Ok, Obviously I am not actually a white supremacist. But, on Sunday an entire community of Knitters and Crocheters were labeled as such by Ravelry. For those of us who have been accused, this is particularly upsetting. It is sad and discouraging that by trying to show our love for our country and support of President Trump we have been labeled as such.
I'm not that old, but I remember when people didn't have to agree with others to get along. We were able to civilly discuss issues and have respect for each other. Not the case any more. There are some people who will just scream at you until you sit down and fall into line, or you go away. Ravelry did this same thing to conservatives 10 years ago. When it happened there wasn't as much attention as there is now. Hopefully this time around people will see how crazy their policy is. I know the story has been circulated by blogs and news sites the world over. The Main Stream Media is applauding this outlandish turn of events. Other sources are looking at it as the absolutely unbelievable silencing of Conservatives that it truly is. I have been getting lots of questions about why I left the platform. If it's not obvious by now I did not leave, I was removed. My patterns make people uncomfortable. That's why they continually tried to label me as a racist and homophobe. Several attempts to contact the site have gone unanswered. I can guess why. The whole Ravelry situation came to my attention about 5 minutes before I walked into church on Sunday. I couldn't believe what I had heard, but I turned off my phone and went into the service. Ironically (not really we know that God works in AWESOME ways) the sermon was about how the devil works. Pastor was saying that the devil is doing his best work by making people believe he does not exist. He was emphasizing the Bible says over and over "DO NOT BE DECEIVED". If there is no God or devil are there really consequences for our choices? 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 states "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." I DO NOT HATE PEOPLE BASED ON THEIR CHOICES. It says you can be washed by the spirit and justified. Satan is deceiving people that they will find fulfillment in these actions, which is why a group can label half of the population as white supremacists and their followers believe it is true. People don't want to look in the mirror and see their faults. It is easier to blame those around them. For the people who do not want to leave Ravelry, I understand the feeling, but how can you support someone that believes this of you? There are other pattern resources available. There are many free blogs on the internet. You may have to do a bit more digging to find what you would like, but isn't it worth the extra work to make sure your money and ad clicks aren't going to a group that literally thinks you are bigot? There is not only a political battle happening in our country, but also a spiritual one.
58 Comments
Crystal
6/25/2019 06:07:13 am
Thank you. I needed to hear that. My heart has been so heavy with the Ravelry statement. It hurts to see the people who are supporting it. But this puts a new spin on it for me. I can see that it is the devil trying make us hate each other.
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Laurel Johnson
6/25/2019 06:20:22 am
I too am extremely saddened by the events at Ravelry. I am not familiar with the happenings years ago to conservatives but do know what is happening to us now. It was an easy decision to make to leave Ravelry on Sunday as well as a hard one. Leaving a place of immoral and anti-American was the easy walk away but to loose what Ravelry offers from a Knitters standpoint was hard. That is until I remembered who my God is and what he can do. He is the ultimate supplier of ALL my needs. If I need a pattern he will supply it if I need advice he will show me where to go, in other words what does Ravelry have that my God cannot supply? The answer is easy, nothing. May God bless you DK.
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Monica McAdams
9/28/2019 11:21:46 am
AMEN, sister!!
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Madelyn Kennedy
6/25/2019 06:27:57 am
Thank you for the insightful posting. I also woke on Sunday morning to the shocking posting on Ravelry. Initially, it did make me sad. I have been with Ravelry for many years, initially had to be on a waiting list it was so new. Now, it just makes me angry. I left Ravelry forever on Sunday morning. I feel sorry for the designers/shop owners/yarn sellers who don't understand what they are agreeing with.
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Cindi Isenhower
6/25/2019 06:52:21 am
I applaud you for your positivity!! I am so upset over this and I agree that you can't be called "white supremacist" and still go there. The other thing that bothers me is how they all think this is ok? Seriously? A knitting forum just called your knitting friend this vile word and you're ok with it? A member of my knitting group commented, "so much whinning". I've known her for almost 20 years and she hopes that maybe I'll "see the light". My heart is so heavy.
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Lora Raleigh
6/25/2019 07:27:13 am
I am so disheartened as well, I just want knitting to be about the love of knitting, nothing else! If some of us choose to knit hats the show our support for the president, cool, if some of us choose to knit pussy hats, cool, move on.
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Sue
6/25/2019 07:37:17 am
God bless you and the stand you have taken. I have just today deleted my ravelry account and look forward to following your blog and knitting adventures.
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Eileen
6/25/2019 08:07:45 am
I stand with you as I am not a white supremacist; just an American....Red; White and Blue American! A sincere patriot.
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Eileen
6/25/2019 08:10:12 am
I want that hat pattern so I can make and distribute it for free...it would be my new charity knit!
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Cheryl
6/25/2019 08:30:41 am
I couldn't agree with you more. I think the way Ravelry has treated you is absolutely shameful. I have already deleted my account. I found out on Sunday too. I happened to be at work, and had a minute, so I thought I'd look at some knitting. What a surprise, well not really, I already knew they were liberal snowflakes. I was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt. Silly me.
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Rav Resister
6/25/2019 08:32:19 am
A measured and civil response to the wrongs done to you by Ravelry and the continuing libel they are perpetuating against you. Well said.
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Angela Wheeler
6/27/2019 10:20:42 am
I’ll tell you as I’m a bipoc woman who thinks Trump has been great for America: I think it’s garbage. Look up Candace Owens to see- black folks are waking up to the truth and leaving the Democratic Party in droves. I think they are panicking. #blexit
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Lorraine
6/25/2019 08:58:59 am
I was heartsick when I saw the announcement. The level of ignorance and hypocrisy coming from a man I used to respect was very disappointing. I don't want to make a rushed decision, but it is so sad to go ther now.
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ravenswood
6/25/2019 09:13:04 am
Thank you for being fearless and speaking TRUTH.
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Beth
6/25/2019 09:33:14 am
I never stumbled upon you on Ravelry but have since heard what happened. I'm glad someone linked to your blog. I've already downloaded your life hat. I'm sorry for what happened and that those whose posts and patterns are truly offensive are still allowed to run amok. I was tempted to leave but instead will stay and speak out within the guidelines. They're crazy if they think those who disagree with their antics can be silenced.
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Joni
6/25/2019 09:49:12 am
I think we should all knit a deplorable knitter item, mail them to President Trump in Casey/Ravelry’s name. Ha!!
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Inna
6/25/2019 08:34:02 pm
You know - this is a brilliant idea! I will do exactly that!
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Joni
6/26/2019 07:14:45 am
I also find it coincidental that Ravelry did this as Patternfish went under. Did they wait until there was no more competition. Because if they would of done this earlier, I think Patterfish would of had an influx of business and maybe could of stayed in business.
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Dale
6/25/2019 12:58:33 pm
Just saw this Ravelry drama early this morning and I am mystified as to why and how our crafting community has been divided and a large number of us labeled and shunned. It is very disheartening to see the division and destruction in this country brought about by the Democrats because their lousy excuse of a candidate lost her election bid.
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Heidi
6/25/2019 02:48:26 pm
I have not been comfortable on Ravelry for quite some time. So, on Sunday, I downloaded the patterns that I had paid for, and hit delete. There are other platforms out there besides Ravelry. Some of them are new and trying to build memberships, I will be checking them out.
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Rhoda Kennell
6/27/2019 06:03:27 am
Heidi, yes, there is a new one that is started up and already has over 850 members! Email me at [email protected] if you are interested!
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Lin
6/25/2019 02:52:28 pm
You have my total support!! Praying for you. I crochet but if I knew how to knit I would make every single one of your patterns!! God don’t like ugly and they will be dealt with. Keep your head up and remember you’re a daughter of the King!!
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Michelle
6/25/2019 05:56:00 pm
Hi My name is Michelle and I am a Conservative Christian Trump Supporter. This whole thing has been a blessing in disguise. We dont need Ravelry! I wont miss anything about it. I have made so many new friends since deleting my account. I am so tired of all the censorship of Conservatives. Bye Ravelry!
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Jen
6/25/2019 08:09:52 pm
Also here by a link from another. I was surprised when I too jumped on Ravelry to look at a pattern. I will be following to see where some people land as I'm not sure where to go. Obviously I can download the patterns I have bought but where to find new patterns.
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MDUNN
6/25/2019 09:29:35 pm
why not all of us who knit and support Trump, and get together, and make a Trump knitting book, Heck I would even design a pattern for a book. Just think if we can get a knitting book, and it sells over a few million copies, it can be a big backlash in the face for Ravelry
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Moe B
6/26/2019 07:59:28 am
I can’t stay on Ravelry. For years they have treated Conservatives like crap and now we are leaving in droves. I have enough patterns to last a life time. I don’t need them. There are more options available to us now. I would encourage all pattern designers to sell their patterns via other channels in order to build a larger customer base besides those who use Ravelry. I was on Ravelry for 10 yrs. but now they can kiss my Conservative ass goodbye.
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Laura
6/26/2019 09:42:36 am
I left Ravelry as I don't believe in supporting people who insult me. Just walk away.
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Laura
6/26/2019 09:46:15 am
For free and paid patterns:
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Val
6/26/2019 09:55:29 am
I am not one who gets in a tither too often..though I do like truth and speak it..even when it is not popular...like when the gay flag went up at Rav...and I told them..yarn crafts are not about sexual preferences..were they going to show the Persecuted Christian Flag next? The flag did come down..but they tried to evict me first..then I got a slight apology..I did by the way get a "restriction or suspension" when I contacted them about the WS labeling....I was so shocked..and sickened!
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Shelley Santos
6/26/2019 11:53:33 am
I've loved Ravelry for years and was shocked to hear about their coordinated campaign to silence you and remove your patterns. I mean, knitting patterns for God's sake! And very tasteful ones at that.
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RationalKnitter
6/26/2019 02:47:45 pm
Don't forget about crochet, loom knitting, spinning, weaving, cross stitching. :)
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Shelley Santos
6/26/2019 04:11:30 pm
We'd love to include more, but want to start slow. I knit and sew, but am open to expanding the disciplines when we have more experts on board. Thank you for your time and input. God bless.
RationalKnitter
6/27/2019 10:56:08 am
Thank you, Shelley.
Laurel
6/26/2019 07:17:45 pm
Bless you and your hubby. Will this be a stand alone site or just facebook/instagram. I don't want to support Facebook.
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Sherril
6/27/2019 12:47:17 pm
Pleeeease someone create a competitor to Rav!! Over the Rav yrs I have assumed that at some point we would have to start paying and I asked myself what's it worth to me. I would say $50/month so I would be willing to pay that to you.
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Monica
6/27/2019 07:49:40 pm
I should have read this before I posted beliw....FANTASTIC!! I'm in!
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Rachael Randolph
6/28/2019 05:42:07 am
Thank you!!!! I spent a long time downloading my patterns yesterday and then left Ravelry. It will be nice to have a new place to land.
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Susan
6/28/2019 11:19:43 am
Hey, you could have quite a following cuz rav doesn't include sewing.
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Joe Tairei
6/30/2019 07:26:14 am
What great entrepreneurial spirit! I hope you and your husband become millionaires from this idea. Definitely, competition is the way to free our society from these children-run fascistic tech companies.
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Shirleen
7/3/2019 09:57:58 am
Is Pure Stitches a name that you have used before. I googled it to find you and was directed to a Ravelry designer called Pure Stitches. Is that you?
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I so appreciate your stance; I am so disheartened by the name-calling! I have made so many wonderful friends across my years of knitting and being part of the industry. Although of diverse backgrounds and points of view, I expected respect, and am astonished at the people who think the statement Ravelry made is something to rally behind. I am encouraged not only by your posts but by the people who've commented here. I have to keep reminding myself that I wasn't put on the earth to knit, I'm here for a much higher purpose - as we all are.
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RationalKnitter
6/26/2019 02:44:50 pm
I, too, have deleted my Ravelry account. I cannot in good conscience stay on a website that doesn't allow differing opinions/freedom of expression.
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Brian
6/26/2019 02:55:32 pm
Encouragement heading your way!
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Barbara
6/27/2019 08:08:18 am
I am a sometimes knitter, but crochet a lot. I've used Ravelry quite a few times for inspiration and for patterns..
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Bryan
6/27/2019 12:03:03 pm
Thank you for words of wisdom. May God bless you always.
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Morine
6/27/2019 02:43:23 pm
I’m sorry about what happened to you! I think this is a blessing in disguise, too. It appears that they have poked the bear. I have remained quiet for too long, but no more. I’m on a campaign to take Ravelry down financially. I urge people to contact the advertisers on Ravelry and let them know you will not purchase from them because they support this vile hatred. Walk into a yarn store and ask if they use Ravelry pro. Sorry, can’t shop here. Advertising dollars add up.
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D. Mac
6/27/2019 06:50:48 pm
We would like to invite all of you who detest the decision made by Ravelry and who support Pro-Conservative designs like Deplorable Knitter creates, to join Ravelry is Unraveling on Facebook. We are a civilized, no profanity group of knitters and crocheters who advocate against being muzzled, put in a box and labeled. Thank you.
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Monica
6/27/2019 07:46:30 pm
Well, I too would like to mail hats to pur President Trump, encourage him, and perhaps, just perhaps, a savvy business person connected to him might be interested in starting its OWN fiber site, so we can collect as conservatives. Funny, because I'm sure we would all stick too FIBER arts rather than politics more often than not. I don't know how wf can pull this off, but do sny of you have any ideas? I haven't deleted my account yet, but as soon as I get all my paid patterns downloaded, I will move on and not look back.
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Deplorable Denise
6/28/2019 11:01:27 am
That's the end of Ravelry for me!. I've left them with a
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Miele
6/28/2019 12:55:55 pm
I have reviewed R’s advertisers and there are none that I would support with the exception of Webs whose earlier this year virtue signaling drove me away from them ... so I’m left with knitpicks where I am a frequent buyer ....ugh they still advertise on Rav. So I emailed them and respectfully requested that they stop advertising there. I got a polite response ...let’s see what they do. I hope others will email them as well.
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HB
6/29/2019 01:10:15 am
I had no idea all this happened but sensed something like this would with all the hate we have been getting on “that site.” It brings to mind a podcast I listen to frequently, the Dan Bongino Show. He has said a number of times that we think of liberals as good people with bad ideas and they think of us as bad people with bad ideas. It is impossible to have an open conversation with those that feel murdering babies is fine and allowing hardened criminals to vote while in prison. I can tell you for sure I will be downloading my content and leaving ASAP.
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Ele
7/6/2019 04:38:50 pm
I have an idea! Everyone should band together and start posting links to Ko-fi and thanking you for all the work you and all the other Conservatives have done. Thank you for your emotional labour!
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Julesagain
7/29/2019 11:14:47 am
"People don't want to look in the mirror and see their faults. It is easier to blame those around them."
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/vent
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Dana
9/6/2019 01:57:34 pm
Thank you for writing this. I was so overwhelmed by not only the Ravelry statement but also by all of the business and designers who posted that they stood with Ravelry. I shut down my Ravelry and unsubscribed to anyone on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram who put a post to show their support. I will not financially support anyone who calls me a racist or any other name because I support the office of The President of the United States. Most of the others were virtue signaling. I’ll buy from any lys that didn’t put up a notice of support or indi dyer who chose to keep their opinions to themselves.
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Doris
9/7/2019 10:33:09 am
I Love your patterns! I don't do color work in knitting, but I do tell my friends about them and where to buy them. I have never used ravelry that much and was appalled at their announcement when I read it in July. Printed out all of my patterns and was getting ready to hit the "delete" button when I decided that the best way I could hurt them was to stay and tell each and every designer and yarn company on ravelry why I was no longer going to buy their patterns/yarn. And I have reported every one of those patterns for the pink vagina hats as being offensive and demeaning to women. I tell the shops who have "queer nights" for the gay community that my hair stylist is gay, he and his partner haven told me that the gay community find the term "queer" offensive and demeaning. And I changed my ravelry password to "I LOVE TRUMP" This is going to take months, but ravelry has offended me and I'm getting even.
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Peggy
2/4/2020 04:51:48 pm
OMG. I just found you yesterday. I knew there had to be someone like you out there! LOVE your patterns. Love to read your posts. Go girl go! I’m right beside you, and so are so many more who don’t speak up, yet.
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AuthorDeplorable Knitter accidentally became a knitwear designer. She loves to design hats, but you never know where this adventure leads us. Archives
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