Let's keep it fun and friendly.
I read a post on a blog the other day that left me fuming. Someone, under the guise of getting things off her chest had said hurtful things about a few different fabric and quilt designers work. It's one thing to have a little quiet off loading of opinion with friends, but loud and proud in public where the words will get back to the designers in question is really unthoughtful. But then what left me even more flabbergasted was the post attracted hundreds of comments from people and their complaints about quilting and blogging.
I sound like I'm whinging too, I know.
It seems so obvious to me - Quilt because it makes you happy. Use the fabric you love. Sew the patterns that you enjoy making and using. Read blogs that inspire you or make you smile (oops I slipped up on the last one and see what's happened , lol). Call yourself whatever you want- quilter, modern, newbie, liberated, traditonal, artist. And leave others to sew, use, read and call themselves whatever they want.
To top it off, the above mentioned post was a giveaway for a book that I have a copy to give away too. So for a few days I felt disheartened about offering the same book. But then I cheered up... so here it is
Natural Patchwork by Suzulo Koseki - 26 Stylish Projects Inspired by Flowers, Fabric & Home. Her books are favourites of mine and never fail to make me smile.
To be part of the giveaway- Leave me a comment - Something about quilting or blogging that makes you happy.
If you're a super duper, wonderful follower you can leave another message.
If you can think of a special reason you deserve a third comment, eg twitter, facebook, sandwich board, then go ahead.
If you want to leave message but not be part of the giveaway just say so in your comment. Some of you probably already have the book or just don't need another book, I know..
I'll make the cut off for entries on the 7th May at midnight , Blue Mountains, Australia time, and do a random drawing on the 8th May. I'll post it anywhere!
Ps Sarah Fielke wrote a great post in response to the negativity in blogland in a post titled Easter and a Little Rant on the 28th April, I wasn't able to make it link to that post but her blog is - The Last Piece.
Cheerio
This giveaway is now closed- That sounds so official doesn't it. You can still leave comments if you like. Cheers :)
39 Comments
I decided to stop socializing with negative people
ReplyDeletea few years ago and I extend this to the blogging world. I only read happy, friendly blogs and if I come across anything mean or negative I just don't go there again. Luckily the group of bloggers in my little bit of blog land are all fabulous, caring, supportive and kind people (just like you)and that's why I enjoy their blogging company.
Looks like a fun book! And WOW those fabrics are definitely fun!!
ReplyDeleteWhat makes me happy the most about blogging is MY INSANE UFO COLLECTION IS RAPIDLY SHRINKING!! ;D Blogging keeps me motivated and on track. It goads me on so that I'll have *something* in the way of progress to record at least once a week. And seeing all the creative projects other folks are working on - be it an original or one of the really cool QALs that go viral - inspires me to hurry and get the required number of UFOs finished so I can do a new project of my choice as soon as possible. :D
I *am* a super duper, wonderful follower already ;D (hehe)
ReplyDeleteYou must have been reading my mind, I've been looking at Suzuko Koseki's fabrics today wondering if I should click on the buy button, lol. That green fabric is a fabulous colour.
ReplyDeleteI had to remind myself why I'm blogging just last week too for the same reason, I know it's because of the mutual sharing and encouragement, it's a community of quilters and like Lyn, I know I've got onto some older projects beacause of blogging..
I'm a follower too Rachael and thank you for the chance to win the book.
ReplyDeleteThank you for offering this great book. I have been admiring Suzuko Koseki's work for a while and have read some great reviews of her work.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you wholeheartedly on this issue. I am a new quilter but I have been collecting fabric and reading quilting blogs for about three years. I just found yours today via The Root Connection. Love your header and ticker tape style and I look forward to exploring more of your blog later, as I've just bookmarked it.
ReplyDeleteLike Melody who commented first here, I also choose to disassociate myself from negative people, IRL and in blogland. And in my own personal experience, the negative/judgmental/petty quilters in the world are few and far between. In the two local guilds I am a member of, one modern, one traditional/classic, I receive a ton of encouragement and inspiration and truly think the vast majority of quilters are very generous folks.
So happy to add you to the list!
Thanks for the chance to win such a great book and fabrics too!
I love those who blog. Many are so inspiring to me. Don't even think about quitting.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower too.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY TO FOLLOW YOU!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR SHARING!
jldouglas@wispwest.net
THE FEEL OF MY QUILTING FABRICS MAKES ME HAPPY!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR SHARING!
jldouglas@wispwest.net
Your header makes me happy every time I click on your blog, I just love it!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and love her books, I would be very happy to win.
ReplyDeleteBecause of your blog I hot footed over to springwood to see the quilts. Yours were very refreshing, lively and colourful.
ReplyDeleterachelndave@bigpond.com
I love quilting as it's something I can do around the kids. A friend couldn't believe I had time to quilt with 2 young kids... I just cut/piece/sew whenever I get a spare 5 mins.
ReplyDeleteWell said. I feel excatly the same. Just do what YOU love. Awesome giveaway you have organised.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteI've become your follower too. Don't know why I didn't do it earlier as a love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes me happy most about blogging is the wonderful new friends I have met. Luckily I have not come across any negativity (that's not saying that I won't, some people seem to enjoy being very public about it??) I admire the way the REAL people have handled it and good on you for still going ahead with your plans. I like the shared learning and encouragement that comes thru blogland. I am no quilter but I do sew straight lines and have a quilt in my WIP pile :-)
ReplyDeletePS I am one of your lovely followers too :-)
ReplyDeleteCelebrate quilting and ignore everything else! Be happy:)
ReplyDeleteI agree! Isn't it about ENJOYING what you do - isn't this our hobby?
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying catching up on reading my favourite blogs while out of action with a very broken arm. Would love to win something as a cheer up pressie!
i love the entire process of quilting from the arrival of the fabric (i do alot of mail order) to the creation process.
ReplyDeletei follow
ReplyDeleteI love making quilts to give to my family and friends. It is like sharing a big hug- what could be more pleasurable than that!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. I have never figured out why one needs to put down others to make themselves feel better. Like you said, read the posts you want, celebrate all forms of quilting and treat others the way you want to be treated. There is a line in a film called The Bridges of Madison County where the mother writes to her children -live life with the ones you love- make sure to really live as life is too short... Strive to be happy - find the things that make you happy and do it... (not the exact quote but the essence of her letter)
Thanks for the opportunity to win such a nice book.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna
I also am one of your followers Rachel and have your name on my blog list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing a nice blog- I always enjoy my visit.
Regards,
Anna
It may be simple but the reason I make quilts is because I love the feeing of cuddling up on the couch/Bed with a hand made snuggly quilt and I love the fact that I can also provide quilts for friends and family to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI am a happy little follower already :)
ReplyDeleteI just love quilting/sewing and being able to share it with others (bloggers) from all across the globe who have an appreciation for that sort of thing, i think its brilliant !
ReplyDeleteMy mum always said if you cant say anything nice...dont say anything at all, a good bit of advice i reckon! Thanks Mum!
I would love to win your fantastic giveaway Rachael!
Thanks!
x
What a gorgeous book, I feel bad for the deisigners who were bagged out. I wouldnt be very happy if someone decided to write a post about how they hated the girls swimwear I make. I think all those commenters would feel equally sour if.someone targeted them likewise. The golden rule, isnt it something like treat others like you would like to be treated.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, so nice to stumble on your blog this afternoon. Im off tobread the post you have linked to.
I'm glad I've missed the thread you are talking about. So much grumpiness and too much meanness--any meanness is too much! It doesn't cost anything to be nice! Thanks for being sunshine!
ReplyDeleteI know the post you speak of and will confess that I made comment (dont shoot me). I don't think she was trying to be hurtful. I felt like her point was more that it's ok for us all to be different and not necessarily all like the same thing. Rather than we should celebrate our differences. I think her heart was in the right place. But I totally agree with you! It's really mean to single people out or publicly say that you don't like their work. Can't we just all play nice? It really hurts me when I see all of this judgement and really just complete nastiness in the quilty bloggy world. It's SO unnecessary! I just think that as the old saying goes "if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all".
ReplyDeleteAnyway thank you for being your lovely self. The thing I live about fabric and quilting is colour, and lots of it!
Xx
That was supposed to say "love".
ReplyDeleteAnd I am a loyal follower xx
I read your blog first thing every morning with my cofee. I creep around the house like a stealth-mom so as not to wake the family. After a cup of espresso and your inspirations I feel like my batteries are charged up for another day. Thanks for all the work that I know goes into your fun and lovely blog. And thanks for having such a nice giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say that i discovered your blog via flikr! I did have you on my favorites list but recently learned about the mportance of subscribing and following so I did that too.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachael...cruising by and came across you...I used to live in the Blue Mountains too!!! Please don't be too disheartened by those comments...that was really sad to read...and no, you are not whinging...
ReplyDeleteMmm...something about quilting/blogging that makes me happy...yesterday I had a comment on my blog from a lovely lady that commented on my blog...she made my day as she first encouraged me in quilting back in the mid 80's when we were up there...
Please count me in...Dzintra Ingrid
And now I'm a follower too...Dzintra
ReplyDeleteI'm so behind on my blog reading, I'm glad to see this is still open!
ReplyDeleteI follow in google reader :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for leaving me a comment. Your kind words encourage me to keep sharing my work and stories.