...why there's so much free information on this website
This post contains affiliate links for which I receive compensation.
Updated 1-7-23
This website, www.generations-quilt-patterns.com, is written and edited by only me, Julie Baird.
It is an informational website meant to help quilters:
Building this site is a labor of love, however, it costs money to build, stitch samples, maintain and host.
To offset the costs of operation, I have joined the affiliate programs of several companies. I earn a small commission when you purchase products by clicking from my website through to their website and complete a purchase.
It is this income that's allowed me to build a website of over 1200 pages of information. Pretty neat!
When I started this site I was clueless about affiliates. Seriously clueless. I didn't even know they existed.
So what are they?
Let's say you've read my response to a question about "what's the best quilt marking tool".
I've recommended both Clover's Blue Washout Marker and their white one, too, as well as the Bohin Mechanical Chalk pencil. (You can see the page here at Favorite Quilt Marking Tools.)
Clicking on the images of any of these products or the blue underlined links (both are called affiliate links) takes you to a company that sells these items where you can choose to order them IF you are interested.
You may choose to simply use the link to read more about the product or the reviews submitted by other purchasers of the product.
If you purchase something from that company, I am paid a small commission on that sale.
Conversely, if you went directly to that company's website (i.e. typing their URL into your browser bar) to purchase one of those marking tools, while you would pay the same price for the pen or marker, I would not receive any compensation.
Whichever way you choose to purchase an item is solely at your discretion, however, I think it's important that you know how these affiliate links work and how I am compensated for displaying them.
I am happy to recommend and tell you exactly the products that I use, because I know they work for me.
It's what I'd want to know if I was reading the page.
If I say you'll need a 'stabilizer' for a certain project, I will tell you which one I use and, if at all possible, provide a link to where you can purchase it or simply learn more about it.
If there is an alternative that I'm aware of that should work just as well, I'll link out to that, too.
Your time is valuable and with the price of gas these days, it's quite likely that having a product shipped to your door is the most cost effective way to get it.
If I'm interested enough in something, I buy my own. That way I'm not beholden to anyone.
The only exception to that on this site is the Hang It Dang It quilt hanger.
I'd written a page about it on this site. The creator/manufacturer came across it and sent me one.
I did not ask for it.
It is the one and only time that has happened since the inception of this site in 2008.
At present these are the companies that I have affiliate agreements with:
Generations-quilt-patterns.com and Julie Baird (me) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Personally, I do a LOT of shopping on Amazon as I am Prime subscriber for several years now.
I love the quick, free shipping on my orders that are fulfilled by Amazon.
And Prime Video keeps me company while I'm sewing.
Again, when I started this site, I was clueless about Adsense, too. I knew about quilting, but back then, website building?
Ummm.
Not so much!
The 'Ads by Google' that appear on this site are not selected by me, so if you see a Google ad that matches an ad already on the page, it's pure coincidence. (As an example, you'll notice this frequently when Accuquilt is running a sale.)
I have no control over the ads that Google places on the page.
I've recently started with the Mediavine ad service and am particularly happy with the way the ads display on the page.
But again, I have little control over the ads that display on the page other than the ability to block certain categories of ads.
...these affiliate relationships have provided the opportunity for me to freely share something that I love and make an income to help support my family while doing it.
You have access to all sorts of information, tutorials and free downloads for patterns.
You also have links to the exact products I use and recommend with the option of purchasing them if you so desire. You can also read the recommendations left by others who have purchased the product. That gives you more information to make an informed choice.
A WIN-WIN for both of us!
If you have any questions about the information contained in this Disclosure Policy, please contact me and I will do my best to answer them for you.
I thank you for your continued support of this website.
Piecefully,
Julie Baird
Owner, Generations Quilt Patterns, LLC