7.22.2011

I swore I'd never blog about this.... but today I am.....

I swore I'd never blog about this because I try to keep a positive blog. I know that there are so many negative pressures out there and I never want to add to it. But today I'm saying what I probably shouldn't say....


Last year Kathleen and I designed this quilt.
I loved how happy it was.
I loved everything about it.


We designed the quilt for Moda Bake Shop. It was an original idea and quite frankly neither one of us had ever seen anything even remotely close to this design. We thought it was pretty unique, original and happy.
The free tutorial was posted on Moda Bake Shop and within a few hours I received a horrible email about it. I'm not going to mention who wrote the email.
Kathleen and I were accused of copying someones original design and then giving it away as free. I was mortified. I cried, called a friend, called my mom, called my dad, called my husband. I showed them the quilt that the person was accusing us of copying and they were all also mortified. The quilts look nothing alike. 
I was so hurt at the time that I decided that I was done blogging. Done posting free tutorials. Here I was doing something that I loved and I shouldn't be so hurt for enjoying my passion. 
After a long talk with my parents and husband we decided that it was wrong for that girl to accuse us of such a thing and not to let it ruin my passion. I swept it under the rug and decided to let it go. 
Recently, in talking to friends and reading a few other blogs I've realized that I'm not the only person out there that has been attacked. 
The real reason I'm writing this post today is to tell everyone out there who has been attacked by people who obviously have nothing better to do but criticize others to try to ignore. Try to not listen to the negativity out there. Enjoy your creative outlet.
I've moved on from this incident and I hope that I don't have to keep hearing about these negative people.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

{Connect with us}
youtubei pinterest

63 comments:

  1. I love this quilt and have ever since I found it on Moda Bake Shop. I had no idea you received such harsh words about it. Good for you for taking the high road and not letting it stop you. Why some folks are intent to say mean things is beyond me, but I am glad you didn't let them beat you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. what a terrible lady! She needs to get a life b/c you are right she doesn't have anything better to do. How can anyone say anything if they don't have it copyrighted & published....honestly. what an experience! People can be sooo hateful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. She needs to get off her computer and create her own work of art then post it and be open to criticism. It is hard to not use a block that looks like something else, but to use it in your own way now that is where the art comes in! You do wonderful work, please don't let one person (or more) stop you from sharing or enjoying what you do!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good for you for sticking to your guns!!! There is never a reason for blatant meanness. I hope that she has a life moment that will help her to change her ways. The quilt is beautiful. xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. Selfish of me maybe, but I'm glad you're still keeping on and still posting and still creating! Love the quilt, love your blog, love your attitude! Thanks so much for sharing and being generous and giving of yourself to such as me who enjoy learning and having bloggy friends like you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Don't sweat the small stuff....you and your work are amazing and I so enjoy your talent...thanks for sharing it with all of us! This person is really kidding herself with her accusations and although I don't know you personally, I would never believe something this ridiculous...I see everyday the wonderful creations you make and why on earth would you ever need to copy someone else's work. Thanks also for taking the high road and I am so glad this person didn't ruin it for the rest of us!
    keep it coming and keep your chin up girlfriend.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow....it's entirely sad. =( I just read a post this morning about someone else who was very upset. I'm truly sorry.

    I do appreciate free tutorials...I don't have a lot of money to spend on patterns...so thank you. I always try to link back to wherever I find the pattern, because whomever created it deserves credit!

    Thanks for your post today and encouragement too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love this quilt and it is so Happy! One thing I have learned in my short time quilting (8 years) is that there is nothing new in quilting, only new interpretation. So someone made a hexagon quilt, big deal. Yours is stunning! The colors, the added flowers, everything about it! Some people are just mean! I will not be involved with those people! Keep on doing what you do because it is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes, there are those out there that try to (along with the enemy) steal our joy. I'm not sure what your beliefs are, but mine as a Christian is that we cannot let the devil nor man steal our joy. There will always be slanderous people out there. It's quite human to be hurt beyond hurt, especially when you are being generous and sharing others your work FOR FREE. Just know that these people who offend need our love and prayers more than ever, because obviosuly they have either low self esteem and/or nothing else better to do with their time. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have heard that there are people out there who to release their own anger and frustrations go home and get on the internet to do nothing but bash, bully, insult and harrass innocent people. It's their version of kicking the dog.

    You can always tell who these people are because their comments are invalid and have no truth. The delete key works wonders for dealing with these people. If they are bashing you on a forum where you can't delete it. Simply respond, Your comment is invalid. Nothing more.

    BTW your quilt is beautiful and never let a bully keep you away from those who value you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for this post :) It is nice to know that others have floated in this same boat that I found myself in not to long ago. It is nice to know that they had about the same reaction as I did. And it is super nice to know that I can follow your example, ignore it, and move on :) Thank you Natalia, this really meant a lot :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Natalia,
    do not worry! Everybody know the big artist you are!!!
    Go ahead!!! And thanks for sharing with us always!
    Kisses,
    Mari

    ReplyDelete
  13. Aaackkk! Screw her and quilt on..
    You have hundreds of fans and 1 who is very jealous. Forget it, Amie in Tn... who wants to quilt like you when I grow up lol! Okay I'm already 40!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think its great you were able to overcome one person's rudeness. Its too bad you had to struggle through it though. I also think its great you posted about it. Your post is a positive one to help support others, not a negative one, which so many people seem to be doing these days to fight back. Thanks for being honest, and keep up the amazing (and I really mean that) work!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Don't let them anyone get you down...your creativity is amazing and I for one look forward to seeing your blog every day and love your tutorials. I made this quilt and have it hanging on the wall in my kitchen. I get many compliments about it. You adding the applique and the words at the bottom totally made it your own design. I've never seen anything like it. Keep up the good work. You're an amazing artist.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That must have been so upsetting. That quilt is so pretty, and I've never seen anything even remotely similar in design. I'm sorry you had that experience... I wish people would be more kind.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This quilt is adorable - I thought that when I saw it on Moda Bake Shop and again today. Why others choose to make life miserable for folks they don't even know is difficult to understand. I am thrilled you got/have the support you need(ed) and continue blogging for "friendlies" like me! Don't stop, keep going and creating! I/we appreciate you!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for sharing this horrid episode, it must have been awful for you and I'm so glad you had people around to support you. You're so right to move on, this person obviously has a problem, don't let her get to you or stop your creativity, we all love you.

    ReplyDelete
  19. There are toads everywhere... we just can't let them steal our lilypads:)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Well, I love that quilt, and I love your tutorials! Thanks always for sharing!

    And the negativity seems to be going around these days...sorry it had to happen to you!

    ReplyDelete
  21. ARGH! I'm glad you posted about this - to let others know they are not alone. We love you out here in cyberland and know you and your Mom would never do such a thing. People are just mean :(

    Keep up the great work and remember you are loved :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am so glad you were able to put the incident behind you and continue with your fine work. There is no room for the kind of vindictiveness you and others have suffered attempting to make the world brighter by sharing your passion.

    ReplyDelete
  23. There's always one. I enjoy your blog and love that you share your talents. I see similar patterns all the time while surfing but I think each one is a little different or uses a different technique. You just keep on doing what you do, never mind those negative people.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love that quilt and it is on my list to do in the future. Can't believe people can be so hateful. Life is so short.
    Keep up with your awesome blog.

    ReplyDelete
  25. good grief, what is going on out there in the blogging community? I think this is the 3rd or 4th post I have seen this week about people getting attaked from others on their blogs, this is such a shame! Please continue with your patterns, blogging, etc. I just can't believe how shallow people are! If they don't like something keep it to yourself! If you don't have something nice to say don't say or TYPE anything at all! BTW, LOVE your your blog/quilts/everything!

    ReplyDelete
  26. the only thing I want to say it´s that I love YOUR QUILT and I love your blog,and thank you for your generosity sharing with all of us
    hugs from Spain!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Good for you for not letting it get the better of you. Must be the green-eyed monster again showing it's hideous true colours - it's never been an attractive trait. It's a lovely quilt and i might just have to have a wee peek at the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Agreed with all the comments above, you are the most original quilter I know and I love all you do. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your generosity of designing free beautiful patterns for those of us who are financially strapped. From the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Takes all kinds. You worked it through and offered some good advice. I'm sorry that had to happen. It is an adorable quilt.~karen

    ReplyDelete
  30. PS. I'm pleased to see you left the tutorial up!! Good for you!

    ReplyDelete
  31. So sorry someone felt the need to attack you......glad that you have worked through it and kept your integrity.....I love your blog and all the goodness that I find here......its a shame that someone was so jealous of you that they felt the need to attack your character......the quilt is beautiful and I for one thank you for your tutorials.......you are a very creative person and I enjoy coming by here to see what you are up to.....thank you for all you give to the quilting community......take care and be blessed......

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm glad you didn't let the negativity of this person take you from us! :o) It is so hard, with the way the world is today, to always see the bright side of things and to look at the positive. It's OK to be hurt...what she did was cruel. It's not OK to let someone take your passion from you, so KUDOS to you for not letting her. YOU GO GIRL!!! All of us that follow your blog believe in what you do. We are all here for you..and girl...we have your back. :o) So keep doing what you're doing and thank you so much for sharing your story. You ROCK the quilting world. Don't you forget it! :0)
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  33. People can be so nasty, especially if money is involved. I have been bitten by the nasty commenters and it is very demoralising. Your tutorial, patterns and quilting are amazing and the quilting world would be a less happier place without them. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love your quilt. It's hard to imagine that someone can be so cruel. I'm glad you are getting past the hurt. You are a great designer and I hope you won't let another's unkind words destroy your talent. Hang in there and continue your positive thoughts. You're the best!

    ReplyDelete
  35. What a loser! Why do they bother?

    Here's the thing... I work in a quilt shop and have done for a few years. I deal with designers EVERY day and search out new and interesting designs.. and ANYONE who knows ANYTHING about quilts will realize that there are a bunch of quilts made by different people and sometimes they happen to look alike.. it just happens.. we take inspiration from different places and make it our own.. however someone might have come up with a different measurement or color combination. I know people who this has happened to. IT DOESN'T MATTER!! You know what you did and you did it out of honestly and not spite.
    SCREW that person who was so mean because clearly ( as you can see from your comments and blog list ) you are appreciated and are amazing.


    /rant

    PS love your blog :) AND your patterns. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ever since I've started my own Quilting blog I've been terrified of something like that happening. over the last couple of days I've read other bloggers expressing the blues of quilting and how they overcame such episodic moments and it has really helped me. I might even blog about it :) Of course I don't have the following you enjoy (yet?) but as always hope that anyone you finds inspiration from me or feels I've received inspiration from them do so with joy. Thank you for continuing on. Doing so helped me find my own joy and try to do something very out of the box for me. http://2quilt-ornot-2quilt.com/

    ReplyDelete
  37. I believe some people just like to hurt others in an effort to make themselves feel better. One rude remark can make someone feel awful for a long time especially if it is so hurtful and uncalled for. It seems these mean people are attacking those that are the most generous and kindest bloggers. I've noticed that there are more "mean girls" leaving comments and emailing lately. I thought we were supposed to leave that nasty high school stuff behind when we graduated.

    I'm glad your family was able to help you move beyond the nastiness. We would all miss you if you stopped blogging!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm glad you didn't let that person stop you creating and sharing. You bring a lot of fun into a lot of people's lives.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh No!!! I love this quilt - and your instructions were so awesomely simple! It is one of my UFO's as I was going to change up the words a bit and then got hung up on indecision - but it is one of my favorites and i still can't wait to finish it!!! Keep on creating - you are awesome!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Breathe easily....love what you do, walk away....love, peace and we appreciate all you do! Pamie G.

    ReplyDelete
  41. How sad that someone felt the need to do that, they must live a sad and miserable life! It's OK to feel hurt, but don't give them power over you by letting them stop you doing what you love and what brings you joy! Your quilts are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Message of the day -- YO PEEPS IN THE QUILTING WORLD... THERE'S NOTHING NEW OUT THERE! Seriously, everything is just "ripping someone off" if you search long enough. But you still took the time to figure it out, do the math, etc.
    (I got one of those comments too once... grrr...)
    Glad you didn't give up though Natalia! :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Not to sound like an old wrinkled wise lady, but....

    From life's experiences - be it good or bad - we learn, we grow, we modify ourselves becoming weaker or stronger.

    Glad you became the latter. *VBG*

    LOVE your blog, BTW!!!

    Rosa Robichaud
    Saint John, New Brunswick
    Canada

    ReplyDelete
  44. Good for you to not let it deter your from your passion. I personally believe it is the anonymity of the internet that allows people to comport themselves in the least civil fashion these days. 'Cause your know their momma didn't raise them to be like that'.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Been there and you are so right about not letting mean people ruin your passion.
    We both know there is a lot of copying going on out there, and also honest coincidence of people coming up with similar ideas/designs on their own.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Keep creating and ignore the little people with nothing nice to say. What ever happened to-- keep it to yourself! I am sure you feel a lot better now that you got to post about it as well. I know I would.

    Tomorrow is a new day!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I will say the same thing to you that I am constantly posting around the web: I am amazed every day with how horrible and cruel people will be as long as they are hiding in the anonymous "safety" behind a computer screen. I know it's hard, but this kind of person isn't worth the emotional investment on your part! Glad you made the decision you made and thanks so much for your generosity!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you for continuing to blog.

    ReplyDelete
  49. wow ; I am glad you hung in there ! I found a new quilt on there a few months ago and poof it was gone before I could try it ; then I found the lady's blog and she put it on there and now I can't find it either . She said mbs took it off because some board or something decided they already had one close to it .
    I am glad you are still blogging ! How petty can people be ?

    ReplyDelete
  50. I work with a woman that has got to be the most negative person on the planet. It is very exhausting trying to keep her negativity away from your positive world you try to live in. It has been almost 3 years now, noone else can deal with her for an hour when I go to lunch, and they have no idea how I do it. But again I am getting to my breaking point again as well. Some people just are very miserable beings, and very negative people, and only get a little sense of happiness when they make others around them unhappy as well. But they don't see it that way at all. So take a break from the negativity, get in your positive vib again, and move on..........hold your head up high and smile. Because that is who YOU are!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Your an amazing designer and I love all your quilts..(this one in particular is cut out and being added to daily its one of my Fav's).... for this sad lady to be negative she must have a huge problem and has tried to put that on someone you... I would say in spite of her keep on designing and making lovely quilts....'there's nothing new under the sun'... a circle can only be drawn one way or an angel or a square... its how we interpret it that makes it yours uniquely... don't let negative people rain on your sunshiney day...
    Hugs Dawn x x x

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am always sad when someone is negative in the quilting world. I think that working with fabric is a happy place and it is just wrong when people feel the need to mar that happiness with false accusations,criticisms or anything else that is negative. You are definitely the one who is the winner by taking the high road! I would be very sad if I wasn't able to enjoy the beautiful work that you do! Thanks for continuing with your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Natalie, I think your blog is a big artist blog. Thank your for your free patterns, you are very generous in sharing with us. You are a big quilter but I am sure that you are a big and good person.
    Hugs and kisses from Spain.

    ReplyDelete
  54. There is one in every row! I am glad that you did not let it bother you!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm sorry your feelings got hurt. People have to keep in mind that quilting is a gazillion years old. Even though there are new patterns out there, it's hard to not come close to someone's idea. Especially with the fabrics that are so popular.
    I'm glad you've moved on. I hope it never happens again! I heart you!

    ReplyDelete
  56. It must've felt disheartening to receive such an email, but I'm glad you were able to put it where it needs to be--in the trash! I'm glad you have kept blogging--I think you & Kathleen are a dynamic duo!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Ugh! People! You did the right thing, but oh my how something like that hurts! Those of us who put our own ideas out there for people to enjoy must develop thick skins against these kinds of attacks. Kind of takes the fun away, until you find out just how many people love what you do and appreciate it. Keep doing what you love, Natalia. There are many more of US than there are of her! I'd love to see the quilt design she compared yours to. I'm sure it's not nearly as cute or clever.

    MGM

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am so glad that you decided to carry on! I am a new quilter and am constantly reading your blog and enjoying your designs. Plus, that is a super cute quilt. It is obnoxious when creativity in the public forum receives negativity instead of the support it deserves. Kudos your your head held high:)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi, I love your blog, I love your MB designs and I am sad that someone would think that you stole their design! The hexagon quilt is my favorite on MB! I believe there is nothing really new and everything is an adaptation, that being said this quilt is so original and so awesome it deserves to stand as yours alone!!! Thank you for not giving into those who are negative, keep up the good work. Look forward to more original designs.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  60. I am so sad to hear that you were attacked over this quilt — of all your wonderful creations this one nagged at me for weeks until I made one for my youngest daughter. It lies on her bed every night and I smile every single time I see it. She loves it. I love it. Everyone else in my family loves in. I can't think of too many other pieces of art that can inspire such happiness!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Please don't stop doing what you enjoy.Love your blog. Love your Spirit.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting our blog! We love to hear your comments!