margaret said...

What lovely photos, it is years since I visited a beach, think back in 2005 when I took 2 friends to see the lights at Blackpool. Like the sound of give aways! Re tips yes would love you to share those with us, especially on the way to actually quilt a quilt would appeal to me

pennydog said...

I don't think Instagram is a substitute for blogging at all, so keep on doing what you do and I'll be here to read it, with or without additional sponsor content! I tend to not bother reading blog hop posts though I find new books, etc a bit dull after I've seen them on 4 other blogs already.

elle said...

I'm seeing/hearing about changes in Blogland which intrigues me because I, too, have been thinking about making changes as well. Not sure what or how because I'm still thinking. Now I'm thinking about island getaways! ;~)

Poppyprint said...

Lovely pics! My husband spent all of his childhood summer holidays in a small rustic cabin in Parksville - in the days before mini golf and 7-11 and trailer parks. Lucky him! It is so lovely that the beach remains unchanged and as beautiful as ever.

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

I like the sound of a tips and tricks series of posts but, like many others, I'm just glad you still blog - so many have stopped since they joined IG :o(

Lisa J. said...

I'm fairly new to your blog. The math posts are really interesting...but I think what I really like is your reflections on your work and your art. I'm still in the find pattern make quilt stage and I'd like to move out of that comfort zone and into more creativity. When I saw your quilt and other modern quilts at Quilt Canada I thought maybe one day I could enter.

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

deserted beaches are so nice. I have a hard time believing the water is warm...ha!

Sarah said...

I'm Australian, but I know where Parksville is! My cousin married a Canadian and her family is from near Parksville. I haven't visited but my parents did two years ago, for the wedding of my cousin. They didn't mention dipping their toes in at Parksville, but did at Tofino. They said it was freezing!

Unknown said...

I also love to speculate on the beach, lying on my favorite tommy bahama beach chair, to evaluate my actions, plan trips, think about the future. The noise of the water greatly calms ...