Words fail me this morning.I had to have The Hubster check the final tallies this morning for me because I just couldn’t do it!
I owe it all to you, my friends and readers far and wide for lifting me up and supporting me in the most fun and exciting voting race ever.
I have been awarded Best Designer, Best Book Author, Best Teacher/Instructor, Best Book Release 2012, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thank you so VERY MUCH!
I wanted to share my thoughts on the past couple of days.
Some things got NOT FUN.
I’ve never had an experience where I was running against a designer who was offering free patterns for votes through her facebook page, and entering everyone who voted into a drawing for more free patterns. That hardly seems fair some how.
It was supposed to be fun. I think it is fine and NORMAL for ALL candidates to do what they can to encourage voters to vote, but bribes and drawings and gifts would not be accepted in any political race in any capacity.
And when I upped my campaign in response, encouraging others to cast their votes into the ring, all in good fun – I was accused of taking an unfair advantage, or of being “not as nice I appear to be”.
This is not what it’s about to me.
I gave one mention – at the time of nominations. I gave one mention when voting started, and let it lie ---until the last couple of days.
It is unrealistic to think that while one nominee has pulled out all stops to gather votes, that other nominees wouldn’t also contact their friends, readers, family, relatives to cast their vote ---and because they did so, doesn’t make them “Mean or Nasty” or show that they have taken unfair advantage.
And I hate it that this got so political. And not fun. And doesn’t feel like so much of a win to be proud of.
And this is just how I’m feeling today.
**Update**
Hubby came home last night and told me he has made plans for us for Saturday (Tomorrow) afternoon – so I am not going to be able to do Quilt-Cam at 2pm like I hoped I would.
So how about we celebrate the Full Sweep on the Golden Quilter awards by doing it TODAY at 2pm eastern so the Europeans can join in? I’m short sheeting them otherwise because I leave for Houston on Sunday!
Bring a project…we’ll sew up a good time and hopefully LIFT MY SPIRITS!
It will be fun to have a Quilt Cam on a weekday afternoon --- See you at 2pm!!
147 comments:
Congratulations Bonnie, you deserved everyone of the awards and there wasn't anything wrong with how you promoted yourself.
Congratulations! So sorry it got nasty in the end, and I'm so glad you came out on top--you deserve it for all you do in teaching us and inspiring us and sharing yourself with us. Hopefully I'll be able to join you this afternoon as I prepare for our weekend of swim meets.
congrats! I voted way at the beginning and never even noticed the promotions anyone was giving - I'm sure you got your votes fairly - you do inspire!
Bonnie, I agree. there was NOTHING wrong in how you promoted it. I just don't understand how people could be so nasty in something that should be fun. More than any other teacher, designer, author, etc. you share with us and keep the true spirit of quilting alive. I know the hard work you put into this venture and have stopped purchasing or following others because of their greed. I also understand that you make your living this way and am willing to support you in that because of the fact that you go above and beyond with the mysteries, tutorials and QuiltCam. It is not enough, but from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
Soooo.........CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations!
Congratulations Bonnie! For all you do for us out here...you give so much of yourself. You deserve every single one of those awards and then some. All you did was ask a few friends and neighbors to vote for you. At least you didn't try to bribe anyone! Don't you feel one bit bad about it. It is a shame that any of this even was said because it spoiled your joy in being supported by those you serve so generously. Brush it off and celebrate!
congrats. enjoy your win ansu chennai India
Congratulations! You deserve the awards. I'll see you this afternoon to cheer you up. I can't thank you enough for all you do!
Congratulations and well deserved. I thought you did not promote yourself, just told us to go vote.
Bonnie, I am sorry that this contest got ugly. I don't know why people have to be like that. You GIVE of yourself and don't have to give materially (not intended to be, but it is a pun, huh?!). I am happy that you won the various categories--especially when it was nearly impossible for me to vote. Don't know why, but my little Dell didn't like the process. I think I got one or two votes out before I gave up. Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS!
I voted for my choices very early on - so that I didn't forget (although I am not absolutely certain my votes went through OK). So any "promotions" have passed me by! Congratulations on winning so many categories and thanks for all your hard work and generosity.
Congratulations, you are doing great girl. Keep it up!
Enjoy yourself and celebrate, you are AWESOME, and you are a role model for all of us. You deserve every bit of it...and you are SO above all the nastiness. Congratulations - and in the words of one of my late great favorite students, "You kick butt!!!"
Sorry to miss Quilt Cam, but I'll be at work at the quilt store!
Congrats Bonnie! so happy for you and I truly do believe that you deserved to win!
No, Thanks to YOU! You got all of us interested in scrappy again and showed us how easy it can be. You are sincerely sweet and I think that is what I like the best about you. You are YOU...no fake here...no need to bribe. You are honestly and sincere about what you do.
Keep it up. Can't wait to get started on the NEXT Bonnie quilt!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to a most deserving person. If people met you in person, they know you and the kindness you share to all you meet. I am honored to call you my friend, teacher & mentor. I strive everyday to accomplish something in my quilting world that has my own spin on it as you inspired me to do. I wouldn't be the person (friend, quilter or instructor) I am today had I not met you and taken a class in which you told me it was OK to use whatever you had on hand. I first thought it was crazy, but you somehow got the light bulb to go off and the rest is history.
Thank You for you devotion to our craft & all the inspiring ideas you share.
Three cheers for Miss Bonnie!! Rah! Rah! Rah!!!
Bonnie, You deserve the win you work so hard. There are always mean nasty people in this world try not to let them get you down.
Congrats!!! For the record, a shout out to vote is not mean or nasty!!! Bribes, just wrong....So don't beat yourself up, feel guilty, or any of the rest for a shout out to show support!! Congrats Bonnie, hard work rewarded!!!
Hi Bonnie!!
Don't let a few sour apples spoil the applesauce!...or maybe I should say don't let a few nicked blades spoil the blocks...!! YOU deserve all the hoopla...feel proud of yourself and CELEBRATE!! You deserve it!! Well done!!
P
The nastiness was done by the person (people) who offered prizes and "bribes" for votes, not for putting out the word. You ran a clean campaign and your supporters showed just how numerous they are, plus that we don;t need bribes to cast a vote! congrats, you ROCK!!
So happy for you! You deserve all of the awards you received and I never felt like you were being mean or nasty! Congratulations to you for all of your hard work!!
Now come on Miss Bonnie - Whether you came in first or not, you know that you are loved and adored by your public! Do you ever teach anywhere in the world where your classes are not in demand and sold out? Even now I am anticipating the heart pounding, hold my breath sensation of trying to register for this year's class at Quilt Odyssey. Look at your schedule Girlfriend and tell me if you are not wildly successful beyond your imagination! No one has to bad mouth or bribe any of us to vote for you. This all being said, Congratulations on all your wins - You certainly deserve them!
Não se preocupe tanto,você estava disparado na frente em relação as outras candidatas.Vale dizer QUE VENÇA O MELHOR.Você venceu.CADÊAS OUTRAS?????????
absolutely deserve every award! Kudos to you!
Every time I think I want to be a famous quilter, I remember what a target for unhappy people it would make me. Blow 'em off. You got my vote without having to give me anything except what I voted for you for. Be well. Lane
Bonnie, congrats to you! Be proud of all you have accomplished, don't let other people's behavior take away your joy. You won because you are the best.
CONGRATULATIONS! Sure hope I can get quilt cam at work!! LOL Have to keep the sound down though.
Congratulations Bonnie on your AWARDS they are well deserved you are a talented Lady.
You raise us up and it was time for the only thank you we could give, a vote of confidence! You won for all of the right reasons. Your heart is in your work and it shows. Congrats and ignore the politics. Ignore is part of ignorance after all :)
There's a reason why you won. No doubt about it. And maybe the person(s) who offered prizes for votes shot herself in the foot. No one with any integrity would sell their vote anyway. Congratulations. I voted early and not for a prize but from my heart.
Congrats Bonnie. You are VERY VERY deserving of the recognition. As for the other person being nasty, the only thing I can say is, "What goes around, comes around."
That being said, Enjoy your celebration and see you on Quilt Cam today.
Bonnie, you are AWESOME! I voted based on my heart, not because i could get something free. You deserve each and every award. Thank you sew much!
A true "Lady" always prevails!
Kudos to you,
Tisha
Congratulations. You deserve this win because you could do it by asking friends and family for support, not by bribing strangers who only voted for you to get something. That should mean even more because you can feel confident that your votes are from people who do love you and what you do. People only bribe others for votes when they know they can't do it on who they are. I am really happy you are not that kind of person and you would always be a winner in my eyes because you ran a clean race :)
Congratulations to you--you deserve it! Can't wait for Quilt Cam--I always learn something. Thanks for all you do!!!
Congrats on your wins! You earned every one of them with your hard work and generosity.
Congratulations!! Don't let nasty comments get to you. We voted for you because you deserve all these awards and because all you give us so generously day after day. Scheduling Quilt Camp this afternoon so that, we Europeans, can join is just another proof of it.
Congrats! You deserve to win everything you have won. I have to confess that I wondered toward the end why we were being urged to vote. I checked out your opponent's web site and couldn't understand all the votes she got. I had no idea she was buying votes! Snarky!! I'm sooo glad you beat her. Enjoy the fruits of your labors. You've earned it.
Don't worry about other people we all know you deserved to win.
Paula in La.
Congratulations, Bonnie! A well deserved win. There will always be haters, just gotta keep your chin up. We all know you ran a clean race and the best person won :)
You stood proud and true to who you are and your ethics. Your readers see that. We support that in you by our votes. Let the nasty roll off your back and hold your head up high. You ran a clean race. Others cant say the same.
I never saw the other person who was not playing fair. I didn't see the comments directed at others.... I voted for you bc I do like your designs, willingness to give to your students, and the affection I have seen on the blog posts.
Let it Go and let God Get um! Has been my motto u won that's all!
YES, YES, YES!!!!! YOU WON!!!!!
And you deserve it!!! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!!!!!!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
And ofcourse I'ld L*OV*E to join you on Quiltcam tonight! :)
Just cancelled all my other things!
I understand you cann't always consider the Europeans...., hehe...!!
But this is a BONUS!!
Till tonight!!
Love and HUGE hugs, Ria.
very well said Jennie!
Reminding people to vote for SOMEONE is certainly different than bribing people to vote for a CERTAIN someone. In a presidential election, each candidate reminds everyone to vote but it would be illegal for the candidate to "buy" votes. You have a huge following beause you do so much - Quiltcam, mysteries, classes, support, but most importantly to me, you promote the art of quilting. In my opinion, the right person won.
Just goes to show, Bonnie....quilters know who they like and who is the best! You won hands down against bribes/prizes because we love you! Congrats again this year!
Im proud that you voice your opinion when someone is offering and bribing for votes. You deserve all the votes you recieved and more. You travel, write, design, return emails to all of us, you share so much free education on your sites and oh just dont get me going on Quilt Cam, what I wonderful thing you are doing for us, taking time out of your family life. Also carrying on the traditional way of quilting, for us all to learn. Thanks so much and have a wonderful day off Saturday, see ya at 2!
Yes!Yes!Yes! I am so glad that you won. I have always heard that all is fair in love and war, just know that it sometimes leaves a bitter taste in your mouth and an ache in your tender heart. I want you to know that I voted for you in every catagory the first day. Asking us to vote for you was vry much ok because we would have voted for you anyway. Thank you for the access to the beautiful patterns and for giving of yourself to us. I just love you!
I feel privileged to be a part of your winning TEAM! You are the best, face it, even if certain other (NOT plural) can't. So glad you won.
AMEN MISHA!
Congratulations!! I had no doubt that you would win hands down. Bonnie you always think of us without any of the bribes and gimmics. We love you for your Quilt Cam and all the posts every morning. I have seen all over the world thanks to you. Thank you so much!!
woohoo, that's awesome, you deserved them ALL! a true inspiration for all quilters out there
Congrats sweet Bonnie Girl - winnings well deserved and should be celebrated with a HUGE SMILE! Well shoot...AGAIN I've missed the 'drama' - which from the sounds of it is a GOOD thing! LOL Obviously I'm not fb friends with 'whoever' - hahaha (and free patterns were involved? lol...jk...but really....YOU GIVE FREE PATTERNS ALL THE TIME! I can say that wouldn't have impressed me by the 'other' person, even if I'd seen it...which I didn't..yey). Congrats girly girl...hope to join in the CAM this afternoon..it's been ages since it's fit in my schedule..I will hide out in the classroom...just you and me...and the thousands of others tuning in! Love & Hugs!
:) I am so happy that you won! I voted for you bc I enjoy your page and your patterns. You post about interesting things like antique quilts and your patterns! One day maybe I will be lucky to take a class from you or enjoy the quiltcam. But for now I am an opportunity quilter (ie when my two little ones are sleeping or eating or little moments that I get) Congratulations! I think most of us voted as "fans" even though you don't see us we still stalk your page ;)keep up the good work!
Bonnie. . Before I ever met you (took a class from you) I still told everyone that YOU taught me how to quilt. I've only taken ONE class (yours) but learned from watching your videos, doing your mysteries, and following your yahoo group. 7 years later and I feel I qualify as an expert quilter or at least advanced.
So that being said, thank you for all you have done for me personally, and I can't see any reason why you wouldn't win the "sweep." If you can teach a person to quilt without even meeting them, then you definitely deserve those wins.
Cngratulations! You deserved everyone of those categories. There is nobody in the quilting n world who works harder than you and shares more than you do.
I do hope that this as been brought to the attention of the sponsors. If not, it should be. When all the fuss started, I checked to see who/what the other person was all about and couldn't see most of her designs because you must be a paid member. No thank you!
Sorry some ole poopy heads can't find anything else to gripe about than these Awards. Just remember there are people that just look for something, anything, to gripe about and cause conflict. (I know I 'had' someone like that in my life :-( one time) Bonnie you rock in everything you do. I admired that when you encouraged us to vote..you always said, just vote for who 'you' think is best..but just vote. Your 'quilt cam' has really inspired me to start using my scraps...which I have loads of. Keep on smiling & rocking it out girl! And congrats on all your Awards & all you do.
Thanks for reminding us that we need to put on a thick layer of protection against the smallness out in world. I am glad you won because you deserve it! I am getting closer to finishing Easy Street, and it is a real knock out quilt. I complain to myself how hard it is, but all the while just love how it is turning out! lol Thanks for challenging my quilting skills!
Congratulations, Bonnie! Don't worry about the downside - you did nothing wrong. And those of us who voted for you know who you are, because you share yourSELF. That's the difference. We all believe we know you, because of how freely you share who you are as a person. And you are a very unique and talented Person, and that's why you got the votes!
Congratulations, again!
Aw, Our Sweet Bonnie. Do NOT let this moment be dampened by that. I did not miss one minute of Quiltcam and can attest that you only told people to vote...quite simply too. Don't let women being women (you know what my kind words mean here) make your victory less. CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS! YOU MOST CERTAINLY DESERVE the accolades. You have made utter delight in my days...thousands of women run to their computers to see the next steps in your mysteries. It is BETTER than Christmas to see those pictures sometimes. Are we emotional and crazy about you...you bet, because it is QUITE obvious YOU are emotional and crazy about us. We can't thank YOU enough for what you've made quilting for us...WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY. I talk to Netherlands people and have a LOT in common because of YOU! I could go on and on. My CHILDREN will speak of you to their children. YOU go on and on and bless WAY into the future. Isn't this what it is all about. I love you plain and simple. You are my Elvis in the quiltworld. BRAVO, girl. BRAVO!!!
Lucy (in IN)
Congrats Bonnie, on the "POPULAR" Vote, because that is how you won all these wonderful awards. You never back down from your convictions...you ran a 'clean campaign', no bribery necessary because you are in this for the quilting and teaching and sharing more than the money. Yes, money pays the bills, but the work you do for each of us here in virtual or class land makes us so much more enriched because of your heart, not your desire to make money. You deserve everyone of those awards and don't let someone's desire for accolades discolor the brightness of YOUR win. Be well my friend and enjoy the spotlight...you EARNED it.
Faye in Maine
Congratulations, Bonnie. You boost our spirits all the time. Climb up and out of the dumps and enjoy your well deserved wins.
You are the BOMB girl and don't you forget it! You have inspired me and all your fans to make quilts we never would have dreamed of otherwise. You so totally deserve these awards!
Congratulations, Bonnie! Well-deserved. You swept ALL your categories and kept your integrity intact. Kudos! :o)
Congratulations on your well deserved wins! Your generosity with your expertise in quilting is what got you all the votes - we know a great teacher when we see one. Keep up your great work and don't let "those" people get to you. You rock!
CONGRATULATIONS!
You never asked quilters to vote for you,,, just to vote for which ever you wanted. So how can they say you did anything wrong? You deserve to win. You had some of the votes by a landslide...
I got the emails trying to buy my vote and it left such a bad taste in my mouth, that I have unsubscribed from her newsletter. I had already voted for you and wouldn't have been persuaded to vote otherwise anyway. Hold your head high, know you are loved and appreciated, and enjoy your victories...don't let her spoil it for you. And should you ever have occasion to come face to face with this person, smile and be gracious...when my kids were growing up and were having issues with people, I told them to "kill them with kindness"...worked every time...lol.
Congratulations! I didn't take it as self-promotion at all... in fact, I may have voted for someone else in one or two categories because there were MANY names on that list that have been influential for me in my own journey as a quilter. But you are a phenomenally talented designer and such a generous teacher. I only found out about you during Orca Bay, and already you're my favorite designer. Thanks for sharing your talent with us, because it's been such an encouragement!
I couldn't agree more with Jennie! You even told us that we didn't have to vote for you but that we should vote to have our voices heard. You won with total honor and dignity. Don't buy into the bull at all because that's what it is, BULL! Just remember, we voted for you because WE WANTED to, not because we wanted something free. It just tells all of us, want the other person is really like. Please enjoy your win to it's fullest and all the love that we choose to send with our votes. YOU DESERVE IT!
Kim in Central Minnesota
This is what I also think. Don't let it spoil your joy & celebration! Your fellow quilters voted for you fairly, and YOU won! Be happy. You are way above the tactics of the other candidates, as shown by the way you conducted yourself before and after. I'm sure most of us didn't even know all that was going on. Relish in your success. It is the tactic of the loser to destroy what you gained. Don't let them take it away.
I am so very happy for you! You deserve your awards. I voted for you because I believe in you and love you for all you do. I would have voted for someone else IF I believed they deserved my vote. How dare someone denigrate my vote! It was mine to give! Enjoy your awards. You earned them by giving so much to all quilters.
BTW, I really did take you for your word. I dropped in here one day, saw you asking for us to go vote. I clicked on the link and found all the wonderful quilters there. Since I hadn't ever purchased any of your books or even know anything about you, I voted for the teacher that I WAS familiar with, and using her book to learn quilting! So, just so you know.. your web site did the job! It got me to vote on something I was unaware of, and made aware! Thanks! So, enjoy your win :) You deserved it, from what I can tell by your web site and quilting fans.
Congratulations Bonnie. I did not see your encouragement to vote as self promotion. Many others did promote themselves and I guess I wasn't even offended by that. Don't worry about negativity, just be happy about your sweep!!! What an accomplishment. Any negativity is just jealousy. You are the most popular quilter out there, you give us the most enjoyment on your blogging and facebook, we always look forward to you, you are out there with your scrap patterns in magazines and books, you give us BOMs on the blog, you are the most active and the best. Just take it in and know that you work the hardest, give the most, share the most, and this is your reward. Love you Bonnie.
Congratulations! Don't let the haters or whiners get you down - what you won, you earned! If I didn't see the reminder posts from you and other nominees, I would have forgotten to vote at all.
Well done! Congratulations. Now on to even bigger and better things right...LOL
Congratulations on all your wins. I didn't realize there was a world renowned quilter and author in my very back yard (being from WS myself).
Congrats on your wins in the various categories. I appreciate all you do and make available to us. Keep the joy!
I did not vote for you in all your nominated categories, I voted for you in some, but in at least one I voted for some one else. I don't know who was being competitive, but I do know that with quilt cam and all of your teaching you touch a whole lot of people. Your scrappy trip has been all over the world lately and it is a free pattern. If someone was giving away patterns for votes, she missed the boat - you gave away easy street and spent a lot of time gathering a fan base to it. You build the quilting community with love and kindness. If someone else has problems, my guess is that they are trying to make a living on their quilting and don't invest as much time and effort as you do but want the same love and respect that you have.
Bonnie, I too got a newsletter asking me to vote for that "other" gal, didn't know there was a competion, so I clicked thru and saw you were on the ballot so I voted for you instead. Now I wonder how many time her strategy came back to bite her.
I think that those of us who "know" you through your blog, books, workshops, quiltcam, etc. know that you are a genuinely nice person. I'm sure that's why the majority of us and others voted for you, and of course for your great talent and unselfish giving. Congratulations. You deserve it. And don't let anyone else's sour grapes spoil the win for you.
Congratulations on your deserved wins, you have inspired me and many others by your willingness to give so much of yourself to others. I was intimidated by the 'must have designer fabrics, I can't afford'. I am now happily collecting shirts and I am more comfortable trying things because of you. Thank you for thinking of us, over the pond quilters.
This will be fun, I have a couple of girls, 11 and 12, coming over to borrow my hand cranks so they quilt their postage stamp quilts. I'll have to turn on quilt cam so they can watch too!
Congratulations Bonnie. You deserve the wins! I voted for you and am happy you won. Hope you have a great day! You are a huge inspiration to everyone. Thanks for all that you do.
Congratulations Bonnie! Well deserved awards. I voted way at beginning, and was not swayed by anyone or anything. I knew I was voting for you in all the categories. I appreciate all you have given of yourself over the years and started following you way back when---Let's not discuss the years. (giggle) I have learned so much from you, and also how kind and encouraging you are with everything you do. Enjoy the day! BTW: I bought a little black Featherweight. I sew slow. Thanks for the emails.
I'm so pleased you won in so many categories. I voted for you as I feel I 'know' you through joining with you on Quilt Cam and your personality certainly shines through.
Looking forward to quilt cam today. An unexpected Friday evening treat for us in the UK.
Well done Bonnie, every award was richly deserved, I have sewed for as long as I can remember but it was you who got me into quilting, it was you who taught me how to take a charity shop or discarded shirt, strip it down and make a quilt top. It was you who told me that slivers of fabric made string blocks and little squares used as leaders and enders became "free" blocks. You deserve a standing ovation and possibly an Oscar for promoting quilting to the world.
I write with a tear in my eye and a heavy heart, don't take to heart what others say, look at how many of us did easy street and even learned to link into you, everyday you inspire mom and I , this week especially, because of your recent mystery quilt we have totally redone my daughters room! Imagine her surprise when she comes home from college! Thank you for making us love vintage machines, thrift store shopping and all the fun and joyful, we love you and spread Bonnie wonderful ness wherever we travel!
Congrats on all counts! I was a little surprised by the campaigning on Quilt Cam, now I understand. Thanks for a good campaign, all you do and especially Quilt Cam. It is a fun relaxing way to join other quilters and pick up tips.
Again, congratulation to the best.
Marcia in NW Ohio
Congrats on all counts! I was a little surprised by the campaigning on Quilt Cam, now I understand. Thanks for a good campaign, all you do and especially Quilt Cam. It is a fun relaxing way to join other quilters and pick up tips.
Again, congratulation to the best.
Marcia in NW Ohio
Big congrats - so very well deserved!
Of course I voted for you - and you are even nicer in person than one can imagine from your website!!!
There are always party poopers - but they won't take my fun out of quilting and voting for you!
Bonnie: You're the bomb! Congrats on all categories and have a wonderful time celebrating, as you deserve it! Bonnie fans love you because you are giving, encouraging, talented and your love for all types/genres of quilting and the quilting community truly shows through. Only the best...
Gail in Verona
Congratulations Bonnie. You are truly the quilter of the people. The campaign sort of reminded me of the recent presidential campaign where some votes were bought. But in the end the people's choice won - just like you. We love you so keep your chin up and see you later this morning (11 am Pacific time) on quilt-cam.
terry
Congratulations, Bonnie! All the time I've been reading this thread the words to "My Way" by Frank Sinatra has been running through my head! I agree with everyone's comments.
Don't let a few bent pins burst your balloon!
I have the utmost respect for you, and I dearly appreciate all you do for us. I wasn't even aware of any bribing - I voted very early. I thought your reminders about the voting were timely and very much in the happy spirit this contest was originally intended to be. I am sorry you ended up feeling sad because of other's inappropriate methods and conduct and words. Your reminders prompted me to go back and check if I had covered all categories and I found one I had missed! You clearly asked that we vote, and not necessarily for you. Sigh. Enjoy this Bonnie, and reread the comments here.... You are much appreciated! :)
Bonnie, this is so well said that I couldn't improve on it one bit! You are SO very generous in all your sharing and caring and very well deserving of all the love. We are all SO very proud, and happy to call you our friend, teacher, and mentor!
Pat
Winston Salem, NC
Congratulations on the sweep. I am glad that the perks offered by the other quilter were not effective. We Quilters are not to be bought and are loyal to those that we respect and like. Keep being true to yourself.
How could it possibly have been awarded to anyone else? Your quilt designs are so fresh and different from most run-of-the-mill designs we see today. I don't know how anyone could have voted for someone else! Huge congratulations are in order!
After a two-year knitting and spinning break I'm back to quilting and blogging. I know you are incredibly busy these days, but I'm hoping you can find time to stop in to say "hi".
Patti from Vancouver Washington
www.quiltingisstillmypassion.blogspot.com
The URL is still the same, but the blog title has changed to "My Current Obsessions".
Oh Bonnie... there is no reason you should feel bad... really.
You got all the votes because you followers wanted to support you - and not because there was a chance to win fabric, to get free patterns or whatever...
You offer so much for your readers without asking us to do something for you first before we get access to everything.
Even the way you wrote the "reminders" and asked us to vote... you never said "Vote for me!"... it was all about that we should vote if we like what you do - and that we surely do... we all love what you do. We all love watching quiltcam, reading your blog, sewing along with your mysteries, getting a bit of insight in your life that you share with us.
You are always giving and never demanding something. You always try to explain when you have to say "No" somewhere - and even then you still try to make this "No" a "Yes" (I'm just thinking about the seam guides that you made available without a book purchase because you wanted to please your readers...)
All those things add up so much and I think we all know that people like you are rare to find. We appreciate what you do, the way you are. This is why we are here. This is why you have such a big fanbase.
This is why you won the awards. And you deserve each and every single award that you won.
Kudos to you and the work you do.
Greetings from Germany,
Janina
Bonnie, you did not appear to be "mean and nasty" in your encouragements of us to vote! You came across as very sincere in wanting everyone to participate and you even mentioned several times to "vote for someone". Hold your head up and smile, girl, you blazed them in almost every catagory.
Thank you for quilt cam last night, enjoyed seeing those 9 patches pop out of the treadle machine! Going to have to miss today as I have to go to work, but your kindness and consideration is showing in that you are attempting to include our European friends at the cost of one of your afternoons that you could have spent on your own interests. You are a very sincere and thoughtful person, along with a being a wonderful teacher, designer, author, etc!
Very well stated.
Perhaps the "wrong" is in the way the voting, categories, etc. were set up? What is the point of showing the numbers before the end?
Like you say it has taken some of the fun out of it and cast a not so nice shadow on ALL quilters....
Well, as in all competition, those who can't win by themselves, just don't deserve to win. It's natural to ask people to vote, you didn't use gunpoint or anything.
Just enjoy the wins, you've deserved them.
Oh my gosh! In the same post where you tell us someone has accused you of being not nice because you campaigned by asking followers of your various pages, where you freely and generously share your life, skills, patterns, whatever, to vote for you in a race intended to be fun, you then turn around and invite us to join you in Quilt Cam, which is a pretty big invasion of your personal space and time, and certainly you are not obligated in any way to do this for us, but you not only do share that freely, you apologize if you "fail" us in some way, and you worry about anyone for whom your timing is not convenient. NOT NICE?! Who could be nicer? Who has ever been more generous in sharing everything you do, and now you let us cut into your personal time at home and give us not only the company, the entertainment, but also the benefit of your skill and knowledge and creative mind--FOR FREE out of your own personal time at home between your paying events. How are you NOT NICE?!! I do not understand people. Who made them feel they had any right to comment on your niceness or anything else in the first place? Sheesh.
Well, congratulations!~Bonnie, i had NO Idea. I DO NOT DO FACEBOOK~at all. NEVER, ever . So, I had no idea. THen, when you said you were a close second, I went to look. THe other person, I'd never heard of... So, I went to her site and looked around. I thought to myself, well she is deserving. I even mentioned to you that if you were in a close second, at least it was with someone else who was a hard worker like you,etc. Oh my gosh!~ I had NO Idea!!!~I am very shocked that all of this was going on. Funny how you just never know people until they get in the hot seat. Well, I heard you say (because I WATCH your quiltcams) time and time again to "JUST GO VOTE!~ I don't care who you vote for, let your voice be heard." Then, to find out all of this. I am SO very, very sorry.
But, I"M GLAD YOU WON!!!~ Hey, it's just all is fun. Keep your head high and enjoy your time with the crown and next year it will be given another chance to be passed along. People can be very silly. We all know what is what. Don't worry about it. Love ya
congrats Bonnie. I think you deserve it, you are a wonderful person and a great inspiration to me. I love all the things you do and am very sorry that you had to go through that bad experience. You are a wonderful and caring person who has opened up your life and experiences and ideas to us all and you should be commended for that. I voted for you because you deserve it. Hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy Quiltcam.
The more I think about this, I just have to add that you are on the road, TEACHING, more than you are at home!~Then, when you are at home, you are doing more teaching with the quiltcam!~ You put in more hours than anyone I know, just GIVING to us all. FREE patterns and advice galore!~ We never have to pay for a thing, unless we want to buy your books, but that is not even necessary in order to enjoy you and learn from you. You EARNED it girl!~
Congratulaions on your very much deserved wins. As for the "Best Designer" issue, put that aside (you won fair anyway). since you won "Best Author", Best Book, Best Teacher and Lifetime Achievement all on your own, fair and square and miles ahead of the competition. You deserved it all. You have worked so hard these last few years to get your name and your lessons out there. Enjoy the awards and your special day tomorrow.
Hi Bonnie,
A super congratulations on being recognized for all that you do for the love of quilting. I have been following you for many years, and you continue to inspire me and continue to re-inspire me. We voted for you because you should be recognized for all of your hard work. It is sad that some people in this world are small and petty, and that is their burden to bear. This day is about celebrating your accomplishments! Can't wait to see you at the block party in Portland, I am so excited! Keep doing what you do, we love you!
Ok, I've read all of the responses up to now and Jacki has really hit the nail on the head (so have lots of others).
You promote the art of quilting and really love it.
Yes, the right person won!
Congratulations Bonnie - you deserve each and every award. Thanks for everything you do for all of us!
First, Congratulations on all counts. I am not a blog posting fan, but I'm no less a fan. I learn so much about quilting from your daily blog posts, so much about pattern design, the joy of exploring old quilts and the stories they might tell, and most importantly about the "whole quilter" as a person, generosity, sharing, kindness. I attempted a small thank you by voting for you. I'm sure there are many like me that follow you, (albeit silently) and answered your simple shout out to "just vote". Second, please do not take personally, unkind remarks from someone who tried to rig the voting to begin with. Life is short. It's a time to celebrate, don't let your joy be taken from you. Again, congratulations.
Congratulations Bonnie!
You worked hard for all those awards gosh I'm exhausted just from listening to your travel schedule!
I've been in your classes and know you give so much and I still think you spread quilty happiness where ever you go. Think of all the scrapaholics you have created!
Happy Sewing and keep up the good work
I've had a problem with these kind of voting things online for years now. I've been on mailing list where someone has asked everyone to goto some site and vote for a picture of their grandaughter to be the prettiest girl. When you goto the site the frandaughter is definately not the cutest there so what do you do? So in fact does these contests just come down to who has the most followers or family and friends? Bonnie when you first asked us to vote I went to the page looked at it and din't vote. Living in Montreal, Canada my knowledge of quilting is mostly through the web. So I went back to the page and checked everyone's links after seeing all the others web sites. I felt comfortable in voting for you as Best Designer, based on my experiece with doing your easystreet quilt, also having read your blog for over 6 months now, and checking out your calendar of events I think you deserved the lifetime achievement award. But best book, best author, best teacher I didn't vote for anyone.
CONGRATS BONNIE on your spectacular wins, well deserved!!
I also wanted to thank you for the suggestion, last night on Quilt Cam, of using ice on the areas of my face, where my teeth were pulled ... WONDERFUL, it helped so much!!!
Loving Quilt-Cam, even though I'm not sewing today. Enjoy your time with the "hubster" tomorrow :)
Wow congratulations!
Bonnie--do you wear a pedometer? If so, does it register as steps when you treadle? :) Just trying to get my 10,000 steps in and wonder if I should try the treadle!
People are grown ups and will vote if they want to - reminding them is surely part of the deal, esp as the other person "campaigned" so hard....Again, people only vote if they want to, which makes your win even more sweetly delicious and so very well deserved!!!!
Congratulations Bonnie! You deserve it!
I've been reading your blog for a couple of years, not commenting, but this is the moment I just cannot stay silent any longer.
You did encourage us to vote, "no matter who you vote, let your voice be heard", and you know what? This is what actually convinced me to do that :) Have you ever seen any elections where a candidate would say "vote for anyone" throughout the entire election time? I have not. Even if your last note said "vote for me", so what? It's perfectly normal and fair play.
You played fair so don't let anyone take the joy of winning away from you.
Greetings from Poland,
Aleksandra
You just keep doing what you do! There will always be naysayers around and we will always be here to reflect back to you that you are one of the most generous and inspiring quilters anywhere to be found. You are a blessing to all of us out here. Congratulations!!
Congrats!! you deserve it, you are the best!
Congratulations!
There will always be candidates who are willing to PAY voters to win. It happens in the political races too.....candidates make campaign promises in return for votes and contributions. That said, I'm glad you won and the other candidate didn't. It just goes to show that underhanded tricks don't always have the desired effect.....sometimes they even backfire.
I'm reading your posts backwards. Big congratulations on all of the awards! That is super. No, that certainly wasn't right what the other person did to offer gifts to win votes. You did nothing wrong, she had no call to complain. Just bask in your awards and friends and know that you are loved and appreciated.
Congrats Bonnie! You deserve that recognition and you don't need to let someone else take away your glory!! We all voted for the person we thought was the most deserving! We all had the chance to click that vote button just like everyone else and we voted for YOU because we ALL think you're the BEST!!!
Does it make me mean and nasty if I reminded my quilty friends to vote? I did not ask that they vote for anyone in particular just that they take the time and do it. My friends all know that I really like your patterns and that I watch you on Quilt Cam when I can...so yes they probably were swayed a bit. Oh well my mean and nasty self thinks you deserved the award and many more...congrats!!!
I voted early and did not know about any bribes.
Congrats on the win.
Congratulations, Bonnie!!! It's only logical that you would win--you are a VERY popular teacher. I'm the 2014 program chair for our guild and you were "booked" much earlier than many other teachers. Believe me, I've been on the internet for several months checking schedules of many quilt teachers and you were the first one I looked into booking. Don't let sour grapes people get you down. Just enjoy the victory--you deserve it!!!
Your the Man (Woman) when it comes to all around quilting. You give us You. You show us the possiblities. Blemishes and all. I am not afraid anymore to just go for it. The quilt police had me crazy already and were cutting off my crearivity. One of your biggest fans! There are Thousands!
Aileen in Fl
I will second that Amen
Just reading email here after midnight. Never knew there was Quiltcam today. Could have watched , but missed the post. Oh well..... Time for bed here in Minnesota.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You DESERVED to win.
Enjoy the roar of the crowd,
sour grapes to the "other" who whines and accuses you of her own bad behavior.
(good people can see and know the difference)
Congrats!! The Quilting community has spoken. 'Nuff said!
Congratulations. You are a bit naive though about bribes, etc. in other campaigns. Have you watched the news lately where they are exposing white house bribes for campaign contributions? This is usual practice in political campaigns.
Glad you swept up the wins!
Congratulations on this great accomplishment. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!
Well Jalepeno!! WooHoo!! I think all would agree that you are our favorite because of your sweet-hearted, generous spirit! I am inspired by your designs and am grateful for your scrap-busting tips! Because of you, our lovely little pieces of fabric are motivated to morph into magnificent quilted wonders!! Thank you for all you do for us!
Your fan,
Grayson in Austin, TX
Www.texastwang.blogspot.com
You inspire me and I want to congratulate you. I have learned so much from you and plan to keep in touch and learn more.
Hi Bonnie
I just 'watched the awards' on SewCalGal.
Many congratulations!!
You have inspired others to quilt and to 'follow your journey' if that following lead to votes, they were deserved.
Enjoy your moment and thank you.
You deserve it Bonnie! Congratulations...you will always be NUMBER ONE to so many of us. :) WHOOT WHOOT!
Congrats on your wins! Keep doing what you're doing and the way you do it 'cause we love it!
Well deserved Bonnie! Congratulations.
Well deserved Bonnie! Congratulations.
If people vote for someone just to get something free, then that teacher/quilter is not winning because she/he is the best. Buying votes is a meaningless win!
Congratulations Bonnie! You so richly deserve it!
Di in TN
TN Treadler
Major applause and congratulations on your awards, Bonnie! I hope you're feeling better about them now. Please keep up the great work and don't forget to relax and enjoy it as much as we do!
Major applause and congratulations on your awards, Bonnie! I hope you're feeling better about them now. Please keep up the great work and don't forget to relax and enjoy it as much as we do!
Congratulations! You so deserve each and every one of them. I'm sorry people made it a competition instead of a survey and that some of the joy was stolen from this for you. You're a terrific teacher, designer, writer and you deserve to be celebrated!
I know who you are talking about, because, I asked her to 'unsubscribe me' because I didn't like her 'buying' votes. She wasn't nice in her response, either. At least we know that MOST people are much nicer than that. Congrats on your wins. Enjoy Texas, wish I was there, too, instead of shoveling snow.
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