Pattern Errors: Kindness and Empathy
There’s an error in the Yule Glow pattern, my recent design in McCall’s Quilting. A mistake is a drag for everyone: the editors who wrote the pattern, the designer who wants the pattern to do well, and the reader who just wants to make a quilt without a lot of hassle.
But do you know what can make all the difference in the world?
How someone asks about an error.
This time, the reader was gracious and sweet. She emailed me this:
I think there might be an error in the quilt pattern, “Yule Glow”, McCall’s Quilting. p.20
In the Cutting Instructions, I believe the 3 squares, Red tone-on-tone, (E) should be 2 3/8″ not 5 1/2″. If I’m wrong, or if it’s already been reported, please ignore and forgive my note.
I’m loving the pattern and construction process, using scraps. Your directions are very clear.
I mean, WOW. Did you ever hear someone ask about something that inconvenienced them in a kinder way? She even offered a compliment! How was it possible that she practically made my day?!
😊😊😊😊😊
Every designer and magazine will tell you that they receive letters from disgruntled readers that could scorch the earth. They can be scathing, and mean. It’s demoralizing, depressing and disheartening. It ruins your day, sometimes your whole week.
And it doesn’t end there. A friend of mine was about to present a guild program when a lady told her, “I just really do not like your dress.”
So I wanted to put this out there, to say thank you to the gracious reader whose words were full of kindness. To say I appreciate every person who has ever said a nice word after a program, or expressed their delight during a class. These things are incredibly valuable and such a lift for those of us who do this.
Thank you, thank you.
And here’s some good news: If you want to make Yule Glow or any of the other great designs in the Nov/Dec issue of McCall’s Quilting, the digital issue is on sale for two dollars! TWO BUCKS. That’s less than I’d spend to print the pattern, so grab it up!
And remember, there’s a typo: the red E patches for the berries should be cut at 2-3/8″. 😉
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Jan T
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Yes, she was very kind in her response. There are some great people in this world who have tact, sweetness, and have not forgotten their manners. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Sheree Brown
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Thank you for reminding us to be kind. I hope it makes everyone think twice before speaking.
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Pamela Carlson
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A lesson to all of us, no matter the situation, there are ways to make a comment and that is with kindness! Thank you for your always inspiring blog <3
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