Why I've left Ravelry - Not what you think!

[@kreativejoy]

I too am from a family full of military, including a West Point graduate. I am also the descendent of slaves. Freedom is beyond important to me... Free speech- you can indeed say whatever you want & not go to jail. You still have consequences for the words & actions you choose. & yes, businesses can choose who they do business with. Thanks for respectfully sharing. As a side note, I'm disappointed I never saw your videos pop up on my feed until now.

[@halloedangel]

My biggest gripe, (outside of piracy) is that they picked a side instead of banning all political content

[@stephriceman6528]

I'm right there with you.

[@katee2231]

I had never seen you before this video. I must applaud you for your stance and the dignity you held in presenting it. I’ll be looking to follow you on the future. Prayers for you and the very best. Thank your family for there service. I to have generations of proud armed forces. Prayers always for all our soldiers.

[@TheUnquirer]

unraveled dot net - My wife is working on the site as we speak. She has forums setup and people are joining. An alternative knitting site with no censorship. Come join us :-)

[@kathynewhart6738]

Thank you so much for having the courage to stand up to this I totally feel the same way and I am appalled at what ravelry has done...I also want to thank your family for their service may God bless you and your family I will be deleting my account as well

[@jrh1161]

Everyone has a right to their opinion. I enjoyed your tutorial - my first time watching you. I am unsubscribing from you. Good luck!

[@diannebeamish3285]

I agree, I will follow you in the future! Hurrah for your stance!

[@denisefouracre24]

Kat E E You’ve just added another subscriber. Thank you for speaking out.

[@peggyhawse1227]

I appreciate your opinions and respect the way you present yourself here. I agree with you. You will continue to succeed because of your strength of conviction and professionalism. Best wishes for continued success!

[@4purejoy863]

I haven't done my research, but I keep hearing Ravelry mentioned. Thank you for explaining what's going on.

[@Honey-_bee]

I just starting following you. You popped up on my feed. Great words and thank you and your family through the ages for fighting for our freedom!!! I look forward to more feeds from you.

[@russellsansom1673]

As a non American, I have very few nuanced or educated thoughts to contribute to a discussion about the good/bad/ugly of the US political landscape. But I found it odd that Ravelry would make a policy around only one country's politics and leader when there are so many world leaders who are loved/loathed by different sides of the political spectrum. When I looked at member numbers today, it seemed there are more non-US ravelers than Americans, so I thought it even stranger that this policy was published. They should have just said they won't tolerate hate speech, as that is something that poisons all sides. Stephanie, I 100% respect you decision to leave Ravelry, for whatever straw that broke the camel's back.

[@mariawiant449]

This. North America is very geographically isolated, and there is definite safety in numbers. Unlike some parts of Europe for example, most of us can't drive for a day and end up in another country. We simply aren't close to another culture, another way of life, another way of thinking. This leads to a lack of true diversity of thought and action. Whatever we think of America's current elected leader, there are things in the world which are just as bad, maybe worse, that don't get even a small percentage of the coverage/hysteria/debate the Trump administration garners.

[@Mrs.Patriot]

I too left rav after belonging for 12 years. I was a member of a group that was shut down with no warning, called the Bunker. We were a very close group and it was a huge blow to every member. But regarding your comment about just banning hate speech - they can't because there is at least one group that was set up specifically to be a hate group, and they would never shut it down because it's run by their friends. It's the most vile reading you could imagine. Truly. They had to put parental controls on their site because of the pornographic nature of some of their content, not just from that one group I mentioned. Truly disgusting. I will not miss it.

[@jazbold8690]

@russell sansom very well said. Thank you for that.

[@deborahbeattie9103]

@@Mrs.Patriot I hope your group find a way to regroup somewhere else

[@juliefox5137]

You have said exactly what a lot of us have been thinking, Our country is in this huge problem of hate back and forth, then there are us 20% that don't agree with either side and won't take a side when it gets down to it. Thank you for your reply as someone that isn't an American, maybe other will see it. hugs to you!

[@user-zt4xd9ot7b]

I deleted my Ravelry account about 5 years ago. I felt that the owners had an agenda/objective unrelated to yarn crafting. Didn't feel at all comfortable being a member of their site.

[@vallang4832]

I deleted it along time ago.

[@kerigrace5605]

I will be doing so now

[@candynkeith]

You have just won a new fan. Thank you to your family and their service.

[@kimwhitehead5109]

Just happened upon this video. Watched it in it's entirety. I'm now proud to be a new sub. Thank you and your family for all the sacrifices. My son is a Marine. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@annclark5349]

I did not know that was happening on Rivalry with piracy. Sorry to hear that has been happening. God bless you in your work.

[@alyce-kayruckelshaus1224]

Wow, wow, wow, I just barely crochet (though my husband knits and has knit for designers in the past), had never heard of you (now subscribed), never heard of Ravelry. I sooo admire and appreciate your stands. Several of them, actually. As an author, I appreciate your stand on copyrights, your very brave and potentially self-damaging stand about respecting copyrights. It shows that you truly believe in what you're stating. I appreciate your stand for free speech, whether we agree with it or not. And I so respect your stand for companies making their own policies, even if we don't agree with them. I respect the very measured, intelligent, and dignified way you presented this. I also appreciate very, very much your family's service to our country. God bless you! (PS - With over 17K subscribers and over 56K views of this video ... have you considered starting your own needlework company that WOULD support and protect its designers' rights?)

[@ZannaTheGreat]

Just started crochet in November (2018), just found Revelry last week, just made my own three days ago (just to keep an accounting of my projects)... Just deleted it this morning when i heard the news.

[@stonytina01will-not-be-ban78]

I started crocheting just four months ago. Heard of Ravelry, never used it, never going to use it from now on. Plenty of instructional videos, crochet-along videos and free patterns out there for a beginner.

[@ScarletCrazed]

I am a Marine. Thank your family members for their service for me.

[@Yopchagee]

And Thank YOU for your service, Tracy! :)

[@ScarletCrazed]

@Jessica Inman no, thank you for saying that.

[@paulabrown1089]

I support you and your decision... I will follow you and continue to support you.. You are a kind and caring lady.. Thank you and your family for the service your family members have given this country.. God Bless and keep you all..

[@g.alexandriahansen66]

You have my up most respect. You are brave, you are strong, and respectful. And I will respect you, by not leaving you, by standing by you, by supporting you. luvs💝💜💛💚💙💗💖 alex

[@bridgetn2575]

Thanks for this video. I appreciate how well you expressed your position. From one Marine brat to another, Semper Fi!

[@laurashelton9340]

Thank you for your candor and straightforwardness. From one Veteran to another, please extend my thanks to your family members for their service to our country. God bless you and yours.

[@cheshirestripes8059]

Thank you for taking time to explain your position. I appreciate your thoughtful response and your family's service to our country.

[@valeriesdragons]

Thank you for your calm well spoken and thought through “comments”. It’s very refreshing. And to all the generations of your family, I Thank You for My Freedom. 🇺🇸

[@marybrindley8392]

I had not heard this and I am appalled. I agree with you and support your decision 100%. Thank you for standing for what you believe.

[@stonytina01will-not-be-ban78]

This leftist BS claptrap has been going on in so many other aspects of society. It was just a matter of time before the left invaded the crafts section. There's a reason they call it intersectionality.

[@babablackiesheep]

I love you! This is the first video of yours I've watched and I love how mature and grounded your video was. Loads of respect for speaking your mind without fear. You've gained a new subscriber!

[@cheriejohnson145]

This is the first I have found you! Thank you for what you said! I’m so upset about the Ravelry situation I could cry! I no longer feel alone in being disappointed with them. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@patriciagonzalez3676]

This is the first time I have seen your channel. I follow other crocheter's but had not found you yet. Thank you for the clear explanation on why you choose to leave Ravelry. I like your style and calm demeanor. Thank you, I look forward to following you on KZbin and Facebook!

[@scotslasskimberley172]

What the blue blazes does crochet have to do with politics? Wow! Kudos to you for INTEGRITY.

[@reaseAable]

I think that pink hat movement really kicked off political yarn crafting thing???

[@vegangelist]

Amanda Rease well, politics and activism have been alive and well (at least) in KNITTING for a long time. But the pink cat hats DEFINITELY ramped things up and made politics in yarn more ubiquitous.

[@sarahsquire774]

I just subscribed Because of your stance! Thank you for being brave and standing up for what you believe in

[@cybermersch6]

Me too!

[@dianecrumbley90]

Same here!

[@patriciafagan5165]

Thank you for this view. When I plan to "join" something I do research to see if it is what I want. Your view finalized my decision about Rav. They are definitely not for me. Also thank you for your familys services. Semper Fi

[@crystalyusten-li2539]

This was the first time I heard of you. Your video was suggested for me to watch. Thank you for standing up for what you believe in and not being washed away. Thank you for your family's service. I for one stand for freedom and know the sacrifice required to keep it. Thank you, you have another follower.

[@johannamcdonald9575]

You go girl! Fabulous to see someone who stands by their principles.

[@lindakochis5476]

Thanks to your family for their service. I’m not yet a subscriber but I’ve been wanting to learn to crochet and after your commentary I support your views and will follow your channel. BRAVO to you!!!!

[@juliamullie8677]

Well, you are the 2nd video back to back I have seen speaking out on this issue. I watched the complete video, & I suggest everyone watch the whole video too. You spoke your mind & did it so so well, I had to subscribe to your channel! I believe this is actually the first of your videos I have seen & I just knew I wanted to see more, even with the subject content. Very well spoken. I am not a designer, but I do know the work that goes into making a pattern because I have done that before myself. So, I understand your position & wholeheartedly stand with you on that. I have some thinking to do because I get a lot of my patterns from designers on Ravelry, but they may all be leaving too, so my decision could be easy, who knows. I am very upset with them myself simply because my crafting has always been my place to escape all the drama & chaos in the world today, & now that drama & chaos is being brought into my crafting. Not cool, just not cool. Good luck to everybody & I look forward to seeing more videos from It's Crochet O'Clock.

[@stitchinamy2283]

Julia Mullie I, too, am torn about what to do with my Ravelry account. I stand by the fact they have freedom to do what they want in their “living room” as some people have referred to it, but their view that all President Trump supporters are white supremacists is ludicrous. I find quite a few patterns in the site questionable (not my taste), but it’s “art” - I don’t feel I have the right to criticize someone else’s art and creativity. I understand people being offended when their art work is criticized - but hateful retorts and threats isn’t acceptable by any means. Ravelry’s become about the only place to get patterns; many LYS carry only limited selection. And the other resources available within Ravelry are extremely valuable! So sad that such talented and intelligent people are so biased in their political beliefs and to express them so hatefully. They’ve always had a no hate speech policy - but obviously did not routinely enforce it. And now, because of a few bad apples, we are all being punished with Ravelry’s Knee-jerk reaction. It’s like in elementary school when jimmy was caught talking so no one got recess. Many others have taken the time to write thoughtful responses, supporting the no hate policy. But the folks who have said just “ I stand behind Ravelry” without further explanation don’t get my support because they are practicing stereotyping and hate speech against President Trump supporters. Unfortunately, it seems that most of my favorite dyers and designers have taken to supporting Ravelry without further explanation which leads me to believe they support Trump hate. Am I Ok with supporting businesses with a different political view from mind? Absolutely! Am I OK with being called a racist by someone who doesn’t know me? Nope! What to do, what to do...

[@queenbetsy2]

You just gained a new subscriber. You said very eloquently what I would have liked to say. Thank you.

[@mysweettlife]

same here

[@lorrainem8234]

Me, three!

[@dwnstringer]

Me as well!

[@sandis8823]

Me too! Well said!

[@ledonnaolinger705]

I agree with you. She was not raving and preaching from a soap box but stating everything exactly as she felt it. As soon as I found out about what Ravelry had been up to, I dropped my membership. Too bad because I used them a ton of times, but now I don't even go on it when I have a link to go on and look at a pattern.

[@susangagnon1912]

Your video was a suggested watch on my feed. I gladly watched the entire podcast and want to thank you for opening my eyes to what I didn't know was happening. God Bless you.

[@rhondasparks3562]

I had only seen one of your post, but I applause your opinions and views. You have a new subscriber today. Thank you and your family for your service and patriotism. Very eloquently spoken.

[@laurawantz8234]

I'm a knitter, not a crocheter so this video popped up on my feed after watching someone else's opinion on the ravelry statement. I appreciate the calm, logical way that you stated your beliefs and respect for those who may have different views. I was unaware of the copyright infringement and piracy issue, but thank you for sharing. Also, thank you and your family for your service to keep our country free.

[@ThePhantazmya]

This.

[@amygresl3691]

I'm here from Mark Dice. Imagine that. I'm also a crocheter. I had no idea about the piracy. Good to know. Maybe ravelry should put the yarn down turn off CNN for a minute and see how many Trump supporters are black, Hispanic, Asian, gay. There's a lot and it's growing. Some of the reasons it's growing is because of businesses like ravelry doing the political shaming. I mean grow up. The economy is doing better now than in 50 years so more people can buy your product. That's good economics. That's freedom.

[@aprilshowersallyear]

they could have approached it better and just said no political commentary ... but no instead they had to get political. I just deleted my account. Sad.

[@sallysmith8081]

How do you delete your account? I looked around the site and I couldn't find how to do that. Thanks, AprilShowers.

[@tammiegreene4712]

How do you delete your account ? I have not been able to find out how.

[@annmariebusu9924]

AprilShowers drops has nice patterns

[@ravenshad]

@@sallysmith8081 Load your profile and scroll down. At the very bottom is a tiny link that lets you delete your account.

[@ravenshad]

@@tammiegreene4712 Load your profile and scroll down. At the very bottom is a tiny link that lets you delete your account.

[@jeantaylor4507]

Semper Fi! Semper Fortis! This We'll Defend! Aim High, Fly - Fight - Win! Your family stands behind you.

[@ccorbin83]

Why is a craft base group delving into political issues? Why are crafters discussing politics instead of patterns?🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

[@ccorbin83]

Jess Weaver , oh! Do you know what the pattern was?

[@rohinibhat4955]

That is the new world of " activists" that makes me sick. I just want to craft.

[@glorialynch8639]

I applaud you. Please thank your family for their service. I also come from a military family.

[@luckysinclair7327]

I was wondering why I haven't hear from you, thanks for the update, I never have any connections with Rivalry nor Pinerest. We cannot allow these sites to steal our Joy there is so much passion in crochet or knitting, as a matter of fact it's therapeutic for us instead of going to see a therapist

[@TheDivabird1]

I had no idea this was happening, wow, talk about standards and standing up for people. This saddens me, because I have been on Ravelry from their beginning, but can no longer go along with the hate. Thank you for standing tall and sharing . I do not crochet, but I knit ...and even though I do not crochet , I have subscribed to your channel!! LOL Happy crafting!

[@pandapearl385]

Thank you for speaking out on this. Yay America, and yay free speech, and thank you to you and your family's service to our country.

[@Bubbagoose18]

Yes, yay free speech. The Free Speech that Ravelry exhibited with THEIR opinion and statement. It never ceases to amaze me how your side screams it’s head off about your free speech, but nobody else is entitled to free speech. Typical.Tired of the self-involved hate.

[@CheleBoxy]

@@Bubbagoose18 well look at that! The pot is calling the kettle black! BTW, freedom of speech means you can not be arrested for speaking your mind. It does not cover the consequences of your free speech.

[@SoSallyPaperCraft]

Good for you. I think they should have a no politic rule. Do not just have a no Trump rule. They have a right to say this, but I have a right to believe the way I want. I will be leaving ravelry too. The site is advertise as a knitting and crochet community, not political.

[@jaapweel1]

my existence is political. you can't be apolitical if you're trans.

[@marylouiselawrence6568]

"Stay Strong Sis"

[@zuzanaxyz8866]

So Sally Paper Craft. I agree. I absolutely hate when businesses influence politics. I don’t try to deny their right to have an opinion, but I as a consumer don’t want to be confronted with politics every place I go and be manipulated into thinking one way or another. I am not from the US, but this is happening all over the world, that business and money from that business are interfering with politics and I have already stopped consuming products from multiple businesses that try to influence their customers in this way. It doesn’t matter what I believe, I just don’t want to be confronted with it in a crochet community, book stores or a supermarket...

[@Angelwool]

I completely agree with you. I saw Ravelry post and thought..Isn't this hate speech as well? Ive left them too.

[@Angelwool]

Deleted my account as well.

[@ElizabethsCraftySpace]

Hi sweetie, haven’t a clue why you popped up on my feed as I neither knit or crotchet, but I applaud you and your stance. X

[@CherylDFloyd]

I appreciate your articulate words, Stephanie. Did you have patterns for sale on Ravelry? I had 29 patterns in my Ravelry store and I deleted all of them yesterday. However, even though they're not in my Pro account any more, the pattern pages are still there, with all the projects, comments, etc. So, I went into each one of them today and linked each one to my Etsy shop, redirecting folks to purchase them from Etsy instead. (I also had all of my patterns on Etsy, so this was rather simple, albeit tedious.) I have a couple of pattern tests going right now, so I don't want to delete my account right now and leave my testers hanging. I wonder if Ravelry keeps the pattern pages, even after a designer deletes their account. Do you know?

[@ItsCrochetOClock]

Hello Cheryl. I would love to say that I have answers for you but I do not unfortunately. I did not sell on Ravelry so I am unfamiliar with the back end or what will happen to them if you leave. My first pattern will be released next month and I'll host it on my own website as I never planned to add it to Ravelry to begin with. This choice didn't come lightly or quickly for me. It's been building up for years. I am so sorry that I cannot be of more assistance with this but I do wish you the best of luck as you work through your process.

[@CherylDFloyd]

@@ItsCrochetOClock Thank you for your quick response. I wish you well on your pattern publishing.

[@LaraFabans]

Can you post or send me ([e-mail]) a link to your etsy site? I want to continue to support the independent designers as best I can.

[@CherylDFloyd]

@@LaraFabans Thank you for your interest and support. www.etsy.com/shop/CherylDeeCrochet. With your permission, I would also like to add you to my email list. Is that ok?

[@bonlilsam]

The removal of designs is tricky. Most of my designs were printed in books or magazines that will hold the copyright for another 6months to 2years. So even though I am leaving Ravelry, I can’t remove my patterns until the rights revert back to me. And as I understand the patterns will remain in their database so those who use it can have project pages. Removing the pattern only keeps it from being sold on Ravelry. ☹️

[@suebigger5097]

This is the first time I’ve seen you. Fully behind you and your ideals. Subscribed so I can follow you. Thank you for speaking out❤️

[@pinkeyswear3226]

Thank you for this. Yarn is my safe place. Let's all try to keep it that way. Don't allow the political trolls to win. Keep politics out of my yarn.

[@carolthomson8608]

AMEN!!

[@StarVue]

I commend you for taking a stand, I fully agree with you. When I watch crocheting channels I am looking for information about yarn and techniques as well as good tutorials not political options. Politics have no place in a yarn groups. Shame on Ravelry for not protecting their designers. If I was a designer and had my designs stollen and did not get satisfaction to correct it I would leave them in a heart beat and demand that they take all my designs off their web site. As you mentioned this is the designers bread and butter. Thank you for taking your stand.

[@valerierobertson9275]

Amen!!! That's my thoughts too @pinkeyswear77

[@stitchingnut]

Thank you for telling us about the piracy. I was not aware of it.

[@judyrosy]

Social media in general is finding that their political leanings are driving people away. Google, youtube, pinterest and facebook are also experiencing some MAJOR loss of accounts. It's about time.

[@vegangelist]

Wild Rose good! Maybe it'll hit them where it hurts and they'll realize that they have a right to their political opinions but that the rest of us don't want it shoved in our faces, being forced to digest their crap.

[@mrsjudys]

I never post political opinions. I try to be kind, but this was my last straw......I felt bullied! So......I walked away.

[@earisu]

@@vegangelist And yet if it were the other way round (support of Trump) and people were complaining or leaving you'd call them all lefty snowflakes. I see it all the time, people say they don't want any politics, but what they mean is they don't want politics unless it aligns with their views.

[@goldengryphon]

@@earisu Not the person to whom you directed your comment, but someone who shares this of their particular view. For years previous, Ravelry has functioned as a clearinghouse for ideas and the sharing of information. Most of the groups I joined were full of other people who had similar interests to mine, but politics was never a part of it, because it's a worldwide site. I was able to chat with people from all over the globe about how they dealt with illness, family trouble, gardening, spinning, crochet, and different application and techniques through history. I was able to hold pleasant, time lapsed conversations with people from different backgrounds, different religious beliefs, and different experiences. Politics was never a part of any of that. Never. Would I have called someone names, suggested that they were vile, or thought they shouldn't be posting commentary or creative patterns because they didn't think a certain political decision by the government where I live was wrong? Hell no. They are entitled to their opinion, as am I. I just don't see anyplace where it would have had a forum except in a Special Interest Group. And if I was offended enough by their commenting, I could leave *that particular group*. Not have them kicked off the site and banned forever. If the people who were in a special interest group decided that they couldn't tolerate a mind set or patterns by a given person for whatever reason, they are more than welcome to skip those patterns when searching for a new pattern to make; complain about the state of the world in their SIG; or leave the site if they couldn't stomach the opinions in other SIGs, though how and why they would know or care what people were saying in any given Special Interest Group that they did not share a view of, I don't know. See, the system didn't need tweaking (except for the bit about pattern piracy. That needed and *still* needs fixed - even if it's just a flag that can be put on a SIG or the suspect pattern.) There is/was already a perfectly good and reasonable method of keeping political views (which have no place there anyway) away from people who didn't share them. There was no need for name calling, no need for accusations, and no need for the insanely biased and self-defeating action of, effectively, taking a clearinghouse of information that provided a forum for a world audience of crafters and turning it into a narrow-minded, censored, Group-Think. Why they decided *this* was a good thing to do, I'll never know. I find it interesting that you assume people who had valid complaints would be treated poorly. Even if you "see it all the time" in different areas, do you "see it all the time" on Ravelry? I'm doubting it. If so, please provide information and links. I'd love to know which people to avoid in the future. Interestingly, I'm not a fan of Trump. I think he was a poor choice for a president. But he *is* the president. Just like we had to suffer through everyone we didn't agree with up until him, we have to do the best we can as we suffer through him. My loyalty is to my country and it's citizens. Not the ever-changing world of politicos and their power struggles. I'm more offended by the censorship and blatant bias that triggered this action on the part of Ravelry's team. It's stupid and short-sighted. They just shot themselves. I wish them luck if they ever hope to recover from this egregious injury.

[@stitchinamy2283]

I’ve read a lot of posts across the board since Ravelry’s announcement - trying to make sense if it all and trying to play Devils Advocate. Hate should not be tolerated...but I wonder if there wasn’t a little instigating that started it all. Intentionally looking for an offensive pattern, then complaining about it- I can see how it could push people’s buttons. The reaction reeks of someone who instigates then steps back and claims innocence in the ensuing chaos. Again, threats not an acceptable response, but maybe understandable if we knew all that had gone up to it.

[@joannahopkins785]

Thank you for speaking up about this! You have gained a new subscriber. I also deleted Ravelry once this statement was posted

[@theresareichert7081]

I was not aware of the piracy on Ravelry. I am seriously considering leaving them also. Designers deserve to have their work protected.

[@jenschafer269]

Theresa Reichert unfortunately it’s a problem on every platform big enough to help makers reach enough people to make a living. Etsy, for one more example, is terrible at protecting its members from copyright theft.

[@melauman5497]

So glad you popped up on my feed! I like the way you stated your opinion!!!! You just got a new subscriber!!! Oorah!!! Mom of a Marine, Army solder and Navy!

[@caryndietrich2260]

That was a powerful video. Very well-spoken. I admire you for your calm demeanor regarding the issues you spoke of. This is not about me, so I will not speak to what I think. You have gained a new subscriber in me, thank you for this video as I was not aware of any of this. I am a ravelry subscriber but will now think long and hard about whether or not I want to continue to be. Politics have no place here and sites like ravelry need to protect their designers. Period.

[@lindafischer5746]

You had me at GROWNUP! Bless you!

[@brookeshull7820]

I just wish everything I love and use as a getaway (music, sports, now this...) would just stay out of politics all together. To block people based on their beliefs is exactly what they say they are against.... yet doing it. Thank you for standing up for your family. Subscribed as well.

[@Ella-49]

Thank you for speaking out and revealing this serious problem with Ravelry. I just deleted my Ravelry account and subscribed to your channel.

[@diannebenda895]

I agree but I dont know how to delete my Ravelry account. Any pointers?

[@loretta9213]

I also did the same thing as you.

[@dorothyhanefeld8062]

PWA I

[@Ella-49]

@@diannebenda895 If you sign in at Ravelry go to your account profile and you will see a place to edit your information. Scroll all the way to the bottom and you will see a place to choose to delete this account and select this.

[@MimiJoys]

I did too!! No Ravelry for me, ever again!!

[@AmberDP100]

Thank you for this. I also chose to cancel my account with them. Not because I support Trump but because I support the artist. If there is something made that I find offensive, I just move on. It's not my place to oppress the artist just because I dont like something.

[@nicholeh7867]

Well said. You gave some very interesting points that I had not thought about. They can find the time and money to go after someone for their political views but not theft. Thank you for being open and honest about your opinion.

[@SigalAlon]

I applaud you and agree 100% with what you said. Ravelry shouldn't have involved politics on a business page that is home to people from all over the world and all walks of life that share a mutual love of crafts. The ONLY reason we are/were on their site, is because of this mutual love. Nothing more. Kudos to you for taling the time to speak your mind and explain your point of view.

[@karrygal]

Thank you for your honesty & integirity. When I heard that comment, I too, ended my experience with this website. Keep on keeping on!

[@louisedragne5319]

Dear Miss/Mrs I listened to you even wasn’t sure I will understand (English is for me a 3rd language) but all my respect for your dignity and correctness!!Pitty to mix politics on this platform .very sorry for you and all designers I had myself a problem with my own design but they added a big button and I couldn’t do nothing against a manufacturer Hugs and all the best wishes for success and luck

[@_Gaby_950]

2 years late, but if you're not sure about someone's marital status, you can use "Ms."

[@dollyfacediydiva9419]

Thank you for your family's service to our country. And thank you so much for this informative video.

[@lesliesloan2276]

As I am more of a knitter than crocheter I had not heard of you before I stumbled across your video on your reasons for severing your relationship with Ravelry. I support and applaud your message. I too have turned to my yarn as my happy place to escape the overwhelming amount of negativity in the world. Because your video - I want to be a part of YOUR community and focus on crochet and its techniques.

[@angeliii312000]

You said it! Everyone has a right to believe in what they want and I am glad to see you stand up for what you believe in. Not “let it slide” like a lot of people do! Good luck and I hope you can b more at peace and enjoy your crocheting a lot more!!!

[@junderwood830]

Thank you! So eloquently voiced. My husband also served as a Marine and later, served in our hometown Army reserve. Thank your family for their service. I don’t crochet, but will be telling my DIL about your site so she will subscribe. God bless you and again, thank you.

[@Suz_408]

Had no idea. Thank you for your integrity and honesty. Subscribed.

[@lauralepovetsky9670]

You’ve just gained a new subscriber. Thank you for the thoughtful, mindful, respectful way that you have explained this. And thank you and your family for your service and sacrifices. Keep smiling pretty lady. It’s all good! 😊

[@giab1188]

New subscriber...just deleted my Ravelry account. Thank you for standing up for our freedom

[@foleyjp1]

As a needlework instructor, I completely understand and agree with you. I lost several participants who wanted me to copy the patterns I used to teach from and I refused. I believe in rewarding the creativity and effort of the creators of all patterns, recipes, tips etc. and I will often, when asked, offer the names, titles, and places to purchase these items. Well said!

[@TheWolfwife]

I wish there were a love button here. This is the absolute BEST response that I've seen. Thanks for standing up for what you believe in - and thanks for publishing this video (even if it's NOT yarn related).

[@silvrfenix]

Thank you for posting this. It's a breath of fresh air to hear someone talk about an issue without yelling and calling everyone else wrong. This is the first video I've seen by you, but I will be following from now on. And thank you to your family for their service. I've had family in the service as well and I 100% agree with your thoughts about freedom. Thanks again.

[@CinSpain]

I don't always agree with you, but in this case I do. I've had the same problem with my photos on Flickr, they spend fortunes and energy on redesigning, rebranding etc but never protected the uploaded photos, which today means that a photo of my cat, as a kitten, appears as a pattern for crochet/diamond painting/embroidery/paint by numbers etc all over the internet. So I agree completely. I just think Ravelry made the most clumsy and badly worded announcement in history. Political (and religious) discussions don't belong in a craft site. And hateful spech should not be tolerated. Period. But theft is a much larger problem, and should they choose to shine a light on something, it should be related to their users and protecting their designers!

[@sherrycallagan2238]

I appreciate the insight you gave me about Ravelry. Thank you for your honesty. Just subscribed and will follow you on Facebook. 💜

[@PamPamelasCreations]

Newbie here. I left raverly cause I crochet to get my mind of things and that’s my happy place too. I don’t want to hear anything about politics.

[@danifreeman5425]

Just deleted my Ravelry... I don’t understand giving some freedom of speech while limiting others.

[@pixibelle3282]

Ravelry isn't a forum for politics. So why do we have to put up with political conversation on a craft forum?

[@allie8962]

Freedom of speech is not limited to criticism of the government. Of course Ravelry is free to limit speech. But we are also free to disagree with their choices and choose whether we do business with them or not.

[@nfoleymb]

Political conversations ARE happening on Ravelry but the type disallowed are political commentary that doesn't agree with their agenda. As long as conversations agree with their points of view they allow it. They are censoring free speech...Our first amended freedom according to the US Constitution. This is what communist countries do. Why would anyone want to belong to a group that does this? I had only recently heard about Ravelry and joined a couple months ago. I will certainly be deleting my account.

[@lisalisaknits1314]

All speech is not constitutional. You can’t yell fire in a public space. And hate speech is dangerous. That’s why.

[@sherryda2018bb]

jfsfrnd And we are free to leave, which many of us did, so you people should be happy. Can’t understand why you are here pissing in our space?

[@margaretdombkoski4780]

I applaud you for standing up for your beliefs. Did not realize the piracy aspect of the pattern world:( I deleted my account this evening from Ravelry. I feel sad as it was a great resource for patterns. However, I feel sadder that the designers I support (and many of these depend on sales of their patterns) will be caught up in this mess and forced to make choices they never envisioned. Yarn doesn't recognize politics - only people who want to shape it into something beautiful.

[@doracanales7784]

Don't know why you popped up my feed, but I'm glad you did. Just subscribed. Beginner here. Just bought my supplies. What you said is Well said!

[@amaryllisw1686]

good for you, welcome.

[@suzanneburford9681]

Good Luck on your Crafting. sue. uk.

[@chrislay7347]

Thank you and your family for your service to our freedom. And thank you for a reasoned, calm, and logical statement of your position.

[@PG-wz7by]

My father was a marine, and I cannot imagine his reaction to Charlottesville. He's be not only outraged, but hurt and disappointed, too, that the current president was not able to renounce what my father and many others fought against. Freedom is not only freedom of speech, but freedom from persecution and the support of human rights around the globe.

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

Amen. 'proud boys, stand back and stand by'.. disgusting.

[@handley2645mh]

He did denounce white supremacy but most people chose not to hear it and of course the news media cut and pasted his remarks to suit their own agenda.

[@kacy0422]

@@handley2645mh Yes he did! Many times!

[@kathyjohnson3886]

I respect your courage in publishing this video. Thank you. Thank you for your family’s service to our country.

[@michellehosey9361]

I've never heard of you but glad you are speaking out on this. Thank your family thanks for their service 🙏 from me. My family is the same way.

[@irene6594]

I am a Navy veteran, and I thank you for your support! I appreciate and respect your position.

[@tessielou9617]

Well said! Thank you for your honesty and standing up for what you believe. See you tonight!

[@philmcnamara4266]

Brave lady... well spoken.... we are crafters... pure & simple 🙏best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪☘️

[@creatieveduizendpoot4606]

Well said! Best wishes from The Netherlands

[@gwyn9846]

Having the courage of your convictions, enough to walk away, is huge. I admire that quality in anyone because it's extremely rare. I am in complete agreement with you regarding our 1st Ammendment Right. In fact, if Ravelry is a public company and does business here in the USA they can find themselves in a very actionable position- legally. If the ACLU were to be contacted, they may want to make an example of Ravelry. Regardless of that saber-rattling, my husband was a Green Beret, 2 of my brothers fought in VN, and countless friends fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. They fought for the freedom of those people who were being oppressed. The irony is not lost on me.....

[@bramblebop1904]

Public company doesn't mean its public like in public land. All it means is that they sell their stock on public exchanges. Its still a private business.

[@gwyn9846]

@@bramblebop1904 If they sell public stock they must adhere and abide by local, state and federal laws.

[@lunacavemoth]

It's a privately held company. So.......

[@neel9137]

@@lunacavemoth that doesn't give them authority to make false statements about current administration.

[@bramblebop1904]

Don't know, but this is a separate issue.

[@TheRealLeahBibi]

Thank you for this video! I really needed this. I was just about to start up loading my patterns to ravelry in hopes to make some extra income. Thankfully I saw this first!

[@christinejones7070]

First of all I want to thank you and your family, for service and sacrifice to our great Country. I think you were very eloquent in your speaking and explanation of why you were leaving Ravelry. God Bless you and your family. Let’s Crochet!

[@pekaspi1]

I second Christine Jones' feedback regarding this video post on every point! Thank you, Christine :-D

[@carolemanuel4985]

I thank you and your family for your service but I so agree with why you decided to leave ravelry

[@heatherpagefiberfreak4230]

I am deleting my account as soon as I am done here.

[@VickiBowers]

Ravelry may say they "are not banning," but - "oh, wait, what's this?" yes they are. Yes, they are free to order the rules for their website, and I am also free - to VOTE WITH MY POCKETBOOK and with my attention. I withdraw my attention from Ravelry. Now, let's get them hooks out and make something beautiful. 💕

[@lizllanio]

Well said. Thank your family for their service. I am in complete agreement with you. I also considered canceling my Ravelry account when I saw the news earlier, and after listening to you & some of the comments I am definitely canceling right now.

[@casalindaphoto]

I'm with you, girl! I'll steer away from anything Ravelry. Thanks for the info.

[@b.m.c.9384]

I am a U.S. Army Veteran. My thanks to you and your family for your service. My family history is just as you described yours as are my feelings on the freedom of speech. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

[@londapolzin5614]

Thank you for clearly voicing your opinion and the sacrifices that your family has made for our countries freedom. I too have deleted my Ravelry account. Although I rarely crochet I look forward to your future podcasts. Best of luck with your future endeavors. Subscribed. 😊

[@tinaham451]

Im with you 100% Freedom! thank your family for their sacrifices

[@yarnchickenkim]

First time viewer of your videos. I, too, deleted my Ravelry account with no regrets. Also the daughter of a U.S. Marine and potentially the mother of one. Thank you for speaking out about the issues with Ravelry. Yarn on!

[@denubug]

Sorry to hear you are leaving but I agree that Ravelry, it should be only about crafts, no business in politics nor religion!

[@TrueBlueQuilts]

Nicely stated. I appreciate your well-reasoned explanation of supporting freedom and taking a stand against piracy. Thank you and happy stitching!

[@theresacoughlin1578]

Very interesting and informative video. I would fully support a “No Politics at all “ policy but this just doesn’t feel right. Also I didn’t know about the piracy issue. Thank you for your very eloquent and straightforward explanation of what’s going on and your reaction to it. New subscriber.

[@redbonegirl1757]

Theresa Coughlin vagina hat patterns all over the place. But that isn’t political at all... riiight

[@itstrulyanoriginal6157]

This is exactly my thought on the whole Ravelry stance as well. If you had taken a 'No Politics' I'd feel better. Once this announcement was placed, I was taken back and went away from the site. I didnt know about the license issue as well and appreciate sharing that knowledge. Totally agree with your stance. I wish they had thought through their actions instead of reacting.

[@stitchinamy2283]

Redbonegirl 175 and penis shaped items (e.g., scarf and chapstick holder) and a knitted Hillary Clinton doll. Those things are not offensive to Ravelry owners.

[@mysweettlife]

I don't understand why anyone would dislike this video. You are so respectful of everyone. You stated why you personally choose not to use a service. You didn't say that any one should follow your lead. What is up with people hating on such a nice person. Keep rocking out your life!!!

[@Gingerly4it]

I agree 100%. I deleted my Ravelry account. I've been a member since 2007.

[@margueriteantee7185]

Thank you for your stand. 🇺🇸 The people who don't respect our country, will not respect other individual rights. Pray ,vote, and take friends with you! Thank you and your family for your service. "Count it all JOY!" God bless you💝 Shalom!