Lady Dye Yarns has come under fire for failing to ship subscription boxes on time. In the latest fandom-themed release, boxes have arrived with contents for the incorrect fandom, missing items, or simply not been shipped at all. Customers have been filing disputes to try to get refunds, which LDY has been fighting tooth and nail. When discussion of the issue arose on Ravelry, the threads were shut down by The Power That Be, once again throwing negative light on a site already besmirched for it’s reaction to complaints from the disability community regarding the 2020 theme changes.
LDY has been having a rough year with similar problems earlier in 2022 with another subscription box in which not all orders were fulfilled. In addition, LDY holds regular roundtable discussions to discuss activism in the yarn industry, with the proceeds allegedly going to charity. However, LDY has failed to identify which charity is being benefited, how much has been donated, or even if donations have been made. Online yarn store Eat Sleep Knit has also been dragged into the controversy after agreeing to take over fulfillment of the yarns for the fandom boxes. However, according to a Ravelry post by ESK staff, about half the yarn was never received and they have since cut ties with LDY, who still owes them about $10,000.
I’ve taken most of this information from the Reddit thread on the subject started by HollowPineapple71. Within that thread there are also links to Ravelry threads on the subject and statements from LDY.
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities within the yarn community that don’t necessarily involve production knitting hats or blankets for charity, consider volunteering with the Center for Knit and Crochet. This online museum archives hand knit and crocheted items, patterns, photos, and related documents from the past and today. Volunteering positions are available in a variety of areas, as well as board positions. The organization is also seeking a new director. Board membership is open to all volunteers and diverse perspectives are encouraged. The role helps steer the organization and works in fundraising and planning. To learn more, email mhuset@centerforknitandcrochet.org.
Red Alder Fiber Arts retreat, Feb 16-19, 2023 This Tacoma, WA event includes 4 days of classes and a banquet. General registration is only $12, but does not include classes, class materials, or the banquet. Classes include subjects in knitting, weaving, and spinning (there are no crochet-related classes listed on the website).
Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring, MD is hosting Art as Activism: Knitters Speaking Out on November 30. The 2 hour program can be enjoyed online or in person, but registration is required, which does come with a fee. See the website for more details.
April 23-28, Julie Dubreux will be hosting Knitting in the West of Ireland in Gallway. The retreat includes a walking tour, workshops, and six days being immersed in local history and culture, leaning about the history of the area and the local knitting traditions. The fee is £1,765, a little under $2,000 (US) at the time of this writing.
KnotMagick Studios 