In the online discussion about inclusiveness, discrimination and racism in the knitting community, I am looking at my own behaviour and choices. And I noticed another voice, that of another underrepresented and often slighted group of people. The voice of the plus size knitter/crocheter.

Apart from having to deal with disrespect and all sorts of judgment, you also often face a practical problem. The yarn shop simply doesn’t stock enough yarn for a project in your size.

Now I cannot begin to understand the pain of being constantly denied to be the way you are. The big and the little ways in which a majority says “but not you”, intentionally or not. If you have experienced this pain, know that I feel for you. And if I have been in some way the cause of that pain, I apologise for it.

So, back to what I can do. I see one pretty obvious thing that I can do, and that is to stock enough yarn for plus sizes. Because I understand that it must be frustrating to hear “we don’t have that much in stock, but if you really need it, of course we can order it for you” all the time.

On the other hand, as a small businessowner it is very difficult for me to have 10 or 20 or more skeins of all colours of all of my yarns. It’s a bit embarrassing, but I simply cannot afford that (yet).

So here’s my suggestion. I am now more aware of the frustrations of the plus size knitter, and I will bear those in mind. I will make sure that I stock as much plus size quantities as possible.

You, dear plus size knitter, I beg that you will help me. Tell me what you need, via social media, or privately in an email (hallo@yarnz.nl), whatever you prefer. You are part of my community and I cherish you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire, if you need more yarn than I have in stock, or if you have any other questions or suggestions.

That is then and this is now.

For now, you may like to know that I already have quite a lot colours of Bio Shetland in large quantities, and Eco-Fusion, Garthenor and KOKON merino follow close behind. 

And for the luxury yarns, we also have the Large Project Benefits scheme, which gives you 10% off on 10 skeins or more.
More info: https://www.yarnz.eu/c-4523844/about-large-project-benefits/

Large Project Benefits in a nutshell:
5 - 9 skeins = 5% off
10 or more skeins = 10% off

There is always a story to a handmade item. Some are spectacular, some are more ordinary, but a handmade item always has a story to tell.

I started with these colours (Peat and Manx Moorit) in a brioche knitting experiment. Had some inspiration for a poncho or perhaps a sweater. Left it lying around for a while and then pulled it out, for another idea. Left that, too.

And it turns out that they were meant for me to knit socks with, during the final days of my grandmother's life. So these socks are particularly dear to me for their comfort, on many levels.

In some ways, she was not an “easy to love” character, and life itself had left its marks too. She was an accomplished Complainer, could be very demanding, and had a gift for alienating the people she cared about.

She was also vulnerable, kind, and had a mind broad enough to accommodate three football fields and a bowling alley (yes, that’s Terry Pratchett, too). For example she was absolutely comfortable with LBGT+, which is not usual for her generation. “What does it matter, girl, so long as people are happy and love each other?” Succinct and to the point, kudos to you, grandma.

As she grew older and older, she became more and more self-absorbed, as is often the way with the very ancient. I am grateful that we had enough time to get to know each other when her mind was still sharp, and that her heart would let me in despite its bruises.
We found common ground in our love of knitting, when I was in my early 20s or so, and we built on that. In this picture, we’re on a short holiday together, rampaging through a beautiful little Dutch town somewhere. It was one of those warm Summery Springs, she in a wheelchair, me pushing her along on those picturesque little damn cobblestones and sweating like a pig, and she loudly commenting on everything and everyone she saw. It was hilarious.

She lived through a world war, buried three children and a husband, survived breast cancer and pulmonary embolism. She was sinfully fond of chocolate and all things sweet. She was my mother’s mother. She left 5 children and a score of grandchildren and great-grandchildren behind. She was 92 years old. I loved her.

~Michèle