Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Book Release Celebration!
Introducing Chapter 7: Mathematics and Helen

Greetings from the UK!

;I bet you know how this works by now don't you?
There's a question at the end of this post. If you comment, giving us your answer, you go into a draw for a free copy of our book. And you make twelve quilters ridiculously happy to know that you are actually reading our blog and communicating with us! But please make sure that your comment includes a way for us to contact you in case you win or we shall be all sad not to be able to send you a nice glossy book.
The book drawing is closed.  Stay tuned for the winner details.
Twelve by Twelve Theme Series by Helen Conway
Given my inabilty to add 2 and 2 without a calculator, it is ironic that I get to introduce the Mathematics chapter. Although thinking about it, my quilt was inspired by an adult learning late in life to count change, so maybe it is not that odd. It was also about the Obama election and how people's votes were being counted - with some people participating in democracy for the very first time. Really our Twelve by Twelve project has worked so well not just because of the participation of the members but also because of the participation of readers in commenting and setting up their own spin off groups (see Friends of Twelve by Twelve). So thank you!

Change by Helen Conway
Anyway, we are all enjoying totting up how many comments we get in this series of Book Release Celebration blog posts so why not answer today's question for us:

How much time do you spend every day (every week) reading art quilting blogs? Do you spend more time reading online than reading books?

45 comments:

  1. I spend all day in front of a computer at work so I try to avoid them in my spare time.
    Normally I think I spend more time reading books and magazines than reading blogs. I still like to feel the paper between my hands.
    When I am really busy with work and creative stuff then I may only look at blogs once a week.
    I don't belong to facebook for the reason that I believe that you can waste too much time on computers already.
    Books are much easier to refer to when you are doing something. I can't imagine cooking from a recipe on a computer - if I do then I print it out! The same goes for creative stuff - I like to have the book or a print out to refer to.
    The paperless office/world is a myth in my case :-)

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  2. I probably spend about 2 hours a week looking at art quilting blogs.It used to be more, but I realised it was intruding into my time "doing".
    I love seeing what people are doing. I look/read books more as an insight to the how of doing, although many blogs are doing tutorials that seem to be clearer.
    Having said that, I still like to sit and look through a book of an artists work. The advantage of books, is that you don't have to worry about losing the subject!:)
    Blog time would be more than book time, on a week by week comparison.

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  3. I think I spend about 30 minutes per day reading art quilting blogs and mailing lists (QuiltArt, SAQA). I only spend an hour a week or so on reading books or magazines about art quilting. I do spend a lot more time reading other books though, mostly on the Kindle these days - does that count as a book or as a computer? ;-)

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  4. I have feeds to quite a few quilting blogs in Google Reader but I have to restrict the time I use the computer or I wouldn't get anything else done :( so probably an hour a day.

    I LOVE books and can't pass a book shop without looking. e-readers will never replace the feel of flicking through a book for me.

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  5. Most of the blogs I read are about fiber art and I probably spent more time reading blogs than all the fiber books I have! Visiting blogs is like stopping by a friend's and seeing what they're up to. I still sit down with a book when I have a tea break and there are always a few next to the bed.

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  6. I spend more time on it than I would wish, however there is payback because it all feed into my creativity. I read a lot of books also, but it's all in the name of art.

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  7. I think I spend more time reading books (especially if you include non-quilting books).

    I don't know what it is, but just flipping through a magazine is much more relaxing than reading blogs (which of course I still do)

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  8. I spend a LOT of time looking at blogs. Much more time than actually reading a book. Although art and quilting books do get read, sometimes it seems like I read more than I do. My current book is, "Art and Fear". Guess why I'm reading that.

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  9. Twice a day I read my blogroll, most of which is art quilting and fiber mixed media blogs. They're all inspirational and educational. I read books and magazines as well, but in a more focused way, like when I'm looking for something particular or learning something new.

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  10. I spend maybe hald an hour a day reading art blogs of all types including art quilters blogs, sometimes longer...time gets away from me. I would LOVE to win a copy of your book! Congrats again for it's publication.
    lynnc66@comcast.net

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  11. I'm not a quilter though I am an avid reader. I'll also admit to shamelessly spending hours on line visiting blogs and websites of all kinds of artists. My friend, Diane Hock, yes, she sits next to me in chorus, shared your new book with me. I borrowed it last night and must return it tomorrow. What a joy it would be to win a copy! I am reading it cover to cover and am amazed, delighted and in awe of the beautiful quilts you 12 have created. The internet is a remarkable venue to share artwork that might go unseen. Congratulations on your first book!!

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  12. Your quilt is very intriguing. I love the coins attached to it. I do spend too much time (hours?) reading online for someone who does not quilt. Thank you for sharing your story and quilt with us.

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  13. While I do enjoy visiting blogs, I AM an admitted bookaholic!!!

    It's pretty difficult to snuggle into bed at night with a computer on your chest, but books in general, and especially quilting books and magazines, fit just right!

    I couldn't manage a day without a book in my hand. Lately, your book is the last thing I read before falling asleep at night. And, in fact, I just finished reading the chapter on Helen Conway last night!!!

    Carolyn in SoCal

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  14. I am afraid to count the hours I spend reading blogs related to textile artists and their creations. I spend much more time looking at blogs then I do reading CPS or Quilting Arts, or other related books, of which I own a plethora.

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  15. I probably spend an hour or more most days looking at blogs. Even though I read a lot this has made me realise how much time I do spend on the computer. I am eagerly awaiting the delivery of my copy of your book.

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  16. LOL! Do you want the truth? Actually, it depends on the time of year. After Christmas, I spend too many hours (2) reading blogs and art related sites - one in the morning and another in the evening. Once it gets warmer, I check in at night when I am trying to relax.

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  17. I check the blogs I am interested in with feedblitz early in the morning ( I try and make it less than an hour) and return sometimes during the day to recheck an interesting post.
    Most times I read books a bit more than reading online art quilts but usually can't go a day with out checking art quilting blogs out for eye candy and inspiration and love folks tutorials!!

    Great job with the 12 x 12 book release
    Marsha in Va Beach

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  18. I probably spend 2 hours each week reading quilting blogs; maybe 20% of those are more "art quilting" in content. I read actual printed material, mostly fiction, for at least an hour every day. I have to be very careful that I make as much time to move forward with my various projects as I do adding to the "let's try this" list.

    I've really enjoyed the Twelve by Twelve blog. It's a great educational resource for me as I learn to manipulate fabric and work with color. Your book must be stunning. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  19. I probably spend up to an hour a day online - but I also spend a similar amount of time reading books etc!! I love books and although the internet has opened up a huge new world to me I couldn't exist without books!

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  20. hmmm. too much probably, like 5 hours a week, and definitely blogs...

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  21. Certainly not! Blogs are like magazines - most of the posts are short and usually have pics (often unrelated to the post - what's with that?). I have my favourites feeding to Bloglines and I dip in and out most days. But as for reading more blogs than books - never!

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  22. I'm not a quilter (most of the time) but art in general I have an equal balance of books and blogs, I love sitting on the couch with a book and cup of tea (obviously I don't have laptop or notebook or I could browse blogs on the couch too, hum.....)

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  23. I usually read blogs in the morning and read books in the evening. As to which I read more well it depends on what I have going on in my life at the time.

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  24. I spend lots of time reading blogs, much more than books, although I try to make time for that too.

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  25. Ha. You have made me sit down and add up how much time I spend looking at blogs. Lots!! I usually go on-line in the evening when the rest of the house has gone to bed and suddenly its very late and I have meandered all over the place - as you know - one things leads to another. I am also very naughty with books. I borrow them from the library and then simply HAVE to own them. Thank goodness for on-line shopping. But all this looking/reading does inspire me and comes out in my quilts so its an investment in time :-)

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  26. I spend about 20 minutes a day. I find it inspiring.

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  27. The amount of time I spend on the computer varies, but I can confidently say that I look at / read art quilt blogs daily.

    Although I love books and am a huge proponent of reading "real" books versus e-books, I spend far more time looking at art quilts online than in books or magazines.

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

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  28. Per week, I'd say I spend .5 - 2 hours a week on online art quilt blogs. I definitely read more online than in books. I think there's easier access to it online (although not the same quality usually).

    Here's hoping I get a piece of printed art quilting literature!!
    -christina

    crheb at yahoo dot com

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  29. I also spend a LOT of time looking at blogs, most of them textile related. I find it very inspiring (and a bit addictive!) I also read a lot of books. I love both!

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  30. I used to quilt after supper but found that I was making stupid mistakes. Now, after supper, I make a cup of coffee and curl up with the computer to catch up on both quilting and food blogs.

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  31. As I’m self employed and sitting in front of the computer due to my work all day, I often feel tempted to click on ‘next’ in my toolbar and see if some of my favourite blogs have a new post. This way I spend a lot of time reading quilting an crafting blogs. I love blogs because of the interaction and you learn a lot from other peoples’ comments.
    However, books are still more special to me.

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  32. Too long - I'm trying to manage my information junkie habit, but it's difficult, there's so much stuff out there...............

    Helen, are you working on a UK appearance for 12 by 12?

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  33. I spend about 40 minutes on quilting blogs and articles, but only in winter! In summer i have no pc and read books!

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  34. Linda and all, check out the Exhibitions & Events page on our website for all the details about our forthcoming events including TWO UK exhibitions:

    *20-23 April (Wed-Sat 10am-4pm) exhibition at Midsomer Quilting at Chilcompton near Bath, United Kingdom FREE ADMISSION!; and


    *11-14 August 2011 Festival of Quilts in Birmingham - join Helen, Diane and Françoise at the NEC!

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  35. I spend a few minutes each day reading blogs. If I didn't have to go to work, I would be spending A LOT more time.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

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  36. Interesting question - could lead to a re-evaluation of my day! I would guess about half an hour, unless there are tempting looking links to other quilters - and there usually are - which takes me happily off down unexpected by-ways. Definitely read more than I blog-surf. But then again, I don't have to go to work these days.

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  37. I have been reading the emails with these chapter introductions, and answering the questions in the wrong place. Now that I am headed in the right direction, I will add to them here. I read about art quilting on the internet and in books about 3 hours daily. Some days it is heavier in one media than another. Overall, it evens out. I am fortunate enough to be able to create all day, most every day. Thank you for keeping me motivated. Robbin Neff, robbin.colors@yahoo.com.

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  38. I spend a minimum of an hour and therefore spend more time online than reading books on quilting. I have tried to drink my morning coffee or something while reading blogs etc in order not to steal time away from the studio.

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  39. I use Blogger's dashboard to subscribe to various blogs & read whatever ones I choose usually every day or every other day. I also have a stack of library books and do read something most every day, usually more on the weekend. I'm on my feet at work, so this is a time to sit down for me.

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  40. I spend all day on the computer at work, like some of the others that have commented, so I am inclined to short the amount of time I spend on the computer in the evening. This blog, plus three other wonderful sites, are the only ones that I read on a regular basis. Then I have to say I "stumble" on others periodically.

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  41. nzquilter
    Would spend about two hours a week on the PC. Most of my time is spent reading books. Had not blogged at all until I found your site,amazing work congratulations.

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  42. About an hour a day. I also read art quilting related magazines and books too. sometimes just looking at the photos, other days reading all the words.

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  43. Browsing art and quilt blogs - about an hour a day. Writing blog posts, about 4 hours a week.
    Read quilt/art books/magazines at lunchtimes at work.
    Time spent actually quilting or painting about 10 hours a week if life doesn't get in the way.

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  44. I spend up to an hour a day online with blogs, very little time with print media. I used to read some quilt magazines but just haven't bought any lately. But I find myself thinking about quilts and techniques a lot in all sorts of settings.
    Rosemary
    biek hike quilt at g mail dot com

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  45. I do spend quite a bit of time reading textile blogs - not everyday though.
    I also love reading textile art related books & magazines, maybe about equal time on each.
    Sometimes I find online time takes away working time but it is great to see what others are doing.

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We enjoy reading comments and sharing reader feedback. Thank you so much for stopping by!