There's so much going on here on my blog that it's no surprise I get asked the same questions over and over again. I guess it's just too much to keep track of! So, I've decided to keep everyone updated with a monthly run down of what's going on, what's running and what's coming up.
Firstly, a warm welcome to all my new readers. It's hard to believe that I've now been blogging for 10 years. How did that even happen?! One thing's for certain though, I'm so glad that I have a record of those years in blog format because frankly, I wouldn't have been able to keep track otherwise!
The current free BOM is 'Diamond Hill'
This is a genuinely free BOM. There are no sign ups, email lists or other hurdles. You can simply download it when it gets released each month. You can see from the pattern that this is a genuine 'real' pattern and not a 'cheap' free version of my work and my Copyright, as always, still applies to all downloads. You may not share your download or the file or print out of the file with anyone.
Free BOMs are always released on the 15th of each month.
You can download Diamond Hill here on this blog each month when I release the launch post, ie; Diamond Hill Part 1 is Launched. These posts always include a link at the bottom which will result in a PDF download when clicked. When the BOM ends, these links will be removed. They are only valid during the actual release schedule, which in this case is Jan - July 2017.
Another way to download the free block is to be a member of my Facebook BOM Group. This Group has a 'FILES" area, and you simply download the latest block from the Files.
This BOM will be free until it ends in July 2017. Until then, you can join in at any time and also download any missed previous blocks. After it expires in July, it will be available for sale from my Online Pattern Shop. The BOM is only free during the release schedule. So if you love it, download whilst it's free and let your friends know about it too. Groups are welcome to make the free monthly BOM together.
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The current Mystery Applique BOM is 'Secret Garden'
Secret Garden costs $6.96 per month and each month, the current block is sent to your email in-box.
This is a perpetual BOM which means that it is always 'running' and you can start anytime. When you do start, you begin at Part 1. And from then on, you will receive your next block according to the date you paid for your first part. The installments are monthly. You cannot buy parts out of turn or buy numerous parts 'all at once.' The pattern is not available as a finished pattern, it is a BOM only.
Members who began this mystery when it commenced in January 2017, will always receive their download on or before the 1st of each month. Members who joined in afterwards will receive their part blocks according to the date they first paid - in monthly installments. You can read more about this is Part 1 of your BOM notes.
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Quilt Pattern Offers
I have many patterns waiting to be written up and when I can get around to actually doing it, I like to release them. I regularly release patterns throughout the year and when I do, they will most likely be available here on blog for a heavily discounted price before they hit my shop at full price. I usually release them for $4.80 for 48 hours. This gives all my regular readers who are interested, a chance to take part for the price of a cup of coffee.
I have many patterns waiting to be written up and when I can get around to actually doing it, I like to release them. I regularly release patterns throughout the year and when I do, they will most likely be available here on blog for a heavily discounted price before they hit my shop at full price. I usually release them for $4.80 for 48 hours. This gives all my regular readers who are interested, a chance to take part for the price of a cup of coffee.
Someone just recently informed me that they never pay more than $3.80 for a cup of coffee, but down my way, $4.80 is the going rate :) so if you love it, snap it up because these low prices are never repeated!
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I have a Free Quilt BOM Group. When I talk about my "Group" this is what I am talking about. It's over on Facebook. It's a closed Group which means you apply to join and once approved, all activity and content remains within this closed group. It's more of a club, really, and it's nice to pop on each day and see what everyone is up to. We have moderators, they are: Anne Marieke, Bunny, Glenda and Pat. They volunteer their time for free and we're really very lucky because as well as generously moderating the Group, they are also skilled quilters who join in when it comes to sharing tips and ideas.
Mostly, people come to the Group to download monthly files and share images of their work and progress stages, as well as ask questions and comment. Membership to the Group is free, but you must abide with Group Rules which are sent to you upon joining. I've been a part of many Groups and I can tell you, this really is the nicest and most generous Group I've ever been a part of. Sure, I'm biased, but I'm also over the nastiness and bickering that can go in in some other creative spaces. I don't have the time or energy to put up with any of that and my Group is is a genuinely friendly and supportive environment. If you love creating and want to be part of a creative space that encourages you, you're welcome to join.
This is our 'main' Group and you're welcome to discuss any of my quilts, projects or patterns here. As well as this Group, I also have several 'extra' Groups for members who prefer to keep all conversation on a single track - this is usually for bigger and more intense quilts. Love Entwined has it's own Group for this same reason - it's a long term project and keeping it separate allows for the topics to remain constant in a small hub. Whereas in the main Group, activity moves much faster as there are many projects being shared on daily basis.
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Love Entwined
Love Entwined is a long term project with it's own special space where anyone making this quilt can Group together to exclusively talk all things LE. Of course, you're always welcome and encouraged to talk about LE over in the 'main' Group as well, but this space allows you to connect with others at a slower pace, knowing that all topics are directly related to this quilt.
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Sweet 2016
Sweet 2016 is a fabulous and seriously fun wall hanging that started in 2016 as a Mystery BOM. The mystery part of it is now finished as you can see the whole thing, but the BOM is still running and you can join ANY time. It's a perpetual BOM which means that it is always 'running' and you can start anytime. When you do start, you begin at Part 1. And from then on, you will receive your next block according to the date you paid for your first part. The installments are monthly. You cannot buy parts out of turn or buy numerous parts 'all at once.' The pattern is not available as a finished pattern, it is a BOM only.
Sweet 2016 also has it's own Group over on Facebook so that people making this quilt can connect and talk nothing else but sweet patisserie quilting.. click here to go there
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My Blog
You are reading my blog right now. My blog is an online journal or what I'm doing on a day to day basis, products I'm testing and generally creative related things. You'll find that directly beneath my banner I have quilt names listed - these are archive pages where you can find all posts connected to a specific quilt, which might be a help to you if you are making the quilt down the track. I also have a website:
My website is a portfolio of my work and includes my online pattern shop. The reason my website and blog aren't merged into one site is simple but annoying. Back when I started blogging 10 years ago, you couldn't host a blog and website on a single platform. Now, you can blog via your website but the blogging capability is very limited and doesn't allow me to import my 10 year history (which I'm not prepared to leave behind). It is my dream to merge both these sites into a single reality, but for now, I await the technology to make this happen!
My Online Pattern Shop
You'll find my online pattern shop over on my website. All patterns are instant download PDF format patterns. If you're looking for a pattern of mine, you will find it here.
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Phew! That just about sums it all up...
Now, time to get back to quilting!
You're remarkable, Esther! This is an excellent overview of how your amazing network of online offerings weave together...with easy access and full support at every turn. And, only a click away! Gotta love it ALL...your enticing and friendly world of Projects, Pattern Downloads, Blog, Groups, Facebook shares, on and on and on. Always a joy for me to participate. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Esther, this is a first time visit to your site. I just picked myself up off the floor after being struck with amazement with your glorious work. I can barely make a quarter-inch seam allowance on a placemat. I will surely try to use one of your beautiful block to frame, but have commitment phobia for a whole quilt! Thank you for sharing your art. Judy in Virginia p.s. don't even know what profile to use :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for that! For those of us who are not tech savvy this post was helpful. Not only are you an extremely talented and generous designer/quilter but your computer knowledge is enviable as well! Thank you again. Karen
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