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
Blogging is the best! If you are professional then the advertisements won’t be there. Other methods, such as FB, have too much hacking and exposure to the www, just not safe.
Happy Holidays!!!
I have your gloves, and pin mores….all things I would not have if I wasn’t reading your blog. Please keep offering it!
I read what you send to my email. Is that a blog? I watch your videos and get good ideas from them. I don’t listen to the podcasts as I can’t commit that much time. I’ve recently retired from teaching quilting classes but when I was teaching classes on quilting on a home machine, I recommended your newsletter to my students. I admit I am not good about leaving comments.
Thank you Ann! No, the email is just an email with links to the blog. I’ll keep that in mind that you enjoy reading the emails a lot and I’ll see about adding some extra tips there as well. I really appreciate your input and support!
Have not watched to many videos or read to many blogs yet due to time commitments, but I have just realised that you do podcasts so I shall be catching up on these while I do some quilting. Many thanks for all you do it’s always
interesting.
Yes, I do still read blogs if it’s something I’m interested in – quilting, recipes, DIY home improvements. One thing I rarely do is watch the videos – only if I can’t figure out what they are doing by reading the post. I don’t even have Instagram, lol!
But I’m a reader in general
Hallo Leah,
Möchte mich erst einmal bedanken . Habe erst ein paar Videos angesehen . Mit der Sprache tue ich mich schwer , dadurch dauert es etwas länger bei mir . Werde im neuen Jahr mir hoffentlich mehr Zeit dafür nehmen können
Frohe Weihnachten
LG Carmen
Danke, dass du Carmen teilst. Ich bin so froh, dass du die Videos hilfreich findest, auch wenn die Sprachbarriere nicht stimmt.
Good morning. I have followed you from way back, as they say. Always felt it was very generous of you to offer the quality videos and shared ideas for FMQ. It has opened my mind to different directions and visuals! I’m ‘older’ and probably have more time than most but my attention span sometimes gets lost. I love your style of delivery. It works for me and yes, we forget how much time and effort it takes to produce those videos. And we are not clear as how to repay you. Again, thanks for the guidelines and instructions.
Thank you Marie! If you buy things you need from my quilt Shop, that supports my family and everything we do online. Should I add a mention of that in the video?
Still reading and learning.
I absolutely read the blogs and would hate to see them go. I also understand that there always changing. We will get used to it, but also will miss a lot of your information.
Good morning Leah, I must say for the most part I don’t read complete blogs. But I do try and read yours, I save all of your blogs in a folder in my email and when I have a few minutes I do open it I do read them. I enjoy your videos I have made many of your quilts I have bought quite a few patterns and I thoroughly enjoyed what you had to say and the way that you say it. I know it’s a lot of work for you, but please don’t give it up. Those of us who love to learn and love to quilt benefit greatly from your blogs. Thank you for the effort and thank you for being the person that you are.
Leah, i love that you do a blog, videos and about your family. Yes, we do fail telling the people that do blog, but we are reading, following your directions and loving what you for keeping us quilters informed. thank you, thank you. We do need YOU to continue. Yes, time is precious and it’s time consuming, but we do appreciate YOU.
I read the full blog post of a few blogs I really like, yours is one. I watch very few videos. I like to have printed tutorials, etc.
I always enjoy blogs when I read them but honestly I rarely read them. My thinking is if I am reading I am not creating. Blogs and videos really suck up your time. I use them to learn new techniques or refresh my memory on something I haven’t done in a while
I totally forgot to thank you for all you’ve done for all of us (your readers). I for one appreciate your many gifts to the quilting world and what you’ve taught me personally. I really like your smile and perky personality.
I am very new to free motion and quilting with rulers and have watched some of your posts on this. I find your instructions easy to absorb, upbeat and not intimidating!
I try not to spend a lot of time on the internet or on blogs, but I do enjoy your blogs, especially for machine quilting because it inspires me when I need it the most…… trying to figure out what I am going to do next for machine quilting. I think you for that!
I watch you tube videos all the time and 95 % of the time I watch through to the end. The ones I stop are usually because it was not what I thought it would be. I also read blogs. I love the quilting instructional videos and hand bag sewing videos. Since the nearest quilt shop is about 40 miles away they are the way I learn new tips and information.
Leah,
You hit the nail on the head with your comment. I would like to thank you for your time spent sending out your emails. You’ve been a great inspiration.
I learn things easier with photos and written descriptions. I do enjoy video tutorials, but don’t absorb as much. You make fmq look so easy!
I read blogs based on what is happening in my creative life. Sometimes, I read and don’t create…other times, I create and don’t read as both take lots of time. I do, however, have favorites that I read first if I have limited time. Yours is one of them. 🙂 Thank you for your dedication!!
Leah you know that I have beeen with you for ages and will be totally honest. Just now I was completely pissed strolling through this blogc tiill I could reach a placce to comment.
I seldom read a blog, no longer bookmark pages. I google when I want information. By the way I am 90 years young.
What I love is watching youtube videos, especially those who demo quilting and say nothing while fmqing. I love it. Maybe a brief intro. I am mesmeerized by the movemeent and have learned much. Examples are Natalia Bonner, Adria Good and Jamie Wallin. He talks more but one can concentrate on the movement. You were the first that I watched years ago and took all the classes with and I am eternally grateful. Without you I couldn’t do what I do today. Enough rambling.
LOL! That was a lot of scrolling Betty! Thank you for taking the time. I really appreciate it!
I sorta read blogs. There’s so many of them and so little time! I skip all the text and go straight to the pictures. If I’m interested enough I’ll go back and read the text. Recipes? Waaaay too many pictures. I’ve never understood that. A couple of pictures and on with the actual recipe please. I do like your videos and blogs – straight to the point, interesting, not a lot of extraneous info. One pet peeve – blogs that link to videos – the link text is so small or buried in between ads making them almost impossible to find.
Very good points Carrie! And the reason they do that is to keep you on the cooking site and to maybe get you to click an ad. It’s really silly because it just ends up being too annoying.
Leah, I found your free-motion tutorials several years ago. Previously I had taken several FMQ courses at LQS but never really “got it” until viewing your videos. That’s when I started subscribing to your blog–and I do read everything that you send. I have passed on your name to friends who are neew to quilting also. You stated that the average reading spends 5 min. 47 sec. reading the blog–maybe that is because it is the holiday season, and people are consumed with chores. With the personal stories of your family in your blog, you’ve become a friend as well as a teacher. I must also thank you for your personal assistance when I was having problems accessing the Dancing Butterfly instructions on my computer. The quilt is finished, and I love it–and what I learned in the process. Time gets int he way of my being able to do a lot of quilting–but I still look forward to reading your blog.
Unfortunately the average watch time video is the average length watched for the entire year. Thank you very much for your kind comments. I’m so glad to hear I was able to help you!
OMGosh! This is the longest comment list I’ve seen. Think you hit a nerve! Lots of great comments! I can see where 75% of your time goes! And the other 75% must be tough. I love your blog. Don’t change a thing. My husband always hears, “Hello my quilting friends…” and it makes us smile!! This quilting friend has learned TONS from you. Thank you so much!!
LOL! Thank you Amy!
Wowsers! You had a lot of replies: I was scrolling a long while to reach the form.
Yes, I read your blog and listen to Threads podcasts and watch documentaries on YouTube. I have been amazed at your generosity in giving away so much information. As I live in a fairly isolated spot now and have no ‘community,’ much of my informational life comes through my laptop. There are a few small libraries here but the are ill-equipped. I do a great deal of research on health issues, sewing, gardening, cooking, and historic matters. YOU MATTER. I have purchased some of your books and am eager to try out more sewing/quilting but have been doing mostly charity sewing for the past year or two: items for sale at fundraisers, little dresses for Africa, etc. I have to be patient and work as time permits, but this is nothing new: for about 35 years while raising children, I could not find much time to sew, but when I was able, bought patterns, instructional material and little bits of fabric to keep me encouraged. I value the material you present. Keep it up, please!
Thank you very much Susan! Your thoughts are very appreciated!
So sorry I get so busy or forget to check up on all. Thank you for all your work. It is me and not you. I guess I need reminders. Hope the new year is much better.
Trying hard Alice
Leah, I will shamefacedly admit, I tend to pass over some posts if it is not something I am interested in. I have not been able to quilt in quite some time so I have not read many quilt blogs or posts. I will say that your instructions are quite clear and easy to follow
Because of you i have tried fmq on my home machine. I guess I never thought how much time and effort goes in to making a video or blog post. I will take your cue and give acknowledgement to the writer! That said, Leah, you are da bomb girl! You have a gift and thank you for sharing it with us!
Aw! Thank you Ellen! I really appreciate it!
Leah, I really enjoy reading your blogs. I also enjoy your video blogs as well. Your content is always interesting and I especially like the personal journey/growth you include. It’s refreshing to see someone speak from the heart and generously share her journey with the rest of us. Thank you for your openness and your sharing.
Mmmmm Leah I think you might have touched on a very sore point for many bloggers and sharers! I couldn’t enjoy Instagram, or Facebook anymore, but I love getting inspiration and tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube. I always leave a like or comment and I usually subscribe. But Blogs…… mmmm. I love reading email updates but I realise that I rarely go and visit a blog, preferring the updating via email. We are all so busy I suppose, so when we need we search!
I love getting your emails, but…. I am not a “Quilter” I do freemotion embroidery or as I think “stitched art” on my machine. I do quilt occasionally as part of a piece I am working on. However I admire the arty wall hanging type quilts. So I love your knowledge, experience and expertise and interesting helpful tutorials.
And follow and subscribe but no I don’t check in to your blog. I do hope that my view and helps. Do you think it’s just that we don’t know how important it is for us to leave feedback?
Thank you for sharing Elaine! Maybe that is part of it. When you see a question on a blog or via email, it might not seem like something important to respond to. But when a creator is asking a question, we’re usually gauging interest with that question and the number of responses we get helps us better understand how things are going. I hope that makes sense!
I never was a big blog reader . There was never enough time in my life for that habit. Now that I’m retired I do read yours sporadically but I still try not to sit still too long. I have always enjoyed your work — craftsy Videos were where I first found you. I never thought about the need for views and comments to earn position on search engines and keep the info coming
Thank you Bonnie! Unfortunately the rules change practically monthly on how blogs are ranked and searches work, but basically comments and links help a lot. It shows a blog or website is valuable because lots of people are going there and sharing it too. I hope that makes sense.
Like many of your readers, it often depends on life as to whether I read your whole blog or not. I have dropped Facebook (l can’t support them any longer), so blogs have become even more important for visual creative stimulation. That said, I don’t need a lot of photos. I admire your work tremendously. Though l have yet to tackle one of your full quilt ideas, I read you for inspiration. Sometimes you just keep me going.
Thank you for sharing Ceil!
I absolutely love your blog. I constantly go to your site as a newer quilter and look for designs for quilting blocks, borders, etc. You are my go to person! Thanks for all you do.
Leah, I do read and follow quilt blogs, but you can count on one hand how many food blogs I follow. If I want a recipe, I just google it or, like you, head to Pinterest! I do post my blogs on Pinterest as well as other social media outlets. So hopefully, they are getting to the audience I desire!! Merry Christmas!
I do read quilting blogs daily often though Bloglovin. I do not use instagram very much. I do appreciate when the comment box is on the top of the comments (hint).
Also, I have been quilting and following you for a long time and I find now I am making quilts to sleep under rather than hang on the wall so I don’t want them so densely quilted so that the hand is softer.
Just edited the comment thingy so it displays only 20 at a time Judy! Thank you for that suggestion!
When I need information and supplies I go to Leah Day! Unfortunately my time is very limited. As dairy farmers, we have no vacation days, no sick days, no week-ends off, translates into 50+ hours a week of work. When I get a chance I love to quilt for our 7 grandchildren and I have learned so much from you! I save all the emails, so I can search out info I need later. Thank you for all you do!!!
My creative time is limited so I follow a few quilt artists, you being one of them. I have learned SO much from all of your media content. Most of the time I pull from YT or IG. When I choose to watch something I won’t skip the ads & will watch until the end since I know that is how income is generated. Thank you for taking time out to share your creative passions with us.
Leah,
First of all…I love your YouTube channel! Especially since I can have it right in front of me when I want to try something new.
I do still read blogs but honestly not as many as I used to. The reason being is that there are so many people trying to make a living off of blogging alone that the huge amount of ads that pop up are a huge deterrent for me. So the blogs that I tend to read have little to no ads. I don’t mind hyperlinks to what they used or where they sourced things from though or if they are advertising their own products.
The only social media I have and use anymore is Instagram and I’m trying to cut back on that too.
I feel like bloggers have lost a lot of their authenticity in search for the almighty dollar and it’s not just bloggers, it’s nearly 80% if not more of the people on social media anymore. That’s why I have always enjoyed you. You give me the sense of someone who’s worked hard, been more than generous with your audience and always keeps it real and is accessible. ❤️
Thank you very much for sharing this Christina! It’s a big reason why I’ve never put ads on my blog. I’d prefer to write books and make classes and have you learn more with me, than be annoyed to death with ads for stuff you don’t need. I appreciate you taking the time to share this with me!
Leah, I am a new long arm quilter and moved quickly to it from machine piecing and free motion quilting. This means I am a novice and learning slowly. I am getting a lot out of your posts, blogs, tutorials and so forth. Many thanks.
I read blogs when something catches my attention (like this did) or when I’m looking for a specific skill or new way to do things. I am also guilty of scrolling through to the actual recipe (and sometimes a pattern or design) and skipping all the hype leading up to it, but do often read the comments to get tips on improvements to the recipe. I don’t usually watch long videos…too much awaiting me in my quilting room for that! But short ones that give me the gist of what I need are a much appreciated venue!
Even though I’ve been quilting for years, I still watch quilt blogs. There is always something new to learn.
Playing catch up again.
Hi Leah – I search for specifics unless following a series/course/SaL/Bom etc. I thought there might be a time limit below which visits weren’t recognised so mostly leave the site I visit open until I end my PC session. So glad now that I do that, after you confirmed that ‘need’!
If I liked the way the info I needed was written, or something else also captures my interest I often sign up to follow to see if that blog is ‘my thing’. If it proves less than interesting I will leave – eventually. The same with face book groups – I stay while they work for me and I can reciprocate to other members.
Recently I have far less time for any sewing with my daughter’s wedding in November taking up much time and effort, as well as coming to grips with keto in order to lose weight this year (40lbs since the end on February!).
I hope I ‘give back’ just a little to the many dedicated bloggers who provide such a variety of information and support to me when I need it (or simply while away some time randomly on their site).
I have followed you for many years now but still haven’t ‘got to grips’ with FMQ – just doesn’t seem to be a skill I can achieve. However, you have provided a firm understanding of the ‘aim’ for FMQ and I am (when time permits) playing at designing embroidery to emulate FMQ. In this area practice is certainly improving my skills!
While many will simply flit in and out of blogs for a single piece of knowledge many will stay and follow and appreciate the hard work untaken to provide that knowledge in a learning culture.
To you and all those others – thank you
Toni
Thank you very much Toni! I appreciate you taking the time to share all of this with me. And congratulations on your keto diet! That’s wonderful!
I read a few blogs faithfully but catch up with most about once a month. I’ve learned a lot and explored new quilting areas because of them. Because life is busy I’ve had to limit my blog reading time but would hate to give up blogs I enjoy. I prefer the posts that land in my inbox about once a month. Thanks for asking!
I’ll definitely keep that in mind Kathryn! Thank you for sharing!
Oh my Leah I do hope you don’t discontinue your blog as I love reading it! I have turned to your videos so many times for your expertise in how to free motion quilt, for your reviews of sewing machines and so many quilting tips you share. I am always reading quilting blogs to keep up with what is new, to find new patterns and techniques and opinions of new products. I appreciate all the time it takes to make these videos the time you spend & the information I am given for free. In this day & age this is a treasure! Me!rry Christmas Leah
No, I’m definitely not discontinuing it, but I am looking at ways to change my work flow so I have more time to write books.
I love your videos, and watch as many as I can. I always learn something new, even if the topic is a “review” for me. I got mid-arm a little over a year ago and am having so much fun with it. Since I’m an “old” gal and not as computer literate as many, I’m not sure if I belong to your blog following or not. How can I check? I’d love to.
Do you get emails from us every week? That’s the best way to stay in touch and know what new posts I’ve shared and what’s going on. You can check if you’re subscribed here: https://freemotionproject.com/sign-up-for-my-quilting-friends-newsletter
Hello, I will admit that I don’t read each week. I have a lot of irons in the fire at times on different projects. But, when I have the time I enjoy reading all the details, in hopes of learning a new and better way. I agree with one comment on videos under 10 minutes.
I had never tried free motion quilting until I saw your videos/blog. I will never be as good as you but thank you for the inspiration. 🙂
I am a beginner quilter and I read blogs a lot. I love the tutorials that show pictures as you follow. I also watch You Tube but never go to Facebook. I get upset when you have to go to Facebook to follow a blog or get more information. I closed my Facebook account last year and do not want to go back. I love your emails and updates. Please don’t stop what you are doing and help us newbies that don’t have the skill and knowledge yet. I do subscribe to a lot of quilt projects but rarely leave a comment. After reading all these post, I feel bad that I have not left comments! Please keep doing what you have always done and know that I appreciate all your hard work! Blessings to you and your family Leah!!!
Don’t feel bad Terri – you just didn’t know about comments! I’m glad you’re not on Facebook. I closed my groups for the same reason and am very tempted to close my account too.
I enjoyed the Quilty Box videos you did, always a joy just to see what you would do w/the fabric. Also, the tutorials of free motion design work you come up w/has been very helpful. WHEN I HAVE TIME: I love the podcasts w/other quilters, sharing their work & techs, plus yours, BUT I rarely have time. At this point in your site-ventures, do what you feel inspired to do, and it will work great! My advise to you from an old woman who loves to quilt!
Yes I do! sometimes I am not into the current subject so I don’t watch it all. but if it something I am interested in I watch the whole thing.
I have always enjoyed your posts and videos. You have shared your gift with us and I have learned a great deal from this so I hope you keep sharing your gift with us quilter. Thanks for all you do. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
I love your videos. I have been watching them for over 4 years. I even watched you husband quilting in the first QAYG quilt. I tend to watch videos that are 20 minutes or less all the way through. If I’m really into the subject I’ll go longer. I am a Craftsy member and so I do watch alot of sewing/quilting videos. I also made your heart whole cloth trapunto quilt.
Anyway — please keep it up. Your videos are great and so is the blog. I know you don’t do quilt quild meetings as a guest artist anymore — but I sure wish you would. We’re in Mooresville — not too much of a drive for you.
Thanks for all your work. God bless you and your family.
Thank you Julie! I really appreciate your input and no, I’m not planning to stop. I’m just looking to make the best use of my time.
I’ll add to what other people have said and clearly state that I read blogs regularly. I like long posts, especially the journaling ones where you share your thought process. I find that is the kind of thing that helps me think about my own quilts and what I want to achieve with them.
I like some tutorials, because I like to learn techniques, but a tutorial is for a quick glance in daily reading, and something I come back later to when I’m looking up how to do something for a specific quilt. So they are more likely to be a slower, long term investment of your time and mine.
I enjoy Instagram for quick glances, but I really don’t like it for long posts. Instagram is meant more for a mobile interface and a quick hit, not for the longer, more thoughtful sharing. I know some people use it that way, but I honestly don’t like the interface for that. I’m amazed — did they really type all that long post on that tiny screen?
The main thing I skip past on your blog is the video posts. Since I’m also subscribed on youtube, I see no reason to repeat them in the blog. Since other people aren’t on youtube itself as much, then they need them in the blog/website, but those are the blog posts I simply mark as already read.
I do use Feedly. Even though Google Reader went away, there are plenty of replacements, if people want to find them.
Do I read blogs? Sometimes. I know how to bake/cook so rarely read the story which often accompanies the recipe. Once in a while I do enjoy reading about someone’s Grannie Smith who made her own bread from seed, milling the flour while weaving cloth to make clothes for her 22 children. But sometimes, most of the time, I just want the recipe.
But when it comes to quilting? I read the entire piece (if it is well written), I watch the how-to video, I enjoy the emails that keep my in the loop. I am constantly seeking techniques to try, patterns to add to that endless bucket list, tips on storage and organizing, quilting space set ups, new gadgets that solve a problem, etc.
I must admit that I have spent less time at “Leah Day” for a while now. Since your shift to long arm quilting. That’s why I was excited with the new Friendship quilt a long.
I want to make large quilts on a DSM, I want to make soft, cuddly practical quilts for my family to use everyday. I want to use my walking foot in new and exciting ways and also use (less dense) free motion quilting which just makes me feel like an artist!. I do not want to spend my fabric dollars on quilting rulers. I do not want to make art quilts. I will never be able to afford a long arm.
You, Leah, have been a valuable resource to me. An inspiration. Like true friendships, we may drift apart once in a while, walk different paths for a while but always find that those paths will lead you back to your friend.
Thank you for being a quilting sister and friend.
Now let’s go quilt!
Well, I am the worst to ask this question of. I don’t do Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I think I’m on Pinterest but a friend told me I ‘play it wrong’ because I’ll screen shot what I like. I recently learned to enjoy your podcast while working on hand embroidery. I don’t need to watch the full videos of your quiltblocks anymore as I’ve learned so much from you. I’m thankful you teach the way you do though, beginner to experienced can enjoy your patterns.
Absolutely!! I read blogs, and get so much inspiration and quilting help from them. As a free motion quilter I’m afraid I am a total failure. But you have so much information that you share. Keep the faith, Leah!!
I agree with a few of the others who were less keen on pinterest or instagram. If I want to search images I prefer using Google Images instead as it usually attributes the image to the original source (someone’s website or blog). Items that are repinned (and repinned ad nauseum) make it impossible to find the original source. And I agree that instagram provides scant information. Yeah, I’m kinda old fashioned that way. I still like to read blogs and tutorials and websites… call me a digital fogey :):):)
Figure I should share this with you…..the first quilt I made was from your pattern Building Blocks. I enjoyed everything about the process (didn’t know what free motion was till then) as you made it so clear. I read every word you blogged, posted on your FB site, watched every video from start to finish on YouTube!! I’m a super fan of yours and love it all!! Don’t change a thing.
I love your videos and blogs! I seem to spend so much time reading blogs & watching videos that I’ve had to limit myself to four different ones. Yours is one of the four! One Embroidery, one is bags and the other two are quilting. I do at times, watch others but these are the main four I try to keep up with and still make things. I use a sweet sixteen sit down quilting machine. I do enjoy the step by step & prefer written unless I can’t quite understand the go to video helps.
Hi Leah
I’ve been with you a very long time, absorbed every bit of Youtube tutorial and I thank you for the inspiration. My practice sessions were all the lobster claws and feet and eventually the feathers. I love feathers! I’ve bought starch and even opened my seams. Convert!!!
I love reading blogs, I do have preferences and sometimes I read them more than once if it is a tutorial. Same for Youtube. I’m not so into podcasts, although I enjoy yours because they are also visual. I may not be able to watch it all in one hit, but I do go back and finish. Then again there is a long list of them that I haven’t got around to just yet! Sorry!!! Then there was that time that Youtube were mean and you need to have so many viewings – I think I viewed 10 times and so many people must have done the same because the watched numbers shot up way past the required total! Hah! Rebel quilters!
Sometimes life does interfere with enjoyment! I think the draw is that you speak as though I’m in the room – I’m a great listener! I like reading blogs but it’s the constant latest line in my fabric please buy that I do skip through. No fault of their own, I wish them well and I’m sure they have plenty of followers to purchase. I’ve also been reading and watching smallholdings/allotments/homesteading sites. Sometimes if I allow myself to get drawn in to them all, then I get nothing done at home!
Other times I sign up for newsletters but never get any, although it will say I’m already on the list! So I drift away only to remember a year or so later and pop in for a marathon catch up!
What would I like to see? Curves, sewing curves! My biggest fear with the machine! I can do them by hand (with a lot of swearing as there is a lot of pinning and pricking) but machine – scary monster that it is!
What it all boils down to is what makes you happy – no point in being stressed about trying to make others happy because on a small scale that’s nigh on impossible (weddings – great for upsetting someone there) and you are trying to please hundreds or thousands of us. I appreciate it all and I thank you so much.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this Kerry! I absolutely hate curved seam piecing. I’m not kidding! I will totally applique that shape instead of piecing it any day.
But you’re right, it’s down to what makes me happy and also what keeps the lights on.
Yes, Leah, I do still read your blog posts. I have committed to improving my FMQ skills and you have helped me greatly with that. Please don`t consider giving it up. But really, Leah, a keto-friendly cookie? Better to just eat another avocado!
LOL! Deb – I have some great fudgy avocado chocolate cookies. I don’t feel guilty at all when I make them and eat the entire batch myself (Josh and James think they’re gross!)
I love tutorials and videos, but to be honest I hardly have enough time to watch an hour long video so I often skip those in favor of a shorter video. I’m not saying that yours is inferior to the shorter ones, in fact if I watched yours I’m sure I would learn invaluable tips and techniques. I will make my mission to indeed watch more of them in the new year! Thank you for all the time you have put into them . Merry Christmas!
I don’t read blog posts regularly. I read them when I am looking to learn a new technique, refresh my memory and/or looking for inspiration for the next quilt. I find your blogs, videos and tutorials exceptionally helpful as you provide the right amount of detail for me. I don’t comment as I am often reading something that was posted months ago. My thinking is that the author has moved on to other things by time I get to reading what they wrote. Kind of like entering a conversation once it is over and done. An example: I purchased your Fall leaves quilt kit and have yet to start it. Once I do, you can be sure that I’ll be looking up the tutorials, etc. to learn helpful hints in completing it. Many thanks for all you put into your postings. It is much appreciated. Love your Goddess quilts in particular! Absolutely beautiful and inspiring! I aspire to that level one day.
It depends on the blogger of course, but comments help me gauge engagement and also I appreciate being able to answer comments on the post. So even if it appears “old” I will still see the comment and be able to reply to it. I hope that make sense!
Hi Leah,
I’ve always enjoyed YOUR pod- casts. Lately though, I can’t find them.
I always watch you. I feel you include just the kind of details and explinations I need to keep learning.
So, what is a sure-fire way of locating your pod-casts?
Merry Christmas to you and yours. I sincerely appreciate all that you do.
Thank you Susan! I’m so glad you like the podcast! You can find the podcast list always available right here: https://leahday.com/pages/hello-my-quilting-friends-podcast-with-leah-day
yes, i read blogs. i enjoy reading about processes and what went well and what didn’t etc. I don’t use instagram at all.
Leah, I’ve been a follower with your blog since 2009, when I returned to sewing and entered the quilting world. To me it is a comfort to know I can reach out to your blogs and tutorials on YouTube. Like many quilters, I have many unfinished quilt/sewing projects left to finish. However, when I need to view ideas on how to quilt you are at the top of the research list. To me I appreciate your knowledge, experience and positive encouragement in your tutorials. I refer to your books for support as well! Your presentations and due diligence is needed for all levels of quilting. I feel if you feel you need more time towards publishing then reduce a few blogs and tutorials. You can always rev-up the tutorials once publishing is completed or on pause. Last, please keep your blog open to your supporters, we need your guiding voice!
Thank you Mary Lynn! Yes, of course I will leave the blog online so it can continue to be enjoyed. That would be business suicide if I took it down! LOL!
I’ve identified that I’d like to start spending an extra two hours writing every day and I’m going to set aside all my other work for that. If something can’t get done in time, things will just have to adjust.
I think that is a very reasonable goal. Those two hours will quickly add up to a published book! I completely understand your need to prioritize your time to sustain your business. All business models need evaluation over time. The testimonies of all the recent responses is amazingly uplifting, and assurance that you are supported by many loyal quilting fans!
Good luck on your next book!!! I can’t wait to add it to my “go to” quilt library stash!
Blessing to you and your family this Christmas Season!!
?????❤️
I love to read blogs. Though I receive a ton of subscribed newsletters because I want to, I do not read each one of them. I am picky. It all depends on my time RIGHT NOW. I also tend to skip over things that are basic. I like to challenge myself and do more intricate and complex stuff. So, if there is any hint of it, I go and read everything. If not, bye dear blogger and I move on to the next one. Hopefully the next time the blogger that I just skipped will write something that interests me. And that very well might happen and I am grateful for all the bloggers that increase our knowledge. It takes enormous amount of time and effort to do it right, to please a novice and an intermediate to expert person. I love to look for inspiration and expertise, new methods and tips and tricks. Leah, thank you for all you do.
Leah I love reading your posts and watching your tutorials. Keep up the good work as long as it makes you happy.
Leah, your blogs gave me the confidence to begin free motion quilting. I love seeing what amazing things you guys are up to next! I just don’t tell you enough.
Yes, I continue to read quilting blogs. It’s sad to see talented and creative bloggers grow tired and begin to taper off. Some measure of energy conservation would be helpful so that, when not everyone responds because something doesn’t seem to be as interesting to the viewers that particular day, the blogger won’t feel let down.
Leah, I read yours & a couple of other blogs top to bottom. It depends on what I am seeking from the author. If I am looking for very specific info I am guilty of scanning and rapid scrolling. If I sense a quilting connection with the author I’m a loyal reader. So please keep blogging, videoing, and being a part of my morning coffee break! Love you!
I have followed you for many years and learned to machine quilt by participating in many of your quilt-a-longs! You are a gifted teacher and an amazing person, I greatly admire. I joined Facebook for the quilt-a-long community interaction and left it when you did and do not do Instagram at all. I learn best from your videos but am a faithful reader of your blogs, too. Do whatever makes sense to you with your time and energy! Your followers will continue! You and Josh are favorites of mine! Seeing James growing up over the years is such fun.?
I don’t read blogs as much as I used to. I am more likely to watch videos on youtube. I subscribe to about a dozen quilting or seeing channels. I try to “like” each video, but sometimes I watch YouTube on my TV and have to remember to like the video when I am on my tablet. If I have something to say, I will leave a comment. If I am very interested in the subject of the video, I will go to the blog for more info.
I like blogs best of all for inspiration and information. I use Bloglovin to keep track of them and spend some time every day reading some. The topic and lead picture draw me in but I could never read them all. I use Print Friendly to save tutorials and projects as a pdf for future reference. It allows you to delete superfluous text and extra pictures and just save what you need. I like videos as a demonstration sometimes but I can’t save these. I especially like them for fmq. I rarely look at Instagram because there is no information with the picture. I use Facebook mainly to keep up with family and sometimes follow a link to a blog post. I don’t pin a lot of stuff because there is no guarantee that the link will work in the future but I can easily spend a lot of unproductive time on Pinterest. I usually listen to music while sewing but I should give podcasts a try. Leah, I appreciate your great blogs and videos even though I don’t comment often enough!
I like more traditional scrappy piecing and less dense quilting patterns. I will read further if something catches my attention.
This is a question I am very familiar with as a writer and a quilter and all around do it yourselfer. As a business woman I have had to decide where to put my time each day. Concerning social media, it is a huge question if you run a creative business. Here is my two cents. I read two quilt blogs regularly (almost daily) –yours and Bonnie Hunter. I have had three blogs of my own in the past. I have decided on the ratios that are working for me right now. I like to design and sew and write for patterns and publication. I don’t blog as much as I used to when I was a ‘volunteer’ creative writing blogs about it online. I now like to get paid for my time and blogging is not the money maker. I have found that I use Facebook to feed my social soul via my community there and I use Instagram to get results for growing my business and for meeting people and making an opportunity in quilting businesses. I don’t have time for more electronic interactions than that if I want to spend time sewing and designing. Just to read this very valuable question that you have posed –and all the replies –took 20-30 minutes. You can see where I am going here. We all want to make our creative time count–and usually pay–so my advice is to make short blog posts every three days and spend the rest of your time on sewing. Use other media if you want to grow your exposure further. Blogs are the least payback, Facebook is next worst, and Instagram seems to be the trend for most “new” viewers/readers. Best wishes always! You are one of my quilt heroes. Email me if you want to have more specifics from my experiences.
Thank you for sharing Kathy! I’ll be in touch!
I do read your blog quite often, but not all of it. I learn something new ad you got me to quilt my own quilts and even do some for friends. For all of that, thank you.
I know it takes you hours to plan and prepare, and for that I am extremely grateful
I read blogs but tire of the endless photos of featured projects from every conceiveable angle and focus. Most are too wordy so I skim them for the meat. Write concisely; a little bit of humor and self-deprecation go a long way.
Hi Leah, Although I have been following you for quite some time and even bought some of your products, I am just getting serious about FMQ and so am absorbing all I can. But if I think about how, in general, I view social media information, I would say that I like things simple and direct. As a visual/doing kind of learner, I prefer YouTube videos instead of pictures. And I prefer a one topic video so I don’t have to use valuable quilting time listening to things that I might already know.
I don’t follow blogs, I just Google what I am interested in and specifically look for a relevant link.
I still read blogs. I don’t’ do Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter. I am still a beginning level quilter because I have too much else going on to do it every day. I like blogs that educate me (like yours does for FMQ), are “easy” to read and have what I consider worthwhile content—which means they are not constantly trying to sell me something. I don’t stay on blogs very long if all it contains that day is “I finished this quilt today,” or something to that effect. I really dislike being bombarded with seemingly unending posts about joining a bloggers club.
I sometimes follow a link to another blog to check it out and sometimes I find one when I am searching for something specific like you did for the recipe. Like Toni said, “If I liked the way the info I needed was written, or something else also captures my interest I often sign up to follow to see if that blog is ‘my thing’. If it proves less than interesting I will leave – eventually.”
I used to follow a lot more blogs than I do now, but so many of them have quit blogging. It seems it is always the good ones that quit. Sometimes I don’t realize they have quit right away. They don’t send out a notice telling me that. I don’t always have time to read the blog, but I will flag the email so I can come back to it later. Sometimes the blog post is still there and sometimes not. I don’t always comment because of time constraints as well or I just don’t know what to say.
I like well written tutorials and I will thank a blogger for them when it is something I will use and it is “complete”. I detest tutorials that say something along the lines of “oh, I forgot to take a picture of this step, especially when it seems to me a confusing step. I also find it abhorrent when a tutorial hasn’t been proofed in the cutting instructions. It can waste fabric and when you have only purchased the amount called for, leaving you hanging or with something worthless.
In general, I like videos along with the written step by step instructions but only when the video shows close up so I can see what is actually happening, not just being told. Too many videos I have started to watch are poorly made, don’t show every step, are not what I was expecting, or are just plain boring and so I quit watching. (This includes non-quilitng videos as well.) My biggest problem with videos is my computer is not right by my sewing machine and I can’t see them well enough on my phone so it is not convenient.
I haven’t listened to any of your podcasts yet. It is not that I am not interested, but time is an issue for me just as it is for you. I have watched a few of your videos.
Wow, after scrolling past 408 comments you must be doing something right!! To have that many respond to your question says something about your product. I have enjoyed your video tutorials on walking foot and free motion quilting. and am trying new things because of these tutorials. I don’t listen to the pod casts just because I like visuals of whats happening. I am no longer on Facebook for many reasons but one is that it is too distracting and full of ads. You now have a lot of competition out there for free tutorials and patterns. What I like most about your tutorials is that you show mistakes and oops. You encourage me to look past those and learn from them. But I don’t need to spend hours ripping out. I also learned how to pull the threads up and bury the threads from you. I love the simplicity of your videos. I appreciate your honesty and calm personality.
Love your blog and your teaching. The problem is that there is not enough time each week to work on quilts so it is more information than I can process and use. I probably make a quilt a month and I always refer to one of your video techniques to get ideas on what to quilt before I start finishing my quilt.
Thank you for sharing – you are my go to gal!
HI Leah – yes I do read your blog and watch your you tube videos and am still practising my free motion quilting using your excellent tutorials – progress is slow! However, I would much rather be doing, rather than just reading so I do tend to have you tube open whilst I am sewing and also listen to podcasts. Love what you and all the other bloggers do and thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy life to help the community – I certainly appreciate it. Have a wonderful holiday season and I am also searching for keto friendly recipes so your cookie ideas have set me on another search. Helen x
Hi Leah. I’ve read through these comments with interest because I still enjoy reading blogs, and I’ve written one for several years even though I don’t post as much as I used to. Whenever I do a trunk show and someone comments on my quilting, I tell them to watch Leah Day videos. Your Paisley design is my go to background filler. I only check specific groups on FB. Instagram is starting to have a lot of ads which is a time waster. I almost never go on Pinterest because I’m over run with emails recommending things afterwards. You Tube videos usually are too basic and wordy to keep my interest. You are young and enthusiastic, and somehow you have a way of instilling confidence in us (even the over 60 crowd). I know how much time it takes for a blog post, but I would much rather read and see still photos than a podcast or video.
Yes, I’m often quite behind the trends but I still look for tutorials and pictures…in fact, if I’m running short of time, the pictures are the first things I look at to see if I’m interested in taking the time to read the blog. Thank you for all your time and effort that you guys put into feeding the quilters out here!!
I still read your emails, but truthfully, in the beginning I wanted to learn to quilt; I can do quilting now thanks to you and two other volgers. Do I care about pushing the envelope to continually learn new techniques; no not really. I can make beautiful quilts for myself and my loved ones, but life is busy and finding the time to continuously learn and practice new ideas is difficult to come by. Quilting is just one thing I do, it’s not my entire life or even a large portion.
I read some of the responses, but I wanted to offer a different perspective. You are a wonderful and gifted person and what you do makes a difference in people’s lives. The question is: is that enough for you or are you seeking something else?
PS. Thank you for being one of my teachers.
Thank you for sharing Ricky! I absolutely love what I do, but lately I’ve been feeling like I’m teaching to a smaller classroom so to speak. I also want to spend more time writing and publishing because this is also how I support my family and keep the lights on!
First I want to say that I enjoy your blog, videos and tutorials. I have certain blogs that I am subscribed to and enjoy reading, most are quilting but a couple are food/recipe sites. I will often google for specific subject but I don’t always subscribe and if I do I often unsubscribe if I don’t find relevant topics that interest me.
Yes, I do read the blogs. I read every day, directing my reading to what my needs and interests are, and I do appreciate the work tha5 goes into each. Your especially has been such a wonderful resource!
I started writing my own blog as a history of my fiber life. then we moved and now family can follow our weekly activities. but yes, I do read other people’s blogs. always looking for ideas. I’m a weaver and quilter and look for blogs that use color or dye their own fibers. plus other blogs give me ideas on what to write about in my own.
I enjoy reading the blogs and getting ideas. Please continue with your blogs.
Now that I am retired, and not teaching sewing to high schoolers, I find that I don’t open as many blogs or posts unless it is something that I am interested in to make myself. I have only a handful of bloggers that I follow now. For sewing, I enjoy the detailed directions with video and pictures, not only for sharing with students, but for myself. I have sited you many times to friends and former colleagues because your blogs are awesome.
On the other hand, I have found that some of my favorite people have gotten too wordy on their blogs and I sometimes miss something that a friend will tell me about because I moved on if they didn’t get to the point before I had to click to get to the next page….
As far as recipes go….thats a whole other story. I also taught foods to high school students and they would get so frustrated with websites that took 5 scrolls just to get to the ingredient list.
I had a college professor that taught speech and he said something that I always remembered in speaking and in writing…. remember the 3 B’s
Be brief, be bright and be gone….
I read your blogs and watch you how to videos, just not all at once. Sometimes it takes a while to find time to watch or read them. Thanks for all your effort.
Yes, Leah, I do read your blogs and watch your videos. They are very inspirational for me. I love that you take your time and explain the details. I have participated in several of your quilt alongs and am currently doing the scrappy friendship quilt. I am always interested in new quilting techniques. I don’t normally leave comments, but since you asked, I did.
Thank you Trudy! I really appreciate it!
Yes, I do read your blog so please don’t stop!
I am pretty new to blogs and pod casts. I remain pretty busy with my dog and working on my quilts. I am trying to improve my quilt designs and work at them as often as possible. As I said, I am new to pod casts and have recently started listening to them while I Quilt.
I do read your blogs! Love them! I don’t always watch the videos but I always intend to get back to view them one day! Keep writing and decide how much “other” to add based on your time, I think.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
Thank you, Leah, for your hard work! I have learned a lot from you, and I appreciate that so much. I don’t always read the blogs; I’m usually looking for something specific, so I scroll through the tutorials looking for it. I’ve neglected telling you thanks- forgive me!
Leah you taught me how to free motion quilt.
I do read you blog and watch your you tube videos. I like watching your tutorials. Thank you for all you do.
I do read quilting blogs. It is like a conversation. I really don’t do podcasts and social media is not my thing. I understand how time consuming a blog can be. To me, it is sort of like receiving a handwritten letter back in the old days before the internet – eagerly anticipated and much enjoyed. If you decide not to continue, I understand.
Yes, I read your blogs, but only in detail if it’s a subject that I particularly want to know about. I’m very grateful (as, I’m sure, everyone else is) that you take the time to do this; I have learnt a lot, and you have given me confidence to try stuff.
When I have need of a specific topic, I will look up to see what you have to say. Also, I’m still waiting for that wonderful time when I have completed all my other tasks, and I can settle down to try and read through all of the articles on my “to read” list! Meanwhile, please keep doing them just as long as you enjoy it – because you are helping a lot of people.
Unless I receive a email, i.e. your weekly newsletter, I don’t really know much about reading blogs. Does the blog tell me when there is a posting? Or do I need to go look for a posting? If the topic interests me, I’m good for about 3-5 minutes. If rushed on time, I forget to go back and look. I do watch and listen to all your podcasts and Friday long arm quilting. I watch your domestic how to quilt this block but I just don’t have the heart to piece the quilt. I do tend to watch part of those videos. I guess I’m not blog savvy.
Hi Leah,
I’m relatively new to quilting and I can’t tell you how much I have learned from your blog and videos. I don’t follow very many blogs, but yours in one of them. I’ve also recommended your blog and video site to others and in turn I found you because of someone else who referred you to me! I would miss your blog if you decided to quit, but I understand how busy life gets and I think I would survive, but it wouldn’t be as much fun! You are a talented teacher and I am grateful for the time and effort you put into your teaching! Thank you.