Do You Still READ Quilting Blogs?
I’m feeling a bit skeptical today!
I have a simple question for you today: are you still reading quilting blogs?
I have this sneaking suspicion that our behaviors online have changed. Let me give you an example:
Today I wanted to find a sugar cookie recipe that is keto friendly and uses Swerve as the sweetener. Can you imagine searching a Betty Crocker cookbook for that? Never! This type of diet-exclusive recipe is perfect for Pinterest searches though.
I opened Pinterest and scrolled through a mix of cookies and annoying ads and clicked on the prettiest photo. It looked like a winner so I clicked through to the blog post where the picture came from.
I scrolled, scrolled, scrolled to the bottom of the post because that’s where most recipe websites stick their recipes.
I checked the ingredient list. Yep, Swerve was the sugar and it was a fathead dough base that sounded good. (Note: The Keto diet will win you awards on weirdness. If you don’t think mozzarella cheese should go into a sugar cookie, this one isn’t for you! LOL!)
I clicked to print out the recipe, then closed out the website or blog. I honestly don’t know which one it was.
I didn’t take the time to read the post. I didn’t really care about the pretty photos. I definitely didn’t take the time to pick up the name of the website or the person that wrote the recipe. And I didn’t feel the need to subscribe to an email newsletter or follow.
I got what I wanted. Then I left.
I’m Not Reading. Are you?
Sooo…what’s the problem?
The problem is someone took a lot of time to write that post! There were at least 10 pretty, magazine quality photos of the cookies as well. And the recipe was made and obviously tested before posting.
All of that was a lot of work and effort made in the hopes of getting something in return: a newsletter subscription, a comment, a like, an interaction of some sort or at least 5 minutes of my time so my traffic actually ranked on Google.
But I didn’t even give them that. I felt entitled to a diet-specific, holiday themed recipe for free, found it, and left nothing in return.
If I’m doing it, you can bet millions of other busy moms and 20-30 year olds are acting the same way.
So I’m left wondering how is blogging sustainable?
Yes, I’ve shared free tutorials for years. I got on the quilting map in 2009 because I was one of the very first to share videos on free motion quilting. But that was 10 years ago and now it’s feeling quite crowded in this space.
Attention spans are shorter than ever. Most of my videos run 15 minutes long, and once a week I put up an hour long podcast. I just checked my YouTube stats for the last 28 days. The average length of time someone watches a video is 5 minutes 47 seconds.
I don’t need to tell you how much time goes into making a single quilting tutorial. A LOT!
But it would take a lot less time if I didn’t bother writing a clever post and shooting extra pretty photos, editing those photos, branding them, then uploading them to the site. My question is should I continue to bother with those steps?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking to quit, I just want to make the most of my very limited time. So if you have a minute, before you click away and head off on another quilting adventure, answer just two questions for me in the comments below:
What are you still consuming? What do you regularly enjoy and spend time watching, listening or reading?
What would you want to see MORE of? We have millions of free patterns now. We have tons of free tutorials. What are you still looking for online?
Let’s go quilt,
Leah Day
I tried to comment but it won’t go to this site!
It posted just fine Sue! I have it set to moderate so I can check the comments are not spam before they are posted.
You are oh so right. There is much effort put into blogs, videos, etc., and not many of us get beyond Instagram. Linda @Wetcreek Blog
Thank you for sharing Linda! I definitely knew it wasn’t just me.
I read blogs for new or quick patterns. I’m still looking for simple free motion for specific quilt patterns. I love dense quilting but can’t seem to come up with less dense quilting motifs for my charity quilts!
That’s good to know Denice! Thank you for sharing!
I also would like less dense quilting ideas. For the same reason. I do watch and read. But don’t care for ads which I do know are necessary ?
I still read, but usually only when it’s linked with a Facebook post. I get sidetracked easily these days.
Thank you for sharing Deb! I appreciate hearing your experience.
You’re welcome. I will tell you that before I retired, I sold sewing machines and taught guide classes. I often recommended your site for people looking to learn machine quilting. How could I presume to improve on perfection? 🙂
Aww! Thank you so much!
The food blogs waste a lot of a reader’s time with endless photos of the same thing. This is not the case with your blog! It is interesting, helpful, reassuring. I don’t feel like I’m wasting my time reading it at all. I dont’ participate in quilt alongs, but I get plenty of ideas and suggestions for quilting better – and I’ve been quilting for over 40 years. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing Marianne! I sincerely appreciate your kind words.
I agree with Marianne. Many food blogs, especially the Keto blogs that I tend to visit, can be overly “chatty” and cluttered. Most of us know how to cook, but most of us don’t know how to quilt or are always looking to learn more…a new technique or a new approach to an old way of doing something. Like binding…
Hi Pati and Leah, I agree with Pati; if I were new to cooking perhaps all of the visuals would be helpful, but since I am not and since I really don’t like to cook anyway, I am looking for fast uncomplicated recipes which pretty much means no extra content is needed. But, quilting is another story; I enjoy quilting and especially appreciate the challenge of a difficult project and, therefore, I definitely appreciate detailed information including pictures and videos which I save the links to for future reference. I have an entire library of your videos, Leah, saved on You Tube.
Very good to know Pati! Thank you!
I am a newer quilter and yes I do read the blog post an the photos of the step by step are very important to me. I prefer these to videos as I can visually see each of the steps and then set out to complete the block or ptoject. But I think more globally humans have become lazy. We seem to have lost our ability to read. Everything now must be visual and in short soundbites. It is impossible to learn and actually comprehend the complexity of a project, task, or issue. I don’t have an answer. Another option would be to look at people who do coom ent on your blog post. Are these the same people or new people every time? I would reach out to them for insight.
Very good points Jackie! I appreciate hearing your insight. I find sometimes I’m in the mood for photos and sometimes I’m in the mood for video.
I agree that our time is so limited these days. I always check out your You Tube videos and Podcasts and check in on Facebook several times a day. I usually go to blogs if I am searching for something in particular such as details for a pattern etc.
That’s good to know Janet! I’m so glad you come to YouTube to find my videos every day. That’s where I’m thinking about focusing my time and attention.
I have found I don’t read blogs as much as I used to. Facebook has dominated and monopolized so much in the last five years with their Facebook livestreams. I think it’s an organized campaign to dumb things down and shrink attention spans.
Thank you for sharing Mary. Yes, I agree.
I still read over 300 blogs. I love seeing what others are doing and looking at pictures that inspire me. I have too many UFOs at the moment so I try not to start anything new but many times I save pictures to Pinterest and tuts to the computer in hopes that one day I’ll be (oh so ready) to begin another project.
WOW! Every day??? That is a lot to read! How do you keep track? Is there a site or linking place you follow?
As a new quilter I am reading or watching the whole post. I enjoy finding new people to check out your techniques. I marvel at the results you very talented people put together. I sometimes even argue with you if I think you are wrong or slightly off. But I also read very long and boring classic books (paper), while still trying to keep up with my techi kidlets. I see where you would question your process but remember you catch them in that first minute and keep them coming back with the detailed content. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you Shelly, but I wonder if I am catching them in that first minute? As I said with the recipe blog, I couldn’t tell you who wrote that site because I was just going for what I wanted, the information I needed at that moment and nothing more.
I still love quilting blogs. I read them thoroughly, comment at times, and subscribe at times. I’m an intermediate quilter. Please don’t stop doing what you’re doing!
Don’t worry Barbara, I’m not quitting. I’m reevaluating my work flow and how much time I’m spending writing for the blog when I could be writing a new book or a new class. Question – do you like the personal posts or the tutorials? What makes you want to subscribe for more?
Yes, I read blogs still … and write one. Unlike you, though, I feel no need to be gainfully employed writing one. I”ve kept my blog since Feb 2006 and use it as a visual journal (the only kind of personal journal I’ve ever been successful with). I spend about an hour each day reading blogs – mostly quilting, some knitting, a couple of gardening ones (for the pretty photos – I have a black thumb:), some paper arts and mixed media ones.
🙂 Linda
Thank you for sharing Linda. Yes, it’s a bit of a different situation when there’s a business involved. My time is money. I’m just wondering if I should continue writing so much here. I love writing books and would love to have more time for that too.
My thoughts echo Linda’s. I use my blog as a visual journal (and often refer back to my own posts when I need to remember how I did something.) I enjoy reading blogs with lots of photos and step-by-step descriptions of their design process. I subscribe to a blog reader to keep up to date with new blog posts from the people I follow.
I read quilting blogs that offer more than the quick “see my colours of making a log cabin” and buy my fabric!
I like your blog because you go deeper than the surface. Sometimes I get behind but I am a quick reader. Other times I don’t read if I know it is something I just can’t add to the to do list like a quilt along. I am doing enough of my own stuff that I don’ t want to do something the same as someone else. But that is me. I am a quilter who has been at it awhile.
I do like your podcasts but I don’t get to listen to them all. Again it is a time thing in my life.
All in all you have to stay true to you and what you love to do and not just join the bandwagon.
Thank you for sharing Jo. Yes, I had a feeling about quilt alongs being skipped by most followers. If you don’t have time, you just don’t have time! I also love podcasts, but do tend to let them slip for a few months, then pick them back up again. I agree, the bandwagon isn’t my place and I don’t want to continue doing something just because it’s what I’ve always done. Things change and we have to adjust!
I love reading blogs! I started machine quilting because of you. ?
Aw! Thank you Sharon!
Personally, I read but very rarely watch or listen. Do what you need to, of course, but there won’t be much content left here for me if you stop writing posts, and shift to a primarily audio/video model.
That’s good to know Samy. I’m curious – do you like lots of photos in each post or just one or two? Are you looking for the information from the video in just a more condensed format?
I read blogs everyday. They keep me up to date on the latest things in quilting and other interests. I really enjoy your blogs and have learned a lot from them.
Thank you Anne! I appreciate hearing this!
Yes, I still visit many blogs every day. But I’m mostly looking for the great photoes that can inspire me. If I use something from the blog, I always write a comment. If there is too much text in a blog post, I find it too time consuming. I read through your blog post though, the whole thing, because I was wondering about the same thing. I try to make my blog posts with less text and more photoes. And I make blog books of my blog each year, so you can say I make my blog also to get a nice book.
That’s a very good to know! That’s also a great idea to make a book of the year of blog posts. It becomes a journal / diary of sorts. I really like that.
If the content is good and relevant, yes I read. But the internet is broken. I find a lot of blogs short on substance, full of click-bait and irrelevant ads.
I use bloglovin and read many quilt blogs plus others that interest me. I like the detail that a person can put in a blog post vs FB or Instagram. I know it is a lot of effort to write the posts and I enjoy reading the ones that I follow.
Thank you for sharing Deborah.
I still read quilting blogs. I love the inspiration and love seeing what other bloggers are doing. I have noticed over the years that comments are way down from when I started blogging 10 years ago. I do not have Facebook, but I feel certain that has something to do with where people spend their time. Thanks for all the tutorials. I will be catching up on your tutorials.
Yep, I’ve noticed that about commenting too. I think it’s all about time and we’re all so distracted and sucked into channels like Facebook and Pinterest that have the power to distract the pants off of us.
Yes, I check my favourite blog posts daily. I do read them fully to learn and to be inspired. I appreciate that as well as You tube, you include the content in written format. I tend to read it rather than going to the videos. I have relocated recently and find the familiarity of my favourite blogs a welcome support to my passion for quilting until I create other supports through guilds, etc. I use the internet primarily for learning. (And like you I flip through recipes and rarely stop to read all the content……not so for quilting.).
Thank you Lorna! Maybe I was wrong to apply my behavior from recipes to quilting. Maybe it’s valued more than a single recipe? Food for thought (LOL! I couldn’t help myself really!)
Sometimes I read quilting blogs more than other times; it’s rather cyclical. Right now I’m not reading as much. If the first few pictures grab me I’ll look at all the pictures. If the first few sentences start to tell an interesting story than I’ll keep reading. (With the exception of some bloggers who I always enjoy reading.)
I go through phases too. Lately I haven’t been listening to anything because my head is a bit filled with pattern writing stuff. You’re not a tutorial fan then?
Hi Leah
I’m not really a blog reader. I look at instagram and pinterest. (Not sure why I’m addicted to pinning things. I never go back and look at them.) I also read emails about quilting, food, etc. and click through them to get recipes.
I love your videos and watch them on YouTube since they will enlarge to full screen from there. I also listen to all your podcasts. I love the podcasts and sometimes will watch them instead of listening to them on my commute.
You inspire me with your general attitude and quilting advice. I really appreciate it.
Thank you Debbie! That is very good to know!
Personally, I do read your blog and quite a number of blogs, but rarely comment (due to limited time). Your blog post theme is something I hear frequently, from many bloggers, as well as those in the business. I do see “some” shifting from being active writing and/or following blogs to instagram, but I still think blogging has a place. My recommendation is to step back, look at all the time you spend on various social media platforms vs the metrics for each (e.g. number of followers, active hits, comments, etc.). An evaluation may help you identify social media platforms where you are spending too much time for the ROI (e.g. followers/interaction). It is ok to step back and focus only on platforms that you get the payback for your time. It may also mean you need not blog as often vs not blog at all. Yes, things are changing and we all need to be aware so we are effectively spending time in the right area.
Exactly! I love writing and really want more time to devote to that. But in order to add more time at one thing, I have to take some time away from something else. Otherwise my life and family suffer and I can’t have that. Thank you for your input!
I almost always read blog posts completely. Yours included! Thank you for the work that you put into them.
Thank you for watching, reading, and sharing this with me!
Yes, I still read quilting blogs! But I have an attention span longer than a teenager though! Thanks for all you share. Know that I read the blogpost all the way through. Thanks for sharing with us all.
Thank you Diane! That is very good to know and I sincerely appreciate you following along for so long!
Time is limited. I look as you did usually on pinterest or google..Get the information I need and get on with my day. You were one of the first and I have followed you for a long time for your tutorials and helpful hints and tips. I can tell you I do not have time to watch videos or podcasts. I just dont have that kind of time. I will read a blog post if I am interested. I prefer it over facebook. I do not belong to facebook finding it a huge waste of time.
Thank you for sharing Denise! Do you not commute to work or listen to anything while sewing or quilting? I go through phases and haven’t been listening to much of anything because my brain is so filled with fabric calculations and pattern stuff so I completely understand!
I do commute to work and usually am listening to a audible book which i will listen to as well will sewing. I need to check into the podcasts. Thanks for all you do! I know what you mean by fabric calculations etc. i go to bed an fall asleep to these things as well!
LOL! Yes, if there is too much math in my brain, it tends to get very loud! Yes, do check out the podcast. I think you’ll like it!
I read (and enjoy!) the whole post, though not always all the comments. Instagram is essentially just pictures – more or less equivalent to fast food. Please be reassured that all your hard work is both noted and appreciated!
That is a very good analogy! LOL!
I discovered you several years ago while searching YouTube for machine quilting and quilt as you go. I’ve used your QAYG method for many of the quilts I’ve made. I follow your blog and several others on Bloglovin. I don’t read it or see it always all the time, but consider you as one of the very best!
Thank you! I’m so glad you like that quilt as you go method!
I agree with most when searching for a pattern/recipe/technique BUT I do like your style, showing your struggles when starting something new ie Q’nique also not level after you and your dad spend hours to level it. These are the things that happen to us ordinary folk out here and these little boo-boos from your side makes me feel that I am doing okay. Furthermore if I didn’t read your blog I would have never known about Bobbin Genies or Pinkeeps or universal FM feet…. so much more.
Thank you Hettie! So you would say patterns are like recipes and not really as valuable as techniques?
I still read blogs, I’m limited though by whether Bloglovin will let me read the ones I follow on any given day
Very good point! I think we’ve lost the easy ways to check new posts on blogs. I know I used to read a lot more when Blogger had a list of the blogs I followed in the dashboard. When that went away, I stopped reading them.
Sometimes I just want to read, so no comment necessary. Others want me to create a profile, subscribe to a magazine or fill my mailbox with posts I’ll never use because I just dropped by for a visit. How bout a simple smiley face or thumbs up? I’m glad to tell you I enjoyed a post, or learned something, but I don’t need a new bff.
I totally get your point Chuck. What are you specifically looking for and dude, why DON’T you want to be my new best friend?! Huh?
I do still read blogs 🙂 but mostly via Feedly – if I want to read more from that person (or they have a jump link) I actually go to the blog and have a read. If I do that, then I usually leave a comment. I must admit, I usually only watch videos when I want to see something specific, usually then it is via YouTube. My commenting habits have changed, but I still read a lot of blogs. I know I should make the effort to leave a comment, after all, apart from looking up the stats, that is the only way the blogger really knows that people are reading and appreciating their work!
It definitely helps when comments are posted. In the very least it just looks like people are actively engaged. But it’s understandable why people don’t comment if a post takes 5 minutes to load properly on a phone and then glitches out, as mine usually does!
I do read blogs, and blog myself. The more I abandon Facebook the more time I find for blogs and other sources of inspiration. What limits me is time spent on reading vs time spent on doing, because there is such a multitude of information out there there is no time to absorb it all and still have any time for actual craft. Also our internet connection at home has been notoriously slow, and for the past 3 weeks nonexistent. So I rarely watch videos because they will freeze up on my phone. Despite these issues I believe that blogging is leaving a wonderfully detailed record of techniques that would never be explained as thoroughly in a printed record due to time and expense. I have followed your blog while not actually being a quilter, just because I appreciate the patterns and the geometry of FMQ. Now I have a nice machine and am started to dip my toes in the quilting waters. I plan on going both to your book and your videos to learn more.
Thank you for sharing Liz! Yes, I agree that spending less time on facebook was one of the best things I did this year. I think there are a lot of advantages to having slow or limited internet. Imagine if you had super high speed and could watch anything you wanted… you might not have any time to write or read at all!
I do read most blogs with recipes especially if it’s a new recipe or technic I haven’t tried. Same with my quilting. From patterns to longarm quilting. My life is busy but I make time during the week to just read, watch videos. Or even in the evening before bed I might surf just as I’m doing right this minute and responding.
Thank you for taking the time Brenda! I really appreciate it!
I read blogs. I start my morning with a couple favorites. I only blog intermittently myself but my personal blog serves as a bit of a journal of my quilting
Yes, I like the journal aspect too and want to get back to that side of it myself. Having a record of what’s going on year to year is so nice. There are a few years unfortunately all I posted were tutorials so I have no clue what was going on then.
I am still using my blog as a sort of journal. Also belong to various FB groups,but unless they are very specific, get little out of that. Watching videos depends on time…have not always got those 30 min or so to watch. Also on Instagram and Pinterest but apart from pretty pictures get not much out of that. I do read blog posts regularly and still find them the most informative and engaging
Thank you for sharing Karin! I really appreciate your input!
I do read blogs daily. Sometimes, if there is a lot of technical information, it may be a skim through and then bookmark to come back to when I have more time. I don’t always have time to watch the videos, but I know they’re there to come back to when I need them. Most of my blog reading is done on Feedly, so I don’t always click through to comment.
Good to know about Feedly! Yes, I feel like part of the problem is having an easy way to find good blogs and posts.
I still enjoy reading blogs but tend to batch them through Bloglovin to catch up when I have some quiet time where I can more readily digest them! I really do enjoy seeing and learning more about quilters process and design decisions which you get from a blog vs. Instagram. So I still read and value blogs!!! Plus for me as a blogger, I enjoy the process of writing blog posts, as it helps me to reflect on my own processes and documents my own quilting journey/adventures!
Thank you for sharing Mel. So you feel like you see more of the process on a blog verses on Instagram just the finished pretty result?
I still check blogs–I like to read about other quilters lives. I don’t check as often as I used – once daily I go to my Dashboard and scroll thru my faves and then I also look at Bloglovin and Quilter’s blogs. I don’t open each blog, only if they have a good starting photo or intrigue me somehow.
Thank you for sharing Barbara! Yes, I’d like to get back to more journal style posts too.
I was with a group of friends and we were discussing this very thing. One does not read blogs, Facebook or check Pinterest. Or have a smartphone. 5 have smartphones and read blogs and use Pinterest. I don’t have a smartphone but use my tablet to access blogs and Pinterest. None of us are at all interested in Facebook or Instagram or the selling a product type of blog – but with the exception of T we all read your blog because of the information you provide which helps us improve our skills.
But then, we are all over 70 and not anyone’s target audience (except for funeral plans and Tena lady incontinence underwear…. )
LOL! Gloria you’re hilarious! And you absolutely are in my target audience because you’re a quilter and you’re interested in learning. Thank you so much for sharing!
I read blogs through Feedly every day. It keeps them sorted. I also use Instagram and sometimes Pinterest. I don’t use YouTube or podcasts. I have A blog of my own but I don’t write there often anymore. It is not commercial blog. I like to read about new ideas, stories on projects.
Thank you for sharing Tina. I definitely need to check out Feedly!
Hi I teach Patchwork and Quilting in Australia, and I can teach the basics of free motion Quilting but I always refer my students to your website for further help and wonderful videos.
Thank you SO much for sharing this Marina! It really makes my day to know that and I sincerely appreciate it!
At first, thank you for all your blogposts and Videos. I am from Germany and my english is not the best. ….for me it’s easyr to read than listen. I don’t understsnd the spoken word well. So I read and watch. ……..
Thank you for sharing Birgit! I am so glad you are here!
There is to much information out there. I am surprised you found the cookie recipe so fast. Looking for things on the internet has become frustrating, you find something you want and then it takes you ten minutes to actually get to it. I suggest keeping your post simple, right to the point. Use the extra time to spend with your children.
Pinterest might be full of ads, but it does have one of the best search engines online. Yes, I agree, it’s very frustrating to find the right piece of info and have it condensed down to just the bit I need. I’ll keep this in mind!
Hi, I live in Perth, Western Australia and started reading blogs when I was looking for a hobby after I became an empty nester. Your blog inspired me to attempt free-motion quilting by looking at your videos and now it’s my favourite thing to do. I look at a few but check in to your blog every evening in anticipation for a new stitch or another way of doing things, or the best way to set up my work station etc.
Thank you,
Rosie
That’s wonderful Rosie! I’m delighted to hear this!
I am looking for quality. I use bloglovin for reading, so a variety of blogs but not always the same ones.
I do not listen to podcasts but find YouTube helpful.
I’m tired of easy quilts! There are many blocks never used anymore because someone labeled them too hard to make! I avoid those blogs.
I read yours because content is new and different for me.
Some of my favorite blogs do not publish daily, if that is an option for you.
Btw, love your walking foot quilting and am exploring that right now. Videos are great but having the book to refer to and write notes in is wonderful.
Wishing you the best.
Thank you for sharing Therese. I agree with you whole heartedly. Why should I spend 10 days creating a “Simple / Easy / Speedy Quilt” when I’d rather spend that time working on something deeper, more meaningful, and ultimately more fulfilling. I’m so glad to hear you love the walking foot book. My goal is to continue that series in 2019 with a book on exploring free motion quilting too!
I do read a few blogs, occasionally respond. I tend to not look at videos. I do not use patterns, in general. I’m not ready to convert to just Instagram with just photos and no ‘meat’. I’m sure posting for a blog is a LOT of work and I would never attempt it! Thanks!!!
Thank you for sharing Christine!
I continue to blog and continue to read blogs…..and yes, I enjoy many podcasts even though the lengthy ones often loose me. Pinterest is my favorite go-to place for quick inspiration and eye candy but the two medias or way diffferent and should not be compared.
Your hard work gives me pleasure. Keep it up and trust that your audience is a faithful one.
That’s a very good point Marty! Trust is a word I remind myself of often.
I must be the rare bird because I still like to read people’s blogs. I think they are much more personal.
I agree Barbara! I was honestly curious and I’m really glad I asked this question because it’s really helped me understand what I need to provide here and not worry so much when it’s not perfect.
I’ve read some comments and let me tell you that we waste a Lot of time ! I remember my mom cooking three meals a day from scratch – the food was then put on platters and in glass bowls then put on a table that was already set with plates, silverware, glasses and pitchers. After that the dishes were washed by hand, dried, put away, the dish towel and cloth washed and hung up to dry, floors swept and mopped – kitchen and dining room. She washed clothes on an old scrub board with water drawn from a well, clothes were then hung up , bought in, starched, ironed, put on hangers and hung in closets. The floors were so clean you could eat off of them 24/7 . There were seven of us but we Always had others staying with us so a total of 12 to 15 at all times. My dad was a preacher so it was church 3 times a week ( dress clothes ) and most of the time he was conducting a revival and we had to go every night – didn’t get home each night until 12 or 1 a.m. He also had a farm and flower nursery to run , preached funerals, weddings, had visiting preachers a lot and they entertained a lot and we’re entertained a lot, hospital and home visits. Hunting , fishing , picnics , oyster roasts , going to the ocean , zoo and parks . My mom also made most of our , females only clothes , baked a lot , loved her flower gardens which she took care of . We had only wood stoves to heat and cook which means chopping wood . She also had the duties of being a preacher’s wife . She was always pretty , smiling , singing , busy and always wore a dress – when women looked and we’re women in the 1960 ‘s. I’m guilty of wasting time and vow to stop. Have an awesome day !
Thank you SO much for sharing this Daisy! When you put it that way, you’re 100% right. So much of my time is spent agonizing over how to explain something or my word choice when I just need to get the words out and get off the computer so I can go quilt, cook, straighten up, and so on. While I’m not a naturally tidy person I have learned that having clean spaces everywhere makes me a much happier, calmer person and I want to put more time into keeping a better house. Thank you!
I subscribe to your posts thru bloglovin and read every one. I post your videos to Pinterest when I can find a way to do so – for my favorite ones, and know I can watch on YouTube which I also subscribe-to your channel. I read approximately 50 blog posts every morning and love to read-not scan-although I have been guilty of doing so due to time constraints! I appreciate your work in providing free content and purchase books and classes (Craftsy) when I can. Thanks !
Thank you Vivian for both reading and supporting the blog and our business. I sincerely appreciate it!
Leah, I think what you described in your post about looking for a recipe is what most people do anymore when they are looking for a specific item. You already know how to bake, you just wanted a list of ingredients for a specific recipe. I, personally, cannot stand 20 pictures of the same cookie, and I don’t need pictures of ingredients or a whisk in a mixing bowl. But I already know how to cook and bake! If I was just starting out, that would be helpful and I would pay more attention to it. Quilting is another story for me. I know how to quilt, but there are endless variations, colors, methods, techniques, patterns, combinations, fabrics, textures, projects, etc. I do read quilting blogs much more thoroughly than cooking blogs. But then, I am retired now and have a bit more time than moms with kids and jobs!
I blog recipes, menu plans, and sewing projects. Not many pictures, because I am a horrid photographer. But to me, the most important thing is the sharing. I don’t care if someone doesn’t read my post but takes a recipe. Go for it! I put it out there to share and for people to take what they want from it. I don’t do videos or tutorials, though, because I don’t want to spend my time that way. I would rather work on what I like to do. So, if you are starting to wonder if what you are putting out there is worth the time it takes to make it, think about the reasons you are doing it. And make sure the time you spend on it is really the way you want to spend your time!
This! Great response.
Thank you Joansy, I really appreciate your input! I completely agree – WHY all the photos of mixing bowls??? LOL!
It’s not so much the time going into the tutorials as just my worry that the actual words I was writing weren’t being read or the photos appreciated. Now I know both are very much appreciated!
I much prefer to read blogs rather than podcasts, although there is a place for both. One of my favourite pastimes is to go to the beginning of a person’s blogging adventures and read through the years, all the ups and downs of quilting and life in general and find I appreciate the effort that gets put into the blog so much more. Please, carry on blogging as it gives so much pleasure, thanks.
Thank you Caroline!
The great pictures are what first draw me to a post. Or the topic title. I admit I very seldom read the full post but I always read the first two paragraphs. I like knowing I can go back and reread fully when I am in the mood for reading.
Do you like it when there’s a video right at the top or do you wish it was a photo?
There are about 15 quilters that I follow regularly so I try to keep up with their blogs. I also spend a lot of time on Pinterest, I save things there that have caught my attention and that I want to be able to find again. I love tutorials and showing how to do different techniques so I do read the whole thing and find the pictures invaluable, especially if it involves intricate stitching or a lot of detailed work.
Thank you for sharing Jean!
I love reading blogs – just like reading a good book but it is real – especially with family thrown in! I follow quilt blogs to find inspiration in color and new pattern ideas, shortcuts, charities, etc. I know writing blogs is time-consuming and truly appreciate those bloggers who continue on. I’m retired too so that makes my time limit for reading a lot different. It is nice to have different options but my go-to is definitely blogs!
Thank you Deb!
Leah, I have been a quilter for years, but learned to fmq from you. Your blog was one of the first I began following and I continue to do so. I follow many bloggers, not only for their quilting ideas and advice, but also for the sense of community that builds over time. I am drawn to a blog by the content and read a complete post. If I am looking for a specific piece of information, I will skim and click. But I respect how much time and talent goes into a post–not to mention the courage it takes to put oneself out there. I am grateful for your blog for many different reasons.
Thank you very much Nan! I’m delighted to know I helped you learn free motion quilting!
Good morning! I do enjoy reading blogs for quilting. I really like it when there are tutorials to follow new techniques. I do not belong to Facebook or Instagram, since security of the accounts don’t appear to be too effective.
I have found that many bloggers are going to FB and IG, and just letting their blogs stagnate, which is too bad for those of us who don’t want to add multiple sites to reach one blogger.
I have been a fan of your for quite some time, and have purchased your Craftsy classes as well as a few books.
Take care!
You’re definitely right Kathy! Online security definitely seems to be a bigger and bigger issue these days. Thank you for your insight on the different blogs and sites. I’ve pulled back from Facebook this year for exactly this reason.
Reading blogs is my first choice for following favorite quilters, etc. I can consume the content in a much faster time than watching a video, but I will go over to the video if I want to see more about a subject. I also listen to a lot of podcasts when running, but turn the speed up to 2x.
I like a mix of personal life and learning in blog posts. The reason a lot of recipe sites don’t make you want to read the whole post is that they show EVERY SINGLE step from measuring out the 1/4 tsp. of salt to the 1/2 cup of flour. The pictures can all be beautiful, but who doesn’t already know how to do that and it just takes so much time to get to the point of the recipe.
Don’t have facebook and Pinterest and Instagram are ok, but you just don’t get the feeling that you understand what the writer is like as much. I think one of the biggest things that killed blogs was that they became so much about sponsored posts or giveaways, etc. and if you followed many blogs, you would just see the same thing on them and it all became just one big ad.
It’s funny, if I’m sitting at the kitchen table where my internet speed is slow, I prefer to read than watch. If I’m downstairs where I have awesome speed, I want to watch a video and listen.
That’s a very good point about sponsors and giveaways and ads. I’ve never wanted to do that kind of stuff and I guess that’s been a good thing!
Yes, I still read blogs.
Awesome Marty!
I don’t regularly read blogs. I will pop onto some of my favorites now and then, but many don’t update them much anymore. I will often find a blog post when I am searching for a tutorial, recipe, etc. There are some blogs I use regularly as references. I am guilty though, of not usually commenting. I agree that there is just so much online to look at lately. I find that FB posts that announce a new blog post will often lead me to check out the blog.
Thank you for sharing Kim!
I still read blogs, but I hardly ever watch videos. I can read directions much faster, and, like you, I want the best use of my time, and very limited bandwidth. I also admit to doing what you do with regard to recipes – if I am looking for a specific piece of info, I scroll right past everything else to find it. There are a few blogs I follow, where I read everything they write, but I don’t generally follow a blog just because it has one piece of info I needed. I don’t have that much free time…
I’m with you Christa! I totally understand!
Yes, I still read! I am over 40 😉 I get up in the morning, get my coffee, sit and read before I continue my day.
I am still learning how to free motion quilt and have learned a lot from you, Leah. I don’t know that there is anything that I am specifically searching for right now, but that could change by next week when I see something that I want to learn.
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that Shanel!
I enjoy reading the blog, seeing the instructions in print as well as video. I do not enjoy leaving comments as it repeatedly sends notifications that someone commented on a post I commented on
Thank you Vicky! Did this reply send you a notification? I believe you can click a box or unclick a box so you don’t get emailed.
I read quilting blogs because of the quilting info there. However, I am not interested in recipes, holiday pictures and anything non quilting…. don’t have time. I would rather be sewing than reading.
Your videos got me interested in trying to machine quilt.
Very good point Keitha – I’d rather be sewing or quilting too!
Of course blogging is sustainable, but it depends on why you’re blogging. I blog because I like to write. It’s nice that other folks want to read it too, but I would blog whether anyone read or not. My blog is useful because I write about things I’ve learned, things I’ve done, things I’ve made, and it’s a good resource for me when I’m trying to remember something. If I were trying to generate income from it, it would be a waste of time because that isn’t ever going to happen. Instead, I keep writing for the joy of writing, and that’s enough for me.
Thank you for sharing Barbara!
FYI,
Mostly I skim for what I need/want unless the information is really captivating or perfectly fits me. As to videos, we’ll I can only watch about 3 minutes because I’m on satellite and I have a smaller broadband width. So, I’m not sure that’s what you wanted to hear, but it’s the truth.
I sincerely appreciate your input Charlotte! Maybe I need to think about shortening the videos instead of the written text!
Your blog is still one of the few that I do stop to check. Since you have several sections to each blog there is often something that grabs my attention. I’d say you have an excellent layout /format. As to videos, yes I’d only watch things about 3 minutes long or less. I like that you have people on a podcast. Once I watched one while I was out of town and had better internet access. It’s unlikely that I’ll watch again because of my poor satellite broadband width. I’d love it if you would put the main points of a podcast in bulleted type (as I understand that a transcript would add way to much to your already busy life).
Thank you Charlotte! Yes, transcripts are too expensive and time consuming unfortunately for the podcast. I like the idea of breaking down the main points into bullets and I think that will be faster for me too. Thank you!
Yes I still read some blogs, but don’t finish when they ramble on about personal live, etc. Just get to the point make it short. Seems when someone gets popular they seem to think we want to know everything that’s happening in their lives, noooo. It’s about tips and patterns , tutorials. Make it short and sweet
LOL! I do my personal rambling on the podcast, and you can easily fast forward if you don’t like it! Thank you for sharing.
I still read blogs but only ones I am interested in. Me, I would have read a little bit on the cookie blog you were reading but if it was a run on post like so many are, I would have scrolled right down to the recipe. After all, I am interested in the recipe not about what your cat did while you were making the recipe. So many people go on and on and on with their blog postings. They need to be cut and dry unless it’s a blog about them and their daily life and they have a following of folks that want to spend their lives reading about others lives. Me, I have my own life and it’s very busy and I barely get enough time to work on my hobbies. I work 24/7 so my time is very precious to me. Leah, I have been watching you for years and will continue to do so. I don’t need to watch an entire video to get the gist of it because I have probably been quilting longer than you and I already have the basics down. Newer quilters need to watch the entire video. I watched your QAYG video twice a couple of months ago and yes I skipped to the necessary parts I needed…I had never done a QAYG attaching the blocks. I see people on all sorts of quilt groups that refer people to you and your video’s all the time. You have a huge following and we love you! Give yourself a break and take some shortcuts to make it simpler for yourself. Your point will still get across. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you very much Lisa! I really appreciate your kind words!
I’m like you. I seldom read. I swoop in get the recipe or cutting instructions or capture images to pin, and swoop out. Maybe 1 time in 10 I read the post. I am more likely to watch a video than read. I find myself being annoyed if there is too much “jibber jabber” and not enough real information. On the other hand, I hate the ones that are too clinical and dry. Go figure!
LOL! You sound pretty hard to please Sharon!
I love your videos when I have time to watch. I wish I could do more free motion, but I have a bad shoulder which limits me.
I also do check blogs on Bloglovin’, and I try to comment when I can. I seldom blog anymore because no one reads it or comments if they do follow me. I lost followers when the blogs dropped the Google followers.
I do like to participate in an occasional blog hop.
Thank you for sharing Shirley. Yes, that change from Google hurt everyone with a blogger blog and they really don’t support that platform very well anymore.
I tend to read blogs that correspond to a specific interest – easier to google the questions and read the blog that comes up than to subscribe to and wade through lots of blog posts to get the answer. I rarely ever read the long text and photos that come with a recipe post, I clicked on it to get the recipe and am not interested in anything else. I think if more folks concentrated on distilling the meat of a post into fewer words and fewer photos that more people would linger to the end of the post.
Good points Sarah!
Your blog was the first one I’ve read in a while. I used to read blogs 5 years ago, but gradually got away from that. I look at the pictures now,.
But don’t even do that very often anymore.
Thank you for sharing Gretchen.
Yes, I read biogs every day. I find them inspiring, and each photo opens my eyes to new ways to create, new color combinations that I have not seen, or are not in my stash. I have printed out many blog posts for reference and inspiration.
That’s very good to hear Jen!
I don’t fit the 20 -30 category, but I subscribe and read your blog, other quilting blogs, and recipe blogs. However, I’m also guilty of the get in get out recipe search. Good point!
When I’m not quilting, I’m doing housework, cooking or reading. I like everything except the housework!
Thank you, Leah, for all you’ve done for quilters like me. I have learned a lot from you.
Thank you for sharing Judy!
Leah, you certainly received lots of feedback with the comments! I do read quilting blogs several times a week. I don’t care for podcasts. I don’t comment a lot, and when I do, sometimes, it doesn’t go through. But, I am very glad you have shared your quilting techniques via your blog and on You Tube. Photos of tutorials have been the best, as it shows the detail. Thanks for the time you take to share your knowledge with us.
Yes, this clearly is something that’s different for everyone! Thank you for sharing Celia!
I enjoy and read blogs with information I find relevant. I admit I lose patience with too many adds and long scrolling. I love your you tube videos and Craftsy classes! Especially while I am quilting you are the voice in my head encouraging me that I can do it! Thank you for that! For helping me have to courage to take on new skills and perservere.
Aw! That’s wonderful to hear Karen!
I haven’t quilted in years, but I use free motion on bags and art-to-wear, etc, and I just enjoy seeing what others are doing. I enjoy the printed word on blogs so I can skim over what doesn’t interest me on that day and focus on what does. I also watch videos, but I get bored when the content drags or it’s something I already know about. I appreciate all the work that goes into a blog and the videos and often wonder how you find the time. I subscribe to many blogs, mostly related to sewing, but I’m not on Facebook at all. I know I’m missing a lot, but there aren’t enough hours in the day to take in all the information available to us online. And I don’t care for Podcasts. I also subscribe to some food blogs that I found while looking for a recipe, so I still do read, but sometimes a video is what’s called for. I seldom write comments, but lately I’ve come to realize how much that can matter to the blogger. I’m sure I’m not alone in that.
I don’t think you’re missing out on anything on Facebook Linda! Stay off it if you can!
Yes, comments are a measure of engagement. When I share a post and it gets 0 comments, it can feel like I’m teaching to an empty classroom.
I’m with Denise. Always looking for new, easy patterns and quilting motifs/designs. Moving towards modern , less busy look. I am more interested in the actual quilting vs piecing, so I look for patterns to get me there faster. Also have a lot of UFOs, so I tend to “file” ideas on my tablet. FWIW, 64 year olds also tend to nip into and out of blogs, extracting only what we need?
I figured that Roberta, but I didn’t want to make any assumptions! Thank you for sharing!
I have favorite blogs that I check out regularly, and other blogs are bookmarked and get checked out when I have time. I enjoy most quilting blogs—for inspiration, ideas and instruction. I also like BlogLov’n posts and find blogs to follow there.
Thank you Kathy! I’m glad to hear this!
I do read blogs every day, especially the ones with good writing. I love the sharing of experiences authors of blogs put in and I skip over the ones which are impersonal and teach-y. I skim tutorials and pictures to see if there is actually a technique new to me. I love good photography and spend time looking at good photos. I love your videos, they are informative and I’ll listen all the way through. Thank you for them!
Thank you LeAnn!
I’m a beginner quilter so there’s a lot of info out there that interests me. I’ve started becoming interested in BOM as a way to learn new techniques. I like YouTube for my videos. I’m not following too many blogs because it’s overwhelming to me. I prefer following a few good sources that keep their projects current and accessible for my experience. I really like your videos on FMQ techniques.
Thank you for sharing Millie! I appreciate your insight!
Yes, I still read quilting blogs. Some go by the wayside because they are mostly the same. I look for something to learn, something unique. I also watch YouTube, but at double speed and yes, I can read the caption and catch what is said, and my time investment is cut in half. Of course it drives my family nuts to listen to this. They think I am crazy!
I like that you have shorter videos. I don’t mind the longer podcast as you have proven yourself and it is of course only 1/2 hour for me, not 1 hour on the average.
One thing I have noticed is that many live stream acknowledge their viewers in the beginning. As an impatient person, I tend to loose interest before they get to the meat of the stream and I do not watch live, but afterwards at x2 speed. I suspect I watch your videos because they are focused.
Keep up the good work. Your blog is the one I read most faithfully. I suspect that in addition to being a focused blog (quilting or other interest that quilters will naturally follow), it is regular. I find I give up checking the blogs where the entries are far and few between.
Happy blogging! Happy Quilting!
I’m the same way about live streams! I can’t stand that and it’s a major reason why I don’t like doing live videos. Thank you for sharing your insights into why you watch what you watch, and read what you do. I really appreciate it!
Lea,
I don’t usually read your blog but I watch your Youtube videos. I do read other blogs – those that do not have a video feed. I click on blogs based on the “featured” image that shows up on Bloglovin’. I’m usually looking for new quilting ideas, patterns, gadgets and tools, fabric/thread/tool recommendations.
I read every word from some bloggers and just skim the pictures from others. I’m interested in quilts and related sewing, and not interested in the bloggers’ personal stories (except a few I know personally).
Good points Vasudha! Thank you.
I do pin items to Pinterest to go back to them, but then follow the links to the blog pages they come from when I’m ready to make. Don’t like Instagram because there’s no information; if I can at least see a block or quilt name, Or the designer’s name, I search for it, and again follow the trail back to the blog.( then pin for later, lol) So for me, the real place to learn is to go back to the blogs! Don’t do podcasts, but will watch you tube for a specific tutorial, information, or technique. Love the information, ideas, issues, and tutorials you and other bloggers have provided…such as “a good ratio of prints to solids” “how to work with low volume fabrics for your background “ and so many of the issues you have addressed. I appreciate the effort you have all put into this for us!
Thank you for sharing!
It’s funny, Bonnie Hunter is talking about this on her blog today! I read several quilting blogs daily completely, and skim through others for a special interest. Don’t stop! Your take on things may be different than others!
I’ll have to go check it out! Thank you for sharing!
Maybe it’s a mindset thing, I am a quilter not a cooker. I like quilting, I don’t like cooking but I do both. One is fun, one is ….work. I read and follow quilt blogs but I will only rarely read a food blog beyond a recipe. I do dislike quilt blogs that are giggly & chatty videos vs serious content. That wastes my time. An elementary teacher told me 20 years ago that children had been conditioned to have attention spans the length of a Sesame Street scene. It’s has only gotten worse. I catch your blogs occasionally for some reason I keep falling off the list.
Thank you for sharing Deb. I fear the lack of an attention span is going to be a serious detriment to our kids, and ourselves too. It’s something I’m thinking about a lot lately. Thank you.
Yes, I read a few quilting blogs everyday, and yours is the one that got me to try to expand on my basic stitch in the ditch quilting. I refer to your videos for ideas and how to’s. I am guilty of spending too much time reading blogs, emails & news and not enough time quilting! But I’m 87 so who cares?!
LOL! Great point Doreen! Thank you for sharing!
Imagine what a scary title for a post: And I read this one, I’m from Chile, And last December (2017) after no one believed in me, because “patchwork & quilting” it’s a not profitable business, I once again started to go against all, and started my own blog of patchwork & quilting, with the hope to have my very own quilting shop, here in santiago, there is only 5…
Since my blog started, I struggled with good pictures, interesting, subjects, tutorials, and EPP, reviews and all in Spanish…and now in 2018 I still have faith in me, and what I do…but seems no one note the efforts…
And still I read blogs…the only way to share truly knowledge
Thank you for sharing Ilse! I really appreciate it and I wish you the best of luck in 2019.
Hello! I follow some blogs to learn and have ideas.Ever I sew ,stitch and quilt since my youth.I read and see tutorials with interest.
I don’t use pinterest and instagram .
I say to my friends to see your videos for quilting but they don’t : so I make examples with paper and pencil ! I am proud to follow your blog when you have began it. I am a french 67 years old quilter connected?
Thank you Elizabeth! I am so happy that you share the designs with your friends and that means so much to me, it really does.
I still read blogs. I do find, though, that some of them have so many ads in them and are so slow that I give up. I know that some bloggers in the quilting biz but I prefer the blogs being done for fun.
I agree! The ones with the ads popping up everywhere are the worst!
I look for a mixture of personal and quilting content, to get to know the blogger. I love seeing the quilt pattern ideas, but don’t purchase many patterns, since I have a list of quilts to complete in my head many years long. I watch quilt documentaries from the Quilt Museum, but not many online tutorials, but I buy a lot of classes. I used to blog, but not any more.
Thank you for sharing Tarnia. What made you stop blogging?
You obviously have someone paying attention here. To be truthful I have a blog but I’m not trying to make money on it. No ads. No pop ups. No distractions. I do it for myself and I don’t have many followers. I’m okay with that. I keep my posts short and to the point. When a blog post is too long I loose interest. I didn’t realize you had to keep a reader on long enough to register it.
You’re right Nancy! I’m not necessarily making money from the blog itself, but it is a major part of my online business. I don’t like ads and have tried to avoid them as much as possible. Yes, in order for the traffic to really make a difference in the Google search, you need to keep the person on the blog and hopefully have them click few a few pages if possible. Add more links to your pages to link back to older posts to improve your ranking.
I am a reader and a listener but not a watcher. Please don’t stop writing and make your podcast
Thank you Penny! No, I’m not planning to stop. I’m just checking in with my priorities!
That was interesting! Your page is my homepage so it opens every time my computer opens….and yet I seldom read your excellent blogs. Not sure why I did today. Probably because I’ve been wondering how bloggers are doing. I’m a hit and miss blog reader although I do go back and search out blogs when the information is now timely for me. And yes, I seldom watch a video longer than 5 minutes! I usually feel I should be doing something, not sitting in front of a computer.
I’m honored I’m your homepage Deb! But I’m also kinda sad you never read the posts. LOL! Thank you for being honest, I do appreciate it.
I totally know what you mean Leah. Many are quitting blogging for other social media outlets, and that is fine. ‘Nothing wrong with other outlets. I just find blogging more quilting-oriented. More personal, if you will. I do use other social outlets, but blogging will continue to be my main outlet. I love reading tutorials, especially yours. We are all “guilty” of just photo-looking sometimes, it seems. Please do not stop what you do.
Thank you for sharing Danice! No, I’m not looking to quit, just shift things a bit so I have more time for writing books.
I usually read the blog/ web page but very seldom comment. I guess a comment would be appreciated.
Yes, most definitely! Comments tell the writer that you’re there and enjoyed the post.
I love reading blogs! But you are right, it does depend on the content. If I am looking for a fact, a recipe, a how-to, I’ll skip right to the facts. A lot of time those extra words are filler so all the keywords Google would look for are in the post. I don’t need to read how wonderful the recipe is. I am already here and scrolling down and catching a word or two on my day down to the real recipe will tell me all I need to know.
Yep, cooking blogs are written that way for the keywords and search ranking. It’s very annoying for the end user though!
Yes, I read this blog, and very much enjoy the detail. If I just want pictures, i”ll go to Pinterset. But you teach us how. I especially love the quilt alongs, and look forward to the new techniques. I hope you’ll be able to continue. Maybe cut out the podcast, since it’s so long? I don’t usually listen to those because I work full time and don’t have time for that.
Thank you for sharing Jennifer! I do enjoy the podcast, but we may move it to a bi-weekly show instead of weekly.