BLOCKED issue 6

ISSUE 6

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Editor
Neil of Uknitted Kingdom
For all enquiries:
blockedmagazine@gmx.com
Illustrations
Uknitted Kingdom
Contributors:
Amy (Li’l Sis of Two Sisters and Some Yarn)
Karen Juliano
Uknitted Kingdom
Yelena of Scythia
The Laziest Knitter
Patterns:
Stephanie Fernandez
Anna Knitter
Uknitted Kingdom
Denise (Big Sis of Two Sisters and Some Yarn)
Amy (Li’l Sis of Two Sisters and Some Yarn)
Deplorable Knitter
Yelena of Scythia
Proofers:
Cézanne Pellett
Laura Neubauer
Denise Pettus
Design and layouts:
BS Studio
Unless otherwise indicated the information,
articles, artwork, patterns and photography
published in BLOCKED Magazine are subject
to copyright ©2022 BLOCKED Magazine.
All rights reserved.
BLOCKED Magazine permits the online
distribution of the magazine in it’s entirety.
Distribution of any of the contents of this
magazine are for purposes of sale or resale
is strictly prohibited.

Dearest readers,
Whilst thinking of a subject for this issue's editorial, I realised that Yelena of Scythia had written
the perfect introduction to this issue. I echo her words as I'm sure many of you will too. All I would
like to add is my wish that all our readers have a wonderful Christmas (even if you don't celebrate
it!). Thank you for your continued support. Yours faithfully,
Neil
Uknitted Kingdom
Thank You
Not long ago, I received a newsletter from Maria Tusken of Tusken Knits announcing
the closure of her shop and her final grab-bag sale. I was saddened to hear what I
suspected was coming. However, I am incredibly grateful for Maria’s grace and strength
and everything she did for all the “dissident knitters” like me.
Because of Maria, I learned I was not alone.
Because of Maria, I found like-minded knitters.
Because of Maria, I found new friends.
Because of Maria, dissident knitters stand up for each other.
Because of Maria, dissident knitters have a welcoming community.
The vitriol directed towards Maria on various social media outlets has been disgusting.
The celebration is gross. The sheer ignorance is astounding. They foolishly think that bad
things are happening to Maria and that she was abandoned by her customers.
No. Maria is happy. She is happier than her attackers are. We all knew that yarn dyeing
was never going to be a permanent thing for Maria. Her loyal customers were there for
her when she needed us. We helped her move to Montana. We bought out all her shop
updates quickly. Because of us, her final grab bag sale sold out in just over an hour.
That sounds like a shop that was struggling, right?
Maria’s haters are celebrating that she is “getting what she deserves.” Yes, Maria is
getting what she deserves. She is getting happiness and satisfaction in her life. She still
has creative pursuits. She has peace. She is moving forward knowing she did the right
thing.
So, thank you, Maria. You are a shining light in this dark world, and I am proud to have
been a customer. Godspeed.
YelenaofScythia
3

The Lazy Knitter’s Guide to
by the Laziest Knitter
(De)Stashing
It’s that time of year again
when people take a look at
their lives, perform self-assessments,
and then make
resolutions towards self-improvement.
As knitters, the
new year is a great time to resolve to knit more for charity,
to knit more for ourselves, or we may decide to take a
hard look at that yarn stash creeping into all corners of
our homes.
When my yarn stash outgrew its designated space, I
put it in bags and totes and shoved it into the attic and
closets. What was once displayed on open shelves for inspiration
had become a burden
that caused guilt and anxiety. It
invaded spaces that were meant
for other things and other
people.
I’m more of a maximalist
than a minimalist, but it’s hard to
deny that in certain situations,
more isn’t necessarily better. So,
one day I decided to tame my
yarn hoard. It wasn’t easy and it
didn’t come without those yucky feelings of buyer’s remorse,
but I did manage to wrangle it down to a size that
fits in a designated space.
If your own yarn hoard causes you trouble, perhaps
some of the following strategies will help.
What’s the Problem?
One rule of thumb says that when you reach SABLE
(Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) you might have
a problem. As with most rules, this may not apply to everyone.
Your giant yarn stash may bring much joy, so the
bigger the better. You might just not give a hoot about
what it looks like or what anyone else thinks. If this is the
case, enjoy your stash! As Stephanie Pearl-McPhee explains
in her book At Knit’s End: Meditations for Women
Who Knit Too Much, “Achieving the state of SABLE is not,
as many people who live with knitters believe, a reason
to stop buying yarn, but for the knitter, it is an indication
to write a will, bequeathing the stash to an appropriate
heir.”
However, if looking at your stash elicits feelings of
guilt, shame, or remorse, it’s a problem. When does a
stash become a hoard? When it is a burden. Here are
4
some questions to ask yourself:
• Is your stash interfering with something else that is
more important in your life?
• Are you spending money that you don’t have on
your stash?
• Is your yarn taking over space literally needed for
your family to function?
• Is it isolating you?
• Is it taking up more emotional or mental space
than you are comfortable with?
• Does your stash stress you or
inspire you?
Some people feel very burdened by clutter and
others feel comforted by stuff. The line between
hoarding and having enough is very
different between different people. If you
look at your stash and it stresses you out,
you probably have too much. At the very
least, you may need to organize it.
How Did It Happen?!?
Acknowledging that yarn collecting is a
completely separate hobby that is only tangential
to the hobby of knitting is the first
step towards understanding how the yarn
hoard happened. Shopping for yarn is pleasurable in
many different ways. Studies show that retail therapy is
an easy way to boost your mood, distract yourself, and
get yourself out of the house and among other people.
Shopping for things we want increases serotonin, and
provides a distraction from the stressors of life. In the
world we inhabit, it’s no wonder so many knitters end up
with sizable stashes.
Limited edition colorways and yarn kits also contribute
to hoarding yarn. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is a
real sales motivator. If you
pass up the opportunity in
the moment, you might not
get the chance to acquire it
again. I’m fairly certain that
this is how project bag collections
and stitch marker collections
get started.
Discounted yarn is another
encouragement toward large
yarn purchases. It makes you
feel like a good steward of
Continued on next page...

Lazy Knitter Continued...
your finances to purchase yarn on sale. It stands to reason
that the more discounted yarn you buy, the more
money future you will save.
Use More
If we are honest, there are only two ways to reduce
the size of a stash: use more or de-stash. How do you
use more? You could knit more often or knit faster. But
as human beings with limited time, this is not always
possible. Holding a yarn double or triple while knitting
will eat up more yarn per stitch. Two sock yarns held together
can stand in for a worsted weight yarn, while four
sock yarns held together approximates a bulky weight
yarn.
You can learn a new yarn craft. If you don’t already
know how to crochet, now might be the time. Crochet
uses up yardage faster than knitting (on average) and
can take more yarn per square inch of fabric. Weaving
can also use up yarn faster than knitting depending on
the type of loom and the type of weave that you choose.
I have known knitters who purchased knitting machines
to use up stash yarn. Spending nearly $2000 on an Erlbacher
sock knitting machine isn’t necessarily a budgetfriendly
solution, but if you have the disposable income
and the desire to pick up this hobby, go for it! I found an
antique sweater knitting machine on eBay many years
ago. I can tell you that it uses up yarn quickly but many
of the meditative qualities I enjoy about handknitting
are absent from machine knitting. After knitting a handful
of sweaters on it, I hardly ever pull it out.
De-stashing
If you aren’t interested in picking up a new yarn
hobby or learning to knit more or faster, that leaves you
with the de-stashing option. I can’t tell you that it isn’t
hard or painful to give up yarn, but in the end, I found it
well worth it. What is left in my stash is the best of the
best and it fits into the space that I
have without causing any anxiety or
stress.
One thing about de-stashing
that you will have to accept is that
you will likely not be able to recover
the yarn’s full retail value. In
order to entice others to purchase
your yarn through eBay, Facebook,
or Craigslist and forgo the enjoyment
of browsing yarn at the LYS
(local yarn shop) in person, you will
have to offer a discount—sometimes
a deep discount. After packaging
up the yarn and driving it to
the post office to mail it, I
really didn’t make much
of my money back when
de-stashing on eBay. But
that was okay with me.
The yarn wasn’t in a
landfill and it was going
into the hands of a fellow
crafter.
How does a person even begin to figure out how
and what to destash? Consider the space you have, pick
your favorite yarns and begin to fill the space. When
there is no more room, the yarn without a home is rehomed.
This is known as the “pick the best and dump
the rest” method. Another is to ask yourself how much
yarn you actually need. Do you knit sweaters? If you are
into fades or marled sweaters, those single hanks will be
useable. If not, you may want to hold onto the sweater
quantities and limit the single skeins. How many socks
do you knit in a year and how many years of sock yarn
do you want to stash? Ask the same question for hats,
gloves, and shawls.
If you do not want to take the time to sell your yarn,
consider donating it to a local charity, church, or school.
In the current economic climate, it’s important to acknowledge
that not everyone can afford to buy new
yarn. Your donations could be a real blessing to another
knitter who discovers quality yarn in the local thrift store.
Many thrift stores do accept yarn donations! Your loss
could truly help fellow local crafters.
How Much is Too Much?
It’s wonderful to have stash on hand. When we are
inspired, there is no waiting to get to the store. We can
browse our yarn selection and cast on a project right
away. However, if our stashes are out of control, shoved
into bags and bins, or stuffed into dark
corners and closets, we may find ourselves
going to the store anyway. The stash only
serves to stir up more guilt instead of providing
convenience and motivation.
You may love having yarn tucked away in
forgotten places. When you stumble across
an ancient yarn trove, it’s like Christmas. More
often, I hear knitters talk about their stashes
as burdens, and attempts at organization fail
to alleviate the discomfort. In these Marie
Kondo days, I once heard someone say that
organization is simply efficient hoarding.
There is some truth in that sentiment.
5

CHUNKY SPIRALS
COWL
by Deplorable Knitter
Stitches & Abbreviations
K2, P2 Rib - knit two stitches, purl 2 stitches,
repeat to end of round
LT (Left Twist) - Step 1: Knit the 2nd stitch
through the back loop without removing
stitches off left hand needle. Step 2: Knit the
1st stitch through the front loop. Step 3: Slide
both stitches off left hand needle. This completes
one stitch.
MC - Main Color (ribbing and spiral stitches
CC - Contrast Color
K - Knit
P - Purl
PM - Place Marker
SM - Slip Marker
RM Remove Marker
Sl 1 - Slip 1 stitch purl-wise with yarn in back
Sizing
One size 13” x10” when laid flat
Materials
Main color Super Bulky yarn approx 70 yards
Contrast Color Super Bulky approx 75 yards
US 13 circular needles (9 mm)
Stitch Marker
Pattern Notes
This project is perfect for a quick last
minute project. Knit using 2 colors of
super bulky yarn and size 13 needles it
can be knit in an evening or two!
Pattern:
In MC Cast on 76 stitches using your favorite cast on and size 13
needles. Join for knitting in the round, making sure not to twist. PM
Work in K2, P2 rib for 3 rounds.
SM when you come to it.
Still in MC Knit 1 round. Decrease 1 stitch. (75 stitches)
Switch to CC
Row 1: *Sl 1, K4* to marker. SM
Row 2: *Sl 1, K4* to marker. SM
Switch to MC
Row 3: RM. Knit through back loop of 2nd stitch on left needle. PM.
Knit through front loop of 1st stitch on left needle. Drop both
stitches. *K3, LT* around to last 4 stitches. Knit 4, SM.
Continue with these 3 rows (first two rows in CC and 3rd in MC)
until cowl measures 9” from cast on edge, ending with Row 3.
With MC knit 1 round. Increase one stitch. (76 stitches)
Knit 3 rounds of K2, P2 rib. Bind off.
Weave in ends, and block gently as needed.
COPYRIGHT:
You may not sell my patterns or claim them as your own.
You may make items to sell (i.e. at craft fairs) from my patterns
but I ask that you link back to my blog and provide credit for the
pattern. You are welcome to share your finished product of my
pattern on social media so long as you link back directly to me.
No copy & paste of my patterns will be allowed under any
circumstances.
Deplorableknitter.weebly.com
Deplorableknitter@yahoo.com
©Deplorable Knitter
©MillieKMKnits 2022
6
Yarn Snobbery Continued on page 5

I was only following
By Uknitted Kingdom
ORDERS
In 1961 a Yale University psychologist, Stanley
Milgram, began a series of experiments to help him
understand the psychology of genocide. Milgram
was particularly interested in researching the subject
after Adolf Eichmann, an infamous World War II criminal,
claimed during his trial that “he was merely following
instructions when he ordered the deaths of
millions of Jews” (Kendra Cherry, What Was the Milgram
Experiment, 2022)
https://tinyurl.com/bdzef9vs ).
Milgram set out to ascertain how
compliant individuals would be when
given orders to kill.
Participants were required to obey
authority figures and were led to believe
that they were administering electric
shocks to subjects in another room. The
voltages, if real, would have killed the subject.
Despite all the participants expressing
discomfort and hesitancy, 65% of them administered
what they believed to be fatal
charges to their subjects.
Assuming this experiment is repeatable and
garners the same results each time, you might
be wondering how you would fare in the same situation.
Would you be one of the 65 percent that would
go ahead and kill on the orders of an authority figure?
Or, would you be one of the 35 percent able to
stand up to authority and refuse to kill? We can’t be
absolutely sure of any individual’s response to an
order from a despotic government or a sadistic employer.
However, we do have an indication of where
a person’s strength of morality lies based upon
Covid restrictions and vaccine mandates.
Before getting to the crux of this article I would
like to talk about masks. Ask any yarn dyer if cloth
masks are adequate to stop particles of acid dyes
from entering the lungs. The better-informed dyers
will argue that only N95 or P100 respirators are able
to prevent the dye particles passing through a mask.
Prior to the recent pandemic, medical staff knew
that only N95 masks could prevent virus molecules
from passing through the nose/mouth into the lungs.
Cloth masks, or any mask that doesn’t seal, are not
able to prevent airborne viruses. Virus molecules are
so tiny that they easily pass through the gaps in cloth
fibres. The “science” appeared to change during the
pandemic and many, despite knowing that cloth
masks were useless, did as they were instructed,
wore cloth masks, and insisted everyone else did so
too.
If a person wants to wear a cloth mask they are
entitled to do so. Likewise, if a person doesn’t want
to wear a cloth mask they should not have to. Many
times, when challenged for not wearing a mask, I
said, and heard others say, “Does your mask not
work unless I’m wearing one too?” And, many times
the mask wearer made the asinine assertion that “My
mask protects you, and yours protects me.” My reply
was always, “Wear two masks then, then we’re both
happy.” This usually resulted in anger and I’m sure, if
I could see beyond the mask, much gnashing of
teeth. More than once the mask wearer wished
Covid and/or death upon me or wished that “people
like me” would be quarantined away from the public.
These are the type of people who blindly obey orders,
or turn away, when humans are concentrated in
camps, and executed for disobedience. Those of you
that resisted the wearing of
masks will have similar
anecdotes and will
understand this is no
exaggeration or figment
of my imagination.
For the rest, be
honest, how did you feel
about those that refused
to wear masks? Now turn
the voltage up as we talk
vaccines.
However you view
them, vaccines are an invasive
medical procedure.
Medical procedures must
always be conducted with
7

Following Orders Continued...
the permission of the patient, or the patient’s representative
if underage or unable to make the decision
independently. This is non-negotiable. If you don’t
agree with this fundamental right, then to you, abortions,
organ donations, lobotomies, amputations, genital
mutilation, and any other medical procedure can
be administered without patients’ permission. It’s a
simple concept. Either we all have bodily autonomy
or we don’t. If you believe in “My body my choice”
when it is the separate body of an unborn child, but
don’t believe in “My body my choice” when it comes
to personal vaccines and medicine, then twist that dial
to full voltage!
Much like with masks, I have asked vaccine proponents
if their vaccine doesn’t work if I’m not vaccinated.
The answers are usually mind-bending. It turns
out even the vaccinated admit that Covid vaccinations
do not prevent catching, carrying, spreading, and developing
Covid.
“Why bother?” I ask.
“It makes the symptoms less severe,” they say.
The UK Yellow Card Reporting system states that
2,240 people died as a direct result of being vaccinated
against Covid. https://tinyurl.com/ybf8se6m
The USA VAERS Reporting System is much harder
to decipher from the UK. (https://vaers.hhs.gov/)
Some sources state 4,000, others 16,000, and the outliers
report up to 150,000 deaths as a direct result of
being vaccinated against Covid. I can’t say which of
the USA figures is correct, however, even the lowest
figure of 4,000 deaths means the vaccines are NOT
safe. Accepting the vaccine is, in effect, Russian Roulette.
The vaccine proponents will argue that these
deaths probably involved other factors such as heart
disease for example. However, they believe all the socalled
‘Covid deaths’ were from Covid, and ONLY
covid, not other life-threatening illnesses WITH Covid.
The cognitive dissonance is striking.
Bearing this in mind, get vaccinated and boosted
if you choose. However, others have every right to refuse
a vaccine that has the potential, no matter how
great or small, to kill them.
What has this got to do with knitting? It took me a
while to get here but vaccines have a huge impact on
knitters, crocheters, and fiber-fiddlers of every type.
To find out why, read “The Dropped Stitch, You
Need the Needle to Use Needles Here” on page 10.
Correction Issue 5
"Ugly Cats Shawl", page 23.
Above the header for
"Wedge Style Two (change colour here)".
Ignore/delete point 2.
8
Yarn Snobbery Continued on page 5

EVIL SANTA HAT
by UKnitted Kingdom
Gauge:10 stitches and 9 rows to 4”/10cm.
Needles/Notions:
8mm crochet hook
1 stitch marker
Materials:
200m (218 yds) Drops Karisma DK in color 01. (2 x 50g balls.)
400m (436 yds) Drops Karisma DK in colour 18. (4 x 50g balls.)
Abbreviations:
Ch – chain
Hdc – half double crochet (USA terminology)
Sc – single crochet (USA terminology)
Sl st – slip stitch
PM – place stitch marker
RM – remove stitch marker
Pattern:
With white, held double, ch 53 and join in the round.
Check that the circle of chains fits snugly around your
head. If it doesn’t fit, adjust by increasing or decreasing
chains until it is the correct circumference to fit. Working
into the chain will loosen it slightly so the chain needs to
be reasonably tight.
R1. Ch1. Hdc into every chain. Join in the round with a
slip st. Ch1. (The ch1 is not treated as a stitch so the first
Hdc of each round should be made into the back loop at
the base of the ch1.
R2. Hdc into the loop on the back of each stitch around.
Sl st to join. Ch1.
Repeat R2 for a total of 8 rounds or until you run out of
white yarn.
Sl st to join and weave in your ends. You now have the
brim of your hat.
Turn the brim inside out and upside down.
The starting chain should be on top, your final round at
the bottom, and the ‘wrong side’ facing outwards.
Crown:
From this point onwards you will be working in red, with
the ‘right side’ of the pattern facing outwards, in a spiral.
Join red by Sl1 into the loop on the back of any hdc. Sc1
into the back of the next hdc.
R1. PM. Hdc into the back of every stitch around (including
the sl st and sc) until you reach the marker.
R2. Repeat R1.
R3. Repeat R1.
R4. RM. Hdc the next 2 stitches together through the
back of the stitches. PM into this new stitch. Hdc into the
back loop of every stitch around until you reach the
marker.
R5. RM, hdc into that stitch. Hdc the next 2 stitches together
through the back of the stitches. PM into this new
stitch. Hdc into the back loop of every stitch around until
you reach the marker.
Repeat R5, decreasing 1 stitch per round, in a spiral, until
you have 1 stitch left. Tie off and weave in ends.
Wet block and add a pom pom to the point of the hat.
9

By Uknitted Kingdom
Dropped STitch
You Need ‘The Needle’ To Use Needles Here!
In September 2022, Yarndale held their annual fibre
festival in Skipton, North Yorkshire, UK. I was considering
attending as Skipton is only an hour or so north
east of where I live. My “new normal” involves checking
if events have any medical demands. If an event or organiser
insists on the attendees having received any
kind of medical procedure before admittance, I refuse
to attend. Although Yarndale encouraged visitors to be
both vaccinated against COVID and to wear a mask, I
was pleased to see that the organisers made no demands
on the public. An unvaccinated, unmasked attendee
was as welcome as any other. Yarndale’s
website states:
“We really encourage you, where possible, to get
vaccinated and take a lateral flow test before you
come.”
This was not a mandatory proviso, merely a suggestion.
Furthermore, Yarndale stressed that all visitors
should respect others’ decisions regarding masks.
“Staff will not challenge or ask
for evidence from visitors who advise
that they cannot wear [a
mask] or who make the personal
choice not to. We hope that all
visitors will be respectful of other
people’s decisions.” https://yarndale.co.uk/keeping-you-safe/
It appears that event organisers
in the UK are finally recognising
that the public have
autonomy over their own bodies
and medical care. Bearing this in
mind, I was shocked to hear that
in the USA this is not always the
case.
One event, being held by the
South Carolina Knitting Guild, has
paid for Patty Lyons to attend the
KnitInn 2023 retreat as a guest
Knitting
designer. All well and good you’d think? Read on.
The Guild paid a $1,080 deposit to secure Lyon’s attendance
and signed a contract with her in May 2022.
Within this contract Lyons demands all attendees at her
in-person events are “fully vaccinated.” To be clearer,
this includes anyone that attends the event, regardless
of being a public visitor, an employee, or a student in
her class. No one will get through the door without first
divulging personal medical details to a complete
stranger at the door. Whether this was missed and
therefore overlooked at the time of signing, or whether
the Guild knew it was there in black and white is unknown.
However, Lyon’s policy is not shared by the
Guild and they asked Lyons to remove this clause and
she flat out refused.
Sadly, for the Guild and those attending, if they
break the contract they will lose the deposit. A small
guild cannot afford to lose such a large amount and be
without a big-name guest to replace Lyons.
Before you say that Lyons is
thinking of others and trying to
stop the spread of COVID, think
again. Lyons’ demands are entirely
selfish. Do you really think Lyons
cares if anyone catches, carries, or
transmits COVID in the line to
enter? Or, if they catch, carry, or
transmit COVID on public transport
on the morning of the event?
No. This is nothing more than an
attempt to discriminate against
people based upon their medical
history and medical status.
All humans passing through
the doors of the South Carolina
Guild’s KnitInn retreat 2023 will be
forced to provide the following:
Continued on next page...
10

Dropped Stitch - Continued From page 10
• Proof of COVID vaccination
• A doctor’s letter with a negative test result
At this stage, there doesn’t appear to be any acknowledgment
or acceptance of those that can’t have the vaccine
for medical or religious reasons.
In the UK asking for evidence of this kind is illegal. The
police in England and Wales are prohibited from asking
about your vaccination status, or what condition exempts
you from wearing a mask. I can only hope that The States
follow suit.
Patty Lyons has an agenda. Her Twitter feed shows her
obsession with vaccination and a deep, unhinged hatred
for Donald Trump and anyone who doesn’t share her political
views. Her oldest friend warned her of the dangers
of COVID vaccines. Lyons begged her to be vaccinated
and, I suspect, harassed her so much she had to end her
friendship with Lyons. I have every sympathy for Lyons’ exfriend.
Many of us lost friends and family over the COVID
vaccines. However, a true friend would never expect you
to undertake an invasive medical procedure that has been
proven to cause the deaths of thousands. A true friend accepts
you regardless of medical treatments.
In Lyons’ world, there’s no room for discussion, debate,
or disagreement. She only allows those that fit into her
very narrow requirements to be anywhere near her. It isn’t
by coincidence that most of the people who choose not
to receive the COVID vaccination are those Lyons hates.
She knows that people who made that choice are probably
(but not all) religious, probably (but not all) conservative,
probably (but not all) shunned by Ravelry, and/or
probably (but not all) “wrong thinkers.” She has already
made her stance on Elon Musk buying Twitter known. “If
the asshats banned from Twitter come back because of
rocket boy… peace out.” She openly abuses Trump supporters
and calls them “racist and stupid.”
From a personal viewpoint, I’m glad that I will never lay
eyes on Lyons in the flesh. Her demands would not be legally
enforceable in England, so she’s unlikely to ever
guest at a knitting event here. Likewise, be grateful if you
live in a concealed carry state. Lyons is now demanding
venues prohibit guns or she won’t attend. Forgive this
Brit’s naivety but is a knitter (even one with an ego the size
of Texas) able to ban a constitutional right? If any guest
makes ultimatums “or they’re out,” show them the door!
Almost every fairy tale has a cruel step-parent, an ugly
jealous sibling, and/or a wicked witch/giant/troll. Usually,
but not always, the main antagonist is a toxic matriarch
making self-serving demands at the expense of those
viewed as weaker, less adept, and less cunning.
So it is in real life. Every workplace, every community,
and every hobby attracts narcissistic individuals with overinflated
egos demanding that their personal wishes be
met, regardless of the effects on others, or else. These individuals
are usually very unpopular yet others are often
too afraid to stand against them.
In a world full of wolves and witches, be the woodsman.
Under the skin of every bully is a fragile coward.
Stand up to the witches and watch them melt.
* Several US businesses opened and violated the communist
requirements their government forced on them during the so called ‘heat
of the pandemic’ May 2020. While Walmarts were considered essential
and allowed 100’s of people a day, small private businesses who typically
saw less than 20 a day were forced to be closed. Brave business owners
violated their government and opened. They didn’t die, they didn’t get
sick and they didn’t force medical records of their customers to be presented
at the door. There is one type of government and person who
does something like that to someone else. – A communist one.
-US Source: BS Studio.
Continued on next page...
11

This month’s ‘Dropped Stitch’ is:
Patty Lyons
Forcing a guild to institute a vaccination
policy for their event to all attendees whether
or not they take her class.
Apparenly Lyons does not
believe in
“My Body My Choice.”
©UKnitted Kingdom
12

BREAKING OUT THE
by Karen Juliano
special Yarn
What do you do with that special ball of yarn brought home from a trade show/holiday trip/fiber festival?
What’s your favorite one-skein project?
When I was traveling with a yarn company to
tradeshows and fiber festivals, I started out as the host
of a “yarn tasting” in the booth, where customers could
sit and knit or crochet for a few minutes with some of
the yarn. Besides working with the lovely yarn all day, I
really enjoyed talking to people. It was so fun to chat
with visitors and find out what classes they were taking,
who they came to the festival with, and so on. Later, my
role changed a bit but in the crowded booths I still had
the opportunity to visit with knitters. I was surprised to
hear people say, “Oh, I have a ball of your yarn. I have
it in a special place in my craft room and sometimes I
touch it and then put it back.” I always wondered if
they knew what they were missing!
This idea, that people have a designated spot for
their “special yarn” reminded me of a phone call I once
received. Some friends knew how much I like tea cups
and dishes; they knew someone who had recently lost
their mother, and wondered if I would like her china
set, as no one in the family wanted it. They later
brought over several boxes and we unwrapped piece
after piece of this pristine service with not a single chip
or scratch but covered in a thick layer of dust. It had
been a precious gift that her husband brought back
after serving overseas in the 1950s. So rarely used, no
one had any memories or emotions attached to the
dishes and they gave the whole set away, to me, a
stranger.
A friend once told me, “My husband knows that if I
die, he’s supposed to call my knitting friends to look
through my stash, and not sell my good stuff in a garage
sale.” How sad to think she would save the best
stuff until too late! I do understand, because I also
have special yarn, but I think it’s eagerly awaiting use.
At least, I am eager to use it! I’m searching for the right
project for that
yarn. (Alright, there
might be two or three special
skeins in my stash.) I’m looking,
and thinking, flipping through books and
magazines and posts to find a great project to
get that yarn on my needles! Friends, get that good
stuff out and make a plan. Who cares if your birthday
isn’t a “5 or 0” this year? You’re here, time to celebrate!
A few times a year I get things reorganized. I think
about what’s coming up and make lists – the neverending
to-do list, upcoming birthdays and events,
things like that. My favorite list is “What to Knit!” Do I
need some new mittens? Is there a new design in my
head? Do I know a baby on the way? What about a
new skill I’ve been meaning to try, or a designer whose
work I’ve been admiring? And how about some of that
scrumptious yarn? I’m going to find a project and
break out the special yarn!
13

DISHIDENT #7
by UKnitted Kingdom
PATTERN DESCRIPTION
Each issue of Blocked will contain a ‘secret’ pattern.
The design will only be revealed as you knit. The
instructions might uncover an image; a design, or a
word/message.
When using cotton these secret squares make
excellent dishcloths. If you make 4 or 5 of each square
in wool or acrylic they can be seamed together at the
end of the year to make a small Afghan or lap blanket.
GAUGE & MATERIALS
Each dishident uses approximately 41 to 43g of
worsted weight 100% cotton. Follow the yarn
manufacturer’s recommended needle size.
DIRECTIONS
→ Row 1 [WS]: k45
← Row 2 [RS]: k45
→ Row 3 [WS]: k45
← Row 4 [RS]: k45
→ Row 5 [WS]: k3, p1, k5, p2, k2, p5, k2, p5, k2,
p6, k5, p2, k1, p1, k3
← Row 6 [RS]: k4, p2, k2, p5, k5, p2, k5, p2, k4,
p2, k2, p5, k5
→ Row 7 [WS]: k3, p3, k5, p2, k2, p3, k2, p5, k2,
p4, k5, p2, k2, p2, k3
← Row 8 [RS]: k6, p2, k2, p5, k3, p2, k5, p2, k2,
p2, k2, p5, k7
→ Row 9 [WS]: k3, p5, k5, p2, k2, p1, k2, p5, k2,
p2, k5, p2, k2, p4, k3
← Row 10 [RS]: k8, p2, k2, p5, k1, p2, k5, p4, k2,
p5, k9
→ Row 11 [WS]: k3, p7, k5, p2, k3, p5, k7, p2, k2,
p6, k3
← Row 12 [RS]: k10, p2, k2, p6, k5, p2, k2, p5, k11
→ Row 13 [WS]: k3, p9, k5, p1, k2, p5, k5, p2, k2,
p8, k3
← Row 14 [RS]: k4, p16, k5, p16, k4
→ Row 15 [WS]: k3, p1, k16, p5, k16, p1, k3
← Row 16 [RS]: k45
→ Row 17 [WS]: k3, p39, k3
← Row 18 [RS]: k45
→ Row 19 [WS]: k3, p39, k3
← Row 20 [RS]: k45
→ Row 21 [WS]: k3, p1, k16, p5, k16, p1, k3
← Row 22 [RS]: k4, p16, k5, p16, k4
→ Row 23 [WS]: k3, p8, k2, p2, k5, p5, k2, p1, k5,
p9, k3
← Row 24 [RS]: k11, p5, k2, p2, k5, p6, k2, p2, k10
14

→ Row 25 [WS]: k3, p6, k2, p2, k7, p5, k3, p2, k5,
p7, k3
← Row 26 [RS]: k9, p5, k2, p4, k5, p2, k1, p5, k2,
p2, k8
→ Row 27 [WS]: k3, p4, k2, p2, k5, p2, k2, p5, k2,
p1, k2, p2, k5, p5, k3
← Row 28 [RS]: k7, p5, k2, p2, k2, p2, k5, p2, k3,
p5, k2, p2, k6
→ Row 29 [WS]: k3, p2, k2, p2, k5, p4, k2, p5, k2,
p3, k2, p2, k5, p3, k3
← Row 30 [RS]: k5, p5, k2, p2, k4, p2, k5, p2, k5,
p5, k2, p2, k4
→ Row 31 [WS]: k3, p1, k1, p2, k5, p6, k2, p5, k2,
p5, k2, p2, k5, p1, k3
← Row 32 [RS]: k45
→ Row 33 [WS]: k45
← Row 34 [RS]: k45
→ Row 35 [WS]: k45
← Row 36 [RS]: k45
→ Row 37 [WS]: k3, p39, k3
← Row 38 [RS]: k45
→ Row 39 [WS]: k3, p2, k35, p2, k3
← Row 40 [RS]: k45
→ Row 41 [WS]: k3, p39, k3
← Row 42 [RS]: k45
→ Row 43 [WS]: k3, p2, k35, p2, k3
← Row 44 [RS]: k45
→ Row 45 [WS]: k3, p39, k3
← Row 46 [RS]: k45
→ Row 47 [WS]: k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,
p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k21, p2, k3
← Row 48 [RS]: k45
→ Row 49 [WS]: k3, p3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, 1k,
p1, k1, p1, k1, p25, k3
← Row 50 [RS]: k45
→ Row 51 [WS]: k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,
p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k21, p2, k3
← Row 52 [RS]: k45
→ Row 53 [WS]: k3, p3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,
p1, k1, p1, k1, p25, k3
← Row 54 [RS]: k45
→ Row 55 [WS]: k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,
p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k21, p2, k3
← Row 56 [RS]: k45
→ Row 57 [WS]: k3, p39, k3
← Row 58 [RS]: k45
→ Row 59 [WS]: k45
← Row 60 [RS]: k45
→ Row 61 [WS]: k45
← Row 62 [RS]: k45
ABBREVIATIONS
CO
k
p
Cast on
Knit
Purl
TIPS
If preferred, slip the first OR the last stitch of every row to
create a neater edge. When purling a stitch immediately
after knitting a stitch; pull the excess yarn out of the purl
stitch before knitting or purling on. This helps to reduce
loose/baggy knit stitches.
NOTES
Occasionally a dishident or secret square might not be
suitable for children and ‘polite company’. Where this is
the case it will be made clear.
If you would like to receive notifications of our next issue!
Check out our Patreon!
www.patreon.com/join/BlockedMagazine
15

Lil Sis of Two Sisters and Some Yarn
ACTIVISM VS. ADVOCACY
The New “Dirty” Words
Activist and advocate…unless you’ve lived under a
rock the last few years, you have heard those words in
conversations, seen them in social media bios, and
heard people announce them as if they were professions.
In some cases, it may be their job. But what do
these words mean?
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of activism
is: “a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct
vigorous action especially in support of or opposition
to one side of a controversial issue.”
Advocate is a little trickier, and for purposes of this
article I’m referring to it as a noun. According to Merriam-Webster,
as a noun it means: “one who defends
or maintains a cause or proposal; one who
supports or promotes the interests of a
cause or group; one who pleads the
cause of another.” Notice the difference
in the fact that not only does
advocate have multiple definitions,
but that the meaning of advocate
certainly SOUNDS much more appealing,
empowering, and helpful.
What about in the real world that
you and I live in? I’ll give you a little background
on myself, and none of this is to
brag on myself, merely to share I do indeed walk
the walk! My history includes being an early childhood
educator, homeschooling parent/teacher, and what I
have always referred to as an advocate. This was never
a dirty word to me. For over twenty years I have considered
myself an advocate. As a teacher, I advocated for
my students in IEP meetings, in the classroom and to
therapists to assure they got the services they were entitled
to. I advocated for and with their parents regarding
custody issues, housing, employment, and much
more. As a teacher, I stayed informed and involved in
all sorts of educational legislation, training, etc. In 2013,
I became intensely involved in opposing the adoption
of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) because
as an ECE professional, I knew the standards to be developmentally
inappropriate for the early elementary
years. (For the record I have no opinion on the older
grades as my expertise ends at age 8, where Early
Childhood moves into Elementary.) I joined together
with other teachers and parents with whom I was a
frequent presence at the State Capitol for legislative
sessions and in Education Committee meetings. I appeared
on two national television programs in opposition
of CCSS, along with other members of our
bi-partisan group. I worked with politicians, educational
experts, parents, and teachers who crossed every political
belief and lifestyle imaginable.
Due to the CCSS, I decided to homeschool
my children and left teaching for good. As a
new homeschooler, I saw a huge lack in
our area for homeschool support because
almost every group was either
totally secular or tied to a religion and
to join you were required to sign a
statement of faith. Seeing a lack of
neutral, “everyone is welcome” homeschool
support, I not only created a
statewide support group on Facebook that
still maintains 17k members, I also co-created
a local co-op for homeschool families with classes,
field trips, volunteering, etc., that continued for several
years that had over 100 students.
I still to this day, spend many hours volunteering as
an advocate in the areas of homeschool, medical freedom,
and informed consent (albeit in a digital presence
now). I have never, ever, been paid for any of the time I
spent whether it was physical or digital. It NEVER occurred
to me to set up a Go Fund Me or Ko-Fi to beg to
be compensated for something I chose to do, which
would better society and my own family.
So, is there anything wrong with being an advocate?
Why not an activist? Let’s go back to those definitions.
An activist would participate in direct vigorous
16

Activism vs. Advocacy Continued...
action over a controversial issue. Now, I surely believe
some controversial things, such as the right for
every human to make their own medical decisions.
But I am not an activist. I am not going to stand with
a sign and yell at people as they go into a drugstore
to get their vaccination. That’s their choice. What I
am going to do is advocate for transparency, safety,
and choice by following legislation, having open
conversations, reading the science, and helping
others learn how to do the same thing.
At the end of the day, an advocate helps others
learn how to help themselves. There is no victim in
advocacy. There are human beings who are perfectly
capable, in their own ways, of
running their lives and making their
own choices, even if they need some
support for a while to get to that independence.
Advocacy creates freedom,
choice, and pride in
accomplishing goals. Activism
shames, guilts, begs, screams, and
controls. Activism pushes down. Advocacy
pushes up.
Are you afraid of saying you are
an advocate? Is it a dirty word to
you? What in the WORLD does this
have to do with knitting? If you don’t
know that, then you probably have
never read this magazine! We are in
a time where we can no longer be silent
when folks spread lies about us,
call us names, or try to cancel us.
Don’t let them. Push back. BE YOUR OWN ADVO-
CATE. Their words mean nothing when you know
they aren’t true. If you believe strongly in a subject,
are you an advocate for it or an activist? Do your actions
make the world better—or worse?
What about knitting? Oh right, this is a
knitting magazine. How can you
advocate for your knitting friends?
1. Do your own research. Do not assume anything
said about someone in our fiber world (no
matter what side of the aisle they vote) is true. Read
and listen to their own words. Discernment and
judgment should not be rendered based on rumors.
Truth
Advocate
Honor
2. Knit the patterns of the so-called “canceled.”
Buy the hand-dyed yarn from those who have been
declared unpersons. Support the charities they support.
Share this magazine with people. When they
say it’s racist, ask if they have read it? Work with creators
you love because you love their work, not because
they check off a box or voted a certain way.
3. Speak up for yourself! I understand we live in
a world where your day job, family, or just your personality
prohibits you from being loud and proud,
but when and if you can, it’s time to do so. We live in
a world where women “Shout their Abortions!” If
they can scream in pride over murder, why can’t you
stand up and publicly support a designer,
shop, magazine, yarn dyer that
you love? It’s long past time for complacency,
quiet, and just toeing the line. As
my Dad used to say, “piss or get off the
pot!”
4. Find your tribe. Yes, I said it.
While I firmly believe that we should
not create a vacuum where we only surround
ourselves with people who are
like-minded, find a tribe of people,
whose beliefs may differ, but are still
supportive of each other, kind, openminded,
and willing to discuss things
reasonably. Contrary to what some social
media accounts would have you
believe, that tribe is out there! I have
met a great many wonderful people
thanks to this magazine and all the
drama that started it! I have great chats with people
across multiple races, cultures and countries, from
Christians to Atheists, and all lifestyle choices. Your
tribe doesn’t have to look or act just like you. They
just need not to be jerks.
Stand up and advocate for your fellow knitters! I
will keep calling myself an advocate even though I
don’t have a cool Ko-fi account. I will never stop trying
to help others learn how to live their lives better,
to use their voices even when it shakes, and to stand
up for truth.
17

CHRISTMAS CAROL
COASTER
COLLECTION
By Stephanie Fernandez
DETAILS & MATERIALS
Gauge:
20 stitches and 24 rows / 4” in stockinette stitch with colorwork
Yarn:
Cascade 220 Yarns (Use superwash or acrylic for easy care coasters)
Minimum of 20 grams of each color to make all 4 coasters.
2401 - Burgundy (Dark Red)
2445 - Shire (Dark Green)
8903 - Primavera (Light Green)
8505 – White
©Stephanie Fernandez
Needles:
Size 6 US 4.0 mm Circular Needle long enough for working Magic
Loop (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Notions:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Pattern Notes
These coasters are worked in the round
using magic loop. However once you begin the
colorwork, the front and back of the coasters will
pull together removing the center hole and
making them flat with a front side and a back
side. When you add a new color, carefully tie off
the ends and stuff them inside so that there is
less weaving in of ends at the end. The tied off
ends will be well hidden inside!
The 23 column charts should be worked
through twice as those two coasters have the
same design on the front and the back. The 46
column charts are worked once, and the
coasters are reversible with a different front and
back. Feel free to split up the charts if you would
prefer 6 coaster designs with the same design
on both sides.
DIRECTIONS
Cast on 46 stitches with the first color of your chart.
Carefully join in the round without twisting using magic
loop with 23 stitches on the front and 23 stitches on the
back.
Work the chart of your choice purling the purl symbols
and knitting the plain blocks. Change colors as directed
in the chart to create the pattern. Carefully carry
your yarn up the right edge of the work. 23 column
charts should be repeated twice, and 46 column charts
are knit through once.
After working the chart, cast off in pattern, tie off
leaving a tail, and whip stitch the top and bottom of the
coasters with either new yarn or any remaining tail if
available. Weave in ends.
18

©Stephanie Fernandez
©Stephanie Fernandez
©Stephanie Fernandez
©Stephanie Fernandez
19

Knitting Patterns, Hand-Dyed Yarns,
Tools, Notions & More!
www.knittymcpurly.com
Hand-dyed yarns, Opal yarns, patterns, tools, and notions.
https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/AnnaKnitterYarns
New Zealand yarn store.
Ships worldwide.
www.skeinz.com
Knitting Patterns
https://www.ravelry.com/designers/liz-clothier
Anne Pinkava
Knitting Patterns
www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/fdba7e1e-93b6-4b6f-9f82-06ef18d0ec8c
Knitting Patterns
https://galilee-life.com/vendor/deplorable-knitter/
20

Amigurumi/Crochet Patterns
http://www.yankeerose.etsy.com/
Wise Owl Knits
Knitting Patterns and Tutorials
www.wiseowlknits.com
Karen Juliano
Blogger
& Knitter
Fabrics, Sewing Patterns,
and Tutorials
littleragamuffin.com
Knitting Patterns:
https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/647c869e-a568-4b05-8fb4-b8f868600ec4
Knitting Patterns and Tutorials
https://www.ravelry.com/stores/birdie-beanie
Love Stitched
https://galilee-life.com/vendor/love-stitched/
21

By Yelena of Scythia
I dunno...Seems Legit...
TENNEY’S FIBER FARM, MCCULLOUGH FARMS, WOOL HUT, FLOCKOFFLOCKS,
FIBER FARMS, CRABAPPLESHEEP, BASE OF THE MOUNTAIN FARM, FIBER FRIENDS,
DYE HOUSE AND MS. TUTTLE’S SHEEP FARM, AND MARYLANDLONGWOOL AND...
The drama of the Lady Dye situation has continued
and escalated to Ravelry imposing temporary bans on
two of the Demon Troll (DT) moderators. When this
happened, the DT thread on Lady Dye was locked on
Ravelry and discussion moved to Reddit (Deravelled
Trolls subreddit). The ban was apparently due to the
mods posting an image of a publicly available document
which “damaged a business.” Someone obviously
complained to the Forbes’.
There are several potential culprits. Lady Dye has
also been quietly removed from the Vogue Knitting Live
Diversity Action Council. At least one of the pattern designers
she stole from was a colleague from the Diversity
Action Council. Lady Dye has issued some small
refunds. However, Eat Sleep Knit still hasn’t had product
delivered or a refund issued. Lady Dye has missed
hosting at least three Craftivist Zoom Nights. The business
has presumably now moved to Rhode Island and
will continue, but no one has heard anything about any
fourth quarter boxes that have already been paid for
(much less the Q2 or Q3 boxes). It appears that pressure
from the Massachusetts Attorney General and the
City of Boston due to customer complaints is what has
pushed Lady Dye to issue some refunds. Lady Dye’s
website is now selling gift certificates, but there is still
no yarn listed.
As promised, this article will focus on Sherry Tenney,
or Sherry Vondorp, or Sherry Tenney Giltay, or Tenney’s
Fiber Farm, or McCullough Farms, or
FlockofFlocks, or Fiber Farms, or Crabapplesheep, or
Sarah Rudacille, or…
The Sherry Tenney situation is an absolute mess,
and this mess has been going on for over five years. At
least. Sherry is a self-described wool/fiber dealer. She
owns at least one sheep farm, which she likes to remind
everyone is a hobby. She also deals in wool from other
sheep farms. She sells fiber through several platforms –
her own website, several Facebook groups, and Etsy.
It all started in 2017. Sherry had been selling wool
in various fiber Facebook groups but didn’t start one of
her own until 2017. She kicked things off with her first
major sale in her own group – Brian’s Birthday Bash.
This sale was described as a celebration of Sherry’s deceased
son, and during the live sale, she said that it was
an important part of her healing process. I’m not going
to argue with her as everyone grieves differently. However,
I don’t particularly like it when anyone uses their
children as a way to market their products.
It didn’t take long for things to start devolving.
Sherry was not remotely organized in her live sale, and
she requested people who had ordered to send her
details of their orders, including pricing, so she could
send invoices. Presumably her business exploded from
this sale event and was receiving phone calls from
other sheep farms and mills.
Not long after the big sale, she started falling behind
with shipping orders. She continued to sell wool
and continued to struggle with shipping orders. Then
customer complaints started coming in, and Sherry, in
her infinite wisdom, decided to complain about her
customers in livestreams. She also readily admits that
she sells so much wool that she cannot keep up. And
this is all within the few months after the Birthday Bash
sale. The entire operation was highly disorganized. It’s
amazing that she managed to ship any orders out.
At some point after selling on Facebook, she added
website sales and sales through an Etsy shop. Sherry
continued to be disorganized and continued to have issues
with sending orders late. Sherry has also shorted
orders that did go out. It seems that she was good at
sending out large orders, but didn’t do as great at
sending out smaller orders. She has even been dismissive
of customers who ask about the status of their
small orders. Sherry has a tendency of blocking customers
who complain about their orders not being
shipped. This has been going on since 2017! It is continuing
to this day!
On top of her poor customer service, there are numerous
reports of her fleeces being shipped while infested
with moth eggs. Sherry has both denied her
fleeces have moth eggs and also admitted that some
22

fleeces have eggs, and said there is no way to avoid
moth eggs, and it is perfectly normal and acceptable.
Being lovers of wool, we all know how awful and dangerous
moth eggs are. The dismissal of any concerns
over moth eggs is low. It is a perfectly valid concern,
and I’m sorry, but if you are in the business of selling
fleeces, you need to take moth eggs seriously.
Sherry has also apparently engaged in dishonest
business practices to damage her competition. She
has allegedly done the following to several competitors:
- Sherry and some of her supporters will join
another shop’s social media group. Sherry and her
supporters then message
people who comment on the
shop’s social media posts, implying
that Sherry has a relationship
with the shop and that
she sells better and cheaper
fleeces. Interested people are
directed to Sherry’s group.
Sherry and her supporters then
block the shop owner on social
media so they cannot see what
she is doing in the shop’s group. Sherry and her supporters
also report the shop and the admins to get
their social media profiles suspended periodically.
Some of the victimized shops have reported that the
customer poaching has been so aggressive, they have
seen sales drop by as much as 50 percent after 6-12
months. The shop owners were baffled as to what was
going on until their customers came to them about
what happened when Sherry didn’t fulfill orders. Imagine
having your own customers ripped off by another
member of the fiber community and coming to you for
advice and apologizing for believing Sherry. It is truly
underhanded to engage in customer poaching in this
way.
- Dishonesty appears to be the modus operandi of
Sherry Tenney. She has multiple shop names and social
media handles.
- She also has unnumbered sock accounts she will
use to poach customers or watch what other people
are doing on social media.
- She goes by Sherry Tenney, Sherry Vondorp,
Sherry Tenney Giltay, and Sarah Rudacille. She likely
has other names that no one will ever know. Business
names or social media handles she has used are Tenney’s
Fiber Farm, McCullough Farms, Wool Hut, FlockofFlocks,
Fiber Farms, Crabapplesheep, Base of the
Mountain Farm, Fiber Friends, Dye House and Ms. Tuttle’s
Sheep Farm, and Marylandlongwool.
When customers follow up with Sherry on late orders,
she strings them along until the dispute window
passes, and the poor customers cannot seek relief
from their credit card company. Stringing customers
along to get out of dispute windows appears to be a
common tactic of fiber scammers. Lady Dye and many
others have done the same.
Once Sherry came to the attention of the Demon
Troll group on Ravelry,
Sherry went ballistic. She
attacked them and
blocked anyone who
would ask about issues
with her business. She
even threatened to sue
them. For what?
The Sherry Tenney situation
has been a huge
focus of Demon Trolls in
2022. There are two official alert threads and one “Just
the Facts” thread. The alert threads have over 20,000
comments. Lady Dye has paled in comparison to
Sherry Tenney on the Demon Trolls. The Pennsylvania
Attorney General has gotten involved. It is astounding
that Sherry has managed to continue her business and
poor treatment of others for over five years and is still
selling wool. We at Blocked Magazine wonder how
long Sherry will be able to string people along.
With the current state of the economy, I cannot
imagine that vendors in the fiber arts community who
treat customers horribly like Sherry Tenney and Lady
Dye will be able to stay in business for long. It really
isn’t that hard to treat others kindly and to provide
good customer service.
There are all kinds of resources for small business
owners to learn how to better run their businesses.
There really is no excuse for poor business practices
and poor customer service in the fiber arts community,
and yet we see it over and over. The sad thing is that
in certain corners of the fiber arts community, major
players look the other way when certain particular
business owners and knitfluencers treat others poorly.
How about just do honest business?
23

DISHIDENT #8
by UKnitted Kingdom
PATTERN DESCRIPTION
Each issue of Blocked will contain a ‘secret’ pattern.
The design will only be revealed as you knit. The
instructions might uncover an image; a design, or a
word/message.
When using cotton these secret squares make
excellent dishcloths. If you make 4 or 5 of each square
in wool or acrylic they can be seamed together at the
end of the year to make a small Afghan or lap blanket.
GAUGE & MATERIALS
Each dishident uses approximately 41 to 43g of
worsted weight 100% cotton. Follow the yarn
manufacturer’s recommended needle size.
DIRECTIONS
→ Row 1 [WS]: k45
← Row 2 [RS]: k45
→ Row 3 [WS]: k45
← Row 4 [RS]: k45
→ Row 5 [WS]: k45
← Row 6 [RS]: k45
→ Row 7 [WS]: k4, p17, k3, p17, k4
© Karen Juliano
← Row 8 [RS]: k45
→ Row 9 [WS]: k4, p17, k3, p17, k4
← Row 10 [RS]: k45
→ Row 11 [WS]: k4, p17, k3, p17, k4
← Row 12 [RS]: k45
→ Row 13 [WS]: k4, p7, k4, p1, k3, p1, k2, p1, k4,
p1, k4, p1, k1, p7, k4
← Row 14 [RS]: k45
→ Row 15 [WS]: k4, p7, k2, p1, k3, p1, k3,
p1, k3, p1, k5, p1, k2, p7, k4
← Row 16 [RS]: k45
→ Row 17 [WS]: k4, p8, k4, p1, k4, p1, k6,
p1, k4, p8, k4
← Row 18 [RS]: k45
→ Row 19 [WS]: k4, p8, k2, p1, k2, p1, k2,
p1, k3, p1, k5, p1, k2, p8, k4
← Row 20 [RS]: k45
→ Row 21 [WS]: k4, p9, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1,
p1, k2, p9, k4
← Row 22 [RS]: k45
→ Row 23 [WS]: k4, p9, k2, p1, k2, p1, k5,
p1, k7, p9, k4
← Row 24 [RS]: k45
24

→ Row 25 [WS]: k4, p10, k2, p1, k3, p1, k3, p1, k3,
p1, k2, p10, k4
← Row 26 [RS]: k45
→ Row 27 [WS]: k4, p10, k17, p10, k4
← Row 28 [RS]: k45
→ Row 29 [WS]: k4, p11, k2, p1, k5, p1, k3, p1, k2,
p11, k4
← Row 30 [RS]: k45
→ Row 31 [WS]: k4, p11, k12, p1, k2, p11, k4
← Row 32 [RS]: k45
→ Row 33 [WS]: k4, p12, k4, p1, k4, p1, k3, p12, k4
← Row 34 [RS]: k45
→ Row 35 [WS]: k4, p12, k3, p1, k9, p12, k4
← Row 36 [RS]: k45
→ Row 37 [WS]: k4, p13, k1, p1, k6, p1, k2, p13, k4
← Row 38 [RS]: k45
→ Row 39 [WS]: k4, p13, k6, p1, k4, p13, k4
← Row 40 [RS]: k45
→ Row 41 [WS]: k4, p14, k1, p1, k7, p14, k4
← Row 42 [RS]: k45
→ Row 43 [WS]: k4, p14, k5, p1, k3, p14, k4
← Row 44 [RS]: k45
→ Row 45 [WS]: k4, p15, k1, p1, k5, p15, k4
← Row 46 [RS]: k45
→ Row 47 [WS]: k4, p15, k2, p1, k4, p5, k1, p3, k1,
p5, k4
← Row 48 [RS]: k45
→ Row 49 [WS]: k4, p16, k5, p7, k3, p6, k4
← Row 50 [RS]: k45
→ Row 51 [WS]: k4, p16, k2, p1, k2, p5, k7, p4, k4
← Row 52 [RS]: k45
→ Row 53 [WS]: k4, p17, k3, p9, k1, p7, k4
← Row 54 [RS]: k45
→ Row 55 [WS]: k4, p18, k1, p18, k4
← Row 56 [RS]: k45
→ Row 57 [WS]: k45
← Row 58 [RS]: k45
→ Row 59 [WS]: k45
← Row 60 [RS]: k45
→ Row 61 [WS]: k45
← Row 62 [RS]: k45
ABBREVIATIONS
CO
k
p
Cast on
Knit
Purl
TIPS
If preferred, slip the first OR the last stitch of every row to
create a neater edge. When purling a stitch immediately
after knitting a stitch; pull the excess yarn out of the purl
stitch before knitting or purling on. This helps to reduce
loose/baggy knit stitches.
NOTES
Occasionally a dishident or secret square might not be
suitable for children and ‘polite company’. Where this is
the case it will be made clear.
25

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26

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1
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Adventures With Yarn - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbFHj9k5Uxc44g1pnlgiQjg
For all the latest drama in the fibre world – Fun, quirky, and full of energy.
Anna Knitter - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkE2h6s400fRkasl6zyX_jg
A podcast about knitting and crocheting with glimpses of a roman-catholic life.
Blocked Magazine - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAY880IYHF8gJ8b-UdEWAxQ
For all the latest drama in the fibre world – including what didn’t make it into the magazine!
Deprogrammed - https://www.youtube.com/c/KeriSmithDeprogrammed/featured
Interviews intended to better understand and make sense of her old belief system, Social Justice ideology. Including those in the crafting community.
Herd knitunity - https://herdknitunity.locals.com/
Shepherd and ‘woolfluencer’, a sheep to sweater kinda gal.
Knitty McPurly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyIInmPUQGqoohNgUj0Zmow
A virtual saint!
Little Ragamuffin - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaogzXKmOJ9FO8fsjurrEcw/videos
Sewing tutorials of both slow paced and quick speed styles, fun random sewing oddities, Ragamuffin news, and problematic interviews & conversations.
Murder Knits - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbrSeXmJuT0_BglI_pzi1jg
If your children watch, they'll become serial killers!
Politically Incorrect Knitters - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8CME6h72cFfQ7ZBNGCj5w
Topical, informative, and fun!
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Take off your ‘gummies’, put your feet up and prepare for a ‘tiki tour’ of yarny goodness!
High Fiber Diet - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4cCawQzD6RDfwLhlZ0hQ/featured
Thick skinned with no “F’s Given!”
Two Sisters & Some Yarn - https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoSistersAndSomeYarn
Two sisters and some yarn – is exactly what it says on the tin!
Wise Owl Knits - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8N6NhDdKf44_HigLiP4Ug
Knitting Tutorials
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Knitting, spinning, crochet, quilting, and many other crafts are shown and discussed.
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Knitting, sewing and all the things in between!
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Knitting, photography, gardening, quilting, life.
27

© AnnaKnitter
COZY SOCKS
by Anna Knitter
This sock pattern is knit cuff down with double pointed
needles. The stitch pattern is a multiple of 2 and has a
row repeat of 23. You can knit this pattern with fingering
weight yarn as well. Simply adjust your stitchcount and
measurements and knit your sock as you usually do. get
my sock knitting table for all yarn weights and show sizes
on www.annaknitter.com/patterns
DETAILS & MATERIALS
Measurements & Gauge:
23 stitches by 31 rows = 10 cm
Yarn:
150g sportweight (a.k.a. 6ply) sock yarn Yarn I used: Opal
Regenwald 18 color 11212
Needles:
3 mm double pointed needles
Sizes:
EU 36/37 (= UK 3.5/4.5; US 5.5/6.5)
EU 38/39 (= UK 5.5/6; US women 7.5/8; US men US
6.5/7)
EU 42/43 (= UK women 8.5/9.5; UK men 9/9.5; US
women 11/11.5; US men 9.5/10)
For more sizes you can get my handy sock knitting table
for fingering, sport and DK weight yarn on Etsy. It includes
alles sizes between children EU 22/23; UK 5.5/6.5;
US 5.5/6.5 up to men EU 46/47; UK 11.5/12.5; US 12/13.
Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit 2 together (if the next stitch is a yarn over
treat it the same way)
yo = yarn over
slip = slip a stitch as if to purl
p2tog = purl 2 together
28

CUFF
Cast on 48 (48; 52) stitches
Round 1: *k1 tbl, p1* Round 2: *k1 tbl, k1*
Repeat round 1 and 2 four times or to your
desired length.
LEG
Round 1: *yo, slip1, p1*
Round 2: *k2tog, yo, slip1*
Round 3: *yo, slip1, p2tog*
Repeat round 2 and 3 seven times more.
Round 16: *k2tog, p1*
Round 17: *k*
Round 18: *k1tbl, p1*
Round 19: *k1tbl, k1*
Repeat round 18 and 19 twice more.
Now repeat the leg pattern three times more or
to your desired length.
HEEL FLAP
Knit the stitches from needle 1 onto needle 4 and knit
them as they are (knitting knit stitches and purling purl
stitches). If you knit a contrasting heel change the color
now and knit the heelflap.
Row 1: *slip1, k1* turn the work
Row 2: *p* turn the work
Knit that way until you have knit two rows less than you
have stitches on the heel flap needle in total.
© AnnaKnitter
HEELTURN
Now we have to divide the heel stitches:
8/8/8 (8/8/8; 8/10/8).
With right side facing knit the first 8 (8; 8) stitches. Then knit
the 8 (8; 10) middle stitches until one stitch of the middle
stitches is left. Knit 2 together. Turn the work, slip the first
stitch. Purl to the last of the middle stitches and purl 2 together.
Turn the work and slip the first stitch. You see two
gaps. One before and the other one after the middle
stitches. That shows you where you have to knit or purl 2 together
without counting. Go on this way until you only have
the middle stitches left.
GUSSET
Right side facing knit the 8 (8/10) stitches and with the
same needle pick up on the side of the heel flap as many
stitches as you see slipped stitches on the side. To avoid
holes you can also pick up a few more if you think it's
needed.
With an empty needle knit the stitches on needle 2 and 3
(the instep stitches in pattern). With an empty needle pick
up the stitches on the other side of the heel flap as well.
With the same needle knit the half of the stitches of the
heel stitches. Now you have the stitches seperated on four
needles again.
Knit one round but the picked up stitches knit through the
back loop. We knit the foot in stockinette.
For the following rounds: decrease gusset stitches (picked
up stitches) in every second round until you have the correct
amount of stitches again.
Different decreases:
On needle 1: Knit until you have 3 stitches on the
needle knit 2 together, knit the last stitch.
On needle 4: knit 1, ssk knit the rest of the stitches
After you have finished the gusset you knit the foot
and instep stitches in stockinette. Knit 18 cm/7 inch
(20cm/7.8 inch; 22,5cm/8.9 inch) until you start the toe.
TOE
Decreasing round:
Needle 1: Knit to 3 last stitches, Knit 2 tog, Knit 1
Needle 2: Knit 1, ssk, knit
Needle 3: Knit to 3 last stitches, Knit 2 tog, Knit 1
Needle 4: Knit 1, ssk, knit
Knit 2 (2/2) rounds.
Knit a decreasing round.
Knit 1 (1/1) round.
Knit a decreasing round.
Repeat last two rounds three times or to your desired
length.
Knit 4 (4/5) decreasing rounds.
Cut the yarn, pull it through the remaining stitches and
weave in the ends.
29
© AnnaKnitter

By Uknitted Kingdom
‘Spitklatter’ British RAF Spitfire Hats
September 01, 1939 Germany invaded Poland. As a
direct result, two days later, Britain and France declared
war on Germany. Thus began World War 2.
Denmark, a small Scandinavian country neighboring
Germany, declared itself neutral. Initially Denmark became
a protectorate of Germany.
Although the Danish King and government appeared
to hold power, Germany governed the country
behind the scenes.
In August 1943 Germany placed Denmark under direct
military occupation. They dropped leaflets across
several cities claiming the occupation was to protect
Denmark from a British invasion.
There was some resistance from the Danish army but,
after just two hours, the country surrendered to Germany.
Despite 2% of the Danish population being supportive
of the Nazi regime (some considered themselves
ethnically German) the vast majority of Danes opposed
the Germans and resented their presence.
British Spitfire planes regularly dropped bombs on
military bases throughout Denmark. Danes whose allegiance
was with the Allies saw the Spitfire as a symbol of
resistance and welcomed the bombs. Many secretly
tuned in to BBC radio broadcasts to keep abreast of the
Allies’ news.
In the early years of the War Germany ruled Denmark
with a ‘light touch’. They allowed Danish police to
address crime and keep the peace.
The citizens were rebellious in subtle ways. As a form
of quiet resistance, many began wearing crocheted
skullcaps (some were knitted) that symbolised the roundel
of the British Airforce Spitfires.
These skullcaps were called ‘Spitklatter’ and were designed
to look like the British RAF Spitfire Roundel. They
were quick to make and could easily be removed and
hidden.
Others used different ways to show their allegiance
with the Allies.
Ella Mortensen, told of how she and her classmates
deliberately refrained from binding their English books
in paper. “The cover of the book was a large English flag,
so by carrying the book you could display the English
flag and thus show who you were with.”
Although the ‘Spitklatter’ hats were just as popular
with adults it was mostly children and teenage girls like
Ella who wore the roundel hats. Whereas adults could be
arrested, the German soldiers initially chose to turn a
blind eye towards the youngsters. Very young children
were known to tease the soldiers before running away.
However, this all changed after the full military occupation
in 1943.
https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/23093-spitfire-the-only-fighter-built-wwii
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Air_Force_roundels
30
Photo: North Jutland Historical Museum
A report from the Germans to the Danish police read
as follows (translated from Danish):
"It is hereby reported that in recent days riots and
disturbances have been arising due to young girls wearing
knitted hats in red-white-blue colors as headgear,
Spitfire Continued on page 31

Spitfire Continued...
called ‘Royal Airforce’. Members of the Armed Forces
have taken the hats from the girls on the street and
brought them to the police station. The soldiers will continue
to confiscate persons wearing the aforementioned
hats and hand them over to the police.”
Hats and displays of anything
containing the British
Air Force roundel were then
banned. Not to be defeated,
the youngsters then started
to wear hats that were variations
of the red, white, and
blue theme to circumvent
https://arkiv.dk/vis/5146434
the ban.
https://samlinger.natmus.dk/fhm/asset/16033
In retaliation the Germans then demanded that the
Danish police enforced a ban on the wearing or displaying
of anything in any combination of the red, white, and
blue colours of the British flag (not just the roundel).
“The armed forces will consider any case where the
colors blue-white-red together, as an anti-German act. I
will give the police the opportunity in the course of the
next 8 days to try to prevent the cases from repeating
themselves. Should it not succeed in the course of the
next 8 days, The armed forces will pursue every case to
the point of prosecution and punishment. After the deadline
has expired, I cannot assume responsibility for the
soldiers' attitude towards emerging situations in the
aforementioned cases."
An example from Holstebro Police in 1943 (translated
from Danish):
"A 15-year-old girl who was brought to the police station
last night by 4 German soldiers because she was
wearing a red-white-blue blouse. However, it is stated
about this blouse that it was sold in a clothing store,
where it has been lying for about 3 years.”
The State Attorney for Special Affairs wrote in a nationwide
circular that (translated from Danish):
"In connection with my circular letter of 06-07-1943 in
which I have, among other things, drawn attention to the
fact that the sale or display of caps in the colors of the
British Air Force is a violation of the prohibition against
demonstration in the Ministry of Justice's Order No. 254
of 09-06-1941, and requested to take action in this regard,
I must also draw attention to the fact that exhibitions,
advertisements with a one-sided use of the colors
in question may contain a demonstration. I must therefore
request gentlemen to also draw attention to, if such exhibitions
were to occur. Where this is found to be the case,
the owner of the company is requested to change the nature
of the exhibition, if the recommendation is not complied
with immediately, a reminder with the necessary
description of the exhibited (or advertising) is requested,
and the matter is requested to be submitted as soon as
possible to me. If there should be any doubt as to
whether a recommendation should be made please submit
a report in a similar manner sent here".
The hats were still worn. Whenever a soldier was in
view the wearer removed the hat and hid it in a pocket.
Three days before VE Day Denmark was liberated
from Germany on 05-05-1945. The popularity of the hat
spread throughout the whole of the country. On 13-06-
1945 those with criminal records and custodial sentences
for ‘insulting German armed forces’ were pardoned and
all fines connected with the wearing of red, white, and
blue were refunded.
To commemorate the ending of the occupation, and
an acknowledgement to the British and the Allies, Danes
continued to wear Spitfire hats each year on the anniversary
of ‘Liberation Day’ 05 May.
I was unable to ascertain whether this tradition has
continued amongst contemporary younger generations. If
any readers have any further information regarding this,
don’t hesitate to contact blockedmagazine@gmx.com
A pattern for a knitted version of the hat is available in
Danish here:
https://nordjyskemuseer.dk/den-provokerende-royalair-force-hue/
You will be able to translate the pattern into English by
clicking on the ‘translate’ button when prompted.
NB. The translated version of the pattern contains an
error (or mistranslation). After the ribbed section it states,
“Continue knitting in garter stitch until the blue piece
measures 6 cm”. This should be ‘stockinette stitch’.
The original hats were crocheted but I was unable to
find a pattern for that version. Following is my interpretation
of the hat.
31

CROCHET
‘SPITKLATTER’
BRITISH RAF SPITFIRE HAT
by Uknitted Kingdom
© UknittedKingdom
Materials:
4.5 mm crochet hook
5 g (10 m ) Drops Karisma DK in red (18).
20 g (40 m) Drops Karisma DK in off white (01).
190 g (360 m) Drops Karisma DK in Navy blue (17)
Sizing and Gauge:
Adult medium.
16 sts x 8 rows to 4” (10cm) using dc.
Abbreviations:
NB. All crochet terms follow USA conventions.
For British crocheters replace ‘dc’ (double crochet) with a ‘tc’ (triple crochet).
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
dc = double crochet
dc2tog = double crochet two stitches together (a decrease of 1 stitch)
st/sts = stitch/stitches
BLO/BL = only work stitches in the back loop
Magic Circle/Magic Ring
FPdc = front post double crochet. Work stitch around the front of the post.
BPdc = back post double crochet. Work stitch around the back of the post.
Directions:
With 4.5mm hook and red make a magic circle and ch2. (If preferred ch4 and join into a ring.)
R1. Dc 11 into the magic circle/ring (the ch2 doesn’t count as a st). Join in the round with a sl st.
R2. Ch2, 2dc into all 11 sts around. Join with a sl st. (22 sts)
R3. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next st) repeat around. Join. Break yarn and weave in any ends. (33 sts)
R4. Join white into any st using a ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 2 sts) repeat around. Join.
R5. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 3 sts) repeat around. Join.
R6. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 4 sts) repeat around. Join.
R7. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 5 sts) repeat around. Join. Break yarn and weave in any ends.
R8. Join blue into any st using a ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 6 sts) repeat around. Join.
R9. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 7 sts) repeat around. Join.
R10. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 8 sts) repeat around. Join.
32

Spitklatter Hat Continued
R11. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 9 sts) repeat around. Join.
R12. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 10 sts) repeat around. Join.
R13. Ch2, 1dc into the loop behind each of the sts around. Join.
R14. ch2, 1dc into every stitch around. Join.
R15. Ch2, (dc2tog through the loop behind the first stitch, 1dc into the loop behind each of the next 10 sts)
repeat around. Join.
R16. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 9 sts) repeat around. Join.
R17. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 8 sts) repeat around. Join.
R18. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 7 sts) repeat around. Join.
R19. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 6 sts) repeat around. Join.
R20. Ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 5 sts) repeat around. Join.
R21. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 4 sts) repeat around. Join.
R22. Ch2, dc into every stitch around. Join.
R23. Ch2, dc into every stitch around. Join. Break yarn and weave in any ends.
R24. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.
R25. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.
R26. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.
Repeat R26 for a longer rib section.
Once the ribbing is long enough, break yarn, and weave in the ends.
© UknittedKingdom
Beanie & Skull Cap Version:
R1. Dc 11 into the magic circle/ring (the ch2 doesn’t count as a st). Join in the round with a sl st.
R2. Ch2, 2dc into all 11 sts around. Join with a sl st. (22 sts)
R3. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next st) repeat around. Join. Break yarn and weave in any ends. (33 sts)
R4. Join white into any st using a ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 2 sts) repeat around. Join.
R5. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 3 sts) repeat. Join in the round.
R6. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 4 sts) repeat. Join in the round.
*R7 (Adult medium) ch2, 1dc into every st. Join in the round.
*R7. (Adult large) ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 5 sts) repeat. Join in the round.
R8. Ch2, 1dc into every st. Join in the round. Break yarn and weave in the ends.
R9. Join blue into any st using a ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.
R10. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.
R11. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.
R12. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.
R13. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.
R14. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.
R15. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.
R16. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.
For a skullcap style, stop here, and weave in your ends.
For a beanie that covers the ears, continue with R17 onwards.
Change to a 3.5mm hook.
R17. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.
R18. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.
R19 Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.
Repeat R19 for a longer rib section.
Once the hat is long enough, break yarn, and weave in the ends.
© UknittedKingdom
33

V STITCH PRAYER SHAWL
by Amy of Two Sisters and Some Yarn
Notes: I chose this yarn not only because of its beautiful
gradients, availability, and affordability but because it’s a
cotton blend and it is HOT in Louisiana 11 months out of
the year it seems like! This pattern is VERY forgiving, and
you can use just about any size weight, just adjust your
hook as needed, per your usual preferences. This is
more of a recipe than a pattern. Remember thinner yarn
with a bigger hook creates a more drapey and flowy
look, which is the intent of this shawl. You can easily
modify this pattern with different yarns, simply be sure to
have an even number starting chain. If your count isn’t
perfect, just fudge it. This pattern is forgiving!
The shawl is designed to be rectangular and quite long,
to wrap oneself up in it, almost blanket like. I used 4
cakes of the yarn so that I could achieve the gradient
flow. You are welcome to use less yarn, but if using this
yarn and hook sizes, you hold the yarn double.
MATERIALS:
Hook: 5.5 MM and 6.5 MM. (I use the bigger hook
to cast on since I crochet tightly, this is optional)
Yarn: Yarn Bee Rainbow Wrapsody or any fingering
weight yarn. 4 cakes (save some from each cake for
fringe/tassels if you want to add.)
V-stitch = (dc, ch 1, dc) all in one space/stitch.
PATTERN:
YARN HELD DOUBLE!
Row One: Chain 102 in larger hook (if using).
Row Two: Switch to smaller hook, and DC in 3rd chain
from hook. DC across. (99, plus starting chain)
Row Three: Turn and chain 3. Skip turning chain space
and next. In next stitch: (V-Stitch, skip next). Repeat ()
across. DC in last stitch. (48 V stitches)
Row Four: Ch 3. V Stitch in each chain SPACE of the V
stitch below. Repeat across. DC in last. (V-Stitches stack
in a row, they do not stagger.)
Repeat Row Four until you run out of yarn in the first two
cakes.
NOTE: When moving on to second cakes, to achieve the
gradient effect, you will likely have to pull from the cake
opposite of how you started.
Continue in row four in new cakes until you get close to
the end of the cakes, leaving enough to finish the last
row.
FINAL ROW: Ch 3, dc across in the DC’s from V stitch
below – NOT in the chain 1 spaces.
Optional Finishing: You can do one more final row in sc
or hdc if you’d like but I don’t feel it’s necessary. You may
also want to save some yarn for fringe or tassels.
34

LOOKING A
By Uknitted Kingdom
GIFT HORSE
IN THE MOUTH
After the Great Ravelry Purge of 2019, when innocent
people were smeared and labelled ‘racists’ and ‘white supremacists’,
many of us struggled to find a place in the
knitting world that hadn’t been occupied or infiltrated by
Trump Derangement Syndrome, identity politics, and ‘social
justice’.
This was especially true for those of us in the UK
where Brexit had cleaved a divide that is unlikely ever to
heal.
The fibre communities in the UK are riddled with
woke cancer. Knit nights and yarn stores have become
safe spaces for everyone EXCEPT Brexiteers, (c)onservatives,
(C)onservatives, and anyone that isn’t following
and supporting the Social(ist) Justice agenda.
Overnight access to hand-dyed yarn had, effectively,
been cut off. All trust was destroyed. I had already been
blocked by some after openly opposing the ‘Pussy Hat’
nonsense. Regularly appearing on a small conservative
Youtube channel had brought me to the attention of
those who hated the channel’s owner. I couldn’t risk ordering
from dyers not knowing if they would accept my
order or share my personal details on the blacklist circulating
amongst anti-conservatives.
The blacklist contained the names of businesses and
well-known individuals who supported Ravelry’s smear
statement, and more importantly, those who didn’t. In
the USA, especially, there were brave businesses standing
up and opposing the nonsense, or at least declaring
neutrality.
For a long time I stopped ordering hand-dyed yarn.
Choosing, instead, to purchase big brand yarns and knitting
from stash.
Eventually the yearning for hand-dyed yarn returned.
I had remembered a couple of those brave USA dyers
and began intermittently ordering from them.
For quite some time the packages arrived from the
USA without any problems. Then, without warning, I received
a notification through the post demanding a payment
of £12 (≈$15) Customs and Duties VAT charges
plus £8 (≈$10) handling fees for a package. The package
contained yarn I had purchased for £60 (≈$71) including
postage and packaging. I vaguely remember each skein
being worth approximately $25 and the P&P to the UK
was around $20. So in total, after paying the UK Government
her taxes, I paid £80 (≈$95) for 2 skeins of yarn!
Things to consider if you are sending goods into the
UK or receiving goods from overseas into the UK:
Purchasing products online from overseas (UK)
ALL mail-order products bought overseas are subject
to 20% VAT. This isn’t just 20% of the product’s sale value.
20% VAT is also added to the P&P charges. On top of this
a handling fee of at least £8 (rising incrementally based
upon weight and size of the parcel) is charged by the
courier that delivers the package once the fees have
been paid.
For example, a UK resident orders one skein of yarn
from overseas for $25 plus P&P of between $10 and $80
(dependent on courier charges). At minimum, the resident
will be charged an extra $7 VAT plus $10 handling
fees. For one skein the grand total would be $52.
At the higher end the resident could be charged an
extra $21 VAT plus $10 handling fees. For one skein the
grand total could be up to $136.
Gift Horse Continued on next page
35

Gift Horse Continued...
If the value of the goods plus postage is over £135
the recipient will also have to pay duty. For more details:
https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-andduty
Gifts sent by mail from overseas (UK)
Even sending gifts into the UK can end up costing
the recipient money.
Gifts are only exempt from VAT and handling fees if
the value of the gift plus postage is LESS THAN £39. Any
amount above £38.99 (≈$47) is taxed at 20% and will
incur the handling fee of £8 or more.
Where this gets complicated is when the exchange
rate fluctuates. $47 might be less than £39 on one day,
but more than £39 the next.
If you are planning to send a gift to the UK it might
be worth ensuring the gift, including postage and packaging,
is less than $40 (≈£33) in total. This will ensure the recipient
isn’t stung with VAT.
The value is determined by the amount the sender
writes in the ‘value of item’ box on the postage form plus the
amount the sender pays for postage.
Purchasing products online from overseas (USA)
Generally speaking, any online purchase valued below
$800 (excluding P&P), sent to a US recipient from overseas,
should be exempt from duty and tax.
•Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal
exemption if the merchandise is from an IP (Insular
An example of a United States Postal Service Declaration.
https://www.isdntek.com/postalcustoms.htm
Possession of the USA, such as, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, Wake Island, Midway Islands, and Johnston
Atoll).
•Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI
or Andean country. These include: Antigua and Barbuda,
Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands,
Costa Rica, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica,
Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis,
St. and many South American countries.
•Any additional amount, up to $1,000, in goods will be
dutiable at a flat rate (3%).
Before ordering goods valued above $800 from overseas
it might be worth double-checking the US Customs and
Border Protection guidance. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/customs-duty-info
An example of a Royal Mail Customs
Declaration.
https://personal.help.royalmail.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/106/~/help-with-customs-andsending-items-abroad
When your international friends look your ‘gift
horse in the mouth’ please be certain there isn’t a
hidden tax inside waiting to bite them.
36

COVFEFE
BREAK COZY
by Yelena of Scythia
Who doesn’t like to drink a hot cup of Covfefe?
And who doesn’t need a nice cozy for your mug
of Covfefe? This coffee cup cozy comes with
instructions for DK, worsted and bulky weight yarn.
MATERIALS:
• For DK, size 4.5 mm needles.
• For worsted, size 5 mm needles.
• For bulky, size 5.5 mm needles.
• ¾ “ or 1” button
• Tapestry needle for weaving ends
• Tapestry or sewing needle for sewing the button
• Extra yarn, thread or floss for sewing the button
DK Pattern
Cast on 14 stitches.
Knit each row until the cozy measures approximately
9”.
Knit 7 stitches. Bind off 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.
You will have 6 stitches on either side of the button
hole.
Knit 6 stitches. Cast on 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.
Knit 6 more rows.
Bind off.
Worsted Pattern
Cast on 12 stitches.
Knit each row until the cozy measures approximately
9”.
Knit 6 stitches. Bind off 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.
You will have 5 stitches on either side of the button
hole.
Knit 5 stitches. Cast on 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.
Knit 5 more rows.
Bind off.
Bulky Pattern
Cast on 10 stitches.
Knit each row until the cozy measures approx. 9”.
Knit 5 stitches. Bind off 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.
You will have 4 stitches on either side of the button
hole.
Knit 4 stitches. Cast on 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.
Knit 4 more rows.
Bind off.
FINISHING
Weave in ends with a tapestry needle. Block the cozy.
(Or don’t if you don’t like blocking!). Sew button to the
right side of the cozy on the opposite end from the
buttonhole. Make sure you line up the button to the
buttonhole. Enjoy a nice cup of Covfefe!
© Jena G
© Jena G
37

SCARF WITH A CHARMING
BRITISH ACCENT
DETAILS & MATERIALS
Hook:
4.5mm
Abbreviations (US Terminology)
ChChain
SCSingle Crochet
By Unknitted Kingdom
Yarn:
This is a DK weight, crochet scarf, in Drops Puna
alpaca. Any DK weight yarn can be used instead.
Although crocheted on one side only, this is a
reversible scarf with the 'wrong' side being only slightly
different to the 'right' side.
The pattern is crocheted in stripes of 3 main colors
with 2 stripes of an accent color. This is the perfect scarf to
introduce a small 'pop' of color that isn't overwhelming, or
too garish, for even the most conservative tastes.
For the more adventurous, go wild with your color
choices! There are no ends to weave in. Instead they are
trimmed and left to create a fringe.
Charming Scarf Continued on next page
38

Charming Scarf Continued...
With a 4.5mm crochet hook and CC2 (DK weight
yarn) chain for 6 or 7 feet.
Leaving a tail of 4" (10cm). Cut the yarn.
Always working on the right side (RS) rejoin the
yarn and continue from right to left. Leave a 4"
(10cm) tail at each end of every row.
R1. Rejoin CC2, Single crochet (sc) into every
chain. Leaving a 4" (10cm) tail, cut the yarn. From
this point, except for the edge stitches, always sc
into the chain spaces created on the previous row.
R2. Rejoin CC2, Sc2, (ch1, sc1, ch1, sc1, ch1, sc1)
repeat to the last stitch, sc1
R3. Join CC1, sc1, ch1, (sc1, ch1, sc1, ch1, sc1,
ch1) repeat to the last stitch, sc1
Repeat R2 and R3 changing colors as shown on
the chart (read from the bottom up) for a total of
67 rows including the first 3 rows already worked.
Trim the ends, and leave loose, to give the scarf a
tassled edge at both ends.
39

THE LYDIA
SHAWL
Pattern Notes:
by Denise Crawford Designs
This pattern can be made with any size yarn and hook. For a
shawl with more drape, use a hook two to three times bigger
than what is recommended for the yarn you are using. The size
yarn and hook used will also depend on how tight or loose you
crochet. I’m not trying to be vague, but it really does depend a
couple of different factors. As an example, when I used Knit
Picks Chroma Fingering yarn, I used a size I hook.
For a smaller shawlette size, one skein of yarn may be sufficient.
If you want a larger shawl, you may want to use 2 to 3
skeins of yarn, depending on the yardage of the yarn you
choose. Again, as an example, when I used Knit Picks Chroma
Fingering yarn, I used almost two whole skeins.
• Pattern is written using US crochet terms.
• Increases are made on each end and in the chain three space
in the middle of the shawl.
• Turn after each row.
Abbreviations:
sc Single crochet
dc Double Crochet
tr Triple Crochet
ch Chain
Pattern:
Chain 5 and join with a slip stitch in the first chain to form a ring.
Row 1: Chain 4 (counts as first tr)
4 tr, ch 3, 5 tr, in the ring
(Total: 5 tr, 3 ch, 5 tr in ring)
Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as first tr), turn
2 tr in the first stitch (Total: 3 tr in the first stitch – increase made) 1 tr in the next 4 stitches
In ch 3 space, work 2 tr, ch 3, 2 tr. (Increase made)
1 tr in the next 4 stitches
3 tr in the top of the ch 4 from the previous round (increase made)
Lydia Shawl Continued on next page
40

Lydia Shawl Continued...
Pattern:
Row 3: Chain 5 (counts as first tr plus 1 ch), turn
Work 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr, ch 1- all in the same stitch as the ch 5
(Total: 3 tr and 3 ch all in the same stitch – increase made.)
*Skip the next stitch, then work 1 tr, ch 1 in the next stitch*.
Repeat between * * until you get to the ch 3 space. You should have 1 tr, Ch1, in the last stitch before the ch 3 space.
In the ch 3 space, work 1 tr, ch1, 1 tr, then ch 3, 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr, ch1
(Total: 4 tr, 6 ch in ch 3 space – increase made)
In the first stitch after the ch 3 space, *work 1 tr, ch 1*. Skip the next stitch, then work 1 tr, ch1 in the next stitch.* Repeat
between * * until you get to the last stitch (ch 4 of the previous row).
In the top of the ch 4, work 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr
(Total: 3 tr and 2 ch all in the same stitch – increase made)
Row 4: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), turn
2 dc in the same stitch. (Total: 3 dc in the first stitch - increase made)
1 dc in each stitch and ch 1 space until you get to the ch 3 space
You should end with a dc in the last stitch before the ch 3 space
In the ch 3 space work 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc (increase made)
1 dc in the first stitch after the ch 3 space and in each stitch and ch 1 space until you get to the last stitch (ch 4 of the
previous row)
In the top of the ch 4, work 3 dc (increase made)
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the shawl is the desired size. You will be alternating a double crochet row with a treble crochet
row.
Pattern Note: On the subsequent repeats of Row 3, the final cluster of that row will be worked in the top of the chain 3
of the previous double crochet row.
For those that prefer a chart to written instructions, I have now included this wonderful
chart by the lovely and talented Donatella De Finis. Thank you so much for taking the
time to do this, Donatella, and for graciously letting me add your chart to the pattern.
Lydia Shawl Continued on next page
41

Lydia Shawl Continued...
Suggested Borders:
Option 1 - Double Crochet Border: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), turn. 2 dc in the same stitch
(increase made).
Work 1 dc in each stitch until you come to the chain 3 space.
Work 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in the chain 3 space (increase made).
After ch 3 space, work 1 dc in each stitch until you come to the last stitch, ch 3 of previous row.
In the top of the ch 3, work 3 dc (increase made).
Continue to work dc’s evenly across the top of the shawl to give a finished edge all the way
around the shawl. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the beginning ch 3, fasten off and weave
in the ends.
Option 2 - Shell Cluster Border:
Chain 3 (counts as first dc), turn. 2 dc in the same stitch (increase made).
*Skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, 5 dc in the next stitch*. Repeat between * *
until you get to the ch 3 space.
In the ch 3 space – 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc (increase made)
*Skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, 5 dc in the next stitch*. Repeat between * *
until you get to the last stitch, ch 3 of the previous row.
In the top of the ch 3, work 3 dc (increase made)
Work dc’s evenly across the top of the shawl to give a finished edge all the way around the
shawl. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the beginning ch 3, fasten off and weave in the ends.
Option 3 - Single Crochet Almost Picot Border:
Chain 1 (counts as first sc), turn. 2 sc in the same stitch (increase made). *sc in the next 2
stitches, chain 3 sc in the same stitch.* Repeat between ** until you get to the ch 3 space.
In the ch 3 space – 2 sc, ch 3, 2 sc (increase made)
*sc in the next 2 stitches, chain 3 sc in the same stitch.* Repeat between ** until you get to the
last stitch.
3 sc in the last stitch (increase made).
Work sc’s evenly across the top of the shawl to give a finished edge all the way around the
shawl. Join with a slip stitch in the beginning ch 1, fasten off and weave in the ends.
Enjoy your beautiful new shawl!
42

Stay tuned for Issue 7!
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