On my way home from Lawn Guyland yesterday, exasperated by perceived slights, real slights, sleights of hand I said to myself, Chica (I call myself Chica – just trying to keep it real) this blog thing is very very important in your life, but is it worth all this stress? Honesty. It’s such a lonely word. It is worth the agita?
I said, yeah, I think it is. But how to know for sure?
Chica, I said, let’s take the decision out of our hands. Let’s let GOD decide. If we should see a rainbow today, that ultimate sign of peace and harmony and unicorns, then we’ll keep blogging! Chica wholeheartedly agreed.
It was a kind of tense train trip. What was the likelihood of a rainbow? Sure it was kind of overcast and looked like it could rain at any minute. The conditions COULD be right for a rainbow. Maybe. Did we, Chica and me, even really BELIEVE in signs?
As I walked to the shuttle after taking two regional train lines, lugging my big bag and my wheel bag, permanent indentations carving their way into my shoulders, I tried to avoid a puddle and almost falling on my ass, I caught a glimpse of something sparkly in the sky.
Chica! I gasped. God has answered our prayers. Look, out yonder, it’s a RAINBOW!
The blog stays.
Thank you all so much for your emails and comments and notes of support. I’m hoping to get back to each of you that wrote, but it might take me a bit. I appreciate it for me, but really I appreciate it that you all care so much about truth in advertising. I am what I am and I’d hate to feel like I have to change that or censor it or anything. One note though – it’s been mentioned a few times that maybe my yarn store review was what prompted the Yarn Harlot’s impassioned post of the other day. I can pretty much tell you unequivocally that the two situations have absolutely NOTHING to do with each other. Unfortunately, I’m guessing that Stephanie’s talking about something that happened TO her, not passing judgment on what I wrote.
I’ve got to apologize again. When I wrote about the reveal, I meant my new project. Not my new PROJECT. That project, with a capital P, is gonna be a little while longer.
Clue #3
Click for big. (Do IT!)
Thank you again for your readership. I’m fully aware that a lot of these problems wouldn’t exist if no one was reading my blog, so it’s kind of a good with the bad situation. I do appreciate your being here – ridiculous opinions and everything. 😉 (I KID, It’s a JOKE!)
Hopefully, Monday, we can get back to the knitting. No promises though. Life is kind of crazy at the moment. Duh.
Have a great weekend!
L, C
PS – It’s true – I did thinking about closing up shop, but rainbow or no rainbow, I’m not giving up anytime soon. I actually like my blog. A lot. And I would really really miss it (and by extension all of you) if it was gone. It does take a lot of energy and time though and I often think about stopping. For now, though, the good certainly outweighs the bad.
ooooh, crochet square, pretty!
Wow. Sorry to hear about the criticism you got. It reminds me of a Gilmore Girls episode where Rorie wrote her first negative review of a ballet and the ballerina wrote “Die, Jerk” on her door.
I work in the news industry and in my experience you never know exactly what is going to upset/offend/tick off people. Believe me, I’ve gotten some horrible phone calls/e-mails/etc. from things I’ve written that I had no idea would cause such an uproar.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m glad you saw the rainbow. Personally, I’d rather read blogs that had some opinion and commentary in them.
Glad you found that rainbow!
I’m glad you saw that rainbow. I love your blog! It would be a shame to lose you as a member of the community.
I don’t have a blog myself, I know I wouldn’t be faithful at updating often since my plate is pretty full and I’m not a great one with words anyway, but I dearly love to read them and occasionally post comments. I like that connection with others who love these fibery arts as much as me, and I only get that through this commnity and the fiber fairs. That is one of my favorite parts about attending the festivals too.
So, you just keep on doing what you do so well.
It’s odd to think that if the sun had shone a bit differently, you might have ended January One. I’m glad things worked out as they did.
Extremely glad you saw the rainbow. I would be sadden not to be able to read your blog anymore so I super duper happy that it is staying.
Rainbows are just amazing! I enjoy reading your blog! Now, I am a bit concerned about the crocheting – that is the dark side, you know! 🙂 Have a great weekend Cara!
Thank God for the rainbow. I was kinda sad all day yesterday, thinking this might be it for your blog, and all because someone (or ones) couldn’t handle honest assessments. Yay! You’re sticking around!
Thank god for that rainbow. I would have written you a nasty email (all in caps) if you would have left the blog. And I wouldn’t have said, “sorry”. Nope not once.
I like that you like to keep it real, Chica. Yay for rainbows!
Yay for rainbows! I’m delighted that you’re going to keep posting.
I love reading your blog and I am glad that you are going forward…one needle at a time. I felt your comments were appropriate…I have had similar feelings in yarn shops and know exactly what you are talking about. You were honest and not negative in my humble opinion!!
i’m glad that the rainbow occurred.
you would be greatly missed.
very fortuitous (yes, i cannot spell)
and knitting? or crocheting on monday…? hmmm? 🙂
on another completely different note, how would you feel to be asked some camera-related advice?
I also love reading your blog even though I mostly lurke. I am really glad that you will be staying around. Blogland would not be the same without you:)
AS for the project –clue #3 seems like this is the Larger Than Life tote with the granny squares… Am I right?
I’m glad you saw the rainbow. I love your blog!
I was so going to keep mum, after all, everyone else already chimed in… but..
I thought your review was totally fair! You praised and gave an honest report of how YOU felt at the shop.
I wish I could give such a balanced review of the LYSs here. But since they’re LYS, I’m keeping my thoughts to myself lest I offend someone I actually have to see regularly.
Babette!
That’s definately a Babette square, no?
So glad you’re staying!
Keep it real, Chica!
Thanks, now I am singing like Kermit. Super! It always amazes me how some words can be perceived as negative even when they aren’t. We’ve all had less than stellar service or visits to yarn shops, and the world has gone on spinning. I visited the fabled Loop in London and can honestly tell you that I don’t get what all the hubbub is about. But that is just my opinion. Glad the rainbow came out . . . I knew there must have been a reason for that wacky weather!
I love rainbows and am so glad you found one yesterday, I would miss your writing. Look forward to seeing your crochet project on Monday.
I know everyone was hoping for a rainbow – me too! Thank you for the time and energy you put in to making your very special blog!
I would miss your blog too. I’m glad you decided to keep on keeping on. Your opinions were definitely not out of line.
I very much enjoy reading your blog and would miss it if you weren’t blogging! The pictures and words are both such a highlight in my blogging day.
Hey Cara,
I read your blog every day and I would really miss the beautiful photos, the inspiring knitting and your great writing if you decided to stop. I thought your account of the yarn-crawl was honest but in a characteristically generous way. It’s refreshing to have someone put a name to the very real vibe we all feel sometimes in some stores, for whatever reason. You named it in a generous and understanding way. Please don’t stop blogging, and please don’t change how you do it.
You rock. Glad you’re still here.
Well, I for one am glad for rainbows and glad that you are sticking with your blog. We were speaking about you last night at a DC-area knitting group — specifically about how much we enjoy your passion for knitting, your love of color, and your authentic voice.
Yay! You’re staying! I was getting a little nervous! Nothing like God to show you the way!
I’m so glad you saw the rainbow….I adore your blog and your insight on life and of course your fabulous knitting. Take care.
Oooh, is that Babette?! Can’t wait to see what you’re up to.
And I’m glad you saw that rainbow; I would have missed your blog terribly if you’d left.
I am hedging my bets on the larger than life bag.
Beautiful colors BTW…..
I’m glad you saw the rainbow, too. When you get to be as popular as you are, you’re going to have some people resent that popularity.
Glad you’re still with us!
Although, I AM blaming you whole-heartedly and unashamedly for the fact that I’ve got Kermit the Frog singing in my head now….
I like you just the way you are.
Anecdote: I buy (way too) many sweet goodies at a new posh little bakery in my neighborhood. A few weeks ago, I had a devil’s food cupcake from the glass case in the bakery and, to my great dismay, the cupcake had taken on some of the flavor of the savory quiche next to it. I debated whether or not to say anything the next time I went in and chose to tell the owner. She was glad to know, stuck a free cupcake in my hand, and now boxes the cupcakes individually to avoid flavor mixing.
I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but I decided to tell her anyway. I don’t think making a gentle, honest assessment is hurtful to a business.
I really enjoy reading your blog each day. I think you should always be YOU and always be HONEST. If someone doesn’t like it, they can quit reading anytime, right?
I am so glad that you are staying. Yay for rainbows. Crochet square??? Humm what are you cooking up now? 😉
I too am so glad you are keeping it going. I truly enjoy reading about your knitting/knitting life and seeing your photography. Furthermore, I saw nothing in your yarn shop review that was offensive or mean-spirited. I know there’s a line in on-line “conversation” that is sometimes crossed, and that’s what YH was talking about, but you were nowhere near it. I’m in the camp that thinks it’s ok to say something critical if it is done is a constructive or at least non-offensive way – the same guidelines I’d follow for complaining in person or on the phone – but that it’s never ok to be rude and mean. I also think that it is wrong to believe that ALL yarn shops and ALL knitting books are beyond reproach – we’re a community, like any other, with warts and all, and we’ve got to be grown-ups about it. So, until you change or mind or tire of the whole thing, I’ll be enjoying your blog.
Some days things just work out.
I’m so glad you’re staying. Your blog is one of my favourites! I love to read what you have to say becuase you are so funny and so honest. I love that you’re honest. Don’t stop it. 🙂 And also because your knitting and your crocheting and all your crafting and especially your photogrpahy is SO beautiful.
Have a great day. 🙂
Glad your stickin around. And just cuz I’d like to add my 2 cents. I didn’t see anything wrong with your “review” I’ve got a yarn shop right around the corner from me that I don’t go to for the same reasons. It’s a great shop – but I don’t necessarily feel welcome there. Sometimes they almost make me feel like I’m not a Knitter… so I get the vibe thing – it’s an important quality in a yarn shop 😉
I hear ya, chica (can I call you chica?). I wake up everyday and wonder if I should, if I can, keep up the daily ritual of blogging, knitting, blogging, spinning, blogging…it is hard work that sometimes just isn’t worth the hassle. However, I’m glad you and I are still here.
In a world without different opinions, we’re left with mediocrity and fluff, which are sometimes soothing, but dreadfully boring in the end.
You have opinions, and you know how to express them well, without attacking or belittling. Don’t stress. Those who think that anything but sunshine and lollipops is a war cry can live in their secluded, fluffy worlds. The world you live in is much more interesting, and I’m happy you’re keeping us readers a little part of it.
I am so happy that you saw your rainbow! I would hate for you to close up shop. Every time there is a new post I eagerly head my way over from Google reader. I laugh, cry, and get angry with you and it has been so much fun. I also learn a lot from you. Whether it be a different technique. Or just how to be brave.
Thank you for having such a wonderful blog!
~Viv
Grannies! I love love love grannies! You’re CROCHETING!
Don’t close the blog. We need you. Glad you’re not.
We saw the rainbows last night, too. Pictures on today’s post.
Babette!! Yay!! Don’t let the bastards grind you down, how’s that for keeping it real =)
I’m going to sound JUST like Margene… I hear ya, Chica, I do. I’ve seen the Rainbow.
XO
I am so glad to hear that you will continue your blog and are not giving in to the bullies. I just hate bullies – they drive me nuts! I love your blog – can’t wait to see your new project.
Hooray for the rainbow! I enjoy your blog and your honesty and enthusiasm immensely! Some people just have a stick up their ass and it’s not your job to remove the stick for them or even make them feel better about the stick. If that makes any sense!
If you gots something to say, youse just says it.
I haven’t written a real post in a week, because I don’t know how to say what I want to say. Funny, isn’t it?
Thank God for rainbows, and wishing on them. Have a great weekend.
I knew my subliminal messages were getting through – that clue looks awfully like a Babette square 😉
So glad you saw a rainbow, even though I lurk more often than comment I would think it a great shame if your blog suddenly wasn’t here to read anymore. I
If everyone started censoring their blogs and witholding opinions for fear of offending someone, there wouldn’t be much to write about anymore. Thanks for your decision to continue.
Growing up in Hawaii, I’d see rainbows all the time, but I don’t see many rainbows in LA, so I thought, “Oh no!” But I’m glad you found one…or decided you would continue regardless. 😉
Oh darling, it’s a sad sad world when you can’t express a simple opinion over the internet without the whole bloody world getting on your ass about it. And no, I don’t think Stephanie meant you. And even if she did, who died and made HER Queen of the Knitting Blogs or Internet? And no, Al Gore-illa is not the answer, he’s still alive and well. Besides, Stiffy’s not clean and pure and innocent of all negative speaking. She’s sweet but not THAT sweet.
Anyways, relax, enjoy your day and your blog and stop apologizing for being human.
And clearly I have no reading comprehension skills since you said as much about Stiffy. 🙂 Carry on, these are not the droids you’re looking for. *jedi handwave*
What others have said. I read for interest and honesty as well as knitting, er, fibre arts. And photographs.
I was listening to NPR this morning, and there was a story about Bush and Jeff Sessions (a republican congressman or Senator, I can’t remember which.) Basically, Sessions is totally against the immigration bill, but otherwise is a fairly loyal Bushie. So anyways, Bush makes a comment that was something like this: “An old political friend of mine in Texas used to say, that if we agreed 100% of the time, one of us would be unnecessary.”
So a long story just to say that even though I disagree very often with the Bushies, I do agree with that statement. And I think it’s very applicable to what you went through.
I’m glad you saw your rainbow. I also talk to myself, although I don’t call myself Chica. More often than not, I’m Babe.
Love those rainbows! It’s an interesting phenomenon that once a blogger reaches a certain level of popularity, they are perceived to have enormous power and influence, and therefore attract the “stuff” that goes along with that: grandiose expectations, resentment, being a magnet for folk who feel powerless and want a piece of what (they think) you have – either positively or via attack and denigration. I have experienced those things in my (past) professional life, and because it had to do with a profession, there were established ways of mitigating and dealing with it, but it must be very odd to be in such a position as a result of blithely chatting about knitting! I think it takes a robust personality, a big heart, and a healthy dose of courage (all of which you clearly have) to press on. Please do, your voice would be sorely missed!
Hey, if you stopped blogging, where would I be able to find the next big sock train to jump onto? I’d be adrift in a land without Jaywalkers, Monkeys and STR… a truly terrible place indeed!
I’m so glad you found the rainbow. You are one of the best bloggers out there!
Glad you’re planning on sticking around for a bit. I wouldn’t know what to do without my monthly craft obsession: squares – check; monkeys – check; granny squares…?
I would never have thought that Stephanie’s post was about you. I *never* got the impression from The Post (because the complainers have made it that, haven’t they) that you were unaware of the publicness of your statement; that you were saying something you wouldn’t’ve said to the staff if you didn’t feel so intimidated by them. (Okay, that exaggerates your expressed feelings, but I’m not as good with words.) I don’t understand why people got upset by your entry; you were telling a story about your experience, and you made it clear that you expected many people to have a completely different one. I’m glad you’re staying. And Ruth (posted at 10:50 am) totally said what I wish I could’ve.
I’m so pleased you are staying … you have a fabulous blog and your knitting, photography, writing, is wonderful.
OMG! It’s Babette, I know it!! Are you going with Koigu or something else? You must dish!
BTW, I think if it weren’t for constructive criticism (generally speaking), then nothing would change for the better. So you go mamasita! You tell the world and damn the rest!
Glad you decided to stick around. A world without your blog would be like a world without rainbows. Love rainbows….
I’m really glad you’re sticking around. I discovered your blog fairly recently and I have greatly enjoyed your writing and seeing what you’ve been knitting.
I think yarn and yarn shop reviews are a really important aspect of the blogging community. It’s too bad you caught some grief about it. Try not to take it personally and chalk it up to a difference of opinion. Sometimes, I think Knitblogland gets a bit catty and I think it’s hard to know where the line is between offering honest and objective reviews and 7th-grade-girls-locker-room chatter. Do you know what I mean?
I think yarn and yarn shop reviews are a really important aspect of the blogging community. It’s too bad you caught some grief about it. Try not to take it personally and chalk it up to a difference of opinion. Sometimes, I think Knitblogland gets a bit catty and I think it’s hard to know where the line is between offering honest and objective reviews and 7th-grade-girls-locker-room chatter. Do you know what I mean?
Don’t let the crabby people get you down! You were more than polite in your yarn shop post and pointed out that it was how you felt, rather than saying “they suck balls”. If the shop is so concerned about how you’ve harmed their business, perhaps they should explain your treatment and apologize.
There’s a local yarn shop, which I’ll name but not here- I think you’ve had enough controversy this week, that needs to apologize to me before I’ll ever darken their door again.
I’m thankful for that rainbow. Your blog is a source of inspiration for me! I’m guessing on the new project, I knew by the last clue but didn’t comment. It’s Babette!
As a regular reader of your blog and Yarn Harlot’s, she clearly wasn’t talking about you. Only a couple days earlier she admitted your influence had a hand in her knitting Monkey socks with her birthday yarn.
I would have been very sad if you ended your blog. Your review was fair and thoughtfully written and I would never want you to have to be afraid to share your considered opinion. Thanks for sticking around!
Obviously, if you wanted to stop blogging, you would have our blessing and we would wish you well, but I have to say I would miss your inspiration (can I mention my Mini-Monkeys obsession?) and wonderful words!
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog, for your truth, honesty, being goofy, just being yourself and that’s the most important thing. Honestly, as long as you feel you are being true to yourself, ignore the haters b/c they are always everywhere. No one can tell you what to do on your blog. I’ve never seen where you’ve tried to be malicious. When you talked a/b that store, you were very kind and just said that you didn’t jive there, not that it was a bad store. I went to a yarn store on vacation this week and they were very friendly and nice, after a couple of hours though, I felt that I’d worn out my welcome. Just a feeling, nothing was said, and that was ok too. I know I definitely get a feeling when something isn’t “kosher”, you don’t gel with a setting or environment. Oh well, life goes on. I’m glad you’re here and hope you continue to do so.
Sigh of relief here. We’d miss you, Chica.
I’m new to your blog but have enjoyed reading it. I expecially like your changing masthead. Very unique. Like most who have commented, I too have felt the vibe. Lucky for us we have so many knit shop options these days. So glad you’re sticking with your blog. I’m looking forward to your upcoming projects and pictures.
Well, Chica, take it from me. I stepped away from my blog for about 2 months. Life was meaningless. Well, not that bad, but I did miss it.
We would miss you.
Thank goodness for rainbows.
I didn’t realize that you were so close to calling it quits… I know I’m following in a well beaten path here (in my first comment), but I found your “review” to be gentle as well as honest. You could not have been more careful to state that it could have been just the day or time. You could not have been more generous in accepting that it may have been you.
I’m glad you’re staying.
And by the way… I am 99.99% sure of what Stephanie’s post referred to and it had *nothing* at all to do with you. It was in fact something very, VERY ugly.
As you were most assuredly not.
I kept meaning to email you yesterday, cara chica, but it was one of those “I want to find exactly the right words” and I never did quite. You found magic anyhow, as I should have known you would.
I don’t think your review was bad at all — to use Stephanie’s terms (and I never thought she was talking about you btw), it was criticism, not invective. And I can also understand what set the commenter off, because she identified with the store, and we all get defensive and have trouble accepting criticism, no matter how kindly or politely offered (well, maybe some people can accept it with perfect grace, but I’m not one of them, I always have to work at it). I think, to paraphrase the old saw, what she thought she heard was not what you meant.
So, anyhow, to keep this from being too long, if it’s not too late — I don’t think you can write a real, true, out-there blog (one I admire a lot) without ever saying a critical word about anything. I know you hate to rub anyone the wrong way (however inadvertently), and I get why you sometimes just want bag the whole thing. I really hope you don’t, though. If you decided to stop blogging, I would miss you tremendously.
We would miss you, too. Glad you’re here!
Well, really, some people have too much time on their hands and delight in spreading their little black clouds of criticism over the world. Ignore them. I can’t wait to see you on another cloud, ‘number 9’, when you wax poetic about your latest PROJECT, errr, project. You remind me of me at my most manic, oops, enthusiastic. Keep the blogging coming!
So although I check your blog pretty much on a daily basis, I rarely actually leave a comment. But here goes: I’m very glad you’re staying on. Your knitting, wit and humor always inspires me, although I think you’re to blame for the massive amount of cotton classic in my closet now…
People will always be people. As the quote goes, if they’re shooting at you, then you must be doing something right.
Anyway. Go you and all that jazz. And keep on rockin’ the free world.
Glad you’re going to stick around! Keep it up — you write an interesting, intelligent blog that is a pleasure to read.
Thank goodness for rainbows. Imho, it was not a nasty review, just an observation. I get the same right in my LYS. Reminds me of a movie scene about a similar circumstance. I found out about the root of the Harlot’s post too, which raised another ? for me about blogs and netiquette, but I’m not fueling any negative subjects. Are you making another LTLB? Or are you just getting all Kitschy on us?
Glad you decided to stick with it! I enjoy reading what you have to say.
Also, although I did necessarily agree with you the other day, I completely fail to understand how anyone could think you would adversely effect their business in a major way. Then again, the internet is brimfull of such silliness (the reason I never, EVER read any public forums for products or fandoms anymore–it inspired too much cussin’ on my part).
I’m so glad you’re going to keep blogging. I don’t have a blog myself but I love reading blogs like yours and finding inspiration, which would account for the blanket I’m crocheting now and the urge to knit a pair of Monkeys. Can’t wait to see your next project!
Chica, a thicker skin will help. As Robin Williams once said, “A*&holes do vex me!” And they are everywhere. Take them with a grain of salt (on the rim of a Margarita glass) and enjoy what you do for the sake of doing it.
Rainbow or no rainbow, I am glad to hear that you will continue blogging. 😉
I don’t comment too much (oops, sorry). But I think just as you have a choice to write what you wrote, the readers have a choice on what they read. If they don’t like what you wrote, they should stop reading and let the bad vibe stop there.
Please do stay! I come over even when you’re not posting to see the photos in the bar at the top. And your opinion of Imagiknit has value, even if other did not have the same experience. There are stores with a “vibe” sometimes, stores with one all the time, stores with no bad vibes ever, but who knows which or what kind of day they’re having or we’re having or whatever. But if I’m in a strange city and I have time for ONE store, I would like to know various opinions about it so I can choose which to make an effort about.
I did get in trouble once for complaining about my DH in my blog and won’t do that again. But that was personal hurt feelings and I have to live with him after all.
A lot of people agreed with you, a lot disagreed. Isn’t it great that we can all be different? I see nothing inappropriate in what you wrote. Stephanie has posted previously about people being mean about her grammar and spelling on the blog and it sounds to me like someone was mean to her again, too.
So glad you saw that rainbow! I’d certainly miss you if this blog went away.
good.I’m happy for you , and happy for me that i can stil read your blog:)
so glad you saw the rainbow – i love reading your blog & would really miss it!! plus with all your amazing photographs, your blog is a very pretty place to visit. 🙂
i’m always sad & disappointed when people make mean & nasty comments on the internet. i don’t think that what you said about the yarn store was unfair – you were simply presenting your experience of it & there’s nothing wrong with that! hopefully all the positive comments you’re getting will make up for the meanies 🙂
xo lilith
Whew! I was afraid there for a few moments. Glad the rainbow came through.
Great!!! Rock on!!!!!
I happy you decided to stay don’t let overly critical people get you down I know that being such a popular blog brings you more than most. I was actually surprised when you wrote yesterday’s post that people would criticize you for not having a good experience in a yarn store and then blogging about it. You made it quite clear that a lot of people liked the store and that just because you did not have a good experience did not mean that we should not go there. And mean while the Yarn Harlot was clearly talking about the people who post nasty personal comments on blogs publicly that the blogger mentioned could probably or would probably read. She also said that there is a difference between constructive criticism and a publicly trashing some one and saying nasty, snippy things. Quite frankly I think that your post about your experience is constructive criticism I work in a retail environment and we have comment cards and our management would want to know bad experiences and good experiences so we can improve our service so our customers can have better experiences. So please remember that you can’t please every body some people will always find something wrong in there world to angry, and upset or hurt about. So please remember its their hang up not yours. Please keep blogging
I’m a relatively new reader to your blog and I actually very much appreciated your opinion of both yarns shops in SF because they are the two that everyone says you definitely need to visit when in SF. You’re entitled to your opinion. People are going to agree and some people aren’t. Those that aren’t going to agree shouldn’t turn this difference of opinion into a war. They also shouldn’t be bullies. There’s a line and obviously these said people aren’t aware of that. I’m glad you’re keeping your blog–I look forward to reading it. I’m just irritated that these people drove you to that place where you actually started to contemplate whether you wanted to keep the blog or not.
I hate being the millionth comment that says the exact same thing that everyone else has already said, so I’ll paraphrase…
– You are feisty, candid, & honest, and I think that’s what we all love about you.
– It would totally blow goats if you stopped blogging.
– I nailed Babette with the first James Bond clue! I totally rule! 😉
That is all. Carry on.
I don’t write a comment often, but I read every post. I get a lot of inspiration in your posts; especially your pictures. You could post a picture every post without words, and I am intrigued and inspired. I am even planning on taking a photography class to learn how to take better pictures. I wouldn’t have thought about it, for it not for you and all the amazing bloggers that show lovely pics of your creations. I am glad that you decided to stick with us.
Cara, thank goodness for that rainbow. I am so sorry for the discouraging times you have had. But please, you are a fresh and wonderful voice out there and your photos are meltingly beautiful. Don’t change a thing!! I mean it.
Like several others here, I seldom leave a comment unless I have something to say, but read you regularly.
Totally not you in any way, shape or form.
I’m so glad you saw the rainbow! I don’t usually comment, but I read your blog faithfully. Love the photos and your humor. And I think you just might have inspired me to knit granny squares.
Wow, YarnHarlot has really caused a ripple in the knitters blogging community. Everyone’s getting paranoid. Go see what Golden Apples has to say… I, for one, prefer honesty. So thanks, Chica.
Your work, your miters, your obsessions and introspections have been rainbows in my blog world since I started reading you — glad you aren’t stopping.
Chica,
This, too, shall pass. Thanks for hanging in there. I would miss your insight and sense of humor terribly. I feel like we are great friends, even though we haven’t met, spoken, or really had any kind of exchange other than a few comments here (on my end) and a few emailed responses there (on your end).
And for the record, I appreciate you giving us *your* view of a LYS. I think that any YS should welcome honest feedback of their store and make changes if warranted. That’s just my two pennies…
Good gravy! I’m so glad that you found a rainbow. It would have been so wrong for you to let someone nag you into quitting your blog. Personally, I appreciate people who write honestly about yarn shops and online stores. It keeps *me* from having to waste my time and money to learn the same lessons. The store has a choice about whether one person’s opinion hurts them. They can continue doing what earned them the bad critique or they can change and allow someone else to make the same observations. Or they can just say, “Well, you can’t please ’em all” and move on.
I am glad you are still going to blog. Yours is one of my favorites to read!
I use rainbows as signs too. Or, if I see one and I am in a bad mood, I decide that I can’t be in a bad mood anymore because I saw it. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Thanks for sticking around. You bring much needed color, both yarn and commentary, into my life!
You kick ass, Chica! Thanks for hanging around for all your fans! 🙂 Now, can I ask what is going on with Yarn Harlot? I went to her blog and it wouldn’t open and I hadn’t heard about all the drama until I was catching up on my blogs today.
Are you making Babette? I have been trying to talk myself out of that project but I love love love that darn thing. So I really hope it’s a babette.
Dang, I don’t read my usual blogs for a couple days and next thing I now there’s trouble with a capital T. I’m sorry you were subjected to such harsh (and may I say unfounded) criticism. I’m happy to hear that you’ll be sticking around and that you found your rainbow (my middle name btw) connection; the lovers, the dreamers and you.
And just remember: When the world’s got you down, fuck ’em.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions and should be allowed to share them. Would you hold back on reviewing a movie if you thought it sucked? No, and I’m sure no one would freak out about it; they’d probably just politely say that they disagreed if they did. An opinion is an opinion, not a decree they everyone has to agree with. Keep being you and writing how you write. I would be sorely disappointed if you started to sensor yourself.
When people talk about you, about what you do and how you do it and even take the time to write it, it is because you are important and for good, bad or better they care.
Start to worry the day you don’t get ANY reaction at all in the mean time. Keep the posts coming.
Laritza
I am glad you decided to continue blogging for now, Cara!
and I just saw this link and thought of you:
http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/2007/06/22/134-greetings-from-bruceville/
Rainbow, Schmainbow! You’ve got it going on! I love your blog, your photos, your massive projects and the RESULTS! So, take a bow and live it up! You are loved out here!
Rainbow, Schmainbow! You’ve got it going on! I love your blog, your photos, your massive projects and the RESULTS! So, take a bow and live it up! You are loved out here!
I haven’t read your blog for a few days so when I started reading today’s I thought, “Huh?” I remember you talking about some yarn stores you visited but don’t remember having an ‘ouch!’ response to anything you said. I thought maybe you did the nasty comments on another day. Nope, the unwelcome clique description was it and it was coupled with compliments.
I didn’t read the comments to that post because I didn’t want to get riled up. I think it is appropriate for people to comment with their own more positive experiences at that store but to state that you were wrong to say anything but glowing reviews — what good does that do? First of all I would begin to distrust your judgment if everything is always described as perfect. Second, giving an honest and polite critique is doing that store a FAVOR! When I was being trained in customer service at a bookstore that owed its success to excellent customer service we were told to be grateful for a customer who bothered to complain — studies indicated that for every one complaint there are at least ten other customers who feel the same but don’t complain, just stop shopping at that store. I’m a fairly new knitter but I wonder if yarn stores have an old mindset from when there weren’t a lot of choices out there so they could afford to act like love it or leave it. Most of us have lots of choices now including the almost infinite online possibilities. I am a strong supporter of local independent stores but not if I feel unwelcome or mistrusted or mistreated.
Last, gee whiz, it’s your opinion.
knitting drama!
I’m glad you saw the rainbow 😉
xo,
Emily
Yay Cara! You should never stop blogging and showing us your beautiful photos and knits!
I’m delurking to say I’m glad you saw the rainbow too. I really enjoy your blog and your photos and knitting are very inspiring to a new knitter like myself. Keep on bloggin on!
Yay! Another Babette begins!
Just delurking to say I’m glad you stayed.
The only way we will ever manage to avoid conflict with others is to become so bloody dull that there is nothing to disagree with! And who the hell wants that?
Tell it like you see it. That’s why we come here, why we read your words and love your blog.
Your in my top ten weather you know it or not. You bloggers are my knitting guild. Hope this experience helps you “grow a thicker skin”. We dont want to have to pull the love fest thing on you too much.
Cara, you have a wonderful blog and a lot of faithful readers.
You are an easy read because you write lively and real. That is what keeps me coming back again and again.
The problem with Stephanie’s entry is that is general. So every one is taking a second look at what they write, which is a good thing to have happen, but the downside it that it has given her commenters a place to launch their opinion about who she is referring to.
A rainbow is nice but you didn’t need a sign.
“Okay kids, someone misbehaved today, so everyone has to put their head down on their desks for five minutes.” We aren’t in kindergarten anymore. Cara, be brave, you did not do anything wrong, pick your head up!!!!
don’t leave! Your “keeping it real” Brightens my day!!!
Ya know what Cara? I thoroughly enjoy reading and visiting your blog. I enjoy it because its real. You call a spade a spade and speak your piece. No twinkle toesin around. I don’t have the time nor the patience for phony baloney bull crapola at this point in my life. Thank you for hangin’ in there and staying true to yourself! Hats off girlfriend!
Huh? I read your post the day it was posted and didn’t think, “wow I can’t believe she wrote that” and I think I’m pretty hyper-sensitive about the things people put on the internet for the world to see (and then whinge about being found out.)
I took it as a reflection on the knitters in the yarn store, not the yarn store itself. From your description it sounds like a perfectly nice store – except for the clientele, over which the store’s owners have little control.
I had a similar experience in a yarn store – first time in the store, clique-ish group around the table. I knew the proprietor (but not from knitting) and I stupidly tried to engage the women around the table and they looked at me like I had a booger hanging out of my nose. I was uncomfortable and that’s what I think when I consider venturing back into that store. Even though the LYS owner had nothing to do with the scary women sitting around the table, they impact my decision about where to spend my yarn budget (maybe that’s why I prefer online stores.)
I think what it boils down to, as my 13 year-old son says, is that “girls are weird.” Is it really that much more difficult to be welcoming and kind than snotty and in-clubby? Honestly, maybe people ought to behave as if they were going to be blogged about.
Are you doing Mrs. Weasleys sweater with all that colorful yarn? And the crochet and all?? If so cool!!
i’m happy chica saw her rainbow, and i look forward to the crochet you’re about to reveal 🙂
enjoy the rest of your fin de semana.
Glad you hung in there! I feel about blogs the same way I do about TV – if you don’t like what you’re seeing, change the flippin’ channel, for cryin’ out loud!! I totally think the owner of the blog has a right to their opinions.
And all LYS owners out there – today the only thing you really have to sell is your friendliest, most helpful customer service. So, if that is not your #1 priority – beware because the internet shops in many cases outdoing you on that one too!
Yay for rainbows! (and whew! I’d miss you if you were gone.)
Now, what’s that color-filled PROJECT??
My computer goes down for three days and all hell breaks loose. So glad I didn’t have to go through the suspense, though. I’ll never look at a rainbow in the same way. And by the way, you WILL cry in the first room of the Gee’s Bend exhibit when you get down there. Get ready for catharsis.
So glad you saw your rainbow!
I love your blog!
Well I enjoyed reading the reviews, as it were, and we can all think for ourselves and decide our own impressions when we visit the shops online or in person. If you can’t give honest impressions you might as well be an ‘imbedded reporter’ for the LYS’s, for goodness sakes.
Here I am, de-lurking to tell you that I read your blog daily (or whenever Bloglines tells me to) and that I’m happy that you’re staying. Keep on keepin’ on!
I, too, love visiting new stores when I travel and I’m happy to have read your review. The fact is, some shops are friendlier than others. I had an almost identical experience in Portland–went into a shop looking for fellowship from other knitters while I was on a business trip, and was treated…not coldly, not rudely, just disinterestedly. Sorry, it wasn’t a great experience, and it happens. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us and too bad for the shops that don’t understand the power of a little customer service. Oh, well…. hang in there and keep blogging.
I, too, love visiting new stores when I travel and I’m happy to have read your review. The fact is, some shops are friendlier than others. I had an almost identical experience in Portland–went into a shop looking for fellowship from other knitters while I was on a business trip, and was treated…not coldly, not rudely, just disinterestedly. Sorry, it wasn’t a great experience, and it happens. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us and too bad for the shops that don’t understand the power of a little customer service. Oh, well…. hang in there and keep blogging.
Please … don’t stop blogging — your knitting (and crocheting!), beautiful photography and interesting conversation would really be missed. Most of all, don’t stop trusting yourself and don’t stop caring. You are totally entitled to your opinion, you expressed it in a completely reasonable manner, and a lot of us really care what you think about things. Have fun with the crochet!
Sorry to hear some are sensitive about the truth. For my birthday 2 years ago, my husband asked me what I wanted to do. We live 2 hours from SF and I wanted to go there. We packed up our daughter and I had researched what yarn stores I could go to in SF. That one store was the one I decided on going to. I spent over 2 hours in the store (with many other customers) and NOT ONCE did anyone greet me. My husband and daughter came in for a small bit, then left to go back to the car. This was also before they took over the space next to them, so the store was more compact then. I too was dissapointed and have never returned. I only spent about $50, but come on!!!
Cara,
I rarely comment on your blog, but I felt that now was the time to show some solidarity and support. I would be very sad to see your blog leave my blogroll. You write, knit, and take photos wonderfully and it would do a great disadvantage to your readers to be bereft of that.
Like life, there are ups and downs and I suppose you should be flattered that so many people took offense to your words because that means that so many people read and care about about what you say. Your opinion was fare and peppered with many “warning: this is my opinion!” caveats. Unfortunately, some people don’t know the definition of “opinion” these days or band too tightly together in the face of any perceived negativity. I recently discovered the sharp tongues of knitters on my blog and was discouraged from writing. But my friends were there for me and while I know write for myself rather than others, I do feel the disappointment and doubt you are experience.
I am thankful that you have decided to continue this blog. I hope to be a faithful reader for many more years.
I really enjoy your blog, I read it regularly, and I hope you continue to write it! I’m catching up on a few blogless days, and when I read your last few posts I was really surprised–I read your LYS reviews last week none of them struck me as unfair or controversial at all. I like to hear opinions from people who visit stores that I might go to while travelling, and I don’t want to just hear “it was neat!”. I want to know what the stores sell, whether their prices are fair, and whether the environment is friendly or strange–basically exactly what you delivered! In any case, the thing that stuck with me from your post was “must knit a green moth shawl”, not “must not visit xxx” or “must visit xxx”. I’m looking forward to seeing more of it!
First off, I have read many, many blog posts about mediocre yarn stores. Seems that many yarn store owners, according to what I have read, are not always very gregariously friendly, however my experience has been opposite to this very popular opinion (and I wouldnt shop at my LYS if they weren’t helpful or friendly—that is just how I roll). Second, if you can’t have a blog AND have an opinion, what is the point of keeping a blog? Thirdly, who are these people who feel the need to chide you for your opinions? I have read many blog posts that infuriate me, you know what I do? I leave it and move on. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but knitting blog comments are for support only. Maybe it should be a caviot at the beginning of each knitters blog: “If you do not like what you read, read another blog! Better yet, start your OWN blog.”
It seems to me that you really enjoy your blog, it would be a shame for you to stop because one or two out of the HUNDREDS of poeple who read your blog don’t know how to follow the rules. Their problem—not yours. Take care and that is one beautiful shawl!
IMHO the review in question was constructive and appropriate. This kind of criticism is surely not what YH was talking about. I have seen quite a few gratuitously hateful personal attacks on some other blogs, in the blog itself and in the comments, and blog posts which invited spitefuland snarky comments, with all responsibility ducked by saying “then you should not read it”. This was not one of those posts. Don’t kick yourself over this. Your blog is a treat to read and I would be sorry to see you get discouraged over a tempest in a teapot.
grateful for the rainbow, grateful for you. many, many hugs.
I have read reviews such as you gave on at least 10 other blogs in the past, using very similar words to describe that “feeling” one gets in “those” type of yarn stores, I would like to know what is the big deal……right? I mean, are the elitest of the knit blog world so short on material that this becomes their topic? That holier than thou attitude is unbelievable! That they should make YOU feel bad? Are there any adults out there?
I’m glad to hear you’re not going anywhere. I enjoy reading your blog.
There must have been a case of the nasty grams going around. I can’t possibly see how anyone would think YH’s blog post had anything to do with yours. Talking about yarn shops is part of what we blog about.
(enough with the killing the workday with the reading everyone else’s comments on Jan1, which I ususally do, but not today as I come back from vacation and kill the workday with blog catch-up)
Nice story, glad you decided to keep it going for yourself (and for the rest of us), glad you saw a rainbow, cause everybody loves a rainbow, and I hope to continue to see your honest reviews in the future.
On the topic of crack-ups, I was telling a friend the other day about road trips with my parents when we were little. As soon as we had picked out the Super 8 or Motel 6 or whatever little local cheapie hotel we would stay at for the night, of course it was the kid’s first interest to check out everything in the room. Was there stationary? We have to go get ice! When we pulled the Bible out of the drawer, I’d always hand it to my mother and say “Give us the one with the rainbow, Ma!”