Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Generosity of Quilters & Bloggers



–noun
1.
readiness or liberality in giving.
2.
freedom from meanness or smallness of mind or character.
3.
a generous actWe thanked him for his many generosities.
4.
largeness or fullness; amplitude.


When I first began reading blogs, I was struck by the generous nature of bloggers. I could not believe that someone would give away an entire quilt top, offer to machine quilt a top, give away pre-cuts, yardage etc...  Not only couldn't I believe that they were willing to give their stuff away, I couldn't believe that they would pay the postage to send it to the winners. It has taken a couple of years, BUT I finally get the generous, giving heart of quilters. It has taken receiving some giveaways and experiencing the JOY of the gift and hosting some giveaways, too. It also has taken just plain sharing stuff with other quilters for me to realize that it all comes back to you. Blessings galore occur when we share and give.

Ok. I know you that must be wondering "why" am I blogging about this. I have been very fortunate in giveaways - online, at guild meetings, wherever. I began to feel guilty about winning, guilty because I hadn't acknowledge the generous bloggers who have shared so much. After much thought, I've come to the conclusion that I need to blog about each and every giveaway that I win. Not so that you will think, "That girl is lucky", but for you to experience the generous hearts of our online community. I appreciate the bloggers who share links to giveaways, bloggers like SewCalGal, Happy Cottage Quilter, Stray Stitches and many more. I plan to join them in blogging regularly with the links for interesting giveaways. If I forget someone who has recently shared a giveaway with me, please forgive me. Some days I have complete mental blanks:)


Terry from Terry's Treasures surprised me with this lovely necklace. The words "material girl" are etched on the metal. For some time, I thought I would give it as a gift to a quilting friend, but I found something else that I thought she would like and I got to keep this. Thank you, dear Terry!

SewCalGal organizes online quilt shows. Very generous sponsors donate products for giveaways for those participating in the shows and promoting them. This wonderful pattern from Elisas's Backporch Designs was part of the giveaway for the Christmas Quilt Show in November.
 The wonderful folks at Martingale & Company had a giveaway on Facebook. This book Color Shuffle is quite informative.
 Several quilts in the book captured my interest and made it to my "I want to make that quilt" list.
 Polly at Aunt Polly's Porch posted photos of this wonderful quilt she made from a shop kit. I looked online to purchase the pattern (great for layer cakes), but found it was from a publication for quilt shops. Polly sent me her pattern. Thanks again, Polly!
 Jocelyn who blogs as Happy Cottage Quilter shared these wonderful blue (my favorite color) fabrics to celebrate a milestone on her blog. I love these fabrics, Jocelyn!
 I couldn't believe Rhonda was giving away this wonderful table runner on her blog, Patches and Pieces.
 Imagine my surprise when I opened the box to discover that she had included this wonderful fat quarter bundle. Rhonda, I'm still amazed at your giving spirit!
I know that I did blog about receiving this super bundle from Thelma at Cupcakes 'N Daisies for participating in the Eventide Quilt Along. Thelma is very generous with her fabric. It was a blessing to win this giveaway and
 her blog anniversary giveaway. Thelma, I love your fabric selections!

Jenny who owns Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop (sewfabulousquiltshop.com) has a monthly giveaway on her blog. It was a complete surprise when I received her e-mail that I had won her March giveaway, a bundle of fat quarters from Central Park by Kate Spain. I love this fabric line, but have resisted the temptation to purchase some. Thanks so much, Jenny!
Cyndi attended the International Quilt Show in Cinncinatti. She purchased items from the quilt show and shared them with several winners on her blog, Bluebird's Wing.
The small quilt in a bag is a perfect size for a wall-hanging. I'm trying to add quilts in decorating our home. Cyndi's package arrived today. She not only sent the quilt kit, but included this other wonderful goodies. Milk Chocolate is my favorite. I collect Mary Englebritt items. Notecards, notepad and luggage tag with my initial were included in the package. Cyndi your gift is absolutely perfect. Thank you, friend!


Ok. I finally feel better. Quilters are sharing, generous individuals. Your gifts have given me great joy. Thank You!!!!


In all this receiving, it's time for more giveaways. I have several planned in the next couple of days. I'm also going to the Quilt Show in Paducah next week. I'm hoping to be inspired by Cyndy's generous shopping to find some treats for you my friends.


Quilters are the best!



4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Being thankful is such a wonderful thing!

I've been blessed in blog land too! and it's truly an honor to win such lovely things in giveaways!

Sandra said...

I agree the online quilting community is very generous. I continue to be amazed by the willingness of others to share both information and giveaway items. We are blessed indeed!

GerryART said...

Becky, your post is right on. You have expressed what I have been feeling. Bloggers are the Very Best!

While I have been very 'lucky' in winning doorprizes and giveaway, I have hosted a few giveaways myself. I love the anticipation of drawing the winning name knowing that my giveaways can not repay this wonderfully generous community. But just as soon as I can decide what to include in my next giveaway I'll be posting all about it.

Thanks for so expertly expressing the feelings I've been harboring.

Hugs,
Gerry

Terry said...

You got lots of great goodies! I'm glad you got to keep the necklace! :0)