open for sponsors

Sometimes I find it hard to believe that this blog is now almost four years old.  I started out as someone who had just made her first quilt and four years later I find myself sat here as an established fabric designer and accomplished author.  I'd like to say all that happened by accident but that just isn't the truth.  In reality, it took a lot of work, quite a few risks, a number of downfalls and a heck of a lot of learning on the hop.  During the whole of that time, I have consistently made an effort to drop in here a few times a week and write up a post.  Very rarely have I gone for a week without writing something and it doesn't always come easily.  And then there are the pictures that go with the posts, I probably take at least 50 to 100 photos for every 5 I end up using and probably that is an underestimate.

What I'm getting at is that regular blogging does not happen by accident, it takes commitment.  It's not that I have more time than other people, it's more that I prioritise blogging over (let's face it) ways of making money - writing more patterns, more books, diversifying into other area's of licensing.  Things I've never taken much time to look at or work at because quite frankly I'd rather make a quilt, pouch or other fabric thing-y and blog about.  I like writing a blog because I like reading them and the world would be a much sadder place without them.

BUT things are getting tougher - I'm getting more requests for work and then theres the flux of change and upheaval that comes with even thinking about moving house.  And yet, I would like to think that I could still find the time to continue coming here and writing a blog post as regularly as ever in a way that makes it still a viable option for me.

Therefore, I have made the decision to finally open up this blog to sponsors.  It's something I have resisted doing for a long time but it has never made more sense to me than it does right now.  I am especially looking at fabric shops that sell modern fabrics but also would consider shops that sell handcrafted finished goods.  If you are interested - please email me from here for more details.

Comments

[Deborah]

I think it's a great idea. I love reading your blog and would be so sad if you didn't continue! Bring on the sponsors!!

[Flying Blind]

Good on you!

[Astrid]

Good for you. You make wonderful things and we are lucky that you prioritize the blog.

[Carmen Wyant]

Change is good Aneela, and you do what you have to do to keep creating. Those of us who love your designs understand that sometimes change is necessary and not altogether a bad thing.

[Renae]

I imagine this was a hard decision to make, but from the perspective of me as a reader, I'd much rather see posts from you with a few sponsor ads, than nothing!

[Jenn Hoff]

Sounds great to me! I would do the same thing! :)

[Shannon]

I love reading your blog and was so scared you were going to quit when I saw this post..thank goodness your not :) I say bring on the sponsors.

[kristin]

woohoo, get after it girl! congratulations and good luck!

[Ute]

Go for it Aneela! I never realized just how much work a blog entails (though I never thought that the blog-fairy helps them apparate either ;) We all love your blog and are prepared to wade through ads, just to get to it. So good luck and happy creating!

[maypole]

Go for it.
I could not even imagine doing a blog, especially when tutorials are included. The time it takes must be enormous! you have to go with the flow sometimes and things are always changing.

The beautifully detailed instructions in your book must have taken AGES. I really admire what you do.

[Allison]

Hi Aneela. Evolution happens! You have accomplished so much in such a short period of time and this is what is now necessary. I don't know how you do it all, especially with a family to look after and love. I thoroughly enjoy your blog and appreciate all that you do to share your time and talents with all of us.

[Julie]

We all have to do what is right for us. I appreciate your talent and commitment to your craft. I would miss your blog if you didn't continue. If sponsors help you with that, then I'm happy for you to take that path. I don't blog but I do spend time each day reading them. Sometimes more time than I should do, so I do understand the time and commitment factor. Yes, the world for me too would be a sadder place without blogs to read and be inspired by daily.

[Charlotte E]

Wow you have come a long way in just four years. I love reading your blog and look forward to meeting your new sponsers as they get on board. Whilst I shop at the places that regularly sponser blogs I hope that you can find some fresh new sponsers that I've not heard of before.

[Hilary Broughton]

Hi Aneela,
I am looking for your blog that gives information on how to set up my Pfaff QE 4.0 machine for free motion quilting you did a blog about it sometime ago.
Would it be posible for you to do it again as I can not remember how to alter the settings.
Thank you.
HIlary,

[Elizabeth]

Good for you! I'm a tremendous fan of your work, including your blog, and am glad you can find a way to keep it going. Cheers!

[Carolyn]

I often wonder how people find time to write interesting, informative and photo filled blogs and do everything else they do, so I am not surprised that a time comes where this is questioned. Blogs such as yours are what makes modern quilting so much fun, when even though we are on the other side of the world we can see and read what you are making. So if you can make it financially viable go for it. I love your fabric, I love your designs, and I love your cute little embroideries. And your blogs brighten my work days.

[Carol Wilkie]

I am so thankful that you are still going to blog. I love your fabric and maybe this year I will cut into it. I just like to stroke it so far. lol