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Learning this business…one mistake at a time

LeahDay

Leah Day has been teaching online since 2009. She's the creator of the Free Motion Quilting Project, a blog filled with thousands of quilting tutorial videos. Leah has written several books including 365 Free Motion Quilting Designs, Explore Walking Foot Quilting with Leah Day, and Mally the Maker and the Queen in the Quilt.

37 Responses

  1. Thriftyideas says:

    Leah…I hear yah…sounds like you need to take a break. I know the feeling I do not have a business I just make quilts for fun. You have been wonderful and its because of you I gave FMQ'ing a try. Thank-you!!!! I love all of your videos, blogs. Don't feel like your letting us down for taking a break or slowing down…its OK…take time to do other things to that you enjoy…your husband, son, family, gardening…or even shopping! I will say again…you are wonderful!!!!! Take time to enjoy life.

  2. Donna says:

    I love your honesty, your growth as a business person and artist, your writing, and that you tackle life with all of your weight. I love seeing what you do, and I'm inspired to step out of my safe zone. I love that you are learning to say no, and I love that you are still starting multiple projects.

    All these things I love in you are the same things I love about the path I'm on. I think we're lucky to learn and grow from our experiences. And we're very very lucky to have supportive family!

    Keep on keeping on, Little Sister Quilter Friend!

  3. Betsy Lynn says:

    Super post Leah!!

    I see myself in so many of your posts. With age, I have learned you can't please everyone. I, too, have learned how to say "no", tough at first, but not so hard now. I'm working on loving myself and doing things that please me.

    Because of YOU, I have finally started to try my hand at FMQing.

    So a big thank you and hugs to you!

  4. Candace says:

    Leah, you're learning as you go like we all do. Long ago I learned that I have to pace myself, as I've been dealing with arthritis since I was a teenager (40+ years). And we're all not Supergirl, but we are WONDERFUL WOMEN. Keep moving forward, as we can't change yesterday. Thank God for family and friends. Have an awesome week. Looking forward to your next ah ah moment.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Well, lets try this but blogger has been a bugger about letting me comment, then I loose my comment, get booted off my blogs.

    I think your Friday lunch for business with aggenda is great. After all you are doing this for a business and part of business is the planning. Sure hope you date and keep all the lists in a box to be reviewed at the end of the quarter, or year or what ever….. you will be surprised how much you have forgotten that you DID. I too like to start or try something as soon as I think of it…. usually does not go as planned before the third block is finished or it is time for bed, ha ha. I have now given myself permission to put "experiments" in the scrap basked under the table. The real jest of this is: it is OK to just do something in a small way… to see…. sort of like eating octopuse…. try it and can say "I did it" and depending on the audiance can also say NEVER AGAIN…. and I sure don't have to eat the WHOLE thing….

    On we go to sew.

  6. Chris says:

    And congratulations on the success of your business. I know it is hard work and the weight of being the owner of a small business is a heavy load.

    All the best – Chris

  7. Pamela says:

    Believe me, you are not alone! I am in the midst of trying to finish a quilt made with neck-ties. I wonder over and over as I struggle with this thing why I ever said "Yes" to this project.

    Putting your ideas in writing and going over them together is an excellent idea, I may have to try something like this myself.

    Thanks for being honest with yourself and us as you go through this process – it's so encouraging!

  8. La Mañosa says:

    Thanks for your honesty. It's comforting to know that we all go through this process of learning how to have balance in our lives. I have had trouble turning things down and saying no but I've gotten much better over the last few years. I think you sort of have to hit a breaking point before you realize that it's time to slow down and reconsider your commitments (and that it's okay to let some of them go).

  9. Tsigeyusv says:

    Oh, Jeepers! Even Superwoman has her kryptonite 🙂
    You've done amazing work. Although I already knew how to free motion quilt I have friends at work who are afraid to try. I bought your book and DVD so I could lend them out, so that these women could feel supported and have the courage to give it a try.
    I recently broke (like REALLY broke, not broke to fix it), and I need to get a new one. I was going to head to my local sewing machine shop (which isn't so local) and get a new name brand one, but I'm going to order a generic one from you instead. I think its worth a try. See, I admire your courage to try new things, to educate us (and yourself) and to make a go of all kinds of things. Yes, you may have more things to learn about running a business, but you have already learned so much already. You rock!

  10. Nina-Marie says:

    One thing Leah – as you're learning – is that just because you're in your 20's – have a family and responsibilities – doesn't mean you're all done growing and learning. Its a process – every lady here has gone through – still going through it. This is just another life lesson – the good news is you've learned so much – the bad news is that it won't be the last time!

    Remember the rule – just because you can – doesn't mean you should or have to. Also – life if not a sprint race – its a marathon – pace yourself – you got plenty of time!! Blessings!!!

  11. Sandy says:

    Bravo to you, Leah! Do you know how many women never figure this out? Never learn to say No, never refuse a request, never stop and care for themselves?
    You've passed a major milestone in healthy maturation and you've learned a TON! Just think what you can do with all of it…in…time….slowly…thoughtfully and being fully present. Again, Bravo to you!

  12. Unfortunately as women, we find it hard to say no to anything… we need to make sure everyone is cared for and comfortable before we are.

    Your talent is appreciated and your willingness to share is inspiring.

    You're human…. now let yourself 'be'.

    Hugs!
    Nancy

  13. Wendy says:

    Thank you for your honesty. What a glimpse into you, and a glimpse into many of us. Thank you for all you share.

  14. matate10 says:

    Oh my dear, your ARE the closest to Superwoman as I have ever seen. How you do what you has amazed me as I have watched you day after day. Please take care of yourself first so you can be with us for the long haul. You have much to offer us all.

  15. Anonymous says:

    I was just going to say the same thing before I read Donna's comment. I love your honesty! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

  16. Claudia says:

    You are doing a GREAT JOB !!!! Just do what you can, when you can, and we will keep following you and we treasure all the great information you provide.
    Thanks so much !!!
    Claudia in ND

  17. Ethne says:

    Oh it's so good to see that I'm not the only one who pretty much starts new projects and gets lost in the process – what you do Leah is fantastic, your generosity in sharing your talent and quilting experiences (good and bad) – to me it's invaluable
    These new projects you keep wanting to start – I hope you have a journal of each of the ideas and when the time is right, and your flicking though the journal 'that' particular project will come to the fore – please pace yourself and trust your instinct – it's taken you so far already – and remember you are only human

  18. What you're going through is all part of maturing as a healthy person. If you read through the comments that some of your followers have left for you — you will notice that most of them say that part of the process includes taking a step back and looking at the whole picture. That is where you are right now — and it is a good place to be — you are moving forward and learning where your limits are — everyone has them — they help us retain a sense of balance. Take a deep breath and enjoy what you are doing today…and every day!

  19. sgardner says:

    Love your honesty and what you have been through- it will help others not to make the same mistakes.

    I hear you on self-esteem- that is still a big issue for me and a hurdle I struggle with, and I think many women can relate.

    I have loved everything you have done so far- your free tutorials have inspired me greatly and are such great teaching tools for a beginner. I watch them over and over with my pen and paper in hand, and I'm starting to see them come out in my quilting. I am so much further along because you took the time to share with us.

    Thank you!!!

  20. Vicki says:

    I just want you to know I appreciate all the work you've put in to this project. And also–I have an unfinished quiltalong tutorial on my blog. I still feel badly that it's not done….

  21. Anonymous says:

    beautiful written, your very honest..and like us all just human..
    Take your time, to take a breath of air once in a while… I still like you and your work :-)))))
    greetings Judith

  22. AnnieO says:

    Starting a business is fraught with danger! You jumped in wholeheartedly with your passion and then reality hit with overwhelming loads of work! Good that you finally learned to say, "No, I'm sorry, I can't".

    I hope your plans on paper continue to bring you the satisfaction and success you desire. Keep at it! You have great ideas.

  23. Kay Lynne says:

    Leah–You're doing a great job! It's hard to say "no", but your health and family come first. I understand about starting new projects when they're on your mind. I do the same thing. Hope your husband has a Happy Father's Day 🙂

  24. Thank You so much for your brutal honesty – as a mother of 2 small boys (3,2) and the owner of a quilt shop (which I opened when the youngest was still breastfeeding!!!) I too tear myself apart everyday as I try to do everything and seemingly fail. I LOVE your Friday lunch idea – I might have to try the same thing with my long suffering hubby – perhaps over breakfast.

    Keep On Quilting!

    Al
    x

  25. KnightMare says:

    Good on you…

    (short and sweet so as not to take up too much of your time :p )

  26. Susanne says:

    Leah, I think you are doing a wonderful job! I started 'following' you a year ago and I'm still amazed at your skill and creativity. You are so generous with your knowledge and I get something from every one of my visits to your blog – last night my darning foot broke and (after a quick panic) I knew that it wasn't the end of the (quilting) world as I'd seen something right here on your blog to help me out – I've fitted my elastic band and it's even better than good as new (the bar broke off!) You're wonderfully talented and wonderfully down to earth and I'm very grateful that you have chosen to share that with us. I'm glad that you're getting to grips with that pesky inner voice – I didn't feel I knew who I was until I turned 40, so please keep on doing what you do and yes, absolutely, give yourself a break from time to time – you deserve it! All the best xxxx

  27. mageez says:

    Hi Leah
    Not everything needs to be finished. And saying no gets easier with age and practice. You need to enjoy what you're doing.
    Maggie

  28. Elaine Adair says:

    You're awfully smart for being young!

    "Been there, done that" trivializes what you said but … I sure don't know why we have to go through life wanting every one to "like" us. 8-)) THAT wears a person down. 8-)))

  29. Megan says:

    Don't be down on yourself for not tying up more loose ends! I think that blogs are particularly well-suited to "serial projects." (At least that's what I tell myself, since I have 30+ WIPs in various stages of completion.) I think it's awesome that you and Josh are having weekly check-ins to talk about what's feasible for your family and your business. Persevere on! As always, I'm excited to see what you work on this week!

  30. Judy says:

    Great post! Balancing all that you do isn't easy. I just found your blog, but I've really enjoyed your creativity and your willingness to share what you are learning/creating. That's a gift. I think most creative people have many projects that they are working on at once. If I'm breathing, I want to be creating 🙂 Keep on being the creative person that you are!

  31. Amy says:

    There are just so many good ideas out there and in our own heads. But jiust because they're good ideas doesn't mean we need to do them, or at least do them now. I think that's a big struggle for creative types.

    It certainly is for me anyway. Thanks for being transparent and open about your struggles with balance. There are so many internet supermoms out there it can be aggravating!

  32. Anonymous says:

    Love your article on Isacord thread. I have the Janome 6600P and the thread cutter broke. The gal who repaired it told me to NEVER use thread with cotton over polyester like Coats and Clark. That tread creates so much fuzz and will destroy your machine. I use the Isacord for free motion, but had been using Coats and Clark for piecing. Now I use Isacord for everything and there is very little fuzz as a result. No more jams. Isamiracle!!

  33. BRAVO Leah
    Well done for recognising and accepting the truth that we cannot do everything we want to.

    Big Hugz

    Helen from Hobart

  34. Anonymous says:

    I would completely agree about the agenda. In fact, you are now doing what I would have advised: write it down. No matter how wonderful the idea is, don't start on it immediately. Write it down, figure out what would be necessary to do it, then decide if you want to do it or not, if you can do it or not, or if maybe you want to do it later — or not. In the Getting things done method of task management, one of the things he includes in his list of things to do is the Someday/maybe list. And it has been a wonderful thing to have for me, as instead of suffering from extreme startitis and many unfinished projects, I get an idea of something I'd like to do, and then put it on the list. I do not allow myself to start something new from that list until something else of equivalent size is finished. And I prevent that overwhelmed feeling from paralyzing me into getting nothing done.

  35. Feltsey says:

    Hang in there. It's very difficult to reconcile creativity and business, especially when you're responsible for both.

  36. Sis-O says:

    It's not easy being genious!

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