Phenomenal video! I’m older Gen X and appreciate the recognition of ageism and misogyny in our community. I used to be the young female knitter/crocheter and had to learn how to do those things from diagrams/drawings in books. And everything was abbreviated. Much like Nordic patterns that are very minimal in the instruction. Practice and sheer trial and error helped me learn how to do what I am now able to make today. 30 years into this craft journey. If we had KZbin when I started, I would have loved that. But I never faulted a pattern writer for not writing a pattern in a way that a new crafter would easily understand. I’m grateful for the challenge it presented me with, to help me grow. I am “able”, so I recognize the privilege in this, but I would also appreciate seeing a service that could “translate” patterns so that the less able could try them.

If you can’t understand the pattern then this pattern isn’t for you

I like hearing your thoughts and opinions!

It is GORGEOUS! I love that color on you.

THIS is a RED FLAG for the crochet community... an infiltration is happening... STAND BEHIND the "creator" and DEFEND YOUR COMMUNITY... or your community will not survive... just saying 🇺🇸

I am fully plus sized, and the idea of knitting what everybody else is knitting is untenable for me because many of the patterns are not designed for my body type they're not designed for my size. And even if the size range goes there it does not mean that the shaping is appropriate for my body.

I learned to crochet as a child, my mom made it a point to teach me how to read patterns that are published in books because not all patterns are going to be written long hand, she also taught me how to read charts because again, not everything is going to even be written out. Not all patterns are going to be exactly what I expect them to be, I find it more difficult to have everything spelled out long hand when it comes to a pattern but that is because I know most abbreviations for stitches are. That is something some of the newer crocheters that learned in the last 5 years don't understand is that not ALL patterns are going to have video tutorials for them or even be written in a way THEY want it to be written and that it isn't bias if they can't understand the pattern. I've recently started to write out the patterns I've made over the years and I'm writing them the way *I* would be able to follow them.

Really cool bit at the end with the wrist support. I've never seen that type, just the stiff ugly ones (I'm hypermobile and need them for riding my bike, not necessarily for crochet or knitting, even though I do those for several hours each day). My essentials include a few favorite hooks, a set of intechangeable needles and one of Tunisian crochet hooks that can share the swivel cables, a bunch of tapestry needles and stitch markers, yarn winder. Yes, the same crappy one, I use it a lot, even though I don't often buy yarn in hanks. I also put less delicate items in the washing machine on the spin cycle and lay flat to dry, but pin my lace projects into exercise mats, which are thinner than blocking mats, but cover a huge area and when not in use I stack them and use them as a foot stool under my desk. The yarn is partly on display and partly in transparent bins. I could not manage with plastic bags. And for project bags I use small grocery/promotional fabric totes, but also have started sewing some from souvenir fabric, just for fun. Transparent ones would be cool, but maybe not as strong for how much these bags have to go through.

Fully developed frontal lobe REPRESENT

While I understand that accessibility can be an issue, it is also very hard to make everything 100% accessible to everyone 100% of the time. However, it is possible to meet somewhere in the middle, but it takes effort on all parties involved (designer / publisher / customer (crafter) ). It would've been really nice if the person that rewrote a more accessible version for intellectually challenged individuals offered that version to Betty McKnit to include with the pattern, if the person only cared about it being accessible to other individuals. As a side note, a pattern may be confusing regardless of how hard everyone tries to make it easy to understand. It could be as simple as a person might be tired and not thinking super clearly at the moment. The next day, everything might be fine. Could be pattern, could be us, could be a combination. Having a bit of a struggle is part of "learning", and I think we need to remember that sometimes when so much information is spoon fed to us via the internet now. An example of finding your own ways to make things more accessible can be found by using the computer assisted opportunities we currently have available for free or minimal cost. If I come across a pattern that is not in English, I use a translating app to have it become available to me in English. Another, is when there are many abbreviations, the end user/crafter can use renaming apps to find whatever abbreviation and then have it change it to the full word or explaination. There are free renaming apps that can do this. With the widgets available, the designer &/or publisher can provide some of this on their websites and the customer/crafter can take some responsibility to source ways to accommodate a their own needs, disability, preference, or otherwise. I struggle with the more modern way patterns are written with, in my opinion, way too much information given in multiple ways. My ADHD brain is easily overwhelmed by the repeating of information. Because of this, I go through patterns and break them down into just the information that I need. Just my size, not all sizes and only the directions for shaping, etc said once, not multiple times in multiple locations. That's confusing FOR ME. Note, I've said 'for me'. It's obviously not that way for everyone. Therefore, it's MY responsibility to make it work for me or move on to a pattern that is written in a style that works for my style of learning right out of the gate.

I subscribed (after watching the *entire* star blanket video) because it was so refreshing to find someone so capable of addressing a thorny issue with both candor and compassion. I actually tried to comment on that video and ultimately gave up, because in the current internet culture of endless remix - Tiktok to Ao3 to KZbin.. human beings just like to riff and rehash and refresh and offer a different perspective - I don't actually know how to express the idea that sometimes it's actually not okay to take someone else's *thing* without asking. Sometimes it's fine, good and encouraged.. and sometimes it's truly very rude and you're stealing from a real human being who is trying to use their craft to pay their bills. Going viral on youtube sounds like an absolutely exhausting way to earn 600 dollars.. quid?.. money (sorry, I'm also an elder millennial but I am unfortunately american); I do hope the grief was worth it for you. I will be watching your other videos because your accent is nice, I can kind of crochet but knitting really does intimidate me and perhaps I can get over that?, and long form videos about a relaxing topic on the other monitor make my workday pass more pleasantly. Have a good one!

SIPPY CUP!!!! 🥺😭💕 i know i go crazy every time we get a peep of dr snacks, but !!! DOCTOR SNACKS SIGHTING(S) 🥹💜our eldest cat turned 14 just before christmas and she also loves when there's someone to keep company in a sickness nest. what a lovely video!! (is this what inspires me to finally attempt knitting a garment?????? we'll see....!) gosh, i'm obsessed with how this turned out! it's so sweet. i'm a black shirt girlie (an unfortunate sartorial affliction given my light-colored long-haired cats...) so i'd probably do it in something quite dark, but this duckling yellow color is so soft and pretty. i hope you'll show us if you end up knitting one in another color 🥰 i hope that you're feeling better and better! thank you for your video.

I’m really chuffed for you. I watched it when you first uploaded it and I did chuckle when you said something along the lines of not wanting to have a video go viral. I’ve revisited it today and I still agree with all that you said!

I pre-read all patterns before I start. If there are lots of words it's so much harder to me so I have to rewrite it for myself in the way that works for me. So I know that is part of the process for me. I don't complain about it. If I really don't like how something is written, I find something else or stop buying from that person. No need for any drama!

Not everything is suitable for everyone. I learnt how to read a pattern in the way this pattern was written. It’s my preferred way. I took part in a CAL before Christmas and every week I had to read the pattern through and cross out 3/4s of what was, to me, a load of waffle. Ideally we should adapt to the pattern, take responsibility and accept that the world does not owe me a favour.

I am obsesseeeeedddd with your content!!! This blouse is stunning and honestly I want to make it for myself, the result is just so beautiful!! I'd definitely make it in Misty Lilac ♡

Thank you for this video! I was curious about this topic, although I skipped the drama video. I am sorry people are cruel online. I admire your honesty and appreciate your authenticity. Wishing you the best.

You are keeping me company on a sick day whilst I knit in bed, so thank you for that. Also when you said your dream KZbin video was a five hour vlog of someone making an entire project? I felt that on a molecular level. I looooove long videos.

22:44 Well, okay, but now I want to watch that video. LOL!

Great chat - you are so right. I might add, what the heck is the matter with people? Read the pattern, if you have the skills, go for it. If you are learning, just have fun with it. It looks to me like the McKnit KZbinr has spoonfed the pattern via videos to people! What do they expect, the poor woman to crochet it for them? Get real and appreciate the technology and effort. I have had to decipher many a pattern to my own " language" of understanding! Geez, what do the complainers have to say about Drops Patterns?

As soon as you said fuck off I knew you was my kind of person ❤ I didn’t watch the viral video. But I’ll have too now. I can relate to people not liking you before they know you. I get that too. I hope you have lots of success and can buy all the yarn 😂 also you look like the lady from Royalty Soaps I thought it was her in your thumbnail.

I was like 200!!

WHEW! Ma'am! I cannot begin to tell you how much you made me feel seen. As someone who was also diagnosed late in life (AuDHD) I can tell you that I absolutely get the "inspire strong reactions in people" thing. People either like me or cannot stand me-and I spent YEARS not understanding what it is I could have done differently. So glad your little video went viral, because that's how I found you. Making sure, now I get all notifications. Thank you for being who you are! <3

I am currently making this exact blanket while watching this video and I completely agree with you. I have been crocheting for 5 years now but I am only 23 so I am definitely not used to this style of written pattern. I had to read through some rounds a couple times to fully understand and it redo a couple rows to get it right. However, that is a me problem, not the creator's problem. I can also agree that I am making this blanket because of how viral it went but I honestly think it is just a beautiful version of a star blanket. Will it take me 6 days to make, absolutely not. I think that it can be fun to challenge yourself in that way but I also agree that it is important to understand that this is a slow craft and it is okay to take your time.

Very exciting plans! Looking forward to seeing some hollywood inspired knits! I plan on knitting my first sweater this year, having only tackled socks and hats so far.

Thank you for so bluntly telling the truth ❤ I don't know, the pattern all seem so similar. Like the same sweater but bulky and not bulky. Or for women and men. Or stripe and no stripe. I don't get why they are so hyped. There are so many lovely and unique patterns out there

The pattern for me was slightly difficult at first because of the numbers and in the parentheses/brackets. But after I got used to how the pattern is written I’ve been breezing through it. As Betty stated in her video tutorials, if the stitch count is off it’s cause you messed up somewhere in the previous rows. I messed up my first blanket but on the second one I paid more attention and the stitch counts are accurate every time. You can’t cater to everyone’s needs.

It's like the "chart issue" with the salty days sweater. I had made it had no issues then I was watching someone's project vlog and they were doing a salty days KAL and apparently there is an issue with chart C and a bunch of people were messing it up and saying there was an issue with the pattern and I was like what are these people talking about I had zero issues with it (Other than literally setting it on fire because I set it on a burning candle... whoops but that was the bottom ribbing section not the chart section) It was like that meme "am I... better than everyone?" It could also be that I made the Grandmacore hood by the same designer which is almost the same lace pattern as that section about a month before starting the salty days and have done several patterns by kutovakika so I know you have to MAKE SURE YOU READ EVERYTHING.

I'm new to your channel (from the viral video!). I'm excited to watch your normal knitting content, and I'd love to hear more about your experience as a writer as well, if this is something you'd like to talk about! 🫶

Don’t change for the masses, you’re doing fine at being you.

I’m so happy for you but not surprised at all. From your first video I’ve loved your style of natter, you’re great to knit too and very interesting to me. Your future here looks great. Well done.

The way people talk to strangers is wild. It makes me think of Chappell Roan calling out the photographer that yelled at her and then at another event going up to the same photographer saying “you were very disrespectful to me.” Establishing boundaries is not cowardly. It’s an incredibly brave thing to do, especially for people socialized as women, as there is a very real threat of violence for doing so.

Try the modified version It's easier and better. ❤️❤️🌹

my opinion is that it’s your youtube channel and comment section and you should feel free to do what you like with it. you make the rules so that your channel works for you.

I first saw your viral video, and found it fascinating as a crocheter... my husband listened too and he got quite irate at some sections, not because of you or anything you were saying, but at the situation as a whole. I suspect he has ADHD at a minimum, so that's interesting... anyway. Came back today as this video popped up, and I enjoyed it. I'm more drawn to those who are openly and honestly true to themselves on their channel (Crochet Vision is another one), and for that you get my sub. I've also started trying to learn to knit in the last 24 hours - something I've always wanted to do but struggled with as a leftie. Looking forward to watching more of your content :)

Adorable! You and your stunning buttery sweater are fantastic. The collar! The sleeves! The waist! I loved every minute of this sweater journey; thanks for your generosity in taking us along.

I found you with this video and I subscribed. I have not even watched the “viral” video yet. I will watch it because I wanna know the drama! 😂 I will also be watching that vintage knitted. Louse video, but that will be when I am sitting on my knitting chair, drinking tea, and knitting away. I love long knitting videos. They are great company while knitting and I always end up learning or getting inspire.

I've been planning to eventually start a channel, and having this sort of well spoken, straight up, and candid insight into what could possibly happen if i accidentally left my corner of the internet (and the horrible things people will do when they have anonymity on their side) is super encouraging ngl

this was such a thoughtful breakdown of the whole process, and i enjoyed hearing your thoughts. i'm glad the the experience wasn't solely difficult -- i know that suddenly having a spotlight and a magnifying glass on you like that can be a really harrowing experience. i'm glad that you were able to figure out ways to take care of yourself, and while i did find that video super interesting (and! it's what led me to your channel!) i am glad that you had that moment of awareness that you can make whatever type of videos you want. i think you're right -- the types of art (including youtube videos!) that connects to people on sort of the deepest level is the stuff that the creator wanted to make. joy is catching! sincerity is catching! i'm glad that you love to yap about your hobbies and share it with us, and i hope that you'll always be able to prioritize your health and well-being here online and also out in the world. 💕

Good grief!

Love your videos! Will now subscribe❤

I understand the concerns for sure, but I don't think it's fair for anyone to send hate to the original designer over the inaccessibility. The pattern isn't new and there are other ways to learn how to make the star blanket. Sounds like the "controversy" is coming from people who have nothing better to complain about and feel frustrated over their own skill level. If you can't read the pattern, find another one. Do research on the designer before purchasing the pattern so that you don't get something you won't understand,

For your analytics: I subbed after watching this video. I found the title something interesting and halfway through this video, I watched the other video you are referencing as I wanted the context, but this was the video that ultimately got me to sub. I like your voice a lot, I was knitting on my Weekend hat throughout and it really felt like we were hanging out. Thanks for making content :)

I’m a new subscriber, but I have seen several of your videos, the first one being the viral video, which I thought was spot on. I love your content, and I applaud you for speaking up for something you believe in. I’m sorry you had to face the wrath of internet for it, but you seem to be handling it quite well. Keep your head up and keep making the content that you want to make. 🤍

This was so delightful. I was sat here knitting a sock (highly recommend them btw … great bite sized projects to let your creativity go wild, try out new stitches or practice colour work, and with there being a seemingly endless way to construct heels, you can easily switch things up if it starts to feel monotonous, also a great way to use smaller amounts of yarn and easy to transport 😊) and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your thought process, seeing your inspiration, and then VOILA!! An absolutely gorgeous sweater/knitted blouse. You were bang on with the sleeves. The collar is a dream. It looks so light and fluffy, like a confection in buttery yellow. Perfect for spring. It suits you so well. I don’t like cinched waists on me, but this is very very tempting 😂 I think it’s the 3/4 sleeves actually … somehow seems more balanced with the cropped, cinched waist. Anyhow, I’m glad you’re feeling better. Thank you for sharing the whole journey with us. And honestly, isn’t this the delight of self drafting? You won’t see anyone else wearing this but I bet you will get loads of questions about it. ❤

I'm sad that internet culture (ugly comments/the gamification or dopamine loop cellphone addiction stuff/etc) has made making videos like that unsustainable for you. I really appreciated someone linking a new hobby of mine to the difficulties that come from my neurodivergence (adhd, autism). Basically giving me context that allows me to see a complicated situation with more nuance.

YES!!!!!! Exactly... I get so frustrated with people in this mindset. I am disabled and have never once expected a pattern pr craft to cater to my needs. I have had to work for my skill. I cannot read patterns well and never have been able to... this does not mean I am entitled to people to meet my needs... it is my job to find a way to figure it out. This is one of those things where it takes skill not just to crochet or knit... but to also read patterns. I am just floored that people can have the ableist argument. I am sorry... but just like sports... crafts are not always open and accessible to all. If you want to do it bad enough... you will either figure it out or adapt to your needs. If someone cannot figure out the pattern... that is NOT the fault of the pattern developer.

I saw that video and commented that it was well thought out. It was. You seem to be a very thoughtful person. I am a former teacher- 10 years, 4-6th grade in America. I am autistic and have ADHD - the kids and families were great, my admin was not great (last minute changes, no routine, no delegation, unpredictable micromanagement/managerial neglect... not great for my brain.) I hope that you have been enjoying teaching and if it no longer works for you, you are able to become a full time youtuber... but that's a big stressful job too. So, long story short, I hope your professional life is mellow and allows you a happy and comfortable personal life :)

As you note and acknowledge that we as people are not for everyone, perhaps especially those of us (like me) who are neurodivergent, please also remember that your unique qualities will also resonate strongly with some of us, and these are your people. This is actually the first video of yours I’ve seen, and I love how you speak to the camera/the viewer as if we are real people and perhaps like we are just friends. I resonate a lot with you on first watch and look forward to seeing your actual knitting/crochet content! Thanks for the great video and analysis of your experience with virality 🩵

I am loving your channel. I usually cross stitch but have introduced knitting over the past year and find yours and other knitting channels very helpful. Very calming to watch and listen to as I knit. Keep doing what you're doing, loving your content xxxx