Why?
well frankly for a better understanding of my view of blogging and sharing.
I want to talk about random stuff ......
what I don't particularly share on my blog
and maybe even why I don't.
what I don't particularly share on my blog
and maybe even why I don't.
**disclaimer**
I am not intending to offend anyone. This is about me.
1.
I do not blog about fabric I don't like or love.
I just don't say anything at all.
You know the old cliche "if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all".
2.
I publish patterns in magazines and quilting books, therefore I am kind of 'in the business'.
That means I have to be very careful what I say on my blog, facebook, twitter and pinterest.
I once made the mistake of tweeting the approximate wholesale price of quilting cotton
and what the retail cost will be.
and what the retail cost will be.
I saw this information at a quilt shop.
Let me tell you, that ruffled online feathers.
I was viewing it from a consumer stand point...
not the seller.
I am educated enough to know that a quilt shop marks up the fabric.....
They have to make a living somehow!!!
That doesn't matter as, I don't sell fabric
but I am considered in the business by most standards.
For me this was a tough lesson to learn.
Just don't share the wholesale costs.
I can't help but wonder what the lasting effects of my one tweet will be?
Will the offended 'online shop' continue to 'punish' me for that tweet?
Did they purposefully remove me from their blog list?
Am I imagining things?
I will likely never know.
I am just guessing who the offended shop is btw.
I don't really know, I just have a hunch.
at any rate, now I keep my 'mouth' shut.
3.
I may submit 10 projects to magazines...maybe only 1 is accepted.
Sometimes there is no reply at all.
Sometimes there is no reply at all.
For Real.
and that really messes with ones self-esteem,
so sometimes I want to stop all together,
but I don't...
so sometimes I want to stop all together,
but I don't...
4.
I am not ashamed of my stash,
however, I do not show all the fabric that I buy.
however, I do not show all the fabric that I buy.
People may judge that I have too much,
more than I deserve or will use.
btw, this is ALL true....
however, it doesn't stop me from buying more fabric IF I want to.
5.
I consider fabric acquisition as 'therapy in a bag'.
It's cheaper than a psychiatrist at this point.
I get depressed feelings like everyone else.....fabric eases that LOL.
I get depressed feelings like everyone else.....fabric eases that LOL.
6.
I simply can't do everything.
I get help.
I have a housekeeper once a week.
Her name is Jamie and she's fantastic and worth every penny.
Without her I would have no time to sew.
7.
I post my blogs ahead because Monday-Thursday I work 10 hour days and like other working parents must come home to my second job of caring for my husband and children.
That means I blog stuff on the weekend for the rest of the week.
8.
I can't show you everything I am working on.
I sell some of my ideas and once it's on my blog the ideas are public domain-ish
and that is unacceptable for a paid designer. *note #2 and #3 above
9.
I had vein surgery twice this year and should have 2 more before the year ends.
This means I may be home in a recliner recovering.
My children may be on holiday with my in-laws which will give me more free time...
except that I will barely be able to walk the first week.
Surgery is still surgery.
And lastly......
It may appear that I have soooo much time to sew and quilt.
I sincerely wish I had more time to quilt. I look at my projects and long to sew them.
Usually I feel this at about 7 o'clock in the morning....
just as I finish making the beds and head down stairs to leave for work.
There's one last look at my sewing area.....Sigh.
Okay I got that out in the open....whew.
I hope that my rambling on and on here didn't completely turn you off.
The truth is, is that I am actually hoping that you have a better understanding of me
and what you read and see on my blog.
Now I'll get back to blogging more fun stuff.....
like the Applecore tutorial.
like the Applecore tutorial.
46 comments:
Boy oh boy can I relate to almost all of that. Espcially the looking in the sewing room as it is time to be walking out the door to work.
I think it was very nice of you to share, however I think that what you choose to put on your blog is your business and what you choose not to put there is your business it is all very well and good to share however your life is your life and no one should be judgemental about that. If you want 5 rooms packed floor to ceiling with fabric you have every right to them and not one person has any business making rude or disparaging comments about it. If they don't like it they don't have to read it.
It makes me sad that in this virtual world where so many of us pride ourselves on being modern and sophisticated and wonderful, that we can't act sophisticated and mature. People all have different opinions and we will NOT always see eye to eye. The virtual world is no different than the physical world we live in. I don't see why someone can't kindly express their opinion or point of view without others feeling hurt or upset about it.
Thanks for giving us your honest opinions and for trying to be a kind and "professional" blogger. I will be glad when all of these she-said-she-said, my feelings are hurt conversations die down and we can concentrate on enjoying each other's creations and creativity.
it is always nice to hear more from the feelings of the author of the blogs I read. I can totally understand being careful about what you print if you are trying to publish. wholesale is wholesale I think most realize that mark up is usually by half at least - any one that has ever had anything to do with retail should anyhow - just the way things are - a quilt shop has rent to pay, utilities to pay, insurance and the list goes on and on if they want a business they have to charge for the products not give them away.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Everything it totally understandable. The one thing that I think all bloggers can relate to is being careful about what they write or post on their blogs. You do have a busy schedule and scheduling posts ahead of time is always a good idea. I hope all goes well with your surgery and you have a speedy recovery.
I really enjoyed reading your post. I think many people feel the same way, we want to blog but there is always a fine line on what should be shared. Blogging should also be fun and like you I don't always say how much fabric I just bought or have. Take care and hope your surgery goes well.
I wouldn't be here Vickie if I didn't totally enjoy your blog. I'm even more amazed knowing ALL the things you do. Hope your recover quickly and get some time in your sewing room.
Therapy in a bag is a perfect way to say it. I feel the same way.
Oh my gosh I am so glad that you wrote this blog. It is so great to know that at some point or another we are all in the same situation. I sometimes read blogs and wonder are these real how do they get so much done? I sometimes stuggle with getting the lunch dishes done before dinner, and some bloggers are sewing quilts like they are machines. And what you wrote about the "stash" TRUE TRUE TRUE!!! I would never show my whole stash to any other quilter. I have found that quilter judge another quilter stash like they are judge what kind of car they drive! I could go on and on put I won't! Again THANK YOU!!! You just made my night!
Good for you, Vickie! The really sad thing is that you felt like you had to say all this out loud - - - because what you put on your blog is your business; how much fabric you buy is your business; how much or how little you get to sew is your business! And I can totally relate to #3 - I had a similar experience (no response) and have just decided to design and post on my blog! It wasn't worth the blow to my self-esteem.... besides being just rude! But I'm over that now...... ;-)
I love the therapy in a bag approach!! I have a pile of fabric that I really don't even pretend that I am going to use....I just love looking at it.
I think we all need to remember that NOBODY is perfect, we all make mistakes, and it's how we handle it that's important. Your blog is fun, I love it, and also relate so well to walking out the door to go to work when my sewing room is calling my name to come and play! Some days it's actually depressing, but I'm thankful I have a job, on the other hand, too, otherwise, I would not be buying ANY fabric! :-)
I wouldn't be here either if I didn't enjoy your blog. Your post today did give me a better understanding of you - and it was just like I thought - all good.
I refuse to feel guilty or make anyone else feel guilty about the amount of fabric they have or how many UFO's they have. This is supposed to be fun! If you have a lot of stash because it makes you happy, then I'm going to be happy with/for you!!!
It seems we have the same therapist...lol
It is always nice to "hear" someone talking about real life!!!
Hugs from Brasil!can't wait for the applecore tute!
Vickie, bless you and I wish you well with your surgeries! I've just recently returned to work myself and with a 5 yr old and a 7 yr old at home I keep thinking, man I wish I had more time to quilt ... then I injured my back and I lay here looking at my sewing machine making me wish even more for sewing time ... what ever you have you've earned and no one deserves having you explain... it's yours. If they don't understand, they don't need to be here. I've been rewarding myself with a bit of fabric here and there because of my new job, so I too am using a bit of fabric as therapy .... best wishes to you, Vickie, take care of you!
Your blog is one of my favorites. Your so right therapy in a bag. When I need a personal pick-me-up, from a bad day or whatever, I go to the fabric store. Remember you can't make everyone happy, just make you happy ( you only have control of your own self). You work hard and, you play hard, what you buy or, own or, do is you own personal business know one else's. I envy all that you accomplish, your like the Energizer bunny. I hope all your healing goes fast and your back to 100 % ASAP. ;>
Therapy in a bag....I love that and yes that sums it up for me. I love your blog and this post. So wonderful to get your feelings on things, and also see the goings on in your life. In life from time to time we have all may be not said the right thing. Some people just look for us to mess up I guess. But again, love your blog and always come away with lots of inspiration from you!!! Sending healing thoughts your way!!
I love this post! So nice to know that you have a "real life" too. I work full time as well and I have to say that there are days when I would rather sew than work, but like most people, if I want a stash, I have to work! I'm with the others, I love your blog and all your inspirations and I can't begin to imagine your organizational abilities regarding blog "pre-posts" preparation! But I am grateful for it. I hope your surgeries go well and healing comes fast. I hope the negative Nellies keep their tongues at bay, life is to short to be picking on others.
I am right with you on several of your points. Therapy in a bag is true for me!
I have a house cleaner, too...Actually two, my teenage boys! I want their future wives to have husbands who know how to pick up the house and clean.=)
I for one completely get it. And wouldn't think to comment negatively on anyone's blog. If I can't say something nice...lol, keep it coming, ignore anyone who is rude and know that there are plenty of us out here that just enjoy your blog and take it as it comes!
Vickie, so glad you said what you wanted to say. This social-network-conscious world can be a cruel place sometimes! I'm pleased for you that the help you have and the money you make goes towards feeding your creative soul. It's your life and your blog and sharing what parts of it you choose is all under your control, as it should be!!! Thanks for keeping on blogging and sharing the quilty love.
I always enjoy reading your blog because you seem very real and sensible in your approach to dealing your hobbies, family life, and work.
Please continue to share (inspire) us. :0)
Wow, you're so.....normal! Thank you so much for your honesty. I really like your blog and your work is just lovely.
I enjoy reading your blog. You are real, honest, and open. I appreciate what you've shared with us and hope that you will not get discouraged by those I call the "Perpetually Offended Ones" (or POO, for short). Please, keep up the good work and enjoy the heck out of what you do!
Hi I follow your blog even though I may not comment often (please don't hold that against me!!) I wanted to comment on this because your blog is just that, yours, you can say and do what you like on it and if people don't like it they don't have to follow. Over a 1000 followers can't be wrong!! Linda x
De-lurking to give you a great big hug!
I'm with you on a lot of this. Glad that you got it off your chest.
It is easy to stage things to make it look better than it really is. I was a Real Estate agent trust me I know! All we can do is be ourselves, do what we love and then we will be happy. I enjoy your blog and hope your surgery goes well.
Take care after the surgery...and please keep your blog the way it is....it's real and who you are!
I hope your surgery goes super well and that you have a smooth recovery.
Your blog is wonderful as it is. It is truly a joy to visit it and see what you're sewing, planning or re-organizing.
Hugs, Karen
Hey, thanks for this post, it's great to see that not everyone can do it all. I work full time and commute, but I don't have any children. I have a cleaner once a week too. I hate housework and certainly don't want to spend my precious weekend cleaning. A lot of my friends look down on me as I don't have children and tell me I've got SO much spare time, why would I possibly need a cleaner. But I don't have loads of spare time, not with being out of the house for 14 hours a day at work, so if I want to sew at the weekend, it's my perogative!
I can really relate to so much of what you said. I have been amazed at times at what some of my readers have chosen to be offended by! You have to weigh your words so carefully, and even so, there will be someone out there who gets snarky. Keep on doing what you do, and good luck with your surgery!
I just have to add to all the comments already here...you ARE FABULOUS! You are HONEST. You are REALISTIC. You are TALENTED. You are INSPIRATIONAL. I love all these things!! I admire your tenacity and your perspective. Keep going. You are a bright spot in the blogging world. Many of the things you said hit home with me (not the designing...still a far off dream of mine!), so just knowing that you, too, find it tough to find time to sew and that you work long hours and devote even more time to your family, etc really makes me like you even more. =) Keep being your wonderful self!!!
I completely get it! And I must say, sounds like a normal quilter, wife, mother, worker to me! You are just blessed with talent too. Enjoy it and never make excuses for yourself. You are someone I hope to meet someday. :-) You inspire me. Have a happy day!
Oh, that was kind of sad to read. I hope most of your followers and commenters aren't giving you a hard time. I love looking at photos of your stash...makes me feel better about mine. Sometimes I think I might have enough fabric to last me the next 10 years and I better stop buying more, but then again, half the fun is acquiring the fabric and imagining what it will become:) The finishing up a project is the boring part!
I just want to say thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity. I'm sure that fabric acquisition is a much better therapy for me too.
Best wishes with your surgery. You are an amazing woman to do all you do. Take care!
Vickie I think you are an amazing person that is why I am a follower of your blog. I admire you for all that you do in your life. Buy all the fabric you want nobody's business but yours, I know buying beautiful fabric always makes me feel good
You take care of yourself hon and ignore the "poos" I loved that.
Good luck with your surgery. Blessings Sandra
I applaud you for all that you get done! :-) I enjoy your blog thought rarely leave a comment. After reading so many blogs and blogging for the past few years I learned that "people always have something to say" whether it good or bad and you have to take that with a grain of salt. I'm ever so careful what I blog about or say because I do not need it to come back and bite me or have Quilt Hollow as an ugly blog to visit. I'm laughing....oh, how many times could I have vented about my MIL or mom for that matter! They read and boy would I be in big trouble. LOL SO...with that said I keep it minimal and try to keep to the point.
As for fabric purchases....I've seen some serious bashing in blogland of those who made "nice big" purchases from those who are jealous. I think same goes for showing winnings of giveaways or simply gifts from bloggers...there is always jealousy for some reason. Had you noticed that? Anyway, you just keep on doing what your doing and I wish you much luck with your surgeries. Hugs!! Mary
Sending you a hug:) I have "too much" fabric, as well- but still need more!!! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way- for your surgeries and more!
Nice to hear your real less edited thoughts. It seems like things are very hush hush as far as the "money" side of things. What's fair to be paid for a magazine quilt? What's fair to charge a distributor? How do book deals work? These are all things I've wanted to know but had to learn the few things I have learned just through experience. For all I know, I got hosed...just relying on the kindness of people to not "do me dirty" since it seems like discussing the business side of quilting is just not done. I wish there was a "quilting for dummies". I did not even know how to submit to a magazine until Pat Sloan's blog said how. Sad huh?
Hey hey there chin up Just enjoy your cotton "picking" time and then remember playing in the cotton fields. Rolling in the cotton like clean fresh lined dried sheets at night when you go to bed.I am happy that you got published , and have had some quilts chosen to be in books and had patterns published. Without all you creators where would the rest of us "COPYCATS" be? You enjoy what you get to do I love to go cotton picking with anyone and It just makes me happy.
Patty
Interesting post! And commnets.
One thing I will add to the others, if someone wants to pay your bills and buy your food, then and only then would they have the right to make a remark about all your fabric! Shoot you worked for the $$ and it is yours to do with as you please. Don't let the nay sayers get you down.. In reality they are just jealous as they are pretending to have more than they do! I know way to many like this.
And I will give a shock to all the fabric world, the customary mark up is 2.2-shipping has to be paid for by someone, so it is the consumer.
Have a great day and do what makes you Happy and let the rest go.!
Hey Vickie. As someone who is also *in the business* I guess, isn't it so frustrating when people don't get back to you???? I mean, I think at LEAST 50% (probably more) don't get back to me!!! Sometimes it's people whom I am paid to work with. Sorry to rant. I had vein surgery this year too. It sucked. Sounds like we have a lot in common.
Hi Vickie!
Out of all the people in the quilting world I have the up most respect for you. You are some one who has busted her butt to become a dentist, a wife and a mom. If who ever could not see past who you are through all the social networking and realize that you have busted your butt to afford to be in your situation. That person has to be very bind. For that alone I appolaude you and anyone else for that matter who has finished their education and moved on to have a good career, family and lifestyle. You have earned it! That is why I am pushing my daughter to keep her grades up and to finish her eduacation so that she can be nearly in the same situation as yourself.
Quilting on the other hand is a great hobby to relish and to vent in. And if some one was nice enough to cut me a great deal I would be singing praises too! Personally I think you are lucky not to be one of those blogs that are heavily sponcered. Thank for that you by the way! Oh, best wishes on the last couple of surgeries.
I love how you have found some sort of 'balance' between work, family and sewing. It resonates so well with me. All the best for your surgeries. Keep on quilting on!
I've been a reader of your blog since your got started. (I was known as Cootie Bug then but now I have a different blog. I read it because I feel like we are "blog friends" after all this time. :)
Continue your blog however you wish, it's yours and yours alone.
I sometimes read about bloggers who receive mean comments. I guess the best way to handle it is to ignore it and keep on keepin' on. Some people have small minds, or nothing better to do, or some kind of issues that they can't deal with. I don't try to understand them. It's their problem. Just want you to know that I think you and your blog are JUST FINE.
ch
I certainly hope you didn't share all of that with us because you have been getting "not so nice" comments or emails. I think you may have and I am sorry for that. I don't understand people that question our lives....period. I love reading what you are doing and your family...that is what blogging is all about, not judging. Keep up the good work and have fun!
Vickie,
Best wishes with your surgeries. I hope you're feeling considerably better very soon.
I've not been reading any blogs lately and barely have time to get my own posts in thanks to personal and professional obligations---so I think I've missed some of the topics of this post but am certainly hoping all is well.
Happy Stitching,
Heather
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