This is a post that isn’t easy to write. But it deals with some issues that are cropping up more and more often. Rather than stewing about it, I’ve decided to try to bring some clarity.
I’ve sprinkled pretty quilt pictures throughout to make this a bit more fun. 😊
First of all, I love all of my wonderful friends and readers! I appreciate your friendship and encouragement over the years. I read each and every comment, even though I’ve gotten to be terrible at responding. That is partly due to changes on the part of WordPress (they no longer share your email address with me) and partly due to busyness in my own life.
I frequently have visitors that find my blog via Pinterest. How wonderful! Welcome!
Often quilters find a photo of one of my quilts there and then leave comments or send emails asking about the quilt, pattern etc. All well and good, except often the answers they are seeking are in the blog post itself already. In order to respond as they desire, I have to go back, read the post, and then send them the info from the post. This takes so much time. I love to help when feasible, but please READ the post before asking. You will get your answer much sooner this way!
I receive so many questions about Quilts of Valor. Most of the Quilts of Valor you see on my blog have been pieced by someone other than myself. I do not know pattern names and often, I don’t even know the person who pieced the top. So I can’t go track it down for you. It may seem a simple thing, but it takes an enormous amount of time. Especially when I get this request several times each week. I just can’t do this.
I get asked ALL the time about patterns. If I have any pattern info, it will be in the blog post. If it is not, I don’t have it. I rarely work from patterns myself.
Having said that, you may need to read back a few posts to find the info you are looking for. I don’t repeat the same info in every post about a quilt I’m working on. You may have to dig a bit! If you are like me, the digging can be fun!
I am often asked to share measurements or even step by step instructions for a quilt. Unless this info is already on the blog (and it usually is), I cannot do this anymore. Reread the post and you will usually find what you need. I am glad to answer questions when something isn’t clear, but please don’t ask me to write a pattern for you.
People that write blogs are a generous sort. They freely share valuable content with their readers. We do it because we enjoy it! We do NOT get paid for it. In fact, the storage space my blog uses, costs me several hundred dollars a year. The content is entirely free to readers. I do act as an affiliate for a few companies to help offset the cost. Offset being the operative word. At this point, my commission earnings will not cover the cost.
I’m not complaining, I love doing this. But there are a surprising number of people who feel that blog writers owe them time and information. If you aren’t willing to hunt down a pattern, don’t get mad at me if I’m not willing to do it for you. I need time to make my quilts too!
Please remember that there is a person behind every blog you read. They have families, homes, life events, paying jobs, crises, etc. outside of the glimpse of their life they share with you on their blogs. They are not “on call.”
I am not trying to be rude or unkind. Most people truly do not know what they are asking. They do not understand how much time it takes. I hope this post brings understanding, not just for me, but for all blog readers/writers.
I love you all and look forward to sharing more soon. Katy
KatyQuilts 
Hi Katy,
Haven’t posted in a while as I have my first Granddaughter to hug, snuggle and love. They sure make a difference in our life. As for your blog very well put my dear. I greatly appreciate all your post, information and beautiful quilts you share with all of us. I love reading about all your adventures in quilting, travels and your lovely family as well. In particular I just love the last quilt in your pictures above. Must admit my favorite is heart one. I hope your day is as fantastic as you are.
Miss you my dear, if you ever pass through Clawson stop by and visit. You know where to find us on the 2nd Saturday of each month 🙂
Great explanation! I couldn’t agree more.
I also appreciate your thoughts (and all the pretty quilts) here and agree whole heartedly- with grace and kindness too. I have noticed these things one many other blogs too and I often want to reply to complainers that this is not a paid for service so be gracious, please. 😉
As to the WordPress changes, someone told me that you can go to the comments section and next to the commenter’s name is a little i inside a circle. If you click on that, you should get the email address. It is an extra step and I hope people will understand that you are going above and beyond to interact.
Please keep doing what brings you joy. This is your space. I am grateful to be invited into it.
Thank you for all the eye candy – love those quilts. So glad to be reminded in a gentle way of what’s ok and what isn’t.
Oh dear, it sounds like maybe someone(s) have been rude and unkind to you? Sorry to hear that, I myself enjoy hearing about your quilts and other activities, and appreciate the time you must devote to it!
Ceci
well said. People need to be self reliant. Good for you!!
Everything you pointed out makes perfect sense, Katy, and in a perfect world, shouldn’t have to be stated in the first place. Bloggers have a life outside of their posts; lives filled with moments with loved ones and the everyday things we ALL have to deal with. Thank you for sharing more examples of your amazing creations. With time and practice, people will find they can “dissect” blocks in order to recreate them. That’s half the fun!
I look forward to all of your posts and your explanation was great. You area greatly appreciated and you are my kind of quilter and I have made many of your quilts.
I think this is a great post! Sometimes we just need things explained a little bit more and that is fine. I love seeing your work and all the wonderful ideas you have.
Hugs,
Well said and I’m with you all the way. So many times the question they ask is in the post or sometimes in the day before. Like you, I don’t give every detail about the quilt I’m making in every post about that quilt. Many readers aren’t aware or aren’t willing to go back a few posts and try to find the detail they are looking for. I label my posts but there I don’t make a label for every single pattern or style of quilt I make but there is a search box where they can type in key words and bring up every post that they are in. I use the search box regularly on other blogs.
I think this is a great post! Sometimes we just need things explained a little bit more and that is fine. I love seeing your work and all the wonderful ideas you have. Hugs,
Well said!!
awesome post! I feel it’s informative for those of us who do not blog to understand how it all works. I think many don’t know just how many questions that you get inundated with regularly. I enjoy your blog, even though I’m not much of a commenter. Have a good day!
Well said Katy! And thank you for all the beautiful quilts you share with us. Long may you continue!
I just read every word you wrote! Thank you for everything you do. I don’t think we say that enough. Thank you Thank you
I enjoy just looking at your quilts!!!!
Katy, truly no explanations are needed. Please just Keep doing you and creating as you desire, when you fit it in. You’re a breath of fresh air and incredible with how much you get done. Enjoy!
You go girl!! We appreciate what you do and your time. Spend it on fun things and let us do a bit of digging. You inspire us-so keep doing it!