Jul 24 2005

Way Back When

Published by lolly at 11:25 pm under Balmoral Cardigan

My blogging life started on LiveJournal site with a list of book reviews. I joined some of the knitting communities on LJ because I was becoming more interested in knitting. Through LJ, I discovered that people set up complete websites to share their knitting/crafting activities with the world. This idea was absolutely novel to me. I uncovered this complete sub-culture of knitting blogs, the first of them being Stefanie’s site, Glampyre.com.

I decided to jump in head first, and LollyKnitting Around was born on the Blogger site. I set up my account and decided to feature my first sweater and some of the various scarves and hats I had made in the previous months. Stefanie was even one of my first commenters on my blog, encouraging me to design my own patterns! (unfortunately many of my oldest comments were lost in my first migration to Haloscan… )

I decided to make some bloggy friends; so I visited other blogs and left copious amounts of comments. Eventually, people started to visit my site too. I met up with some local knit bloggers who instantly became my "real life" friends. I have gained several friends that do not live close to me, but that I am able to know through the internet.

Needing more space for my pictures, and a desire to expand my options, I registered this domain, Lollygirl.com, in January of this year. I still have plans to develop the site in many ways, but now it is just a host to this blog, and the knitalong blog.

…and all of this started one year ago today!

Through blogging, I record my life events. I do it for me and my family, and for any one else that happens to take notice or care. I am an archivist, so I am archiving my daily life through my blog. It is the Lolly memory bank.

When I get old, I want to look back and say "Remember that first sweater I made and how hideous it was?", or "Remember when Mimi got engaged?" With this technology, I am able to recall the exact date and time of these events. I can recall exactly how I felt at the moment and how I was able to sum it up in words; as well as the way that my online friends reacted to it with their comments. Blogging, and the Knit Blog community in specific, has given me a real sense of purpose, and a wonderful sense of community. I have met some fascinating people through this medium, and I know I will meet many more! I receive daily inspiration from all of your blogs, projects, and your comments on my entries.

Many thanks to all of you for giving me this opportunity to share my life with you; and for caring enough to come back to read more!

You all have made my life more meaningful, and I am so grateful!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Balmoral’s first sleeve was a cinch. Finished it up while watching Lance win this morning (Yea Lance! 7 Times!) and started Sleeve 2 straightaway. After Kris’s hockey game (they lost… again) and this week’s episode of Six Feet Under, I am now 12 inches in, with another 6.5 to go.

I could not let the first sleeve get all the glory and not let the second sleeve get any photo action… so here is sleeve 2 underwater!


Well, not under water, but in front of Kris’s aquarium… so scenic!

This cardigan is moving along so quickly–I daresay I will have another FO this month (that is a record: FOUR!) After this sleeve is done, I will join them with the body and yoke them together and knit around. From there, it is raglan shaping until the bind off. Easy as pie, right? :)

(Sleeve 2 not pictured here–a good blocking will make her more photogenic as well)

Stay tuned for more Balmoral news as she develops…

…In the meantime, check out my friend Debbie’s new blog, and stop by and see Shayna’s Ultra Femme modeled by her sis!

70 Responses to “Way Back When”

  1. # Laurenon 25 Jul 2005 at 1:09 am

    Happy Blogiversary Lolly girl! Gotta love raglan decreasing. Once you start, it’s hard to stop until you’re done.

  2. # martion 25 Jul 2005 at 2:33 am

    Happy Blogversary!

  3. # Agneson 25 Jul 2005 at 3:27 am

    Happy Blogiversary! I set up my account with Blogger in September last year, but I didn’t make my first entry until December … 3 months after I started knitting. What you said is very true … the knitter-blogger community has given so much meaning to our lives!
    July seems to be a prolific month for me too … I already have 4 FOs this month! I am trying to see if I can finish another pair of socks! I like the heather colour of your sweater … wish you good luck on the 4th FO in July.

  4. # krison 25 Jul 2005 at 4:16 am

    congrats on one year of blogging! looks like you beat me with a couple of weeks!

    can’t wait to see your finished cardi; it will be smashing!

  5. # Adelleon 25 Jul 2005 at 6:34 am

    Happy Blogiversary!!!

  6. # Amyon 25 Jul 2005 at 6:40 am

    Happy blogaversary!

  7. # Libbyon 25 Jul 2005 at 7:14 am

    Congrats on one year in the blog world.

    The sweater looks great.

  8. # Chrissieon 25 Jul 2005 at 7:33 am

    Happy Blirthday Lolly-girl! I always smile when I see that you have a new entry on Bloglines.

  9. # Susanon 25 Jul 2005 at 7:36 am

    Happy Blogiversary!!

  10. # meganon 25 Jul 2005 at 8:04 am

    Happy blog-iversary Lolly! Although I haven’t been blogging long, I totally agree with you. Having a knitting blog is not only a great way to keep a “scrapbook” of your knitting projects and life events, it’s also a great way to meet some wonderful knitters and keep up with the news in the “knitting world.” I always enjoy reading your blog, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead! Have a great week!

  11. # jacquelineon 25 Jul 2005 at 8:09 am

    happy blogiversary! you’ve definitely added to our lives too.

  12. # janeon 25 Jul 2005 at 8:11 am

    Wow-you’ve done so much in a year…now about Six Feet Under last night-what’s wrong with nate? Jane

  13. # Deeon 25 Jul 2005 at 8:20 am

    happy blogiversary!

  14. # Kateon 25 Jul 2005 at 8:45 am

    Happy Blogiversary!! What would the blogging world be without Lolly!

  15. # elisaon 25 Jul 2005 at 8:51 am

    I, for one, am very glad to have found you in the blogosphere. You were one of my first commenters, and I remember just how exciting it was to feel those first initial connections with other bloggers, who turned out to be such wonderful people, too. I really think you are a gift to the community.

    Happy Blogiversary, dear Lolly!

  16. # ckon 25 Jul 2005 at 8:52 am

    Congrats on your blogiversary! Great sweater.

  17. # Jenon 25 Jul 2005 at 9:01 am

    YAY!! Happy blogiversary to you!

    Can’t wait to see your finished cardi…love it so far!

  18. # heatheron 25 Jul 2005 at 9:15 am

    wow you are going to be done with Balmoral ASAP! cool!

    Happy one year anniversary! I’m so thankful…cause this internet thing gave me you! :) cool!

  19. # Jessicaon 25 Jul 2005 at 9:20 am

    Happy Blogiversary Lolly!! :) Your cardi is coming along great. :)

  20. # Dianeon 25 Jul 2005 at 9:34 am

    Happy Blogiversary Lolly! I love reading your site and catching up with what you are knitting. I wish I lived in your area to knit with you in person! You are a great inspiration to me–thanks for sharing your knitting life with the blog universe.

  21. # cherylon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:01 am

    Happy Blogiversary to you!
    You were one of the first blogs I started to read and enjoyed you so much. I still keep up on you every day to see if there is an update!! Love you and keep up the great knitting!!
    Cheryl

  22. # Staceyon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:14 am

    Happy Blogiversary!!

  23. # Wandaon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:17 am

    Happy Blogiversary Lolly! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your knitting projects come to fruition. Hope there are many more.

    It looks like you’re cruising on Balmoral, no more lollygagging around on that one. You’ll soon be finished. Love the color.

  24. # katieon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:19 am

    Happy Blogiversary! I’ve been lurking for a bit, and love getting knitting ideas and good stories at your blog… enjoy year 2!

  25. # Kathyon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:24 am

    Happy Anniversary Lollygirl!!! Your blog had definitely added much to the blog world and it’s a must read for me!!

  26. # Taraon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:25 am

    wow, time flies huh? you are definitely one of my favorite bloggers around, so keep up the good work, Lolly!

  27. # Kimberlyon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:41 am

    Too funny, I was just yesterday discussing how young my blog is compared to others such as yours and yours isn’t that old. Hmm. Happy blogday! I feel the same way about a blog-it’s a place to keep a record of life and what we are creating as well as a way to share and recieve positive feedback for the things we do! I just love positive feedback. After my crash of 2005 I realized how important it is to have my blog-now I’m going to keep everything documented.
    Keep up the good work and the positive attitude!! Yours was one of my first.

  28. # Tanyaon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:42 am

    Congrats! You’re quite an advanced one year old :) I’m so glad that I found you through H and Ei. You’re uber talented and a breath of fresh air in Bloglandia. Keep on knitting chica!

    Tanya

  29. # Karynon 25 Jul 2005 at 10:50 am

    Happy Blogiversary! I’m glad I discovered your blog….it’s one of my favorites now!! :)

  30. # Danion 25 Jul 2005 at 11:05 am

    Happy Blogiversary!! Wow, what an amazing year it has been for you… I know, I love meeting all these new people through blogging. It really adds something different to life :)

    Your sweater is looking gorgeous as usual!

  31. # Rossanaon 25 Jul 2005 at 11:23 am

    Happy Knit-Bloggiversary, Lolly! Wow–you’re really roaring along on that raglan! It’ll be an FO very, very soon.

  32. # LisaBon 25 Jul 2005 at 11:42 am

    Happy blogiversary!! hee, I’ve never said that before!

    Sweater looking good. Can’t wait to see it finished!

  33. # Erinon 25 Jul 2005 at 11:59 am

    Happy Bloggiversay. I couldn’t have said it better myself with the “archiving your life” paragraph. I’m the same way. My blog has turned into my journal. Only, it’s a journal that I can put pictures in and meet people through. Good stuff!

    You are definitely going to be finishing that sweater very soon. Look at how quickly you’ve done the sleeves! It’s going to be great!

  34. # Lissaon 25 Jul 2005 at 12:32 pm

    Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Blogiversary…!

  35. # Vickion 25 Jul 2005 at 12:58 pm

    Happy Anniversary Lolly! Wow - 1 year old! I only wish I had found your blog sooner…

  36. # Faithon 25 Jul 2005 at 1:02 pm

    Happy Blogiversary Lolly! I’m so glad you have this web presence, I love hearing from you here and in comments, keep it up!

  37. # melanieon 25 Jul 2005 at 1:45 pm

    Happy Blogiversary Lady!

  38. # Sarahon 25 Jul 2005 at 1:46 pm

    Happy blogiversary!! Since you helped inspire me to blog, you’re kind of like my Stefanie! Plus you always leave me comments that make me happy.

    Seriously? 4 in a month? I’m lucky if I do one in 4 months. But the Luckster is getting some action lately…

  39. # knittingnurseon 25 Jul 2005 at 1:47 pm

    Wow, isn’t amazing how much one can accomplish in a year???? Congrats on the blog, your archiving (HP how cool of an assignment is THAT???), your marriage, your friends, YOU!

    Love the blog. Love your wit. YEAH for Lolly!

  40. # Sandyon 25 Jul 2005 at 1:52 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! Thanks for sharing your knitting life with us.

  41. # Stephanieon 25 Jul 2005 at 1:53 pm

    Happy Blogiversary. One whole year - very cool. Your sweater is looking great and I can’t believe you’re gonna have 4 FOs in one month! Yikes. I don’t even have 1. :(

  42. # Allisonon 25 Jul 2005 at 2:02 pm

    Happy Blogday! You are an asset to blogland and many of us are glad you take the time to share your life and knitting with us.

  43. # Monion 25 Jul 2005 at 2:31 pm

    awww! Happy blogiversary, Lolly! It’s been so awesome getting to know you this year through your blog. I hope that we can meet in person, someday :). Here’s to another fantastic year!

  44. # Cathion 25 Jul 2005 at 3:09 pm

    Happy Blog day, Lolly! Can’t wait to see that cardi on you!

  45. # Jennaon 25 Jul 2005 at 3:35 pm

    Sincerest congratulations on your blogiversary, my dear. I’ve enjoyed reading about all of your adventures and getting to join in some of them as well. I’m also so glad that we’ve gotten to meet through this medium and become buddies. Keep up this little archive, it’s fun for all of us!

  46. # Leanneon 25 Jul 2005 at 3:44 pm

    Happy 1st Blog Birthday !!! Thanks so much for blogging - you are one of the first blogs I ever read and a big reason why I started my own. Here’s to another great year.

  47. # Samanthaon 25 Jul 2005 at 4:13 pm

    Happy Blogiversary!!

  48. # Rebekahon 25 Jul 2005 at 4:16 pm

    Well happy Blogiversary! The sweater is looking great!

  49. # Mandaon 25 Jul 2005 at 5:24 pm

    happy blogiversary!! :D

  50. # Heatheron 25 Jul 2005 at 5:54 pm

    Aw! Happy Anniversary! :) I can’t believe you’ve only had this blog for a year. It seems to seamless. Well done ;)

    Balmoral’s looking lovely! I can’t wait to see her done. Man, four FOs? You’re a knitting machine! ;) Congrats all around!

  51. # kerion 25 Jul 2005 at 6:05 pm

    Happy Blogversary!!! Here’s to many more!

  52. # jillon 25 Jul 2005 at 7:30 pm

    Happy Blog Birthday :) You definitely have one of my favorite blogs out there - keep it up!!!!

  53. # debon 25 Jul 2005 at 7:56 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! I am always wondering how each of us got started along this path. For me it was seeing Claudia’s first finished Rogue. I loved the pattern and the comments. I went down her list of links and through her discovered Sandy’s Knitting blog. The two of them hooked me in:)

  54. # Estheron 25 Jul 2005 at 8:01 pm

    Happy Blogirthday!

    The Balmoral Sleeve looks excellent, can’t wait to see it all put together :)

    MEME TAG!

    id·i·o·syn·cra·sy
    Pronunciation Keyn. pl. id· i·o·syn·cra·sies -A structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group.

    Write down five of your own personal idiosyncracies. Then, if you wish, tag five people you know.

  55. # Stacyon 25 Jul 2005 at 9:17 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! I love reading it and seeing all your great pictures. I don’t always comment but read almost daily! The Lucky KAL was my very first. :)

    Stacy

  56. # Amyon 25 Jul 2005 at 9:41 pm

    Happy Blogiversary Lolly!

  57. # eyeleenon 25 Jul 2005 at 9:49 pm

    Happy Blogiversary Lolly! I love coming here and reading your blog. Thanks so much for sharing bits of your life with us. Here’s to a very Happy Year 2!

  58. # Kathyon 26 Jul 2005 at 11:42 am

    Happy Blogiversary!! I think I’m a day late here, so I hope you had a fabulous blog birthday!! (Do you get presents for that, or do you give them to the blog? What would one give a blog? Bandwidth? hee!)

    Love how Balmoral is coming along - can’t wait to see her finished!

  59. # iselon 26 Jul 2005 at 7:43 pm

    Congratulations! I was surprised to learn you met your friends through this experience. It seems like you guys have known each other forever. That is amazing.
    Balmoral is looking great.

  60. # Yifaaon 26 Jul 2005 at 7:54 pm

    OH LOLLY!! being a semi-newcomer to blogging, you been so encouraging to me to continue knitting/blogging. i want to thank you for your lively entries on your site, and comments on mine. you are awesome.

    yeah… lance is great too.

  61. # Jesson 27 Jul 2005 at 11:11 am

    A few days late - but happy blogversary! I love your blog, and I am going to keep lovin’ it….

  62. # Jennon 27 Jul 2005 at 4:28 pm

    I use LiveJournal as a place to vent about my “Real” life, and my blogger account for my yarn journey. They ARE really great for looking back on your life, and what’s happened. I can’t remember what my life was like before I started journaling (I did so on paper from the age of 11 till I got my first computer, at 20). Happy anniversary to you and blogging!

    PS What did you think of this week’s Six Feet Under? Jaw on the floor or WHAT?!

  63. # Elizabethon 27 Jul 2005 at 5:19 pm

    Congratulations Lolly. Whatever you’ve been doing, you’ve been doing it very well. You have some of the most loyal readers of the many blogs I’ve visited. Your cheerful entries and many great photos keep us coming back! I don’t know where you get the energy to do all that knitting as well as finishing school though!

  64. # Kellyon 27 Jul 2005 at 5:30 pm

    Lolly, you speedy knitter! I’m envious of your many fine FO’s! I absolutely LOVE the yarn you picked for this cardi!It’s so cool!

    Happy Blogiversary!

  65. # Rachelon 28 Jul 2005 at 1:04 am

    Happy Blogversary to you girl! I am new to reading your blog and really enjoying your posts! Here is to many more Lolly knitting years! Cheers!

  66. # Momon 28 Jul 2005 at 8:13 am

    Your sweater is coming along beautifully! I love the ribbon detail and the beautiful tweedy colors. It will be lovely on you. XXOO

  67. # Donnaon 28 Jul 2005 at 9:06 am

    Hi Lolly, Happy Blog birthday! Wow..Balmoral really looks great… I know that is a long, tedious knit on those little needles. Yeah…you’ll have something new to wear for the fall! You have been crankin’ out those FO’s, girl. Congrats on finishing that beautiful afghan. Your sis and her hubby are going to love it. xo Donna

  68. # iselon 28 Jul 2005 at 7:52 pm

    Balmoral looks fabulous. That yarn is beautiful and perfect for it.
    Great job!

  69. # sUsAnon 29 Jul 2005 at 8:50 pm

    Congrats on your first blogiversary, Lauren! I’ve missed reading your blog while I’ve been away.

  70. # baon 02 Oct 2006 at 8:31 am

    Those tweedy colors are beautiful and cozy - a good match with the leaves now changing!

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