i can answer that

Posted on annePosted in book reviews/events

late last night i received this comment from sunshine:

I have started reading your blog and am wodering where I can see how much YOU matched for this amount that your readers are donating. In other words, I donate $5, you say that you match this correct? If this is the scenario, where can I see documentation that you yourself matched it. Also,where is the documentation that states it is being matched indeed by you and not by monies sent to you from your readers (in thoughts that you will send it in under the actual donators name).I attempted to search your blog to see if there may be a link to this information but am unable to see one.

and then today, after being out all day and away from the computer i received another:

As I commented on a previous blog posting of yours, I would be more then thrilled to donate for M.S. but I find it a bit unsettling that you give the appearance that your site is making rather large donations matching others. If you can show somewhere that you indeed ARE donating, then I will be happy to follow suit. I would like to add that your attitude that reveals through your blog postings appears to be quite pompous and a smidge smug. I am sure you are not that way IRL, but you do your readers such an unjustice by portraying that. Bloggers/designers with far more experience and following don’t portray anything close to that and I am sure they wil never do so.
I am hoping you will take this as contructive critisim and not anything more. It would also be helpful to not hav your patterns all be clained as your designs when they really are just stitch patterns that anyone can do. If you designed the stitch that is entirely different, but you did not correct? I will wait patiently for fundraising documentation, I am sure you have it correct?

i find it odd that in attempting to reply cordially to you sunshine, i cannot get my emails to go through; apparently you are using an email address in your comments that yahoo tells me does not exist. you are also using the IP address of another reader, so that no one can identify you (yet you insist that i be very public about my donations, which strikes me as being just a little odd).

so, i will try to satisfy you with an answer here as best i can, though i wonder from your note if indeed you want to be satisfied.

in the 18 days that i have been running the matching fund challenge, i have linked back frequently to the original post (click HERE to read it) about my booster drive to help claudia raise funds for knitters against MS.

in that post, i was very publicly clear about the goal: i put up a $500 matching fund to be distributed to the national MS society as follows: for every reader who left a comment telling me that they gave i would give $5 to knitters against MS (readers did NOT need to disclose amounts, and the donation could take place any time during this year’s fund drive).

why “sunshine” chose NOT to read that information, or to ask for clarification of it, is a mystery.

if we used up the whole $500 i would add a bonus amount.
everyone was on the honor system; if anyone emailed or left a comment for me, i would believe that they gave, and add $5 to my total donation. for people who let me know they gave more than once, i added $5 for EACH time they gave.

to be very clear, i did NOT promise to match reader donations dollar for dollar; rather, i promised to simply to tally up the total number of givers who let me know they gave, and multiply by $5 to calculate my own gift.

also, i do NOT accept or collect monies directly from readers EVER to forward to any fundraising venture. in fact, i do not accept donations at all from readers, or for any reason whatsoever. readers are always asked to make their own donations directly to the organization concerned, and donations are completely voluntary and discretionary.
any gift i give comes from my own pocket alone.

as for publicly proving what i gave, i don’t know that it is possible. by yesterday, i really wanted to send at least part of my gift in so that claudia could get a number toward her goal. we had nearly reached the original goal of using $500 with 98 total matching gifts (98 x $5 = $490.00)

figuring (and hoping!) that some more would come in over the weekend i sent in a $600 contribution. as of this minute to the best of my knowledge, we have achieved a total of about 110 matching gifts, so i think my contribution will cover everything.

while knitspot does appear on the rolling list of contributors here, i did not ask to have my amount listed next to the name (maybe i should have . . .). i do however have a receipt for the amount in hand (but since “sunshine” uses a fake email address, i can’t show it to them).

since it is our goal every month to forward donations to organizations in need, i feel a little funny about defending myself in this situation. it never occurred to me that anyone would question that we actually do follow through on that goal. i don’t think publishing the particulars about donations is prudent or necessary, even though i felt it important to do so today. any thoughts? do you as readers generally feel uncomfortable with the sort of fundraising challenge we do here every june?

i really try not to beg readers to give money for every little thing. once in a while i mention that another blogger is doing some fundraising to raise awareness that it’s happening. the june booster event is one of the very few that i directly ask readers to help me fight for a cause.

last year someone took issue with the fact that we had a raffle to help get interest in this event, saying that the raffle came across as a bribe. so this year i went for pure begging instead. it’s hard to strike the right balance between keeping things fun and having serious goals, but my hope is that somehow we are doing it.

as for the other constructive criticism in “sunshine’s” note—you always have every right, sunshine, to voice your opinion. you also have every right not to read blogs that offend your sensibilities.

179 thoughts on “i can answer that”

  1. As usual, my dear – you are a classy port in the storm of sarcasm and defensiveness.

    I am afraid I would have succumbed to sarcasm and defensiveness in your shoes, and so I press the palms of my hands together and make my obeisance Ohio-ward. You are my heroine.

  2. Wow. Sunshine was really mis-named. Anne, thank you for all that you do and all that you’ve done to support this project or any other. I have no problem with anything you’ve done, and in fact, I’m in awe of your generosity. Also, your patterns are stunningly lovely, beautifully designed, and so much more than just a stitch pattern. I’m so sorry you felt that you had to defend yourself from this sourpuss.

  3. I appreciate your efforts to raise money for MS.

    As a newbie designer, the last bit of the second comment saddens me because many many designers do what you do by using a stitch pattern we have found and interpreting it in our own manner (ie finding the right yarn or placing it in an interesting position, etc.)

    As a designer, You are a true inspiration at what can be done. Thanks.

  4. Hi Anne,
    What you are doing for the knitters against MS was PERFECTLY clear. I don’t know where this reader could have gotten her ideas from. There is no question of your following through and it’s a shame that someone’s charitable act is looked at with such skepticism.

  5. Well said, that last. It is impossible to please all the people all the time, but clearly, raffle or not, you please most of the people most of the time.

    Just as it never occurred to you to that anyone would question your actions, it would never have occurred to me to question that anything other than what you said would happen, would indeed happen.

    Some people just have to be argumentative or negative to feel better about themselves. These issues are about them and not you.

  6. Anne, both last year and this year you have been crystal clear about the donations to Claudia and the MS bike ride and the $5 per person. I also don’t think of the give-aways as bribery since the odds of winning something is small, and something perfectly to one’s liking even smaller. Nonetheless, it adds a bit of fun to it. A $600 donation from you is incredibly generous and heartfelt — most of us know your experience with this insidious disease.

  7. Well, that must’ve made your day. I just don’t get some people. And if this person is annoyed by your “smug” attitude, perhaps it is a redirected anger at his/her own flaw?

    I’ve got a bunch of stitch dictionaries, but I have neither the time, skill, nor inclination to figure out how to best match them or number of times to repeat them or anything that goes into making the pattern. So I am quite thankful for your skills. 😀

  8. Once again, Anne, you impress me with the grace that you exhibit in your response to those who get mean-spirited. Whether that was their intent or not, it is how comments like that get interpreted. I’m not sure I could be as gracious.

    As for the comments on your design skills…things like that really get my goat. There are very few true visionaries who come up with new ways of doing things, but I think it’s perfectly acceptable to create new designs out of old stitch patterns and call them “designs.”

    Consider me sufficiently irritated on your behalf!

  10. Anne,

    While I have only bought one of your patterns, and I have not yet started it I confess even after more than a year of having it marinate with the yarn in my stash, I have watched the work that you do to write your patterns here with great interest. The large works are obvious shows of skill with the artistry involved in motif choice and placement –

    Yes, anybody can put a pine tree on a shawl, but only YOU have put a pine tree on a shawl with the unique style and flair that belongs to YOU alone. Even your little nothings are adaptations and variations that come purely from YOUR life’s work – That is to say, the work of living your life that you have done and that influences every design choice you make.

    Just trying to be a voice of support. Knit on with confidence.

  11. “Sunshine” sounds like a troll to me. Demanding that you disclose details of your transactions (which is entirely unnecessary and none of SUnshine’s business, really) while hiding behind a fake email address is the act of a coward and a troll. Such cowardly behavior really doesn’t deserve anyone’s time or attention. You’re much more polite than I would be! 🙂

    As for the design comments. . . PFFT! Others above have said it already. Dictionaries (be they of words or stitch patterns) provide the puzzle pieces. Craftsmanship is what is used to take those pieces and create masterpieces, be they in the form of literature or beautiful knitting patterns. Without the designer, the writer, the cratsperson, the puzzle pieces don’t really amount to much.

  12. I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said. If “sunshine” is so concerned about designers creating patterns with pre-existing stitches than he/she has a LOT Of work to do emailing hundreds of designers to complain about the same thing. Oy!

  14. Like my momma used to always say – don’t let the turkeys get ya down 🙂 It’s all already been said – girl you do good stuff!

  15. Do you ever get the feeling that the larger the knitting world gets, the less “cozy” it is?

    And for the record, yes, I recognize some of the stitch patterns you have used. I’ve even been pleasantly surprised when I can identify one as I’m flipping through a book: “Hey! Knitspot used this to make a neat scarf!” If I wanted to, I could use the pattern as a springboard and make my own, but I could also just buy your pattern, where you’ve done the hard work for me. It’s a personal choice and not one that should be criticized. Personally, I think it was very bad taste to leave a comment like that.

  17. You’ve hit the big time now baby! It’s only the famous people who get snarky comments like that. Clearly “Sunshine” (anyone else flashing to British cop dramas when they read that as a name/label?) hasn’t read your blog posts properly but rather has at best skimmed the content. Equally clearly he/she hasn’t been reading for long or he/she would realize that you are much to nice to be being dishonest.

    I personally appreciate the heads up from the various bloggers for the various charitable opportunities. And as for the design comment – it is clear from reading what you share of the process that picking the stitch pattern is just about the least of the work involved in making a workable design for a pattern out of it.

  18. Weird. Just plain weird! My first thought is that sunshine is not only misnamed, but is a troll. You handled that very well. Don’t take it personally.

    I’ve read blogs of smug designers. You are no where near smug! I think you’re a rather sweet person.

    Btw, I’m making progress on my Honeybee stole.

  19. Anne, I am so sorry that you received such a comment from a stalking lurker! A donation to a charitable cause should be given freely, unconditionally, and with gratitude. Sunshine is obviously not such a person. Hugs to you.

  20. I have 45 years of collecting books with patterns, designs, etc. in my knitting library. Posh. When I want to present a friend or relative a truly beautiful shawl or lovely scarf, I reach for knitspot. As I’ve mentioned to you before, your designs and your kind heart for sharing them (and for helping your friends) are woven into my little world on a daily basis. I am inspired and in awe. You go, girl. As that other group who sang together a few years back and are forever woven into my heart, “all you need is love.”

  21. Once again, well said and with class. I do not know where these people (Sunshine) come from. I appreciate what you do. Thanks so much.

  22. Thank you for doing what you do — and boo to people like “Sunshine.” I donated today, under the line, maybe, and I believe that anything that draws attention to worthy causes such as Claudia’s ride is a good, nay, great, thing!
    In addition, your patterns are amazing, and I love your tone. Take that, Sunshine!

  23. This comment is directed to “Sunshine”. Although there are few “new” stitches or stitch patterns in knitting, many adventorous & clever knitters like Anne, see something in those stitches. They manage,together with the yarn to create beauty in items which people are very interested in re-creating! I don’t know how much knitting you do Sunshine, or even if you are a designer. I do think though, you have a very, very narrow view of the world that is made much, much better because of people like Anne.

  24. ??! Sunshine’s remarks are so far off base that I wonder if someone is just fishing for a reaction.

    Pompus?? smug?! Those words have nothing to do with you or your blog. I question Sunshine’s mental clarity.

    If Sunshine wants to give a donation then he/she can get on with it and go to the site where the donations are made. We can all do without that kind of “sunshine”. You don’t have anything to prove.

  25. Honey, next time just hit “delete”. You have only yourself to answer to. If someone doesn’t want to donate, they don’t have to, nor do they have to read your blog or buy your patterns. It’s also your right to delete any comment. It’s your blog. You rock!!!

  26. Well, speakin’ out just to say – it was clear what you were up to, no worries any way around it. Your fundraising is a nice note of generosity, and I certainly think it’s perfectly in keeping with a gentle and generous soul – yours! Your blog is lovely – keep your natural peace in your heart!

  27. Hi Anne –

    I’m going to ignore the pettyness of others, but just let you know that I donated $25.

    Good luck – and I’ll keep checking in on you and your garden.

  28. I second Maria! Just delete. Its not worth your time and emotional upheavel to attempt to respond to such….such…well trash.

    Thank you for all that you do! Your designs (fabulous), sharing you knitting life with us, and for asking us to get involved. Thank you.

    ‘sides the pics on your blog are better than reading the daily newspaper. Between you and Yarn Harlot, I usually have a daily treat of knitting literature that is sure to make me smile.

  29. You handled this with perfect grace. Thank you for all your contributions to this world of ours, artistic, financial and otherwise.

  30. “You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”

    It’s your blog, your conscience and your wallet. Keep on fighting the good fight, Anne. It’s more than appreciated by MOST of us!

    PS to Sunshine – It’s not really what you said because you might have missed the appropriate posts, it happens (apparently a lot to you, must have been when you were designing all the things you design with “just a stitch pattern” but I digress). It’s how you said it and your belligerent attitude. I think you own Anne an apology, a big, sloppy, groveling apology!

  31. Hi Anne, all I can say is you are a far calmer and patient woman than I. To Sunshine I say I hope you find peace because you are not at peace if you are trying to find trouble where there is none. Take care Anne.

  32. Anne, you could indeed answer that, and you answered it very well indeed. Personally, I like raffles (incentive to give!), which are pretty much a time-honored method of raising funds for charity. And I don’t mind being informed of various worthy charities, etc. through your blog.

    The one thing that I’ve had to learn, since entering the world of RSS feeds, is to exercise some personal restraint in entering blog raffles for charity, or in responding to calls for contributions to worthy causes, because I can’t afford to contribute to every single one of the many organizations or fundraisng efforts that are in need of money.

    As to your promise to make a contribution to “match” every blogreader’s contribution, I (1) took it for granted that you would do as promised, and (2) couldn’t care less whether you did or did not do as promised. When I make contributions, I may follow the lead or suggestion of a blogwriter, but I always make an independent decision on whether or not to contribute to the particular organization. Because Claudia accepts contributions through a link to the MS Society, I had no concerns about the funds reaching the proper place–and I have received a receipt. If the society gets some extra from Knitspot (which it did!), then that’s gravy for them!

    To your credit, I would not have contributed to the MS Society this year if you hadn’t pointed me to “Claudia’s Ride” in a timely fashion. And I was already intending to contribute, because I was fortunate enough to win a couple of great prizes last year. Good luck to everyone who contributed this year!

  33. Anne, Please don’t spend any more time on this topic. Those of us who are loyal readers and knitters and pattern-purchasers prefer to enjoy your blog without the likes of someone as annoying and mean-spirited as “sunshine.” I hate to see your site be dirtied by false acusations by someone who admits to being a new reader and who, therefore, can’t know what has gone on for years. This is beyond belief. I hope you have not felt hurt by this but knowing you as I think I do, I think you can dismiss it and move on. I don’t think there is anything wrong with a little editing of your comments when they are malicious and harmful.

  34. Anne, I forgot to mention: There are a lot of us who read your blog who know the difference between a stitch pattern and a pattern! Ditto, who know the difference between a mundane designer and a truly gifted designer. It’s always a pleasure, and sometimes a source of amazement, to see the things you do with “stitch patterns”.

  35. Ugh. I read your blog regularly and I love it! I’m so glad that you let us in on your knitting, gardening etc…

    I really wish I had something better to say, but all I have is a ‘thank you’ for offering this matching gift. I took advantage of it and I’m really pleased that my donation was increased by $5 (I went to the ride website and the goal has been exceeded…yay!)

  36. Like everyone else says, this person is so far off it’s not even funny. They obviously have a skewed idea of what a designer really is for one, and two, are not reading your blog correctly…

    I also find it sad that there are people so rude! They obviously thought about what they wrote, since they responded twice in the same manner and attacked you quite personally…

    All I can say, is shame on them!

  37. Anne, I admire your grace and forbearance in your response to little miss Sunshine. You are much, much kinder than anyone else could ever have been, and that is why we appreciate you so. Accusations of financial misdeeds would be really very hurtful.

    But really, how dare you call yourself a designer – your designs are really just knits, purls, increases and decreases that anyone can do! I can find all of those in knitting instruction books!

    🙂

  39. Ah me, such an interesting world. Why anyone would take the time or spew out such drivel is astounding. Your elegant, graceful designs enhance my knitting world and I am eager for each one for they allow me to dream of what I can create. I do hope you will let the hollow sad words they said fall away.

  40. I don’t see pompous or smug. Maybe just confident in a healthy way.

    And all designers use stitch dictionaries. Isn’t that par for the course for all designers?

  41. This post has jolted me out of lurkdom! I enjoy your blog very much and have never detected any smugness, nor have I ever felt any concern about your designs or the way you support charities. I choose to support charities in my own country, but see nothing wrong with your publicity for charities that mean something to you – in fact I think you are incredibly generous. The way you share your life, your interests and your design process all demonstrate a generous and giving spirit. The world needs a few more of you – and a few less Sunshines!

  42. Anne, I can only agree with what everyone else has said. I think you handled this disruption with such patience and grace. As if we needed more proof that you are an exceptional human being as well as an inspirational designer! (And a great gardener, too!) Carping that your patterns can be found in any stitch dictionary is like complaining that a recipe isn’t original because the ingredients can be found in any supermarket.

    (Oh, and like Ronni, the name Sunshine also made me flash to British cop dramas…)

  44. I am so offended on your behalf.

    Plus, people who think you “just put existing stitches together” have obviously never designed anything from scratch.

    Hmmph!

  45. Anne – it was perfectly clear to me that you were offering to make additional donations to Claudia’s MS ride if we made comments to say that we’d donated – I struggle to see how it can have been misunderstood and also fail to see why anyone could question the fact that you’d send your very generous donation in. As for the rest, I agree completely with others – all complete drivel.

  47. Wow. Sometimes, I just don’t get people. I have to admit, the irony of the name “sunshine” is a touch amusing 🙂

    Anne, your response was graceful, polite and as always, well written. However, I think its entirely unnecessary. When people are good enough to offer up donations (be it matching funds, raffle prizes, etc) to encourage others help, there’s no reason to question their motive or follow through. Generosity like that speaks volumes. Take it on faith that they are following through; do your part if you are able. You don’t have to “document” your own contribution or justify yourself.

    As for “sunshine’s” other comments – put her where she (and others like) her belong — your spam filter!

  48. You know, I wonder if “Sunshine” would tell a writer that they don’t ‘really’ write because they used a thesaurus or a dictionary made of words formed by other people. Would they tell an artist that they’re not really a painter because they didn’t invent color? Perhaps none of us can call ourselves knitters because we didn’t invent the knit or the purl stitch…

    A stitch dictionary (or any dictionary for that matter) is simply a reference tool for people to use to create something. I always find it curious when people attempt to invalidate art (and artists) of any kind based on a rather prejudiced and limited view of what art is and how it’s made. Perhaps your disagreer should focus on not being a tool rather than attempt to invalidate your designs simply because they came from one…

  49. Anne you are one of my favourite designers 😀 No matter what any ‘malcontent’ decides or believes. Thank you.

    I have NEVER doubted your absolute integrity. I donated because I wanted to, you matching that donation was a bonus in my book.

  50. And you my dear do NOT have to defend yourself. You had a cause, you asked if we’d like to join in and that’s it. We weren’t ‘forced’ to do anything – if it called to us then we gave. I gave not because you were matching but because you let me know Claudia was doing this and my friend Susan was just diagnosed with MS. As a knitter and bike rider it was a perfect choice for me.

    Every time you open your personal life to others for some reason some people feel threatened. Why I don’t know – perhaps that’s why the Elders called for a prayer for the US last night.

    Do what you do best and let the nay sayers drown in there own nastiness. I know it’s perfectly clear that we all adore you!

  51. Wow – I have to be brief as I’m getting breakfast for the little guys but….
    Not pompous.
    Not smug.
    Sunshine way out of line.
    Love your blog.
    Love your patterns.
    Keep up the great work.
    Very level headed response to a pretty inflammatory comment.
    Bravo
    and thanks

  52. You have no idea the number of hours of enjoyment your patterns have given, and will continue to give, to me. Your blog is one of my favorites and your patterns are fabulous.

    Please do not give this person anymore of your thoughts. Let their “power” wither away.

  53. Ignore this twit, Anne. Your designs are the best. Anyone can look in a stitch dictionary, but it’s what you do with the stitches that keeps everyone coming back for more and more. And your skill and knowledge as a designer, teacher and knitter makes you so valuable and respected in the knitting community. I also think you are as honest as the day is long. Obviously, this person must hide behind someone else, and doesn’t have the nerve to see the light of day. That says the criticisms are baseless and unfounded. Don’t take this to heart, Anne. Look at the comments you are getting. This person is just a PITA with nothing better to do. I love your blog and look forward to seeing your gorgeous garden and beautiful knitting. Press on!

  54. Dear Anne,

    I’m so sorry to read that you received such offensive comments. I have two dear friends who suffer from MS, and I appreciate the way you have brought the cause to the forefront.

    I am also disturbed by someone questioning your design efforts. Yes, I have books that teach me various stitches, but I have not thought to put those stitches together to create beautiful scarves, shawls, etc. I don’t have the focus to do that. I will continue to purchase your designs when I’m inspired by the pattern and yarn you have chosen.

    Thank you for spending time designing, knitting, blogging, and introducing me to new yarns!

  56. I clicked on to gratefulness.org before I read your post – oh.
    Todays words are “Suffering exists not for the purpose of hurting us, but to teach us where genuine good is to be found, and thus to make us stronger, more intelligent and more vibrant.” – Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov

    Anne, you shine.
    Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you today.

  58. you’ve done well, anne, to respond to this mean-spirited person with such grace & dignity! i don’t know that i would have managed it half as well 🙂 i just wanted to add my name to the growing list of folk who love your blog, & love seeing the creative thought & hours of work that go into each of your unique designs. don’t let this get you down – you’ve done some very generous things to help others (including me!) with fundraising for various good causes, & we all appreciate it!

  59. well,well, looks like ‘someone’ has a case of sandy vagina, eh? ‘Sunshine’, that just pains me, as I was given that ‘term of endearment’ in Jr.High, he/she is really giving it some bad coverage. meh.
    ‘Pompous’? LOL… I’ve never, ever gotten the feeling you were being that, or that you lacked in integrity. sheesh.
    Well, you know how I feel about you, your blog, your designs… hee… ‘gimme some sugar’… and as always, you are so diplomatic…in a Very Good Way and I thank you, on a daily basis, whether I put it in writing here or not. Trust me. I do.

  61. All the comments have pointed out how graciously you answered ‘Sunshine’ and how your intentions re donations were clearly above board from the get go – all I want to add is MEAN PEOPLE SUCK!

    And I think ‘Sunshine’ qualifies.

  62. Wow Sunshine is a real B****! I agree with Abby that your response was indeed classy.

    In regard to the statement about you being a stitch pattern arranger…didn’t Elizabeth Zimmermann observe that there has likely been every stitch combination done already and that she just “unvents” things? I don’t think that makes her any less of a designer because some granny in the netherlands came up with a pi shawl 200 years ago (or whatever) Especially if she didn’t know about that granny ’cause she never published her designs. SPare me! It’s like saying a painter didn’t design their own piece because the paints were stock colors or that a landscape designer didn’t design the landscape because the neighbor down the road had similar plants.

    Mean people suck!

  64. Brava! In the short time we chatted at tnna I discovered: 1) you’re not pompous 2) you’re not smug .
    And I already knew how talented you are. So there.

    Life’s too short to worry about commenters like that.

  65. As a technical editor, I’d like to see Sunshine come up with a pattern using a simple stitch pattern – something that not only is beautiful, as your design’s are, Anne, but is also written in a coherent manner so that other knitters can make it as well. Show us the money, Sunshine!

  66. Your blog is one of my favorites, precisely because you talk about your design process (and your garden.) I, too, own stitch dictionaries, but I have neither the patience nor the time (and probably not the skill) to do what you do.

    I certainly don’t think it is any of anyone’s business how much you contributed although it is gratifying to know that so many people accepted your challenge. And while winning a prize would be fun, that’s not why I contribute to any cause.

    Congratulations on a very judicious response. I hope you can let her comments roll off your back. She was wrong, wrong, wrong.

  67. “Sunshine” is an oxymoron with emphasis on the last two syllables.

  68. Oh fer cryin’ out loud. What a ridiculous series of comments and questions from Little Miss Sunshine. You responded well Anne and now I hope you can forget it ever happened.

  69. I’m perversely glad that ‘Sunshine’ was unreachable by email so the rest of us get a taste of what you put up with to do a good deed.

    Your donation methods were crystal clear to me, and I feel no compunction to see receipts – I trust you. And, frankly, even if I didn’t, even if you sent in no money to Claudia… how has that hurt me?

    As for designing with only original stitch patterns, that’s so laughable I’m not sure what else to say.

    It looks like you are well on your way to being flooded with supportive comments; I hope it’s a balm for having to listen to the grumps.

  70. Eek, what an ugly little ray of sunshine! This would make me a bit nervous. Poster is clearly nuts! Good luck to you Anne, someone is very, very jealous of you. Love your attitude and talent.

  71. When I say “Goodbye,have a good day, I love you!” to my husband as he exits in the morning, he responds with a hug and “ditto”. So ditto to all the above comments and on to more critical matters. I too knit socks for a Big Foot. If I don’t make it with knittingNotions “Persimmon” is anyone holding a little ball of it in their basket? Be alert! I may need it….

  72. Yes, Sunshine is definitely a gloomy soul! How rude!

    (hee hee, I’d be interested to know if he/she actually DOES contribute after this, as he/she said she would!)

  73. Oh, and I REALLY don’t get the “pompous and smug” criticism. Perhaps “Unfairly talented” and “way too clever and smart”, lol!

    That thing about the stitch dictionaries? I knit your bee shawl, and I was completely amazed the entire time that you designed that, even while knowing where the stitch patterns were in the Barbara Walker books. That particular shawl, IMO, was a masterpiece. (not my knitting it, hee hee, the design!)

  75. Anne,
    I’m coming out of lurkdom to congratulate you on your hard work – both with the content of your blog, quality (and never mind, quantity) of your knitting, and garden pictures. It was a very nice and thoughtful reply to a comment that should have been a personal e-mail to you with appropriate return e-mail address. Let’s see more of your new patterns!!

  76. Just want you to know how much I enjoy reading your blog and knitting your patterns!!!

  77. Well, if that is what sunshine is, I’m loving all the rain we’re getting! I can’t say any more than what has been said before, I guess it was just your turn for attack of the troll.

  78. Yeesh.

    Let’s hope “sunshine” is as rare on your blog as it is in the weather round here. In that case, you may not see it again for weeks!

  79. Anne Hanson = one classy gal!!! Funny, I got it too and I almost always read you in the early am, not quite there sometimes…Love ya Anne!

  80. I’m so sorry you were hassled by this person. I hope you won’t let it sour the wonderful thing you’ve done here. I’ve read your blog for quite some time now and I’ve never once thought you were anything but a caring, amazing woman who happens to be a brilliant designer. Keep up the great work!

  81. wow, I’d like to know what happened to “sunshine” to make him/her into such a malignant sourpuss. what a coward, to not leave a valid email address . . .

  82. It always amazes and saddens me when people like Sunshine who are so unhappy with themselves feel the need to insult and demean good and clever people doing good and clever things to make themselves feel better. I’m sorry you had to deal with this, but as others have said, you have done so graciously.

    For what it’s worth, add me to the list of those who knew exactly what your goal with the matching fund was and how it worked because I READ what you wrote, and was happy to have a chance to make my contribution go a little further. Thank you for that.

    As for her other comments, well, they’re really just too stupid to warrant a thoughtful rebuttal, so let me just say that I very much enjoy your blog, your style, and your designs. Thank you for sharing them with us.

  83. The comment about your designs only being stitch patterns makes me cringe.
    As far as donations,I might be naive but it seems like knitters are generally trust worthy and generous people and I’ve never questioned that people are actually donating when they say they are.

  84. Well Anne, I think the best response to those comments is simply this:

    ‘Pish Posh’!

  85. I’m sorry you had to deal with this, but I think you handled it well. If Sunshine really had concerns and “constructive criticism” then he/she should have sent you an email and discussed it privately. He/She was just trying to publicly slander you. I think your designs are awesome! Keep up the good work.

  86. Hello Anne,
    I am de-lurking to tell you how much I enjoy your blog, and your beautiful patterns. You have gotten some strange comments since I started reading, and I have to say that you answer them with more patience than I would. Thanks for creating a blog that is a joy to read and for creating patterns that I want to knit!

  87. Hi Anne,
    I get up each and every morning in anticipation of reading your blog. I hope for a new pattern, a veiw of your garden, or an update on a wip. Please don’t take “sunshines” words to heart.

  88. I read 8-10 knitting blogs on a daily basis – yours is the first one on the list. Your content is interesting and your writing is articulate, which is not the case with every blog I’ve come across. There are several that I chose not to continue reading because I thought they were in poor taste or poorly written – but I did not feel compelled to comment and share that with the author.

    I’m amazed at how prolific you are as a designer! Yes, I might be able to use my stitch dictionaries to come up with the same or similar design, but it would likely take me months. I’d rather pay a reasonable price for a pattern (I bought Elm Row and Fiddlehead from a LYS last week) in support of someone who is trying to make a living doing what she loves and spend the time I have available knitting instead.

    As for the charities, at no time have I felt obligated to do anything. As with most people, I can’t afford to contribute to every opportunity, but I don’t mind when someone wants to support a friend’s fund raising efforts – and if a raffle is included, that’s perfectly acceptable as well.

    Sunshine needs to reevaluate his/her own life, and find a positive focus instead of trying to find negative things in others’ lives.

  90. Those comments were so far off that they’re actually funny…way to go, Team Troll! :eyeroll:

    Anne, PLEASE do not take any of this to heart; Sunshine is clearly an a** who deserves to have her comments deleted summarily. You have better things to do than to respond to this sort of pissy trolling.

  91. Ok, since I feel I can speak first hand on this post, ya;ll are gonna get skammed with bad grammar and speling…here goes, Miss Unshine,yes,I know I left off the S…where is YOUR proff of any donations, to ANYTHING? Your asking Anne to prove someting, well why don’t you. Why did you feel a need to come here and stir a pot of someone who has no clue who you are, you have no way of being contacted back and lastlty..YOUR USING MY IP YOU DORK! I am turning you into yahoo as this is not of proper terms and usage. Dunno what your deal is but you suck and your mean, I say, don’t feed the trolls people, it only makes them grow!

  92. Hi Anne! I had to write and let you know how much I enjoy all of your writing and designing and garden sharing. I have several of your patterns. I think at least 8 or 9. Your patterns inspire me to broaden my knitting horizons. Yours was one of the very first knitting blogs I ever read.Through your blog I have had the privilege of investigating new yarns. I also learned how to oven dry my cherry tomatoes! I check your blog for new knitting progress daily, even at work! I just wanted you to know that you are an admired and lovely person. BTW you ROCK!

  93. Hmm, strange comment about designing. That’s like saying you can’t write a novel unless you invent all new words! I love reading your blog, one of the few I read on a regular basis. Love your garden pics too.
    And I get such inspiration from your designs! Kepp up the good work.

  94. Anne – you provided a more patient reply than I could have written. My respect for you grows.

  96. I’m glad you posted this and I’m sorry you’ve had to endure this bad behavior. Your response was right on and as always done with class and grace!

    This smacks of the individual who had to put her 2 cents worth and numerous threats regarding the purported copying of Fleegle’s pattern! I have found there are people in this world who have this need to create some sort of havoc in order to get the attention they so desperately need. Kind of sad really. It does not surprise me that you can’t reach her and that the IP# is not hers.

    I love your blog and all you do. Please don’t change a thing in how you go about fundraising for MS. There is always going to be a thundercloud out there to rain on your parade. I vote getting out the umbrellas and standing together in the rain when it does happen.

  97. Anne, I feel sorry for sunshine. People that think it’s their job to make everyone else accountable for the good that you do are unhappy people. And I personally don’t believe it is required of you to report how you match donations. I believe that what you do is your personal choice and truly not anyone else’s business.
    I really enjoy your projects!

  98. Dear Anne,
    Don’t listen to this person. You are at the top of my tool bar, right next to the Yarnharlot. Whoever this little person is she is not worthy of your time, energy and anxiety. That being said, I know that no matter how many of us write in support her one comment will sit uncomfortably on your mind. Forget her, know that we love and respect everything you do and design. I consider myself a designer and yet I have spent a fair amount on your designs. Why reinvent the wheel when you have already done it sooo well. Thank you for living your life with such grace and sharing it with us.

  99. I appreciate all you do and how you do it! While I donate to other causes, I am pleased how you gently remind me to share my blessings.

  100. What is the nastiness that is in knitdom lately? For pete sake, Sunshine, don’t read it, but being nasty only shows your own karmic life. This blog is a delight, as is the author and for enjoyment purposes only. Thanks Anne, for this blog, for your wonderful designs and delightful attitude. Somewhere along the line our sense of humor is evaporating along with our politeness. Please, people, get the facts and then “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything” or just move along.

  101. Ditto all of the above. Your work is beautiful–whether in yarn or in planting. Your blog reminds me of what the real things in life are about; loving and being loved, and sharing what we’ve been blessed with. Those qualities are why I read what you share with us. Please keep it up and Thanks.

  102. I didn’t read all the comments, but I’m going to assume that the vast majority take the same position I do, which is that you do not come across as smug or pompous AT ALL, but rather warm and interesting and lovely. I would love to spend a day with you in person. As for implying that you are dishonest and somehow out to take credit for other people’s donations or embezzle money (which is how I read Sunshine’s comments), that is laughable. Perhaps that reader is projecting his or her own ethical failings onto you. And as for Sunshine, if you don’t like it here, no one’s forcing you to stay.

  103. Dear Anne,
    I want to commend you on the good works you do
    for the community. Why does somebody try to make
    something evil out of something good.Where is the trust that we are supposed to have in our fellow
    man.We are not here to judge. If somone is ripping somebody off, that’s between them and the
    Creator. I have Lupus
    and been sick for 24 years and can go at any time
    now. There is very little being done for my
    disease. There are very few fundraisers and very
    few people interested.I am always happy to see
    that someone has put themselves out to help
    another human being. That’s what we are here for.
    No one should be sick or suffering. I use to be
    a nurse and there are no good diseases. I hope
    that Sunshine is healthy and concentrates her time on her own efforts to help others. No one
    is forcing her to read your blog.I think your
    designs are lovely. I have several of them.

  104. Sunshine’s problems are just that, Sunshine’s problems. When someone opens their mouth to speak,they reveal their own reality. Sunchsine’s seems pretty unpleasant.

    Other people do not determine you. You create yourself and you seem fine.

  105. What are people thinking?!?! To question your honesty is absurd…I couldn’t believe what I was reading when I read it! The negativity of people is always out there, unfortunately, but it only lands on your blog infrequently, thank goodness. You handled it with your usual grace, and if Sunshine was a regular reader, she would know that you have a great sense of humor AND humility! Carry on, Anne…I enjoy your blog every day!! Corinne

  106. Anne, this is one of my favorite blogs and I read every post. I never comment because there are always so many other people with nice things to say. But maybe you should know… I really appreciate the effort you put into making your blog pretty with nice photos and I love the rogueish and jaunty nature of your posts. Every one of your patterns that I’ve knit has been a pleasure. The world is a better place for having you in it. Keep it up!

  107. Holey Moley!! Some people just aren’t happy unless they are complaining…

    As for as your designs, I’m thrilled with them, and have purchased some. If “sunshine” doesn’t want to, then happy trails!

    I love this site, and it is one that I read every day. From the knitting, to the gardening and cooking Anne–You make my day!!!

  108. Oh my, talk about a severe downer.

    Unfortunately, some people are just unable to speak nicely. I’ve had to deal with people like this as well as I run exhibits and do fundraising as well.

    One woman actually wrote to me (a very long lecture) about why she doesn’t feel I’m qualified to run my exhibit because I used ‘then’ when I should have used ‘than.’ She said my misuse of the word demonstrated that I wasn’t paying attention to details. I was amazed that anyone would draw such a harsh conclusion from a TYPO.

    At any rate, my point is, don’t worry about it. You are doing a good thing and someone’s crankiness should not detract from that.

    And I hate to tell ‘sunshine’ this but designing is all about taking stuff that already exists and spinning it into something new and different. Maybe she should give it a try before she speaks so harshly.

    You rock Anne, keep going.

  109. ah my. the inane world that some people exist in still astonishes me.
    Obviously, little miss ‘sunshine’ doesn’t really read your blog at all.

    well said, my friend. you are elegance !
    and what an amazingly generous amount you donated to Claudia’s worthy cause. 🙂

  110. Obviously Sunshine can’t be a regular reader, or he/she’d have picked up on your integrity, honesty and humility by now. Your designs are wonderful – if they weren’t, we wouldn’t buy them now, would we? Or go squeee! when you publish a new one!
    So… as I see it, Jamie Oliver, Delia Smith, even Mrs Beeton are all in the same boat as you – after all they use ingredients others use, to make an end result that’s unique to them…
    Anyway – surely it’s worse to use an IP Address that someone else actively uses, than it is to take ingredients others have prepared and make them into something new and appetising?
    Keep on with your designing, and I don’t give a hoot how much you give to whom – you say you do it, so I assume you do – there is no earthly reason to accuse you of such shifty behaviour (I hesitate to use the F word as it has legal connotations).

  111. I’ve been reading this blog for a couple months now (though I’ve never commented) and I have to say that it never once occurred to me that you *could* be taking advantage of anyone because you provide so much detail. Anyone can contact you or the charity in question; it’s less of a breadcrumb trail and more of a semi-truck-full-of-loaves trail. It’s one thing to suggest that someone be more explicit in each post about an event. It’s another all together to suggest that something untoward is going on because the commenter is too lazy to look for the actual information.

    I agree with everyone who’s suggested this is not something you have to worry about. This is a modern-day poison pen letter. I’d guess that it’s someone who is jealous, perhaps someone with their own knitting blog who wishes they had your following (which would explain using someone else’s computer/IP address and a bad email) and who thought s/he had the right to try and knock you down a peg. And maybe “sunshine” is experiencing a wee existential crisis and realizing s/he is not the center of the universe. Lashing out at you is maybe an attempt to feel important and influential when s/he already has an inkling that that is not the case (another reason for the hidden identity). In the end perhaps it’s flattering: you’re a visible peg! Congrats! I know I’m glad that’s the case – I feel like I’ve learned a lot about knitting, gardening, design AND the power of a knitting community in reading this blog – and I’m sure that’s true for most of your readers. Keep up the good work and the lovely photos!

    –Sydney (Portland, OR)
    SydneyE on Ravelry

  112. That is ridiculous! I love reading your blog and would never think any of those things. Also, I think that if people want to give to any charity or fundraiser then they should do so out of the goodness of their hearts, not just because someone else might “match” a donation. It seems very strange that they would want verification that you actually are donating…

    Anyway, you do a great job and I appreciate everything that you do for the knitting community:)

  113. My jaw is dropping at those posts (and that is a good thing, because if I had muscular control, I’d invent some new words and phrases that would be unprintable). I think your efforts to raise money are commendable.

    I wish I had the talent you have for “slapping together” available stitch motifs to create something beautiful. I’m at work on one of your patterns now, and I’m even more astounded at your skill than I was from just looking at the pictures.

  114. Soooo, let’s see now….. To be a REAL designer, you would hae to use a color that no one had seen before, a stitch pattern that does not consist of knits or purls, and describe it in words that no one else has ever used, heard of or written down. Is that right, Sunshine? And just where will we find YOUR designs? Grow up and get a REAL life.

  115. Anne, I love your blog (gradening and knitting posts alike), love your patterns, and was happy to donate to Claudia’s MS ride, even if you hadn’t been adding the matching $5 – it was just a bonus that you were so generous as well.

    The small-mindedness of some people will never cease to amaze me. Have they nothing positive to do with their time?

    Thanks for everything you do, and don’t let the concern trolls get you down.

  116. Geez-Luiz….

    #1-looks like Little Miss “Sunshine” (so she calls herself) is looking for a REASON NOT to donate to a WELL deserved charity!

    #2-I for one have been knitting for more than 35 years…and own my very own stitch dictionary and have NEVER had the gumption or ability to design my own knitting pattern particularly “lace”!

    Your designs are AMAZING and I’m THANKFUL for your designer knowledge. I’ve bought (as you well know) several of your patterns and will continue to do so as long as you keep pumping out the most beautiful patterns that inspire me.

    I could resort to name calling here but I’m going to maintain my composure…

    Anne, keep up the GREAT work you do and don’t worry about comments such as these…as you stated, she’s gone to great lengths to hide her identity…it think I see a yellow streak!

  117. Yikes, I go away for a day and the trolls start again.

    I finally managed to make my donation to Claudia and appreciated the reminders on here as well as on Claudia’s own blog. Time just got away from me and I ended up waiting to this week to do it.

    The designer comments bug me. I occasionally think I would like to go through my stitch books and design a shawl/scarf but then I read your blog and all the work you go through to make the shawl and/or scarf work and I think no, I would rather just wait for you to do it and then I can just knit it. All the little details that go into it just boggle my mind.

    Keep up the great work and don’t let the trolls get you down.

  118. Just to let you know – I donated to the MS Knitters. It’s great that you’re willing to donate as much as you are!

  119. You are a talented designer and blogger. Also I wish I was as generous as you. You rock!

  121. Anne — Thank you for your blog, patterns, inspiration, garden pictures…I could keep going on. I enjoy reading your blog all the time! Sorry you had to deal with this type of ill-will when yours is all good.

  122. Some people can be just so ignorant and rude. I find what you are doing to be commendable. I had a family member die of MS and ANY amount of time or money donated to the cause is a beautiful thing.

    And as for the patterns, well obviously sunshine is just jealous because he/she/it can’t put together a fabulous design the way you can!

  125. Woah….mean and uncalled for! Hold your head high and continue doing what you do so generously-designing magnificent designs, and writing such an intelligent, upbeat and interesting blog.

  126. It seems like a good time to let you know that I love your blog, and your writing style. It is very positive and comforting. I also love the two knitspot shawl patterns I have knit – you are a very talented designer, and your patterns are clear and well-written, and definitely worth paying for.

  127. I think you should just do what you’re going to do and not worry about people who aren’t smart enough to read.

  128. This is my second post on this subject so please don’t respond. But I have to say that I am wowed by this amazing (but not unexpected) outpouring of positive support you are receiving. It has to buoy your spirits! We are all behind you!

  129. “Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness.”
    –Rabbi Harold Kushner

    Anne – everyone here has posted / stated/ represented the love and care that we all have for you. In some way, this event serves to create unity – perhaps we could all join together and send out only goodness to Sunshine and hope that he/she finds a way to his/her own heart.

    Thank you for the goodness that you bring to us – and your generosity in supporting Claudia in her MS ride. It has been such great fun to participate in her fundraiser.

    AND – thanks for your personal support – as a “newbie knitter” you have given me great direction and encouragement!

    Much love & light from Oregon to you!

  130. “Sunshine” has all the hallmarks of a certain bloggy troublemaker some of us have known in the past, including the cutesy name, and like a bad weed, rises to the surface every once in a while and then retreats under her rock. I’m not sure if that’s the same person, but it sure does have a familiar ring to it.

    All I can say is UGH. I am so sorry you have been the recipient of this kind of ugliness. And why on EARTH do people feel the need to be that way? You are a class act, Anne, and don’t you forget it.

  131. I completely concur that you are on moral Alps, and you did not even need to deign to offer a response, yet did so above and beyond all normal conscientiousness and politeness.
    I would have just hit delete ASAP.
    Thanks for your donations – and your terrific blog!
    I have not begun to buy sock or shawl patterns, but when I am ready, I will start with yours.
    much appreciated, Lisa

  132. Anne,
    It always bugs me when some random person decides to pester a good and faithful knit blogger.
    This sunshine seems to clearly be a rabble rouser, and you have done an excellent job not stooping to her/his level. I love the reliability with with you deal with such uncalled for stories. I love your designs, btw, and never hesitate to enjoy the fusion of color, stitch placement and beauty. Thank you for being who you are 🙂
    Sharah

  133. I have never commented before but feel the need to put in my “two cents” this time. I read your blog every day and look forward to all your new patterns! I think your designs are wonderful and your blog is one of the highlights of my computer time in the morning. Please don’t let someone like this ruin it for the rest of us! 99.9% of us applaud you for your contributions to worthy causes and your knitting contributions! News flash for “Sunshine” – Don’t log onto Knitspot…and change your pseudonym to a more fitting adjective…

  134. It’s all been said, dearest Anne, but I had to take the time to tell you that I’m completely behind you. Your writing style is lovely, your designs are amazing, and your generosity is in NO question here. Great job responding to bad energy…hang in there!

  135. Anne, I think Sunshine should stick where the sun *doesn’t* shine. If it weren’t for you, I’d never have sorted out knitting, or spinning. 🙂

  136. I am an avid reader of your blog and am inspired by your designs. I am also in complete shock that people would be so rude about your generosity in helping raise funds for MS. I just wanted to say that your kindness and attitude through this reminded me of a favorite quote…

    “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
    -Gahndi

    Keep it up!

  137. The trolls are out again, apparently. Nice response on your part, Anne.

    Oh, and Miss Sunshine? You might want to get a “regular” dictionary and brush up on your spelling and grammar next time.

  138. Anne, the only thing I can say is HOLY.CRAP. What the heck? Either Sunshine has not read your posts about the MS ride and your contributions or she just does not “get” it. As to the rest of it….you know we love you 🙂

    It’s a good thing that you and David do every year 🙂

  139. Okay, I want to rip someone’s head off right now. What an idiot sunshine is. I’m wondering if it was a prank, even! Just to stir up a bruhaha. Personally, Anne, it totally embarrassed me when people talk about their donations, and how much they’ve given. Charitable giving is such a personal thing, and I hate to hear people talk about actual amounts. So I think you were completely fine with the explanation you gave, and it was completely clear from the get-go that you had a $500 cap. And as for your patterns??? Hey Sunshine – bring it, girlfriend!!! You think you can do better??? Let’s see your stuff!!! I think I smell a little jealousy. . . actually. . .

  140. Delurking to say that I too admire your graciousness and generosity in all things, Anne. Thank you for all the joy you bring to so many of us!

  141. oh dear, life is just too short. Give what you give, do what you do, be who you are and ‘sunshine’ – get a life!

    on the design issue, I often think ‘ I coulkd have written that!’ but I didn’t did I and that’s the point, you do the work, you take the time and put in the effort therefore you are the designer, and I , sadly, am not 🙁

    don’t bother with the rebuttals for my sake honey, just carry on being you 🙂

  142. You are a classy lady and I really enjoy reading your blog. You will never please everyone, just keep doing what you do so well. It seems that some people just love to cause others grief. Unfortunate that you have to deal with it but you are part of the human race and a small part of this race is whacked. Keep up the great blog and rest assured in your own mind that you did a very generous and good thing for the knitters MS.

  144. Anne, you handled that little troll with your usual grace and class. Hurrah!

    I have been reading your blog now for about a year (yep, read all the back postings too) and have never for one minute sensed any smugness or conceit from you. I think it is marvelous that you and David espouse worthy charities and are able to donate as much as you have and to raise awareness.

    As for the sniping comments you received on your beautiful and original designs, ignore them. I have quite a few of your wonderful patterns, and want to tell you that you truly are an inspiration to me, as I work on coming up with my own designs. Stitch dictionaries are just that. Like others have said, its how you interpret the stitch, what color you use, what yarn you use that makes the design unique. Sounds like little miss Sunshine (NOT!) is terribly jealous of you….so please forget about her and don’t let her poison pen bring you down.

    And oh, before I forget because the Yarn and Needles are calling to me now, little miss Sunshine, designing is very hard work–you just might want to give it a try before you cast stones at others.

  145. Holy cow! With gunk like that clogging up the blog-o-sphere, its no wonder the online knitting universe is shrinking away! Anne I think you just jumped about 5 notches (if thats even possible) in my realm of admiration! You remain graceful under what must be an infuriating situation. As a fan and frequent purchaser of your patterns~ many thanks! I’ve yet to be disappointed!

  146. My uncle has late stage MS. I just wanted to say how grateful I am to you, Anne, for being there to help raise awareness about the disease. Just posting about Claudia’s ride encourages all of your readers to read more about MS and the fight against MS. Putting your own money up against our donations, then, is an act of generosity and support that speaks volumes about your own selflessness. I appreciate that from the bottom of my heart. And frankly, I like my knitting with a bit of a moral centre.

  147. You are the last person in the world I’d suspect of not doing what you say. ESPECIALLY regarding donations.

    As for incorporating an existing stitch pattern into a sock, shawl, whatever pattern and then calling it your own pattern: Sunshine had better stop knitting because that’s what designers do.

    Ex: Nancy Bush takes historical and traditional heritage patterns and updates them for the modern knitter in a clear and concise way and she is revered for it.

    Heck, Sunshine had better not even be knitting patterns that use the knit and purl stitches, because y’know, the designer didn’t create those! That comment reflects that Sunshine has very little understanding of knitting and maybe needs her diapers changed.

  148. One more vote of support for you. We all love and read you not just for your designs, not just for the inspiration they bring to my own knitting and designing, but also because of who you are. I probably will never have the good fortune to meet you, but I do feel that you are a friend, a kindred spirit, someone who truly cares about others, trite as that sounds. Thanks for bringing a little sunshine into my life every day!

  149. You are such a class act. Excellent reply to “sunshine” but I don’t feel that you need to reply to her. I enjoy reading your blog and I don’t see where anyone can ever see you as “smug.” I have most of your shawl patterns and eagerly await more. great job and thank you for the beautiful patterns that you design!

  151. wow. i understand someone wanting to “get the facts” but i don’t understand the high-handed smug superior tone some people adopt.

    you? smug? i never saw it. you are very approachable and i would just love to meet you in person some day… wearing one of your designs, of course 🙂

  152. Oh, jeez, I completely forgot to tell you I donated (hell, I barely remembered to donate in time anyway), so add another one to your list.

    You do good work, dear, on all fronts – thanks!

  153. I was very surprised to learn that someone was taking such an issue with your attempt to raise money for a good cause. I’m very sorry you had to go through this, and also that the writer made a negative comment about your wonderful patterns. I have bought many of your patterns and find them extremely well presented and easy to knit even though each row within a pattern repeat always seems to be different. It keeps them challenging, but still fairly easy.

    After reading the complaint and your answer, the one thing that does concern me, and please don’t take this in a negative way, is that I wonder if our blogs are the proper place to be attempting fundraising efforts? It seems that everywhere I look nowadays someone is asking for donations from bloggeres for one good cause or another. Sometimes there are prizes for people who donate on their own, or for people who make the largest donation toward that particular blogger’s charity campaign.

    I find nothing wrong with occasionally mentioning a charity when the charity is having a special event, or if it’s a special recognition week. I also see nothing wrong with providing an address and asking one’s blogging friends to take the time to donate to a particular cause. But, I can’t help but wonder if we should do any more than that, no matter how well meaning we are.

    I have a link on my blog for two of my favorites: Heifer International and Special Love (a Virginia organization that provides camp experiences for children with cancer and their families). I may sometime in the future write something about them and gently suggest that they are great charities if one had some extra funds to donate. But, beyond that, I think it would be placing an imposition on my blogging friends to be more specific and direct in a request for a donation.

    Some people may already donate on their own to that charity, others may not have the money to do so, and still others may have charities of their own that they choose to support in lieu of the one mentioned on a blog. It makes these people feel guilty not to donate when a blogger has made such a detailed request, or has a contest, or asks the people who donate to leave a comment. If they are regular contributors to the blog, they know that the blogger will notice that they have not donated.

    I just don’t think we should put our blogging friends in that position, no matter how wonderful the charity is.

    Just wanted to present this as something to think about and I’m sorry you had to deal with the rather nasty comments left by the other blogger.

  154. Good Morning,
    My first reaction was ‘No good deed goes unpunished’. Your grace under fire is inspiring. I have loved to see your ideas and yarn choices come to life, lots of vibrance..dancing, living knits.
    I don’t knit lace and I am scared to knit socks but your confident manner has made me decide to try socks. If my life settles down where I can concentrate I WILL try your sock pattern for my husband as a Christmas gift. Your kind response to my request for advice was appreciated.
    I love the garden photos as well. Smug is not the word that comes to mind when I enter your blog. Welcoming, teaching, inspiring…nope not smug.
    Warm regards,
    Katrina

  155. Dear Anne, What a horrible e-mail that woman sent you. I can call myself hardly a knitter, but I love your blog, not only for the knitting, but also for the gardening and cooking. I must confess to some jealousy for so many talents, but at least I can enjoy them vicariously! Even my husband enjoys them because I ask him regularly `Do you know what Anne Knitspot made this time?’ So put it out of your mind. and stay who you are. Leonie from Holland

  156. Just my two cents…it’s your blog, post whatever fund raising causes you feel are worthy of a post. We readers can then choose whether or not to donate. End of story. FYI, an unrelated topic: was motivated to thin out my lettuce bed after your post of a week or so ago…keep up the good work!

  157. Just when I think we’ve heard it all!! Envy is getting the best of “Sunshine”. How sad that anyone spends her/his(?) days thinking about things like this. You do so much for so many, and we love you for it.

  158. Oh wtf, “Sunshine”?

    Seriously??

    Does it really matter whether or not you see documentation on what others (Anne or anyone else) choose to donate…or not?

  159. I think anyone who has read your blog for any amount of time would have no questions about the MS fundraising or your integrity. *hugs* and thanks for contributing so much again this year.

  160. Dearest, you handled this far better than I could. And I hope if I have to face something like this in the future that I can do it with half the grace you have shown here.

    Had I been in your shoes I would be doing only one more thing with this situation…making two patterns and calling them “Pompous” and “Smug”.

    Hugs, and thanks for being bold and standing up for what you believe in.

  162. It pleases me slightly that you attempted to answer my questions, only attempted. You danced around and did some fancy fast talk but did nothing more then beg your readers to defend you.
    I will answer as much as I can here. My email address does indeed work. I am not sure why your having such a time using it. Could it be that you are just trying to publicly cry for people to come to your defense? I originally was directed to your blog from Ravelry and two groups from Ravelry
    I thought long after reading all of the responses on your blog,and your answers as well,trying to conclude whether or not I should have been silent on questioning your MS funding. I feel I had a right to ask.
    You answered in a smug and snide way. You attempted to plead the poor helpless “woa-is-me” scheme. It amuzes me that you think you are “famous” and you chide your readers/fans but of course no IRL friends (which is very amusing) to act as such. I hope they,more importantly you, come to terms with what being famous means, and that you are not it! Really, I am in fits of laughter with the mere toying of that phrase. Mainly because I think YOU actually believe you ARE famous.
    I have read through almost all of your blog posts as of today and I am not trying to start any fighting, I was only questioning how does one know that you are REALLY donating monies you state you are. I also merely commented on your patterns, which are not a fantastic invention. Anyone can do them if so inclined. The littlest nothings are nothing more then a particular stitch that was found in a book and you swatched it to a scarf size.Not a fabulous feat if you ask me. They are pretty but not rocket science as you may think.
    You are the one who responded back to me telling me I have no email address and that I amm a troll. All through your blog you make ill fun of your so called “friends” and you brag about how great of a designer you are and how much yarn people send you just because you are famous and they desperately want you to design for their yarn. I just really got a fun chuckle out of how much pleasure you get out of poking fun of your readers. I wonder how much they enjoy how you empose to them that you are so much better then they are. You have implied that so many times it is comical, incuding but not limited to how you perceive yourself as flawless. This is quite the gaggle I find, especially if that is indeed you posing your finished knits on your blog. I understand that many people have said and think terribly petty things regarding you and your posing as stated on Ravelry posts. I am just referring to the smugness of each photo and how you imply your the only person who is small and needs to have certain small sizes in clothing. It truly is comical, but I will reiterate, I am not including my statements in with the very hateful ones from Ravelry regarding your picture posing.
    From what I have read on your blog, not only are you not famous, but you really are,as I said previously, smug and very arrogant,intentional or not. I have read entirely about how great you think you are, how much you can do whether it be faster,smoother, and well, just better then anyone else. I half expect to see a new garden blog appear talkling about how you solely developed gardening all on your own and how you do it so much better then anyone else. You even begged for garden plants from your “so-called” friends. Saddly, doing nothing in return for them.
    From the blogging of yours that I read, the people you refer to and call “friends”, you are very disrespectful when referring to them on your posts and sometimes, just down-right nasty.You poke repeated fun of the very individuals you call friends. You seem to be a “taker” in so many avenues of the word. I felt saddened for many of them that you just seemed to make fun of. I will hope they know you are just someone who takes energy from their misery and they will stop letting you and they will stop giving you energy. WHat do YOU do for your friends, it does’t seem like much from reading your posts. I am not the only person who has apparently noticed this without knowing you personally, again, a notation on many message boards.
    This comment took on a comletely different avenue then what I originally started this,after I read all of your blog, I had disgust beyond belief and felt justified in being able to say this. Just as you said I am not forced to read your blog, I hope these people realize they can look for a new “famous” person to follow and purchase patterns from. I for one will not give you one penny, I have a very sneaky suspicion that you will always find a way to get your money and take advantage of people and their hard earned money. I am sure you will delete this comment because it doesn’t fawn all over you and that is ok but if you post it, your little groupie’s will pump your ego up all the more. That’s ok too, you know exactly what your doing with either way. In my area, they have a name for people like you and your behavior, it’s called a bloodsucker.

  163. it’s always been obvious to me that you’re just encouraging us to support a good cause, and i haven’t ever felt pressured to do so. i appreciate that you’re willing to donate, and don’t mind you bringing different causes to my attention.

  164. I would like to add my two cents – I like your blog and I like your designs. I really wish that the Negative Nellys of the world would just appreciate a good deed instead of trying to tear other people down.

    Keep up the good work!

  166. Anne, I think you handled both years fund raising efforts quite nicely. You were in support of this fund raising effort by another knit blogger. And I think nothing wrong with that. This is your blog… your PERSONAL blog. It’s not here to simply sell stuff. You blog about many things and people that are happening around you, or that you care about. And that is what a blog is. Including your support to something that someone else in the knit blogging community is trying to achieve is not in any way out of line IMO.

    And we’ll just not get started on someone’s naive take on designing… my reply for that is “try it yourself sometime”.

    Keep up the good work. I think you have handled things very nicely.

  167. After reading the comments my only response is shock. Such a personal attack is uncalled for and quite rude. I just want to give you a hug now. Yuck.

  168. I generally don’t read or post to the comments of any blog, but I couldn’t pass up on this discussion. Anne – I don’t know you at all, but I find your blog entertaining, your garden scrumptious, and your knitting patterns a delight to make and wear. I have knit up a few of your socks and thought “this is easy, why didn’t I think of that?”, but the answer is, I didn’t – I’m not a designer, and I really enjoy having the patterns written/charted out for me to knit without having to think about math and design details. Thanks!

  169. “Sunshine” must be ill — mentally unbalanced. How anyone can spew such venom at another person is hard to understand. She or he needs professional help. Time to bury this and move on.

  170. Well, I must say that I probably would not have posted that comment but I am one that falls on the non fan side. I do find KnitSpot to be a mediocre design site where the designer is a bit of a show off. I too find that she is a bit smug and self-centered, but to each his/her own. I wouldn’t surround myself with someone like her as a friend in general but that’s just me. I think her patterns are ok I guess. I wouldn’t buy any but that is my perogative, as should be your perogative Sunshine. I find that when you dislike someone and post it as you did, your only doing exactly what you complain about, you boost the persons ego by drawing attention such as this. So if you feel she is being dishonest with fundraising, then just don’t donate via her site. If you think she is smug and finds herself “famous” then don’t read her blog. If you think she treats her friends poorly, then just make sure you aren’t one of them.If you find her patterns less then appealing, then don’t purchase them. See, there are many ways to avoid this type of annoyance instead of posting an hour long comment.

  171. Sunshine – you are obviously reading all these post comments and are gleeful about the attention, albeit negative, that you are getting. Your latest is an indictment of your character. Truly you need help. Seek out a good therapist. Get some help. Double your dose even!!!! There is one thing that was truthful in your small-minded comment above: you don’t know Anne personally. That’s obvious. It is also obvious that you have serious mental and emotional health issues. I’m sure one day you’ll come to be embarrassed by your comments, after you’ve received help. Good luck to you in your life. Hope you find some happiness somewhere, since it is obvious you are not a happy person.

  172. Wow. I`ve just read through Sunshine’s reply, and I don’t quite know what to say, but I want to say SOMETHING, you know? I think I’m like most of your readers: I don’t know you personally, we’ll probably never meet, I appreciate your patterns but don’t necessarily buy them (I’ve bought 2). I enjoy your enthusiasm for knitting and gardening, and David, but really, you don’t have much of an impact on my day to day life (and vice versa).

    Yet, I can’t help but feel sad when I read venomous comments like that. I have such respect for knitter’s as a group, I’ve had so many positive experiences, I just can’t believe someone could be so, well, mean! So I’m sorry you’Ve had to go through this, and in such a public forum. And I can’t help but pity someone who feels it’s necessary to put someone else down just to make themselves feel important. Where are YOUR patterns, Sunshine? Where’s YOUR blog?

    Take care, and keep those posts coming. 🙂

  173. I would simply delete Sunshine’s comment — it’s your blog, and you can censor it any way you want. It’s negative and hurtful verbiage that just leaves a bitter taste in everybody’s mouth. There’s no point in even answering it; it just gives it an importance it should not have. Let her find another outlet for her negativity.

  174. I don’t understand why someone would spend their time being such a jerk when you can simply choose not to read a blog you don’t like. Sunshine must have nothing better to do than put other people down. Hello?!?!?! How simple is it to just not read a blog you don’t like and find one you do???? I really don’t understand at all. What a pathetic, sad little life this “Sunshine” must lead. Go do us a favor and see a therapist and leave us alone. Jerk.

  175. I have been a knitter for almost 40 years and have looked at patterns, designs and stitch dictionaries from other knitters for about that same length of time. I have never complained about what I may have seen in magazines or books and now on line that may be a reinvention from the past. Every pattern is basically a combination of one or the other stitch–knit or purl. When you use someone’s combination of knit and purl, it is a testament to their talent. Some combinations of stitches throughout the years are forgotten and a talented knitter somewhere picks up the pattern or stitches and puts their twist on it for others to see. I rather enjoy seeing others reinvent something from the past. I think knitters past and present should take it as a compliment to see how others have expanded on their own talent. If we weren’t meant to use the stitches in the knitting dictionaries, why are they published? They are there to stimulate design possibilities. Knitspot, you keep on knitting and sharing your designs. As far as donations to causes, I do my own donations by knitting for children. Occasionally, I will support causes that I believe in such as Alzheimers and breast cancer. This is an individual choice. I am so glad we have individual choices and I think your readers will agree.

  176. Some people would rather win than be happy. But I think I’d like to define being happy as winning. Knitspot is one of the things that makes me happy.

    One word of caution – perhaps S isn’t really the sad personality that it seems and is in actuality trying to scam someone by getting some financial info. Just a thought.

  177. Hi Anne. What came to my mind (and I am certainly not as polite and charming as you) was the line from “Jagged Edge” “F**K him, he’s trash!” Keep doing the great things you are doing. The people who count, appreciate your talent and efforts.

  178. I’ve been on vacation and am having a hell of a time catching up over here! So I’m desperately behind, and even though this post is old news by now, I thought I’d just let you know that you are one of the least pompous and smug designers I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing!

  179. Wow. I never understood why people choose to be so mean spirited and ugly. It’s sad.

    You’re a class act and your enthusiasm for knitting and life is infectious. Knit on!

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