There is a conversation happening on social media about the knitting community and race, discrimination, people’s feelings of being left out and ignored…all the things most people of color are aware of in every setting and space in life. I haven’t been surprised at the stories people have been sharing, stories of feeling unseen, ignored or discriminated against. None of those feelings are new to me in my life. But I have been surprised at how hard all of this is hitting the knitting community. It truly came in like a wrecking ball, but someone pointed out that it is probably because it has been like this for a very long time. And by this, I mean a predominantly white space without a demand or action towards being truly inclusive.
Think about it this way, how many knitting magazines do you own without a single person of color modeling a finished object or on the cover? How many times have you purchased a product, pattern or knitting related accessory from someone who wasn’t white? How many times have you gone to a yarn event or store and noticed how few people of color were there? People who aren’t white knit, I’m proof of that, but we are often overlooked within this community.
I’ve gotten an influx of new followers, comments, private messages and emails because of all of this talk in the last few days. I’m not here to educate people on race and discrimination; that’s not my job and I’m not the representative of all knitters of color. There are lots of other people who can do that or just a simple Google search will help you find resources and books to understand these different points of view (and there are many because we don’t all have to agree on everything). But I thought with all the new folks following and maybe even for some of you who have been here for a long time, it was time for me to (re)introduce myself and this site for you.
I am Dana but I also go by DWJ. I’m a college professor at a historically black university in Washington, DC and I knit every day. I live in the Maryland suburbs with my very handsome husband and our two rescue dogs Cher and Jellybean. I started knitting after taking lessons in 2008 and fell in love with it. I also love color and that shows through my knitting projects. I’ve spent a large part of my career working in the digital space with social media and web development and have blogged before. I started this blog BECAUSE of the lack of diversity I saw in the knitting community, I felt that there wasn’t a voice like mine and I had something to share. In spite of how I have felt at times within this community (I’ve been ignored, shamed and dismissed), my love of knitting, creating and wanting to see a more diverse community is what makes me share in this space. I named the blog Yards of Happiness because knitting and color truly bring a level of joy to my life. I blog because I want people who look like me to feel like they aren’t alone and I want people who don’t look like me to see that diversity matters.
That’s the message I’ve tried to show here. When you see yourself represented in any space you occupy it makes you feel seen and appreciated. I often get messaged on Ravelry by other women of color who are happy to see me and my projects. It’s why I knit dolls for little girls in their likeness. It’s why I show my face and model my projects so someone else feels like they are represented. I know I’m just one voice, one blog in a very large community but I hope if I keep showing my face and making my presence known others will follow and see the value in everyone’s differences.
That’s just a little bit about me and my space here on the internet, have a look around and read my archives if you want to see more or learn more about me. Welcome to the new folks, welcome back to those who come back every week. I’m happy you are here and want to share your love of knitting with me.
Yards of Happiness 
oh dana, I never thought of this before.. I just knit but you are so right! I am white and ashamed of this fact. I will explore diverse designers and knitters and see about doing my part in the unfairness that has gone on w a y t o o l o n g!! I just love you and this wonderful blog.
I just love pretty much everything about your blog and your knitting. I am saddened that you have been made to feel invisible and unwelcome. I am working intentionally and ongoingly to increase my awareness and make changes to try to avoid being part of the problem. With respect and appreciation–your White fellow maker from the D.C. Metro area
You’ve added zest and dimension to an otherwise flat knitting world for me, Dana. Thank you for this update and reminder, which we can always use. Another way you have brightened my life is by your openness to using lower-cost yarns for some of your projects. Economic lack of diversity has also been an issue in the knitting community, and you have done a great job in demonstrating how limiting *all* forms of exclusivity can be.
You’re right about economic shaming too. Once I had someone shame me for using acrylic it made me want to use it more and more. I buy what I like. Period.
Hi Dana,
I follow you because of your color! Not your skin but your ability to make every hue special and like you, I love color.
Perhaps since a lot of knitting has Nordic and Scandinavia origins made by white skinned people we associate the two?
I pick patterns based on style and many are photographerd flat without a person.
May I ask how you were shamed? I get the fiber snobs but if it is because you are not Nordic then I am right beside you. I am the first to knit in a German/Irish heritage in maybe 4 generations. Everyone has something to offer and creativity should never be excluded for any reason.
Shamed because of fiber choices, ignored in stores and in classes at knitting events. I’ve walked into shops and not been spoken to and someone walk in behind me greeted warmly.
That is so unacceptable. I recall my first LYS visit and wanting to buy one “nice” skein (anything over $10 a skein is nice to me:)
The salesperson said I’d be best going to Michael’s or Joann’s ( which I do!). I felt embarrassed and left never to return. But I have had the exact opposite treatment in other shops where they even brought out little samples for me to try.
I do not understand rudeness or stupidity and best way to show them is to walk away with out a purchase.
Yes, I am 60+ and have been knitting since childhood and have often experienced the same. However, I discovered your website last year and you are npw my Knitting She Hero!
Keep on keeping on. I am back to knitting with a venegance! Love your site!
I’ve followed your blog for about a year and I am white and yes, I did notice that you are not, however, after a quick notice, I just never thought about it again. I visit your blog because of your beautiful knitting and interesting comments. I live in the deep south and I have encountered a number of women of color in my local yarn store of choice. Wish it was that way everywhere.
Omg Dana – I have a litter girl crush on you! I love what you share about yourself and thank you for this post. I’ve been getting diversity lessons in my own home recently – my 14yo son is Mongolian adopted from Russia – and it’s not enough to be a white ally because you don’t live the day to day. Karen Templer recently had an epiphany of sorts and I recommend her post to you and readers as well. In the meantime – thank you.
Oops – that’s “knitter girl”
Yes, I’m a regular reader of Karen’s blog and actually reached out to her through all of this.
Julia farewell-clay got some backlash because of a post or linking to Karen’s post or something. Along the lines of stop spoiling my knotting fun talking about something that makes me uncomfortable. I’m glad you confronted this and that’s not the right word but uncomfortable
Brings change to those willing to sit with it.
Thanks again
I let be your blog! Thank you for sharing your story and your beautiful knits and family.
Ugh! Autocorrect! I love your blog! Thank you for sharing!
This 72yr old white woman was elated to discover your blog last year. You were a breath of fresh air. You are ‘different’ than most knitting bloggers…and not just because you are a woman of color (altho’ that was one of the first things that drew me to you) – because your energy, your love of color and your adventuresome spirit is infectious. I so appreciate today’s blog. This past year I realized that I’ve been resting on my ‘liberal laurels’ for too long and I’ve been doing some reading to become more aware of discrimination that continues in our country, and to become part of the solution. Thank you for sharing your truth today. Cheers, Kristine
Dwj,
Thank you for bringing awareness to a newbie in the knitting world. I am saddened by the treatment of people of color. I follow you here and on Instagram because you are genuine, intelligent, kind, a great knitter, and you love Chihuahuas like me. I love your passion for what you do. You are the reason I want to learn to knit!!! Keep doing you, because it is awesome!!!!
Hi DWJ,
I’m white and I want to thank you for sharing your story. I love your IG page, your blog, your dogs and most of all your colorful knitting. You are an inspiration to women of ALL colors.
Tisha
Dana, I love you and your blog 🙂 Thank you for bringing awareness today and always, and for spreading your message of the joy of knitting for everyone. Hopefully we can all work for a more inclusive knitting world so that everyone feels welcomed and comfortable here!
Thank you for addressing this issue in this corner of your world! I think the only way things can change is by acknowledging them and having conversations around these issues. Your bravery in doing that makes you a star! I dream of the day when we can all just be treated as people regardless of the skin colour, gender, sexuality identity or any other factor not of one’s choosing. I can’t believe people shame each other over the quality of wool someone can afford.
I love your posts — your use of color is happy and your posts are positive. I am not a woman of color, but there are some who are in my sit and knit group. Because of this discussion, I wonder if they feel uncomfortable. I am not a designer or dyer, but I would like to think that I have been inclusive to all within the group. Most importantly I wonder in what way I can make a difference.
Thank you for your blog and wonderful energy.
Thank you, thank you for sharing your passion and talents. I came to your blog because I was seeking voices different from mine, and I fell in love with your enthusiasm. There is a lot of (long-standing and new-found) pain being worked through, and your voice is a spark of hope that our fractured knitting world can work through it. Thank you for demonstrating how important representation is for everyone.
Thank you for your thoughtful post. I really appreciated hearing your take on the furor in the knitting world. Aside from that, I enjoy your positivity and love of color in every post you write!
I first came to you through the love you got on the MDK site and have stayed because of your colorful (and prolific) knitting, your fabulous smile and your enthusiasm for this craft/hobby that I love. As a sixty-something very privileged white woman, I have been consumed with the furor of the last week and called by it even more strongly to seek out diverse voices, associates, friends and writing. Thank you for talking about this in your blog, and for being who you are. I once made an offer to show you around my favorite knit shops when you get to Chicago, and the offer still stands. I would love to meet you face to face.
I may come this summer and take you up on that offer!
One thought for inclusion and diversion-If I had the organizing skills I’d come up with a summer city Knitting Weekend-maybe 3 different areas at the same time to make it more accessible! (An inexpensive “Burning Man” for knitters). Camping, some group meal preparation, BYOY(yarn) and if any teachers nearby wanted to come we could donate what money we felt comfortable to classes. ANYONE is welcome for the love of yarn. Any race,gender,background,etc.
I really can’t afford and go on these special knitting cruises or retreats. Please do not feel embarassed if you have as that is life and you earned it. They always look so fun and yet many are left out due to the total cost. I am all for paying for classes and buying patterns but that retreat realm of knitting is not feasible for some of us no matter who we are.
Thanks for getting me fired up and inspired up Dana! Maybe I can start small in Portland:)
Really nice idea. It would be nice to do a retreat of some sort or destination travel within budget limitations.
I’m excited by your idea, too, Di, and I’m just down the road from you in Salem, so would definitely like to join in a Burning Knits (!) event in the PNW. I’m just getting caught up on the BIPOC conversation on Ravelry and all over the internet, so that’s my first priority. However, I wonder if in this context we could work together to encourage-support-attend a forum for area knitters and designers of color. I’ve been an in-home caregiver for the last six-plus years, so haven’t gotten out to meet the community much. In Salem, the World Beat Festival happens annually at the Riverfront Park and could be a good venue for such an experience. https://www.salemmulticultural.org/festival/world-beat-festival-2018#Schedule This year’s festival will be June 29-30. Just a thought… On Ravelry, I’m auntkatesneedles, if you or others would like to communicate.
Nicely said! Thank you!😊
Hi Dana,
I’m white, 64, a newish knitter, and your blog totally inspires me! The current political climate is disheartening, to say the least, and it kills me that many of the hard fought equality gains seem to be eroding. I’m so grateful for your blog and your radiant energy.
Linda
I discovered your blog last summer . . . I think when you were featured by Ann and Kay over at Mason Dixon. I am always inspired by your knitting and your use of color and your joyful way of just BEing. (Also your dogs. Love your dogs.) Thanks for sharing your story, and thanks for being an influencer. XO
Hello,
Quite some time ago I was searching for sweaters on Ravelry and came across your project page. I clicked thru to your profile and then your blog and went down the rabbit hole of reading all the posts on your accessories blog. I have enjoyed reading over the years.
Your smile conveys such warmth and happiness and love for your pets.
Thanks for sharing with us!
Thank you, Dana, for writing about this issue. I saw Karen Templer’s posts and comments yesterday, but I haven’t had time to read everything. When I subscribed to your blog, it was because you are, like me, an African American knitter and I wanted to connect with you. Also, your blog is appropriately named. You bring much joy and inspiration to my life with your beautiful projects. I rarely see black women in yarn stores. Years ago I was so desperate to meet other
African American knitters that I tried to find a way to connect on those rare occasions when I did see an African American knitter in a store. However, it was awkward. It’s easier through Ravelry, and I have reached out to black women when I’ve seen their photos on Ravelry. Over the years I’ve had terrible experiences in Chicago. I had a conversation with the owner of a yarn store who had the same pediatrician as I growing up. After that conversation, I went back to the store, and she acted as if we had never talked and was quite unwelcoming. The store is near my house but I have never gone back. While I am committed to shopping at a lys, I have shopped a lot online to avoid rude treatment. I recently bought a Vogue Knitting magazine primarily because an African American woman was on the cover. I also bought yarn from Neighborhood Fibers which is owned by an African American woman. I’m looking for more African American dyers, shop owners, etc. It’s way past time for the knitting community to open up to others. Hopefully, the recent discussions will lead to substantive change, for example, an article in Vogue Knitting or elsewhere. By the way, Rosemary (Romi) Hill, the knitwear designer, had an interesting response on Twitter yesterday. Like you, she tells readers to use Google to get information on racial issues. I’m glad you did the same. It’s not my responsibility to educate white people about racism. In the current social and political climate in which we live, I’m struggling just to remain sane.
I love you so much! Thank you for talking about something that may be difficult and is probably tiresome (for YOU). I’m sorry it’s necessary. I get most of my instruction on knitting from youtube videos and I have been impressed at the diversity there. But where I live, in a very white suburb of Portland Oregon, I know no knitters of color and I’ve often wondered about it. I hadn’t heard of any discussions online recently.
This isn’t about knitting, but I remember a late-night dorm conversation roughly 25 years ago between me (white) and my friend Phil (African-American), and him telling me about himself and his grandma being tailed around a jewelry store when they were there to buy a gift for his mom. I’m sorry that same kind of thing is still going on, but I’m also not surprised, especially these days when the ugliness is much more open. It’s been an ongoing education for me all these years.
I chose to see the world half full. I truly believe this wonderful community is a mirror of the larger world we live in today. I’ve met wonderful, helpful and awesome knitters willing to step out and lend a hand to me as a new knitter who just happens to be a woman of color; and of course I’ve met others – not so willing and / open.
I think green is a powerful color and so I chose to spend my green in places where I’m comfortable and accepted.
I love your blog and was quite surprised but glad to find ya! Happy New Year –
Hi Dana, Like other who’ve commented, I found you last year some time. I, too, am drawn to your love of color and your sheer joy in life. You really do embody joie de vivre for me. Also, you’ve been a breath of fresh air in that your blog harks back to the early knitblogging days: blogging for the love of knitting not to sell something. I know we all need to earn a buck but I’ve deeply missed knit blogs laced with the person’s life and opinions. You’ve been a joy in that regard also. Anyway, long way around to say that this blog post is that same breath of fresh air. Honest and straight up. we can all do better, I know I can. And it encouraged me to de-lurk and say thanks.
Hi Dana, I am Elenice and I’ve been following your blog for sometime now. Your “re-introduction” post somehow made me decide to speak up for the first time since the diversity conversations in the knitting community had started. I am a brazilian white person of mixed heritage (portuguese and german) and live in São Paulo. But I’ve lived in Nashville, Tenn from 1974 to 1978. My ex-husband was a graduate student at Vanderbilt. Racism was very evident then. Busing was starting around the country. We lived in campus and there was people from all over the world. Even so, I can remember being discriminated both by white americans and by black americans. Forty years have passed and I was absolutely surprised to hear that the issue is still present and alive. And I was even more surprised to hear that you started your blog BECAUSE of it. It never crossed my mind. I admire your love for knitting and your joy. It is overflowing and inspirational. And that is what keeps me coming back to your posts: your joy and love for knitting and for life. Thank you, Dana!
Dana, I first read this post yesterday and was at a loss as to how to reply. I was raised knowing that “we are all God’s children” and my father would not tolerate any of us thinking or acting as though we were special or better than anyone else. It grieves me to witness or hear about discrimination. My immediate family has grown into a large multi-national/multi-racial group and knowing what kind of world we live in, I pray that the ones I love never know the hurt others think they deserve because of the color of their skin or the foreign-sounding name they have. MDK introduced me to you and I have enjoyed your blog from the first. Your enthusiasm for life, your family, your knitting and COLOR (I love color!) keep me coming back. So does your gentle and kind spirit which comes through your writing and your willingness to knit for so many others. I don’t suppose we will ever eradicate discrimination, but Iet’s walk together as friends and pray for a better world.
❤️
First, your sweater is gorgeous.
I live in California, I sew, knit, crochet, china paint, cake decorate, and quilt. Every class I’ve ever taken, I’m the only black person. I attend retreats, the same thing. I treat people as people until they prove otherwise. Given the condition of this country polarization, things are changing towards people of color being included.
Dana just continue what you’re doing(which is great)! Thanks for your excitement and enthusiasm.
Thanks for sharing your experiences here Dana, it’s saddening to hear of the exclusion and discrimination that happens both online and offline. I’m so glad I found your knitting blog, it’s colourful and inspirational, and your enthusiasm for knitting for yourself and others really shines through.
Enthusiastic new follower here! I know I’ve seen your work (I recognize your smile and your doggos) elsewhere, but somehow had missed your blog. I love knitting, dogs, and color, so I expect to be lurking quite frequently! Our family enjoys the love of two rescue terriers, and we live in MN, so I’m also getting ready to become a dog sweater knitter.
Just found you through my bestie & MDK—thank you for sharing your gorgeous sweaters and beautiful smile! Talk about goals!
I started knitting about 8 years ago, but didn’t start fanatically knitting until about 2 years ago. Surfing Ravely and reading knitting blogs daily, going to any yarn store within a couple hours, sometimes spending more money than reasonable on building a yarn stash. One aspect of it that I was loving was that it is pretty solidly a women’s community, something that seems missing in most of my life. But after a couple years, I realized something I should have noticed from the start: it was a white women’s club. I was ashamed and wondered what I could possibly do to open the community to knitters who aren’t white. I haven’t had any brilliant solutions, but I want to be an ally. I follow and love your blog, and I am on the lookout for knit bloggers, designers, dyers and makers who are not white as often as possible. Thank you for being here; your work is beautiful. I am so sorry for the times you felt snubbed, ignored or shut out of the knitting community. That makes me feel so ashamed and sad. I hope all the recent talk on social media will truly help open up the community.
Thank you for doing what you do. All of it, for all the reasons you explained.
I like your laughing. Last time there are more tears in my life. I’ve seen your Fotos on raverly and just smile. Thanks
Hi, Dana, congratulations on the recognition you got on Ravelry’s front page. I have been enjoying going back & reading through your blog. I wanted to write to compliment you on your calm & thoughtful reaction to the Karen Templer situation that seems to have blown up on the Ravelry forum about it. Too bad some of the people on Ravelry & Instagram couldn’t have your reasoned approach to the subject of discrimination and/or equal representation in the knitting community as well as society at large. I do question, however, how white knitters are expected to find the knitters & designers of color if Ravatars don’t show a knitter’s picture? After all, if my own picture wasn’t on my Ravatar, how would you even know I am white? Perhaps Ravelry can devise a search function tied to one’s profile information for race or ethnicity. If anyone can spearhead that program, I hope it is you & not someone who is only looking to be offended in today’s racially polarized society. I grew up in Chicago of the Fifties & Sixties, and I wouldn’t want to see that come to a community like Ravelry.
Hello Dana, hope a new friend! I just wanted to tell you that I LOVE you 😍 ♥️ 🙋🏿♀️ 🙋🏾♀️🙋🏽♀️🙋🏻♀️🙋🏼♀️🙋♀️ 👼🏿👼🏾👼🏽👼🏼👼🏻👼👩🏿🦰👩🏾🦰👩🏼🦰👩🏼🦰👩🏻👩🦰👦👩🏻👦🏻👦🏼👦🏽👦🏾👦🏿🧔🧔🏻🧔🏼🧔🏼🧔🏽🧔🏾🧔🏿🧔🏼👶👧🏽👨🏾🦲👨🏿🦲👨🏽🦲👨🏼🦲👨🏻🦲👨🦲👱🏿♀️👱🏾♀️👱🏼♀️👱🏻♀️👱♀️👩🏿🦲👩🏽🦲👩🏾🦲👩🏼🦲👩🏻🦲👩🦲👨🦳👨🏻🦳👨🏼🦳👨🏽🦳👨🏾🦳👨🏿🦳👷🏽♂️👷🏿♀️💂🏻♀️🧕🏾🧕🏻👮🏿♀️👮🏻♀️👮🏾♂️🕵🏽♀️🤵👩🚀👩🏾🚀👩🏼🚀👨🏾🎨👩🏼✈️👨🏿✈️👨🏽🚒👩🏽🚒👨🏿🚀👩🏼🚀🦸🏽♂️🦸♂️🦸♀️🦸🏿♀️🤴🏿👸🏿🤶🏾🎅🏾🧝🏽♀️🧝🏾♂️🧞♂️👨🏿⚖️👩🏻⚖️👰🏼👩🏿💻👩🏾💻👩🏽💻👩🏻💻👩🏼💻👩🎤👨🏼🍳👩🏿🍳👨🏽🎤👩🏾🏫👩🏻🏫👩🏫👨🏫👨🏻🏫👨🏼🏫👨🏽🏫👨🏽🏫👨🏿🏫👩🏿⚕️👩🏼⚕️👩🏾⚕️👨🏿⚕️👨🏼⚕️👨🏾⚕️👨🏽⚕️👨🏻⚕️👲🏽👴🏾🧓🏿🧓🏼👵🏾👵👳🏼♂️👳🏼♀️👳🏽♂️🧕🏿🧕🏾🧕🏽🧕🏻🧕👮🏼♀️💂🏾♂️💂🏿♀️🧒🏾👶🏼👶🏾👶🏿🙏🧶🧩🧩🧩🧩🕌⛪️⛩🕋🕍💒🏤🏫🏪🏣🏬🏢💒🏩🏥🏭🎇🌠🎆🌅🧿📿🔮🏺⚱️🦠🧬💌🧧🎐🏮🎎🎈🎏🧸❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤💔❣️💙💞💓💗❣️💕💝☮️✝️☪️🕉☸️✡️🔯☪️☯️☦️🛐🔯🕎♉️♊️🛐⛎♈️♎️♏️♐️♌️♒️♓️🆔⚛️💮🉐㊙️㊗️🆚🈵🈹🈲🔆⚠️🚸🌀🌀🆗🚹🚺🚼🚻🏳️🌈🇩🇿🇦🇶🇦🇺🇦🇫🇦🇲🇧🇫🇨🇦🇧🇪🇻🇬🇪🇨🇱🇷🇮🇪🇫🇲🇲🇿🇳🇿🇵🇰🇳🇬🇸🇨🇰🇷🇸🇪🇺🇬🇹🇷🇳🇵🇲🇷🇲🇾🇲🇶🇮🇱🇨🇳🇯🇵🇸🇦🇿🇦🇮🇲🇬🇱🇯🇲🇨🇨🇨🇩🇨🇳🇭🇰
We are all the same, the same members of one human family. Why can’t we all try to get along??! One day perhaps an alien entity or being may visit our beautiful 🌍 🌎 🌏 to explore our world. I bet if the alien being might turn back after they see what a colossal mess we’ve made! It doesn’t have to be a mess, people! Stop & greet someone with a smile and perhaps a friendly word or two. Let’ us please stop the madness.
Peace everyone, thank you for allowing me to vent a bit. I’m so very happy you have opened up so beautifully,brings tears to my eyes. Thank you Dana for your enthusiastic joy, your sweet dogs and their matching sweaters of yours! & your fabulous blog 🥰 The title of your blog makes me smile 😊 I’m looking forward for more of your powerful words, your beautiful knitting and seeing that gorgeous smile! Enjoy our yards of happiness!! 😍
I did notice the lack of diversity and I am so sad to hear that POC have experienced some of the same BS in the knitting world. Thank you for sharing. I’ll do my best to be an ally and speak up. I’m so excited to be one of your 2,000 new followers.
I have just discovered your blog via Ravelry and love it and what you knit. How you manage to work as a professor and do all that knitting is beyond me! What’s the secret?? I am from England and was shocked to read about the discrimination you have experienced. Let it be a lesson to us all. Please keep sharing all your lovely work – it has inspired me to have a go at a sweater again.