Every January we offer a couple of member-only and one free block-of-the-month project. And a free Christmas BOM starting in July. We post the dates in which blocks are published on each BOM page, and send out a newsletter with reminders. In December we actually send out 3 reminders for visitors to download the blocks by December 28, at which time we take the projects down as we prepare to post the new BOMs come January 1st.
Invariably, on December 31 I receive a flood of mail complaining about having come in to download the last blocks and not finding them there anymore. The most disturbing part is the messages from irate fellow quilters who basically tell me off for the inconvenience. I am told the reasons why they haven’t been able to come in on time and download the projects they were interested in. Many times it has been due to personal illness or that of a loved one. Or because they have been traveling. Or have been so busy they forgot. Or… you get the picture.
At first this type of message would really upset me. I would talk out loud to myself (and mentally to the person in question), going over everything I had done to make sure visitors were informed about dates and had plenty of time to access the projects. With time I realized all I could do was what I actually do, knowing there will always be someone who will be unhappy about the way I carry out my business, and who will make sure to convey their opinion.
I do listen. And I cannot please everyone. This year, for the first time, I chose not to respond to most of these messages. Still… I felt sad reading them. Sad because these are fellow quilters who, perhaps because of the anonymity of the Internet, do not seem to consider me as a person. I’ve come to the conclusion that for someone to be rude or angry towards me, they must be going through something very challenging or painful in their lives. So I choose not to feel angry, and try to find compassion in my own heart for someone I don’t know personally, but who I think would need better treatment from me than what they have actually afforded me.
It is the beginning of a new year. It is a time when I think many of us make resolutions to improve one thing or another in our lives throughout the coming year. I personally like to choose a word or inspirational phrase to carry with me through the year. And I have decided on something I want for myself this year, that has actually already been a mantra for me in the past. As part of that desire, I am bringing back a project I would like to offer to you all throughout this year. We could all do with a little kindness… both giving and receiving.
P.S. It would be very remiss of me not to point out the loving messages I have received from many of you, too. Your encouragement and support keep me going and positive in my own creative process. I doubt many people understand the ups and downs, the problems and challenges of being an independent designer. I am grateful for the support and encouragement you have shown me over the years. From the bottom of my heart… thank you.
I am a self-learner. I taught myself to sew and to quilt. And I taught myself how to draw. I am learning how to dye my own fabrics and am dabbling with mixed media. I am a quilt designer and teacher, and design and publish my own line of quilt patterns. With this blog I would like to share the bits and pieces of my life.
8 Comments
Thank you very much for all the moments of pleasure that I receive thanks to your patterns.
Happy New Year.
Karine (Belgium)
I love your patterns. Keep up the good work!
Oh, I love the Scandinavian Flowers! Thanks so much Angie! I’ve followed your blog for a couple years now and feel privileged to get not only one, but two lovely block projects each year! They are super appreciated! I have always been humbled that with all the ups and downs life brings, there on the 7th of the month, without fail, the free block is there for all. Hugs to you Angie for sharing these patterns with us each and every month. If only…on your blog, there was a button icon that said “thank you” and we could click the button to send you a big thank you each time!!!! Many Thanks to you from me!!!!
Well said! You will never please everyone, no matter what you do, so by choosing NOT to get angry over it, it helps you feel better. In the long run, it’s much better for you, physically and mentally, so it’s great that you’re able to do that. A lot of people really DO have problems that make a difference in their attitudes, and there’s nothing you can do for them to change that.
Thanks so much for the great BOM’s (I saved the cute little bugs last year for my grandson, who will be 3 on Groundhog day.) Blessings to you and yours in the coming year.
Thank you so much for sharing your patterns. I am in agreement with how you feel. Stay cool and continue on your good works and thoughts.
Just finished a baby quilt using your free, I reiterate, FREE (FREE) 2018 BOM Bug-off! for my newest great-granddaughter. It is so adorable and made me smile making it. Anyone who is downloading these patterns has a phone, ipad, computer or some other electronic device that has a calendar where you can post your download dates. It’s not rocket science folks. So post the dates and download your files timely and quit bugging Angie when you fail. I love your patterns and want you to continue. Thank you so much.
Thank you for all you do, Angie. Some people will never be satisfied and try to push blame on everyone else instead of taking responsibility for their mistakes. I have an old calendar program that I put all the BOM links in; it helps me remember to get them before time runs out. MS Outlook also has this feature and so do smart phones. There really is no excuse if it is important enough for the person to remember.
I just came across your tutorial on the 3-part mini-mosaic lizard quilts –
was looking for something to put on the back of my jean jacket.
Then I saw your name and went to your website – how beautiful it is (thanks to you and your son) – and am so impressed with your talent. Have signed up for your newsletter – have a blessed Easter!