I've been using Ravelry for as long as I've been knitting. It has loads of free patterns so what's not to love. Contrary to some recent reviews, I have not found the site to be "hateful". Those complaining are upset that Ravelry decided to ban overtly pro-Trump patterns. I, for one, applaud this decision and see it as an attempt to remove hate, not add it.
I have learned so much about fiber arts on Ravelry. It's a wonderful source of patterns, too. And I have learned to listen to and accept people no matter their color, gender, religion or political views. Thank you to Ravelery for taking a stand against racism and against threats to people that may disagree with your views.
I have been on Rav since 2008, I think. It was my first contact with a knitting community. Not many people in my small town knitted. Through Ravelry I met others that were somewhat local to me and had an incredible, to me, source for yarn and patterns.
I didn't hear about the discussions that started in January, about inclusiveness, until it had died down. Tried but could not really find out a lot about it. Then, June 23rd happened. On one hand, I was thrilled that they were taking a stand about hate speech. On the other, they might have taken it a bit far but I do not spend any time on the political threads so it really does not affect my use of Ravelry at all.
I am still there and plan on staying for the foreseeable future.
A political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition. Bye bye Ravelry. Knitters have always been conservative.
The title says it all: I am all about Ravelry. This is the only site I use for free patterns. I have been using this site exclusively for over three years. I have never come across the mean people some have mentioned. I have never failed to find a new pattern to try and all projects turn out just like the photos.
I've been knitting and crocheting almost my entire life. When I was a child or even just a couple of decades ago, I never could've dreamed up such an amazing tool for people who love the fiber arts! All of the patterns, information on yarn, and answers to my questions are there on Ravelry. In addition to that, the best part is the warm and welcoming community of people who also love fiber arts.
It is a great resource. As with all things art related there are things that appeal to some and not others. And that is to be expected. As long as someone doesn't expect a website this size to only have patterns and projects they like, it is great. As long as people don't insult other peoples' pattern they will be respected as well.
I love Ravelry. I can spend hours upon hours browsing knitting patterns, yarn, and ideas. I can find free patterns, buy intricate and detailed patterns from fabulous designers, and chat with people who can help to make me a better knitter. It's a real community.
Ravelry is a targeted social networking site for fiber crafters that just works. The owners are responsive to community needs and requests, and it's been a great resource for patterns, fiber friends, purchase tracking, and much more over the years.
Best resource for keeping track of your projects and supplies, to find new projects and be inspired. I love the community I have been able to find here, and I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved to keep it running! Never had any problems with the site.
Huge variety of patterns available from beginner to very experienced. Plenty of paid and free patterns. Ability to keep your library of patterns onsite and catalog your yarn stash. Very helpful community. Have been utilizing Ravelry for 10+ years and look forward to continuing to do so.
From its inception, Ravelry has been an amazing tool for the fiber crafting world. As the years go by, Jess and Casey and their intrepid team have created an increasingly powerful place to help corral yarn and fiber and needles and purchased patterns and my crafting library, to document my own projects with detailed data on what exactly I used and did for each piece, to search for yarn shops when I travel, to follow particular designers or yarn dyers, to connect with people from around the world on various common topics. I have made friends on Ravelry that, years later, I've been able to meet IRL; we've shared pieces of our lives so much that honestly, they're extended family. Ravelry is an amazing place, and I love that they've made it a safe space for minority and discriminated groups.
I've used Ravelry for years and find it the most comprehensive site for fiber arts with an incredible treasure trove of patterns and a great community. In addition, the site is one of the best around in terms of usability.
This site is the lifeblood of the knitting community. It has so many amazing contributors, the interface is seamless and well designed and the community of members is welcoming. They have made some political statements lately but they do so in the defence of those whose voice is not being heard. I stand with them and support them.
Ravelry has been the best site for needlework crafters I've ever come across. Everyone is friendly, the website is very easy to use, and the searching capabilities are unmatched anywhere. Ravelry has been my go to when in need of a pattern no matter what I've been looking for, I've found it. Absolutely love this site.
I can put the type of yarn into the web site and it will pull up patterns that people have used that yarn on or I can pick a pattern and it will tell me if any of my stash would work for it. No other web site I have seen can do that.
I thought this site was about sharing patterns and yarnies work but I just found out that it is a political site! Very disappointing that the "boss" has decided to demand everyone agree with him or they aren't welcomed or allowed. In addition the site is asking others to report on "offenders". I wonder if they have to wear brown shirts?
I can't help but love a site that takes politics out of the yarn arts and makes a site that thinks of *all* of its members. Allowing posts/patterns that celebrate a racist/homophobe does not do this and I thank Ravelry for recognizing this and taking action.
That said, I never fail to find a pattern that works for me and fits my skill level. It's easy to search and find what I need.
I was on Ravelry for many years, but didn't take part in the forums. Consequently, I was unaware of the political agenda being put into action by the owners. I'm very disappointed in Ravelry and the firestorm they've unleashed in the fiberverse. Their actions are reprehensible and will have a long term negative effect on designers, yarn companies and consumers. The bright spot is the opportunity for more up to date sites to profit from the Ravelry exodus.
They labeled me and everyone supporting President Trump's as white supremacists. I had spent money there and enjoyed the place but I never participated in their forums. I knew they leaned left but I didn't hold it against them. Now I know they don't only lean left, but also have insanity.
Answer: Ravelry refuses to support bigotry in any form and states so in its TOS. It is a privately owned platform and they are well within their rights. They have absolutely not banned Christians or conservatives, only speech that supports bigots and bigotry.
Answer: Because they are creating a culture of ignorance and hate in the name of politics.
Answer: This has nothing to do with Ravelry. Sockmatician is receiving feedback on a post he wrote and then heavily edited.
Answer: In the notebook section, go to your library. Choose your pattern and there will be a download button. Alternatively, for free patterns, on the main pattern page there will be a link to click to download the pattern or, if it isn't hosted on Ravelry, a link to where you can find the pattern on another website.
Answer: Can you point to any reviews that are actually doing that?
Answer: By email / by downloading it - If you purchase a pattern on Ravelry, it is a digital download.
Answer: How interesting that I answered this question several hours ago, but now *POOF* my answer has magically disappeared. WHICH PROVES MY ASSERTION. This site is helping Ravelry suppress opposing points of view. What that means is, this site is not objective and cannot be trusted for accurate information concerning the businesses that are reviewed.
Answer: I would imagine that it has something to do with Ravelry insisting that their ignorant behavior be defended. Even if that means many will no longer take sitejabber reviews seriously. I mean, how could I? Sitejabber is now guilty of silencing dissenting opinions. Just like Ravelry.
Answer: Laura J., the negative reviews are also objective. They have been posted by real people such as me, reporting real experiences past and present. True assessment of a company needs both sides of the story. If the negative reviews disappear again, it would imply someone from Ravelry is exerting undue influence over SiteJabber. There was mention in an answer to a similar question about some people a "Boycott Ravelry" group using fake names and addresses to post fake reviews. I was not a member of that group, and know some of the people posting reviews since the initial ones were deleted. We are not fake. We speak the truth, whether you want to hear it or not.
Ravelry has a rating of 3.1 stars from 510 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with Ravelry most frequently mention fiber arts, white supremacy and social media. Ravelry ranks 1st among Yarns sites.