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
Thanks for asking, I do watch tutorials and read blogs.
I look for inspiration. Sometimes I fall in love with a piece of fabric in the store and can’t visual how it would work in a quilt. Then I see it used, then I’m off an running to see if it’s still available.
I believe that technology permits us to have a library for quilting in our homes without paper. No stacks of magazines or books to flip through to find a pattern, leaving more space for stacks of fabric.
Please keep up 5e faith. Quilters are out here!?
Yes I still read blogs I just don’t do it everyday I am taking care of my mother that is in a wheelchair and just can’t get everything done in a day this year has been hard for me my mother sick and my husband passed away in May I watch all the tutorials and videos I can just a little slow . I won’t to say Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you from my family to yours love you bunches.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the amount of emails I have to read and don’t always read the blogs associated with them. However, I do watch a majority of your videos and I search your website when I need help on some technique. I have learned a lot from you and appreciate all the time that you put forth in sharing your knowledge.
Leah, you have always been so logical! Saving your precious time is understandable and I just want to thank you for all that you do share with the rest of the quilting world. I began learning through your website about five years ago and have spread my wings because you piqued my curiosity to learn more. I have discovered I have the courage to try new things because of you and have made many small quilts as gifts with ideas that sprang from your kind and thoughtful instructions. (I’ve even made for myself a paper pieced double wedding ring quilt queen top, which I plan to quilt in Spring 2019) I say kind because you are gentle and encouraging to beginners and I appreciate that.
As far a blogs go, I often read them and click on the links embedding within them. This leads to a rabbit trail because usually those original links either 1- cause me to read further blogs which also have links or 2- lead me to videos to watch and understand further! Either way, I do read them and if I find them interesting, I’ll continue. Sometimes, I’m just not interested in that subject that particular day.
Any ways, thanks for all you do, it’s been wonderful virtually meeting you and gleaning from your experience and expertise. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year 2019
I like reading blog posts, but I don’t read many. I had a blog myself a view years ago but my health allowed it no longer. I’m very happy and thankful for people how makes the effort to write amazing texts and make beautiful pictures. I think you give so much and it’s ok to take also from other people. I bought your book, it’s so pretty good. Have a good christmas time.
I read all your blogs and watch everyone of your tutorials that I possibly can.
I enjoy reading your blogs and I learn much from your videos. You have a very clear and comprehensive method of teaching.
I do not always have time to read and watch, but a guilty pleasure when I do. I love using your site for inspiration.
Thank you for investing your time and energy for all these years. Best wishes for your future endeavours.
Yes. I read blogs. I’ve bookmarked a certain amount that I read each day (yes, yours is one of them). I was very disappointed when I first heard blogging is dead. What?!? Not for me. I prefer short and simple with a great project or technique.
I’m definitely a blog reader. I’ve read your blog for many years, and bought many items in your shop, but I’ve never actually commented before today. Please don’t feel that we aren’t here. I’m a consumer, but not a contributor. That said, the blogs I follow are all shops or designers that I support financially through my purchase habits.
In response to your questions, yes I read blogs, I find them ‘mostly’ informative.
Content has been invaluable to my design, hints and methods I have used in my quilting. I often refer back a blog and use information as a reference point.
I don’t always get to my emails every day so I end up skimming over your blog. I like that you separate your ideas and topics a bolded ‘title’. I rarely have time to watch a lengthy video but I have watched ones that I was interested. My computer is downstairs and my sewing room is upstairs so it’s not very convenient for me. I love to see your beautiful work.
I don’t have a lot of time to read blogs, so I’m choosy. I read most of yours and watch your videos. But I usually do it from looking for a certain thing or inspiration. Then I binge watch and read. Usually late night. But if I find something that I like, I share it with those I know will benefit from it.
I usually read your posts, but so busy now with Christmas now. I plan to get back to normal after the New Year.
I don’t read blogs any more. The only one I consistently read was “As She Naps” by Abby Glassenberg, because she is an articulate business person who gives me hints on how to conduct my business (Little Sister Sews). But I have not been reading her as often as I used to. You are brave to posit this question, but I fear you will find that it might not be worth your time to blog for much longer. As you mentioned, I think the Internet is becoming something we use for quick information, a recipe, a name, etc. As a child I remember referring to the Encyclopedia, then later going to the Library to look at the Blue Books (or were they Green?) for the same reason. Then computers and the Internet came along and instead of reading papers, we read blogs. But times change, technology changes, and we can’t expect people to stop and continue doing what we would like them to do. So I say no, I don’t read blogs unless I am looking for information on a specific item. Interestingly, we are all still looking for information. It’s just the way we are looking for it that has changed. Everything is visual. People want fast, fast, fast and goodbye when they find it (Instagram). It is difficult to realize that what once worked, what we liked and put a lot of time and thought into, just does not work the same any longer. Sad but true. At 70, I have learned that I MUST continue to be flexible if I want to catch the attention of folks (of any age) in order to do business with them. It’s challenging for me, but absolutely necessary. As the old saying goes, the only thing that stays the same is change.
Very, very true Madelyn! I don’t plan to stop, but probably will scale back on how often, or simply change how much I write and how many photos I shoot. I’m also paying close attention to what I’m still willing to buy and invest in and I plan to spend more time writing books. I feel like I’ve shared lots of little ideas and now it’s time to pull them together into books to make some very big ideas with better organization. I don’t think single patterns are a good investment of time and energy. But you take ten single patterns and put them together into a book, and that IS a good investment that will continue to sell for years.
I do read blogs, Love the pictures because I am a visual person, and really enjoy learning things by watching videos.
I read a few blogs – when I look something up I will read the whole blog BUT many times there is so much extraneous information or chit chat that I rush through it. I’m more interested in the ‘meat’ of the topic, not all the cute little stories that go with it. I do like to read stories that are specific to the topic. As for videos, I love them but almost always view them at 1.5 speed and now, 1.75 has become available. Not sure how this affects the time reported for viewing.
I don’t think speeding up the video makes a difference, but that’s something to check. I’ve picked up that some people like chit chat and some just like meat. It’s definitely something I’m thinking about as I plan future tutorials.
I have given a lot of thought to your question on whether it is worth creating a tutorial, and whether people still use blogs as an information source. I am a systems analyst, and spend most of my time at work defining requirements for applications. And like you, I go to people’s blogs to look for recipes, patterns, or any other DIY tip. In fact, I do that first before I begin a project. Here is my suggestion list for bloggers.
1. Technology is constantly changing, and not all blogging platforms are user friendly for some devices. If you want someone to use your blog on their phones and tablets, make sure it is .ios friendly. Don’t make the pictures too big or too small, and be mindful of the font. Test how your blog looks like on different search engines – Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Bing. If it doesn’t open up smoothly or the pictures don’t display, put a note in your About Me page to provide a list of the best performing search engines. As hard as developers try to make platforms user friendly, there will always be some that work better than others, that’s all.
2. Edit, edit, edit. Tailor your communication style to the media. If you are competing with Instagram, and you are, get to the point quickly. Save your conversational writing style for emails and well, spoken conversations. My personal pet peeve is when a blogger goes off on a tangent about her husband’s response to her cooking right in the middle of describing her recipe. So sorry for sounding cold-hearted, but I couldn’t care less about what her husband likes to eat. I’m not cooking for him. I need her to convince me that I will like her recipe.
3. Which leads to the most important point, tailor the message to the audience. Here is why I like your blog.
You provide very clear instructions and your photos are crisp and more importantly, relevant to the text. Your blog is fine. When I search through Pinterest for ideas, I also skip over most of the verbiage and pictures and get right to what I am looking for. Without apology. It’s not my fault that a blogger can’t stick to the point, and I don’t need to see a photo of a bag of flour next to a wooden cutting board to know the recipe is about cookies.
When you searched for a recipe or a project tip, I bet you didn’t read the blog or look at the pictures because they weren’t helpful, and really didn’t add to your knowledge.
Thank you for sharing Ann and I really appreciate you taking the time to share so much of your perspective! I have been doing better about testing on different platforms and continue to play with image sizes and amounts for good load time. Unfortunately whatever works today has no guarantee of working tomorrow, but I can’t get frozen up on stuff like that.
I’m very happy to know that you like the blog as it is. Me too!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Love it all and admire all your work. Keep up with it all.
It truly is a modern day dilemma. I have a degree in communications with a major in media studies (not boasting but relevant to the topic). I have watched in the past ten years how the public consumes their news so differently than in the past and wondered what effect this is having on society. Most people skim read to grab what interests them and then moves on. For news media this is a headline and the first sentence. Can people be truly informed with this snippet? So for your blog, you probably need to construct for multiple audiences – those that want to grab and run and tbose that take pleasure in the depth and context that lengthy writing and images provide. In journalism this is called the inverted pyramid. Experiment with your writing style and presentation to accommodate all and I think you will maintain a good level of readership.
I’m happy to hear your view as a professional in this media field! I agree completely and also worry about the lack of depth for any topic. For my part, I really enjoy the writing, but I also want my posts to be actually read and enjoyed and used. It’s no fun to teach to an empty classroom.
I do read your blog. No others. Thank you for your info and help on many of the projects that I have completed. It all started back when your new shop/shed was in the building stage. I followed your progress through the finish! You have a nice way of sharing stories I feel that I have gotten many ideas and inspiration from you and you have the most clear, simple way of showing how to do things.
Merry Christmas and and a happy, healthy New Year!
Stopped receiving your messages because of a change of email address.
I surely will continue reading your blogs and watching tutorials. Thanks
As others have commented, it is very easy to go down a rabbit hole when perusing emails or searching for something. However, some blogs i do read, like yours,although I rarely comment and your question made me aware that maybe I should be more proactive in acknowledging the work which goes into producing them. I watch videos too but generally when I am looking to solve a problem or find the answer to something. I have enjoyed some of your videos because your enthusiasm for your subject really comes through. I tend to watch most of a video except when there is a lot of extraneous stuff when I use the 10 second fast forward quite a bit. I actually don’t do that much with yours.
You clearly have a wide audience but you also have to consider what parts (apart from the actual sewing!) you enjoy about what you do as your time is important. Maybe, sadly, you have to think about how often you commit to doing some things if you feel the response is not enough to justify the time spent. I would be sorry but I would rather have less of the same standard in your output than either none or a lesser standard – and I suspect you would not want to compromise on your standard.
Thank you for all that you do and I hope 2019 is a great year for you and yours when it comes.
Thank you for sharing Lesley. Yes, I agree, I wouldn’t want to slap stuff up that isn’t as good as my other posts. I do appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Hi I’m not much of a podcast person but I do read your blogs and also watch your tutorials and appreciate them very much. Thank you
Leah, thanks for asking. I very much appreciate all you have done to modernize quilting, beginning with the why’s and why not to press a .25” inch seam to the side. Your fundamentals make sense to me, and am using them. In regard as to where best your energies. I suggest your creative side. (Haven’t you covered most of the fundamentals?). I find your strength in the creative side. Is it possible to break down one of your creative projects into 5 minute each pieces?
Thank you Caroline. I agree that I’ve definitely covered the basics of quilting several times. As for creative projects, no, unless it’s a simple design tutorial, most projects that produce a real thing (quilt, bag, pillow, pincushion, etc) require time to explain and demonstrate.
Could you break the more involved videos into segments with a link to each segment—like is done with table of contents in ebooks. I did a jelly roll quilt from Jordan’s Fabrics. A good video & “pdf”. But I kept scrolling through the video to clarify certain questions. The answers were there, but got tired of scrolling. Sewingmastery.com has their videos broken into short segments. It is easy to do with their subject matter. I am never hesitant to go to the sewmastery website because it will most likely have an answer, and it is efficient. This is just, of course, a suggestion. I remain a fan and participant of yours.
Thank you Caroline. I think there is a balance between too much detail and not enough. I’ll definitely check out the Sewing Mastery website as well.
I enjoy your blog You give me inspiration and love your tutorials you make it look so easy.
Thank you
I find that I don’t really read a blog from beginning to end, but scan them, stopping to read only the parts that are of interest to me. You have given me some food for thought. It never occurred to me that I should be giving something back in recognition of the time and effort that went into producing the blog. Thanks for opening my eyes.
I’m happy to hear that this has helped you understand the creators perspective. Thank you for sharing your views too.
I read very few blogs, but when I am interested in an idea, I watch “how to” videos – usually at 1.75 speed – and use the web to read about the technique. I prefer to read or watch rather than listen as I find that some people are hard on my ears; however, they certainly are more comical at a faster speed!.
I do read you regularly. I have followed you for years. I look at blogs for inspiration and to learn new tricks & tips.
I just happen to read this blog today. But usually I don’t take time. There is so much e-mail and it takes so long to get through. I need to weed out much of the e-mail I have. I have found my self taken over by e-mail. I don’t get anything done. I don’t watch your videos like I used to. I have been very inspired by you in the past. I am just now starting to free motion quilt and I found I really like quilt rulers. Since I am now getting serious about free motion quilting I will be back to your videos. What is so nice is that I have a I pad and I can set it up by my machine and watch instructional videos at the same time. You are the one I have watched the most and have a e-mail box heading with your name on it so I can save you and go watch when I want to. Thank you for your site, your time, your inspiration. God Bless You Vickey L.
I am reading all your posts and trying to watch most of videos. The main problem is I am doing most of this on my phone – and writing the reply there is for me a big problem 🙁 I am not so experienced as my teenagers. I need classic keybord to write as I am doing now. So please, keep blogging – I have learned a lot from you.
Wish you and your family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2019!
I search the internet for a topic of interest. When I find material on topic or something that catches my interest I generally read the entire blog and, often, back issues. If I subscribe to a blog I generally wind up unsubscribing because I am too busy to read everything. I subscribe to your YouTube channel and watch many of your videos. I do receive your emails and almost always read them. Bottom line, you provide content that keeps me interested. I’ll come back after the holidays and buy some Pinmoors when they are back in stock. Thanks for that tip.
Thank you for letting me know Susan! I do appreciate hearing this!
I still read blogs – I get posts thru Bloglovin and I have a folder on my computer that I look at. I do watch videos and listen to podcasts, but sometimes I only listen to a bit at a time and then go back. I retire in a year and am looking forward to having the time to sit and listen all the way thru and watch a video and work on the project at the same time. I have a notebook that I use to jot down blog sites with ideas and videos I want to go back to once I finally have time. I appreciate the time and energy bloggers put into this work.
I read quilting blogs. Not necessarily the posts that come up for a specific search but I follow many, many blogs and read/scan them, including yours 🙂
Yes I read blogs, and am amazed at how much I learn. There have been a very few blogs that I have unsubscribed to when I find that I am no longer inspired by them.
Thank you for sharing Corrine!
I do read your emails and blog
I do read blogs. I was told years ago that blogging was dead and was disappointed to hear that. There are certain people I follow and I want to hear what they are doing and working on. As for tutorials, I don’t think I could live without them! Those tutorials are the main source of my quilting education especially for FMQ on a domestic or longarm.
Thank you Dawn. No, I don’t think blogging is dead, but it is maybe not as valued as much as it once was. I think that’s probably why a lot of people have stopped blogging so much because they don’t feel or see the value in it anymore. Personally I love writing so I do want to continue!
I listen to podcasts in the car and I do exactly what you do when looking for something specific – Google it, find it, use it. I don’t like to waste time watching or reading anything extra. That being said, I go straight to searching Leahday.com first when I have a quilting question or need an idea. I haven’t watched or read everything you’ve put out there but I’m glad it’s there for reference. That probably doesn’t answer your question thought. Thank you for all you do and Happy New Year! Gotta go cut out another stack and whack, my new favorite fast quilt pattern!!!
I’m glad to hear you listen to podcasts and I’m honored that you come to my site first for your quilting answers! You made my day!
Hi Leah, i already commented when you first posted asking if we still read blogs, but i just have to give you this exampleof how much impact you really do have|!!! before your post, i read what i wanted, looked at whatever picture i liked and went on. now, if i see someones work, i take the time to comment and tell them, remembering that hey, they probably will feel good knowing someone really did care!!! thank you for making me more aware!
shoshana
That’s wonderful Shoshana! I’m so happy to hear this!
I still read a few blogs mainly ones I’m subscribed to, but I do also like to read blogs of people who’s work I find on Pinterest. I find the process different people to through in their quilting fascinating. I have learnt heaps from these and really appreciate them. I work full time so a quilting group doesn’t really work for me. People like yourself have become my quilting buddies. I do occasionally watch a new technique on a video or podcast.
Thank you for sharing Yvonne. Yes, I’ve been looking at a lot of statistics in the last few days and it looks like the videos don’t get watched very much here on the blog. Should I continue to embed the video just in case, or would you prefer just photos and text?
I like your videos and blogs. Do not stop please.
Well, some one must still be reading blogs, look all the comments above this one. My answer is yes and no, depends on what I’m looking for. I’ve learned a lot from blogs, sometimes you need an answer right away ( or don’t want anyone you know you asked maybe a really dumb question) and sometimes a topic grabs your interest. Sometimes I do what you did and just look for the answer.
That makes sense Jean and thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the eye opener. I read a lot of quilting blogs. I look at all the pictures. I read all the stories. I have never commented as I don’t like to leave my name and email address… perhaps I should start. You will be my first. 🙂
Thank you very much Yvonne. I don’t have any way of actually using your email address through the commenting system. So long as you don’t check the box to get notifications of replies, you shouldn’t be emailed. But then some commenting systems are weird and don’t follow those rules so I completely understand if you’re wary of that. Comments are just one measure of engagement. Likes on the video, comments on YouTube, an email through my website – all of this let’s me know you appreciate what you’ve read and learned and want it to continue.
Yes, I do read blogs! I use Bloglovin and do most of my reading late into the night when I cannot sleep. I use the world of blog as both entertainment and learning.
I am the type of person who likes to delve deep into something and will binge read, both books and blogs. I used to go to the library and would check out 10-20 books on the subject.
The roots of this is probably the set of World Book Enclycopedia and Brittanica Encyclopedia my parents bought for the 5 of us kids. I have been an avid reader since then. I used to just pick a volume of the children’s set at random and read it from cover to cover, referring to the adult set when something sparked the need learn more about a subject.
Now I will get fewer books and use the internet, blogs and YouTube. I am a visual learner but what I hear has a big impact, too. For example, I cannot listen to podcasts if I am sewing something I do not have memorized. However, I can listen to a movie I had seen more than once. I guess my head cannot take in info from more than one sense at a time when I am learning. Yes, I can and do multitask. Always, I’m a mother and a grandmother who cares for a 13 month old and a 4 month old during the day. I have to multi-task!
I look forward to listening to podcasts while driving (I live 30 minutes away from town) or when traveling. Quilting podcasts have been my go to favorite for years.
I love your intros to your podcasts! I love hearing what’s going on in the house! I always tell myself to go look at your video versions but I have actually gotten to it a couple of times.
Thank you so much for sharing this Lace! I really appreciate knowing you like the podcast introductions and would like that to continue. It’s honestly my favorite thing to film through the week and keeps me moving forward on all my goals. When I don’t want to film the intro it usually means I’ve gotten stuck on something and need to work it out. Anyway, thank you very much for sharing your perspective!
Why does it say on this post, 751 Responses but only 48 Comments and zero Pingbacks? How else does it receive responses?
It’s actually 751 comments total. I’m not sure why it’s separating responses and comments as that makes no sense – they are the same thing! As for pingbacks, that’s links from other sites that reference this post. The more links, the better online!
I do read blogs every morning from folks I follow. Sometimes I skim through but I always look to see what they are up to. I have been quilting for many years so I don’t watch too many videos. Only if it is something new or especially interesting to me.
I love to read blogs. They help steer me in new directions, and teach me things I didn’t know to ask. I hope blogs do not disappear.
I generally do Leah. I am so amazed at the talent so many generous people share. You are right on top! Understandable that time could be translated elsewhere if no one is watching – but I do see that you are the quilt queen with so many.
Hope you got your answer! Blessings to you and family.
Thank you Jane! I really appreciate your kindness!
I like recipe blogs, but I HATE to scroll through 40 pictures of the item before I get to the actual recipe!! I seldom read what is posted with those pictures – just want one picture and the recipe!
Yes, I read blogs. Thank you for the fresh look at quilting. I’m inspired by the videos because your enthusiasm comes through and encourages me.
The thing with blogs is, if I want to know how to bake a certain cokie, I want to see what ingredients are needed and how to bake it..
There really shouldn’t be any background noise or space filling words about nothing, personal life etc The chatty tone most blogs go for on a cookie site “I was visiting Aunt Helen and her daughter made divine cookies + 500 words about Aunt Helen is totally irelevant to the cookie recipe. Yes introduce it with a sentance but no more.
A lot of these blogs are funded by sponsors and they require certain products, words and phrases to be written a certain number of times, which implies we read them a certain number of times, and the product drips into our subconscious and we go out and buy them.
For me, if there was a short intro, straight to the recipe with a few photos, I would be more inclined to interact with a comment. I’d probably even by the brand specific ingredients to make the cookies exactly the same. And I think most people would too. Advertisers are using 19th and 20th century methods, they need to join the 21st century.
I completely agree Zanna! Unfortunately most of the ways those blogs are written has to do with search engine optimization. I’m sure advertisers have a little to do with it too, but mostly they are filling the posts with photos and text simply so it ranks on the Google search results. It’s annoying because it doesn’t make the post any better! Just understand that the reason the photos and ridiculous text is there is to keep you on the site longer. That’s it. The longer you spend, the more your traffic counts as a “vote” for that site in the search rankings.
Yes, I read your blogs, & usually watch a full video. But my problem right now is several things… I’m an empty nester, pretty newactually. 2 of my children moved to other states which I wasn’t expecting. And now their having babies, and their not wanting me around like it was when we were all home, raised tight & close. It hurts! The other thing, I’ve prayed for a quilting buddy, and I guess it isn’t meant to be, so it’s taking the life straight out of me, to sit all day by myself, no adult company, & I’ve even reached out to ladies in other towns… no one seems interested. It just isn’t fun to always be by yourself. My hubs isn’t interested in quilting, or anything outside his work, so his attention is gone, and I’m just having a hard time with it all. I do read & watch & listen to my podcasts, but if I repliedto all I’d never get nothing done. If there was a link to click to say yeaI read it, or maybe just say thanks, I’ll try… but to you, Leah I have gained a lot of knowledge from your blogs& videos. And, I keep looking for that back support that is weighted, but it’s always out of stock??!! When will it be back in? Thanks so much, hope that helps! ? hugs!
Thank you so much for sharing this Janet. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re lonely and I’m happy to hear the podcast is helping you fill that space and time in your day. Keep trying, keep reaching out. I’m sure you will find friends in your area and more companionship. You might consider looking at classes at your local community college. I’ve always thought that making friends with other people that want to learn and grow is the best!
I’m sorry about the back support being out of stock! Yes, we’ll definitely be getting them back in stock in January!
I read Blogs nearly everyday. Bloglovin’ is where I usually go. I like that I can go to an author’s website and look into more info., once I’m there. I prefer to do my learning by watching videos, both on Youtube and paid for online classes thru Craftsy and other sites. I’ve been a follower of you since the beginning of your Free Motion Quilting Project.
Thank you for sharing Marlyn! I’m so glad to hear you still enjoy both blogs and videos.
Hi Leah, I only read blogs when looking for specific information and often skim until I get to the portion I am interested in.
However I watch all of your videos on You Tube and enjoy doing so, even if I just watch. But your ideas are sometimes incorporated into my attempts at quilting. Until 2018 I would only quilt in the ditch. Your series on walking foot quilting has taken me away from that and I have even attempted free motion quilting. All those efforts were given to my sister’s dog who is not as judgemental of my work as I am. Keep up the good work, and follow your dreams and passion and if that is writing books go for it.
I found your videos are easy to follow and of great enjoyment, and a resource to come back to.
Best wishes for the future
LOL! Thank you for sharing Margaret. You’re right, dogs are definitely not judgmental!
Hi Leah, I read your newsletter (here I see I am reading it late). I love listening to your podcasts when I am sewing, although this season I have been listening to Christmas music. I love learning more about you during your introduction. I often refer to you as my “quilting mentor” as you have been my go to resource for years, since I delved into quilting in 2010. I tend to watch most of the videos linked in the newsletter from start to finish. Most of the information is review at this point, but you are a good teacher, so I enjoy it.
I think it is very appropriate to reassess how you spend your time in your business. I have tried to support your efforts through purchases on the website, and your service there is second to none! I used to read the blog of someone I knew (also from NC), but as she developed and grew, the focus of the blog changed and I lost interest. So, no on the blogs.
Thank you for sharing this with me Barb! I appreciate knowing you love our newsletters and the videos. I’m delighted to be your quilting mentor!
Hello from France,
I am very fond of your blog LeahDay,you are my teacher on the net,I’ve learn a lot from you and still is,so THANK YOU and Please keep on let us discover new techniques .
All your videos are very clear,and I loves them
Thank you so much Catherine!
Yes, I still enjoy your blog Leah. thanks!
Thank you Judith! This is wonderful to hear!
Yes, I enjoy taking the time and read the blogs. Thank you for all the effort you make in keeping it interesting and educational in this world of quilting and never enough time!
Thank you for sharing Margaret! I really appreciate hearing this!
This is very interesting as I just recently learned about the comments, time spent on a site, liking and subscribing help YOU!!! I do read blogs, I read this one!! But, I don”t of time for it. Today I searched “free motion quilt border ideas”…. here I am. I liked what I saw from you and since it makes a difference for you to get credit decided to post. I am willing to bet I am not the only one that didn’t know this about blogs, you tube, pinterest etc… Keep it up, I love it.
Thank you Karen! Yes, I figure explaining what we need and why is a good thing to start including in posts. Comments, links, and just plain time on the page help the search engines know what is valuable and what isn’t. I hope you found some nice border ideas!
Yes I read blogs using Feedly. My hubby reads the paper. I took your flower festival machine quilting block party and loved learning to free motion. Now that I have a long arm I hope to learn more. This year! Love your work! Thank you! I have made many purchases to show support for your work thank you!
Than you Deborah. I sincerely appreciate your support.