I recently became seemingly unpopular when responding to a forum on Ravelry.  The prompt went as follows:

I was interested to read the ‘Purls of Wisdom’ questions posed to knitting designers in VK Fall 2012 and I wonder what rules you always or never break?   I think of VK (Vogue Knitting) fans as slightly curious and adventurous, with certain a sense of style, not afraid of a knitting challenge and definitely opinionated.  So what say you?  

Well, I loved the question as well as the writer’s opinion of Vogue knitters (since I am one), so I answered it.  I easily responded with the rule that I never break; my response having to do with working up a gauge.  (I’ve already discussed the importance of gauge, here.)  And, I  continued with discussing the rule I am breaking more and more regarding blocking.  (Blocking is a process of finishing that allows stitches to even out and “bloom” which in turn causes the knitted fabric to take on a smooth and professional appearance.)  I even supported my answer with research and named the specific resource I was quoting.   I expected the next participant to follow suit and continue writing about rules since that was the topic of this thread.  But, as people continued responding, the conversation clearly went to an assault of my response.

Now, I like a debate just as much as the next guy; just ask my hubby.  I typically can support a claim I make and have no problem when someone disagrees. I like the discourse of conversation and listening to someone else’s point of view.   However, when I read this original question, to me, this was not an opinion seeking type question.   Let me quote, “List rules…..”  List.  Furthermore, the following responses were even argumentative stating that I was wrong, or how could I, or how in disagreement they were of me.

Much like how we teach multiple strategies in how to solve problems in math class, I believe we need to be accepting of multiple ways in how to knit a beautiful project.  The process is not up for negotiation!  Who cares how someone goes about doing something,  is it not the end result that matters?   We are talking about knitting!  It is supposed to be fun, relaxing, and creative!

Let’s stay to the topic when answering a forum question.  This particular thread was on rules… YOUR rules… what works and doesn’t work for YOU.  No knitting police, no knitting policy, no one shoe fits all, and finally let’s be accepting of differences as well as similarities and enjoy how and why others go about what we all love, knitting.

WHAT!!!  We’re not supposed to put yarn in a cup?  Oh, and when will I learn…..