Mulla on kyllä saman suuntaisia kokemuksia, ja en osaa sanoa johtuvatko ne minusta vai muista 😁 Tiedän että mun normi ilme on "vihainen" tai "tympääntynyt" ja tämä voi aiheuttaa hämmennystä muissa. Uskon että monessa ryhmässä on valtaosa ihmisistä epävarmoja itsestään ja uuden henkilön tullessa paikalle useampikin käyttäytyy epäystävällisesti tai sen oloisesti. Eli usein olen itse ajatellut että kyse on molemmin puolisesta väärintulkinnasta. Niin tai näin, klikkejä on ja niihin on haastava päästä. Itse en ole koskaan onnistunut sujahtamaan mihinkään ryhmään sen enempää neulemaailmassa kuin muuallakaan, lukuunottamatta nykyistä koiraharrastusporukkaani. Of topic, aloitin juuri uuden englanninkielisen neulekanavan vanhan suomenkielisen rinnalle. Arvostan, jos vilkaiset 😊

I have usually felt that people have been welcoming towards me in new knitting communities and I´m very happy about my knitting friends all over Finland. And it´s bad too be excluded or not to be welcomed. It´s not always easy to go to a group were you don´t know anyone - especially if you usually feel an outsider every where.

Thank you for your content and beautiful designs. I enjoy watching you from the Wind River Mountains, Central Wyoming, USA. We are currently in a no snow Dec. but winter will come at some point. Unlike your area Wyoming has over 300 days of sun ( high desert ) although the days are short we almost always have sun. It is amazing how certain populations want everyone in a certain box, I personally don’t get it. We are all individuals and do things to fit our lifestyle. I have stopped in at yarn store from the east coast of the USA to the west and if there is a group I always ask about and look at their projects. I always find something interesting. As of now my knitting group is You Tube😂 that works for me. Anyways thank you and as I am from the Cowboys State, Cowgirl up🤠

I am a fairly young knitter (2 years) and I don’t know have any knitting friends or really do much socially in the topic other than watch some content on YT. The idea that people knit a design in the same color as the sample knit is blowing my mind! Never in a million years would I ever, honestly, I could not, haha. From hearing your thoughts and from some other observations, I am patting my self on the back a bit as I knit what I want, with the yarn I want every time. I don’t have time for trends, I have time for my needs and my desires, that being based on aesthetics mental engagement, relaxation, etc. Been really enjoying your channel by the way 😊

13:37 $120 Euro Sweater in American $ is approximately $126 and in Canadian $ it's $179. ITS expensive but NOT that bad either. Not every sweater can be this expensive but it's still ok for that once in a while treat.

You will find "middle school mean girls (or guys)" anywhere. In any group. Little cliques of snottiness based on something that's not really important. You could put them in a totally different setting, and they would do the same thing. You have to learn to ignore it or even leave if it's a hostile environment. Probably part of why that yarn shop is no longer in business. Love that wallpaper and this site.

no cancelling here! What you say really resonates, I find many people all knit the same patterns and there is a lack of variety out there, enjoy finding those who are making something different :)

Technical stuff first, assuming you work from the brim up. If you want the crown to be flatter, you need to start decreasing earlier and to add extra rows between the rows with decreases. This makes the crown almost a flat circle. If you decrease too late, you get the "pumpkin head". Love the colorwork on the ones you showed. As for inclusivity, I agree we need more of it and I agree that more perspectives should be accepted. When it comes to creativity, that is, not some other things that are not up to discussion (like marginalized folk having just as much of a right to live fulfilling lives as everyone else).

I’m going to view your experience from a different perspective. If you were meeting at a yarn shop, perhaps there was an expectation that you buy your supplies from that yarn shop. Knitting on a project on supplies that weren’t carried by the yarn shop could have been a misunderstanding and perhaps the people didn’t know how to approach the subject. People don’t like uncomfortable conversations. The only reason why I am telling you this is because I used be very crafty with beads, we would meet at our local small independent bead shop every weekend and it was the owner who said, “I can’t compete with Michaels, and I can’t stay in business if you go buy your beads at a big box store and then bring it to my store for help, or whatever” So for your negative experience, you are very artistic and create beautiful stitching. Happy stitching.

I enjoy your content. I don't think you will be canceled (at least I hope not). I've never joined a knitting group or gone to a knit night. Actually some like-minded ladies and I did try to form a knitting group years ago--they were 3 sisters and myself. Somehow we didn't continue, not because of any snobbery or anything. I don't usually buy yarn at my lys, since I order online from a specific supplier or 2, so I feel funny joining a group when I haven't bought yarn there (mostly I buy needles and notions there). I learned to knit long before there were influencers, internet, or online shopping. My sisters and I all knit and one of my daughters crochets; we live very long distances from each other but were together recently caring for my mother who was very ill. We were all knitting together during her periods of sleep, and that was comforting for all of us. I'm comfortable knitting alone at home, after making a cup of coffee or tea.

I just came across your video here on youtube. I have been knitting for more than 50 years As I started to knit there was not such a thing as influencer and knitting groups. I knit what I like with the yarn I like and I don't care what others think about it. Knitting is supposed to be relaxing and fun and not something to be stressed out about. Many roads leads to Rome, we are all individuals with different tastes and knitting styles and I find it wrong to push someone into a box where everybody knit the same thing in the same style. How boring would that be.

Maybe I’m naive but in general I see the knitting community as supportive and relatable. Of course there are those “snob” types that are rude and always leave a foul taste in your mouth but they are everywhere in life. There was a yarn shop I would not go into because the staff had their heads up their butts and not surprisingly, they eventually went out of business. Your Trailblazer cowl and hat bundle has a cool pattern and looks like a fun knit. I hope you get to try it out on the slopes!

I have met some snooty knitters that have looked down their noses at my projects, or my fiber choices. I figure they must be bored on some level, that they have time and energy to be judgey. I don't know a lot of knitters in my community, which makes the online community even more important to me. I do love hanging out (online or in person) with people who find joy in creating and crafting.

Thank you for this video. On Ravelry, the crochet community groups are very inclusive and fun. I asked if anyone knew of a similar group for knitting. They only came up with one. Very sad. I knit mostly with acrylic and for charities since that is what they want. Many men knit too, but I would say they don't feel very included either.

I’ve been a knitter for more than 60 years. Hardly ever knit from patterns, and if/when I knit sweaters or cardigans , it’s usually for myself - or grandkids - using ideas from all kinds of pictures I’ve saved in my phone. I knit from bottom and up, from whatever yarn I have, and my garments usually have lots of positive ease. I guess I’m a knitting designer with a very limited target group. (You’d probably call my knitted sweaters “sacks” - but I don’t care. No use to knit slim fitting clothes when my weight varies from time to time.) I don’t find you grumpy, it’s great with people who don’t try to please everyone. Thank you for sharing your thoughts - I’ll be glad to learn more about your way of thinking and doing things.

You're great , disappointed ladies Agh 😂 the worst ! Just do you, it's what works , don't like the exclusivity of what you experienced 😢

I used to have a wool shop. Ohhhhhh how I miss it. I had drop in knitting during the day and told everyone right from the start that all are welcome, they can knit with whatever, and we are not going to get clicky!! It was a great group of ladies 😊

I took up spinning my own yarn because it was cheaper for me. I had an amazing friend that gave me all of her equipment and wool to start and i havent stopped for 15 years. I am usually a solo person as well but i found a group of ladies at my local library i join from time to time to knit and spin with. The group is open for all to come and go as they please so its very friendly. Everyone is different but creativity makes us all a little the same. ❤

Arvostan jälleen rehellistä videotasi <3 Tämä on tärkeä aihe myös minulle, mutta olen vähän luovuttanut aiheesta puhumisen suhteen. Klikkejä inhoan eniten, koska niissä se ulkopuolisuuden tunne korostuu. Kiitos, kun jaoit ajatuksiasi :)

Eniko you’re such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for being your wonderful self. ❤

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I think that there are many different groups of knitters with different personalities and preferences. I also use handspun yarns and that creates sometimes pity and sometimes it is appreciated. I am lucky enough to have found knitting friends I can share a lot of inspiration, but I do not think that whole knitting community would think in the same way. I like to try different yarns and I use less and less superwash merino because 'real wool' feels warmer and nicer too. If someone gets Joy of knitting just handdyed sw merinoyarns, I try tö not comment anything. We are allowef to like different thingss.

So glad I just found your channel! I was only talking about this topic yesterday. I also own a wool shop and I see people looking down on others in the shop if they are choosing a “lower quality” wool. New sub from me 🙌💕

I believe that every yarn has its purpose, depending on a variety of considerations. Even when the very best yarn is affordable, it is not necessarily the wisest option for every project for every person. Everyone's needs and preferences are going to vary, and there are yarns to suit them all, so there should be no shaming anyone for these differences.

I am totally aware of what you are saying. I have found out through the years, yarn shop knit nights are only to promote their business, the owner wants to appear as the be all know all. I understand being a business owner you have to promote yourself. I find groups that meet in libraries and other spaces that were not started by shop owners are much more inclusive. 😮 14:03

Just found your podcast. I usually skip chatty podcasts but your authenticity really comes across. I'll definitely binge watch your previous vids.

Thank you SO MUCH for this episode, also that KZbin found your channel I also sent a lengthy comment on Raverly Did a lot of thinking too (as similar encounter happen to me about 2 weeks ago - in truly anty-holiday spirit I was rejected from the group … ) first depression set in, then I realized that people will always reject different individuals, but also when they are jealous of skills, experience …. Funny that, I heard „… you’re so intelligent and so talented, …. You don’t fit in our group…”. And also accusations that I talk too much about fiber, yarns, knitting….. while a lot of gossips against non present individuals were going on … so not coming to the group I KNOW I gave them fuel for more gossips … I really don’t fit in this group

I don’t care what anyone else is knitting with. It’s nice if I can find someone who has similar ideas and goals of course… but not a requirement. BUT! I stay far away from people who are always looking to be offended, can’t wait to cancel someone who has the misfortune of saying the wrong thing or whatever. I think it’s sad that nearly every podcaster has to preface their video with “this is just my opinion. This is just my experience etc” because people are so quick to beat the person up and get hotly insulted by anything they do that’s different from their own way of doing things.

Calling a toque a 'beanie' is blasphemous and you are now banned from Canada. 😂

Such a refreshing video❤ So rare that we see designers analysing what works and what doesn't work when they're writing patterns, i'm so used to just seeing the perfect final project and none of the trial runs❤

En ole käynyt neulomistapahtumissa Suomessa, mutta Italiassa kokemukseni neulomisiltamista ovat olleet tosi hyviä. Vaikka tapahtumat, joissa olen käynyt ovat paikallisen lankakaupan järkkäämiä en kokenut mitään paineita käyttää sieltä ostettuja lankoja eikä kaupan omistaja katsonut mun lankoja mitenkään pahasti. Ajatus siitä, että neuletapahtumaan voi tuoda vain tiettyjä lankoja ja projekteja on mielestäni aika kummallinen.

I have just stumbled across your channel (and your Ravelry as a result) - I am very new to knitting and have noticed that searching for patterns on Ravelry often comes up with lots of very similar results. It's kind of boring as I wanted to start knitting so that I could make more unique garments that fit me. But sometimes it feels like I am browsing a fast fashion shop! So I agree with you very much. Your designs are beautiful - I have saved a few to my favourites. I have not tried any colourwork yet, so maybe I will have to wait a while before I try your patterns. Can you suggest which of your designs might be easier to start with maybe (for a beginner)?

Thank you for dealing with this. We are better consumers if we all do the same. Stay yourself.

The most criticizing people out there is often those who knows the least about knitting. The snobs with the expensive yarns, are often the most insecure people and wants to make other people smaller, so they can feel themselves great again. I do know the snobs and all the narcissistic people in knitting. It can also be the other way around, that the "acrylic-knitters" ridicule other knitters, who prefer to use wool or other yarns. Some people use a knitting community to take power over other people - it ssad and very, very annoying. Dont take them serious - turn your back on "the fine ladies". Ladies with not much self-esteem.

Thank You for yet another thoughtfull episode 🤗

The knitting community is the same than any other community. If you have a settled group of people it`s hard to find your place. Every one would say that they are open minded by themself but as a group they are like wolves. But other communities are the same. Yesterday I were shopping with my daughter. We went to a store, that carries everything, mostly clothes but also toys, cheap yarn and sweets. We were about to enter as a group of disabled young men with their person in charge stood at the door. We both grinned because one of them was really slow. We said hello and passed. The keeper was very unhappy with us. If I had the same situation while my disabled son accompanied me, there would be no evil eye. It would be smiling and a big hello and some small talk about slow young men.

At 54 and a new knitter I don’t give a crap what anyone knits with. And I’m certainly not interested in the “influencer”. I love Ravelry and picking what I want to knit. I choose whatever yarn I like, not what’s cool etc Also I am socially anxious with cptsd and have never felt like I fit in anywhere, I love quiet solitude and watching the community from the safety of my screen. lol You are not alone. We are part of your type of community.

It would be a great loss if you were to be cancelled. Your voice is important and speaking your truth and experience is brave. LOVE the cowls that you showed today. Do you post your test knits on instagram?

Interesting that you say you feel like an outsider but I would rather say you are an individual who expresses your talent in a different way. I like nice things and expensive things but I am working out that there are ways to afford the things you like the most. For instance I finally upgraded to an affordable electric spinner and therefore I can now spin the most natural fibre and luxurious fibre a little quicker. Yes, it still takes time but in the end it’s beneficial to me. You may not realise it but you are sending a powerful message. Keep speaking your mind or as some may call it being ‘controversial. Still enjoying your channel.

I think my only two rules that I can't really agree to disagree with people in the knitting community on is don't be wasteful and don't be rude. To me no matter how we feel about yarn types in the ecological sense if someone is not wasting their money (and to me this means staying within the budget of what they can afford) and loving the fiber they chose and not turning around and throwing it the trash when they are done then that is what matters. Yes you can argue that certain fibers are better than others but all fibers have an impact on the planet so I really hate the snobby knitpicking in the community (pun intended). And the don't be rude is self explanatory lol. I also have strong opinions on people buying yarn just for it to sit on a shelf for all of eternity and hogging resources that other people may have wanted to use right away too but even that I'm okay to agree to disagree on as long as person isn't making other people feel pressured to do the same.

I have not had an unpleasant knitting experience, but back when I was only quilting it definitely happened more than once. I would go into a new fabric/quilt store and see the staff and customers chatting and so on, and no one even spoke to me or made eye contact. It was like only the 'in crowd' was acknowledged. This happened at three different store, so it seemed to be widespread. Needless ti say, I never became a customer or an insider. I have had a number of friendly encounters with knitters at cafes and groups, so I feel very fortunate. As a family caregiver I am very isolated and find that knitting in public is a very effective way to interact with people, both other crafters and folks who have an aunt, grandma or other that knitted.

I think one thing we forget sometimes is that knitting isn't the practice of one culture with one set prescribed way of doing things, but rather it is EVERYWHERE and influenced by many different cultures who have different methods and techniques. The great thing is that we can learn from each other to find what works for us uniquely. And by the same notion, the availability of certain yarns changes according to one's place. What's readily available (and therefore affordable) to me in the US won't be the same as what's available to you as what's available to a knitter in Japan. The knitting "community" is really a global practice of many different communities, and we could all stand to learn from rather than judge each other for our choices of what we like to knit with, how we knit, what patterns we knit, etc. Knitters have found themselves victims of online globalized influencer culture, and I'm not exempt - I visited a yarn shop in London last year and I am kicking myself for not picking up some isager silk mohair that runs for much higher cost here - but we can all benefit from shopping local when we can, and supporting the industry at home (wherever that is) so production can continue to make lovely, amazing things. Sorry for the comment essay! Thank you for opening the floor for this topic. It only brushes the surface of the question of inclusivity. There's the topics of body size, of gender representation, of accessibility, of race, not all of which I am the person to speak on behalf. I don't always agree with everything you say, but that's normal! And you seem like you're listening as much as you are engaging the conversation, which is so valuable.

I had similar experiences, unfortunately, when it comes to knitting groups, local yarn stores or even knitting in public - and this is something I experienced in different countries. Today, local yarn stores (though I need to drive 2-3 hours to one nearest to me - is this even considered local anymore?) are just a place where I can touch yarn before buying it online. I am not going to support some grumpy, snarky, condescending shop owner financially, if that´s the price to pay to support local yarn stores. And I feel so sorry for the few good, and nicely run stores out there, who just disappear in this abundance of snark, condescendence, and gatekeeping. Then there´s the comment section here. So many negative experiences - it makes me sad. Imagine being a bloody beginner these days... One really needs to be a special kind of person to endure this stuff, and still happily carry on with their hobby. On a happier note: I loved your metaphor 😂 My grandpa used to say a similar thing, though his version roughly translates to "there´s more than one way to kill a pig".

You are really rocking the boat with your KZbin channel and I love it! Thank you for speaking your mind.

Ok, I really need to say this: girl, I would dearly like to be your friend. It is so hard to find people with opinions, who are not sugarcoating everything, who are open and vulnerable at the same times as they are speaking their truth, as well as admitting humbly that this might only be their truth, not THE truth. Anyhow, leaving this here: if you like, get in touch :) Would love that. If not, I'll still be watching your vids while doing my little loops with my little sticks. 🫶🌲🍪

Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts Enikö and I am glad you did. I appreciate you even more now! I’ve tried to respond better twice now and keep rambling - way too tired to think lol. I’ll respond better tomorrow. But i HAD to mention that the vespa pullover was actually my first choice of pattern. I loved it and the story behind it. I loved seeing you in it in this video.

I’ve seen so much of this. I tried a local group and got so much crap for knitting English. I learned to knit at 3 from my grandmother and that’s how I knit. Also many knitting groups in area are not open to those of different faiths.

Sorry to hear you have had unpleasant experiences with knitting groups! It shouldn't be that way. I'm NOT making excuses for anyone who was rude or unwelcoming, but I do see the point of view that the owner & community of a yarn shop just want to keep that business afloat, which is not easy for any small business. They stay open by selling yarn, hence the suggestion that knitters purchase yarn there. Thanks again for your podcast and strong opinions :)

I've had mixed receptions in various groups including knitting groups. Some are warm and welcoming, others not so much. Some groups just take a while to warm up to new people. But if they're judgmental or outright unfriendly, I'd look for a new group. There are some fine online knitting communities.

My knitting group is not affiliated with any yarn shops. We meet at a local museum once a week. Perhaps this is why it is such an inviting and inclusive group. We are all knitting our own thing, with any wool or needles we choose. We learn from each other, teach each other and admire each others progress. So If you're ever in Nova Scotia Canada, get in touch, we would welcome you with open arms.

Fellow Finn here 👋 thank you for your video, it was nice tog hear your thoughts! 😊