Inspiration
Change
On Saturday, we changed our name. From now on, we are Modern Daily Knitting.
We want to thank everyone who let us know how they felt about our name. We are deeply sorry for the pain we caused by having a name that did not communicate a warm welcome to all knitters, including Black knitters and knitters of color. We apologize for taking so long to realize that our name could not and should not stand.
Changes to the site and printed matter will be made as soon as we can make them.
Response to our new name has been overwhelmingly positive—a huge number of emails, texts, DMs, and comments. We’re grateful to you all for letting us know that you think this was a change for the better.
The NFC Momentum Fund by Karida Collins
Here’s a cool thing.
Karida Collins of Neighborhood Fiber Co. has been providing MDK with her beautiful hand-dyed yarn for years. Now, we hope you’ll have a look at a new initiative that is actually an extension of her long work with fundraising for a range of causes.
It’s the NFC Momentum Fund, a donor-advised charitable fund that will be held at the Baltimore Community Foundation.
Karida will disburse the funds to a variety of organizations working for change. Read more about the FC Momentum Fund right here. More than 700 contributions already.
Going Forward
Knitting is a beautiful part of life, not separate from life. We fervently hope that this is a moment of real change in the world, and we commit to working for that change.
thank you
Bravo!
Well done!!! Thank you!!
My respect and admiration deepens with this loving and sensitive response to continuing brutal acts of racism.
Thumbs up !!!
Well Done, I’ve followed you for a number of years , I’m in the UK, and the name has never sat well with me and did not seem to appropriately represent you.
It is a big decision to make, but know that you’ve made the right one, and it shows courage and compassion for all the people who were affected by the former name, and hopefully will awaken those who never thought twice about it…
Impressive, specific action. May we all find comparable changes to make.
even small action is action.
The change of your company name has given me pause in the midst off this turmoil to think of what personal INTENTIONAL CHANGE I can make to improve and to better understand. Thank you.
This is so beautifully stated.
This is a very graceful and exemplary response. I’m grateful for the authenticity and bravery it takes to risk losing brand name recognition in loyalty to a higher morality. This is the true to the spirit of going beyond diversity to open-armed inclusion. All my respect and admiration for this change.
The name did give me pause and I appreciate the change.
Thank you!!!
What’s in a name? A whole lot apparently! Now that it is done, how much better it feels! A change is gonna come.
Good change!
Congratulations on this decision. For a long time I wouldn’t look at your site because of its name. Regardless of the history of “the line” the connotation for me was always the demarcation related to slavery. In this era I couldn’t figure out why you would have chosen it.
The name came from the book, which I really liked because it was one Northerner and one Southerner who are friends. I’m kind of sad to see it go, but if it was really offending African Americans, I understand. I don’t want to pretend that the line never existed, though.
I was also aware of the meaning behind the name but having looked at the site I took it as an indicator of location and a reminder to never forget. It has been interesting reading many of the comments and the variety of views. Some have focused on the American Civil War being about the abolition of slavery. This became an aim but it wasn’t the original aim. I’m from UK and learned about slavery in the USA and Caribbean when i was at school and university in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. The questions we were asked as students was ‘why did the civil war begin when it did?’. ‘Was it about the abolition of slavery?’ This had existed for about 250 years so why the overwhelming support at the that time. Doubtless the desire to abolish the trade in humans was always there but for the majority their own economic well-being came first. So what had changed? In the 18th century Europe underwent many political and economic upheavals and thousands left for a different life in the USA. They provided a constant stream of cheap labour and many states could now abandon the ownership of humans. There was also westward expansion of the United States which involved the new immigrants who had no desire to own other people. There was much unrest which led to legal and political changes and the formation of a new political party. Then in 1860 came the election of a President who was openly against the trade in humans. The southern states seceded and a war began not to abolish slavery but to keep the Union together. Along the way this changed to include the abolition of slavery. The war was won by the Union forces and the original aim was achieved. Certainly, the owning of one human by another was abolished but there was very little follow-up support. The Union was intact and the North could walk away felling it was a job well done. National government could return to the westward expansion of the country. The immorality of the owning of humans should have extended to an outrage against the ensuinig destruction of peoples and cultures caused by that westward expansion. Sadly, not so. Slavery was no longer needed but for the nation to continue to grow economically the the indigenous peoples had to be driven off land, killed if necessary. Murdered at will. They still suffer. As do black people because they too were freed from being owned but left wthout homes, schools and work. Native Americans were moved to reservations and those with the economic power walked away. Slaves were freed and those with economic power walked away. And 100 years later the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power were a vital necessity. So little had changed. I was a teenager then and had great hope that society would change. Somehow it all faded. And this is the worry with this present eruption of support for people who are discrimianted against because of the colour of their skin: that the statues will go and institution names will change, laws will effect change re police departments and in the courts and once again those in power will congratulate themselves on a job well done. And the mass support will dwindle and once again a supressed group will be left to struggle. Don’t congratulate yourselves because you didn’t support Modern Daily Knitting because of its name. Do a lot more; read the history and literature and be vocal for change for years to come. Be prepared to have less so that others can have what they need.
Well said. Gives us US citizens a lot to think about and become more educated.
I had the same thoughts/experience.
Thank you for making this change. I understood the prior name but never liked it. Anyone who has followed both of you understands you are both wonderful women who absolutely are all about equality and unity for all people. Love to all
Great news! Many thanks for your sensitivity.
Positive change. I told a white friend of mine about your recent conscious and appropriate statements and they joked why would I want to knit confederate flags. I grimaced at their insensitive joke and told them that all I would ever want to do is burn them. All my life I’ve seen symbols of enslavement and abuse on proud display and it always gave me pause and added to the pain of my inability to do anything about it. Thank You.
I like the new name. It has a sort of kitschy-chic feel to it!
Good plan! Even though I’m in the UK and have no more than a basic understanding of american history, when I first found your site I wondered what your attitude and philosophy was. Thank you for changing.
I appreciate your sensitivity to change the name of your company. Thank you for writing your daily relevant posts. Great inspiration!
I admire your openness and honesty. I did not go to your site at first based on the name but I saw you both interviewed somewhere and decided to try you out. You were more than your name. But I also applaud the name change – it lends energy to the force of peaceful meaningful change.
Now, who says old dogs cannot learn new tricks – well done ladies. Many congratulations and wishes for a long career.
When I first learned about you many, many years ago i wondered what your attitude would be, but I quickly realized that it was more about your locations and never saw one iota of bias in your comments and articles. I do understand why it might offend many people and will continue to follow you online and purchase your products. That said, if we completely erase all remnants of history, such as removing statues, etc., how will the public remember the atrocities? Are we next going to demand that the holocaust museum be closed so that people can deny that ever happened? I think some things need to be “in our faces” so that the bad history doesn’t repeat itself.
I know this is a long thread, but I just wanted to chime in and say that they’ve taken Spirit of the Confederacy down in Houston, TX and will install it in the Houston Museum of African American Culture as an educational opportunity for people to understand why such a statue can be painful. We need to know how we have hurt others.
Hi Marcy,
A trip to Berlin a few years ago showed me how a community can acknowledge and contextualize its legacy of atrocity in a powerful way while demolishing just about every statue and building that had been part of the Nazi regime. I hope only that we in the US are on the way to a similar reckoning. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, is a stunning example. It is dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people terrorized by lynching. https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/
As for Confederate statues, I see them now in a very different way from the way I did, growing up in the South. They were in many cases erected during the early 20th century, during the days of Jim Crow, as a visible show of power and white supremacy. Very bad! Be gone!
Thanks for your comments Ann. If I ever get to Alabama I will certainly visit the memorial. I grew up in a very liberal environment but as a person of Jewish ancestry with a very integrated family, including Black, Latino, Chinese, Korean and Middle Eastern, I am well aware of the prejudice in the world. I also spent many years of my professional life in a multi cultural environment at a reputable college and had many opportunities for learning and growth. Now I just want to enjoy my knitting!
MDK, here is a good opportunity to further your action. Please address this person’s comment. Thank you.
Tori, no, I meant Marcy’s. I replied to her comment specifically, but for some reason my reply ended up in a weird spot in the thread. Apologies for not making that more clear.
Hi, Liz- do you mean my comment?
Marcy, I agree … if we can’t communicate with one another with respect then how can we ever expect to move forward. Instead of attacking people for their honest opinions, how about we all just try and be a little more kind. If we’re going to have meaningful conversations, everyone has to feel that they can contribute.
Thanks, Katy, and actually Tori was correct in her opening comment that we shouldn’t glorify but honor and educate. She should have stopped there and then I could have reflected that I wasn’t clear enough in my opinion And I agree with her opening statement. But then she should have just stopped. Inquire rather than judge, listen rather than speak. And maybe what I should have just said in the beginning is that I highly enjoy the MDK blog, will keep visiting, and I don’t care what they call themselves as long as the content is as supportive and generous to the greater audience as it is. I can look beyond the moniker and judge the content for myself. Others can do whatever they want.
I believe Tori (previous post) is correct and that statutes, memorials, school names, etc. to the civil war imply honor. There is no honor when we fight against our fellow citizens in order to limit the rights of others. Yes, I know the civil war was about “other things” but it is perceived to be solely about slavery and slavery was shameful. The same can be said about the treatment of Indigenous People in America. There is only shame regarding how they were treated.
Once we know better, we must do better.
I agree with Nan that the statues, memorials, and street names confer honor where there should be shame. The idea that the Civil War was not primarily about slavery is false, and its insidious promotion in our education system furthers the cause of white supremacy by allowing all of those involved to falsely justify their actions. There’s an excellent article on this by Ta-Nehisi Coates at The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/06/what-this-cruel-war-was-over/396482/
The entire article, which directly quotes Southern politicians and leaders, is worth a read. A sample quote:
‘In January of 1861, three months before the Civil War commenced, Florida secessionists articulated the position directly:
“At the South, and with our People of course, slavery is the element of all value, and a destruction of that destroys all that is property. This party, now soon to take possession of the powers of the Government, is sectional, irresponsible to us, and driven on by an infuriated fanatical madness that defies all opposition, must inevitably destroy every vestige or right growing out of property in slaves.
Gentlemen, the State of Florida is now a member of the Union under the power of the Government, so to go into the hands of this party.
As we stand our doom is decreed.“‘
The mention of the Holocaust museum also makes me think that the statues could possibly serve a better purpose in a museum to educate the public on the horrors of our country’s past.
It’s a false equivalency that you’re making here. The Holocaust Museum contextualizes historical artifacts in an educational setting. A statue of Robert E. Lee does no such thing; instead, the lack of context implies honor. I suspect, though, that you weren’t mistaken as much as attempting to sow your biases here and see who might agree with you.
No, I really don’t care who agrees or disagrees. I only wanted to express myself, as you have. But instead of ending With an insult you could have tried to cultivate kindness and understanding by questioning instead of assuming. Do you know what ethnicity I am? Do you know what background I come from? Do you know anything at all about my life experience? No you do not. So keep your comments related to you and stop judging others unless you really know them.
Thank you!
Wow. Just like that… one small change that is actually very big. Thank you for continuing to enlighten us to the needs of the world.
I’m SO glad you did that.
I agree. I am a white person who was put off by the name when a friend sent me the link to you. After subscribing I realized you were wonderful people and let my uneasiness with the name fade. I am glad you decided to change it now. And I love your site and your content!
Same with me! Inspiring change!
I completely agree. That is my story too.
This is a change for the better. We can each try to continue this momentum along with you. Striving to make things open and accepting.
There should be an organization listed for support of policeman included. We had the death of a policeman by ambush just last week in our state. This has happened in other parts of our country last week.
This is like responding to Black Lives Matter with All Lives Matter or Blue Lives Matter. Of course everyone’s life matters – however there is a group of people who have suffered and continue to suffer far more than most. That is what we’re concentrating on right now. A useful analogy someone else pointed out, is if a house is on fire you don’t respond by talking about other houses in the town that could do with a paint job. No, you help to sort out the house that is currently on fire because that is more urgent and important.
No, there really shouldn’t. Shows that you haven’t understood a thing.
The new version is much more who you are – applause, applause.
I applaud your decision to change your name! To tell the truth I was never bothered by it and thought it was kind of cute. Thank you for raising my consciousness!
Change isn’t always easy, but often necessary. Great move Kay and Ann!
I’m an old white northern woman – marched in the 60s – never comfortable with the old name, could see your spirit thru your words, but puzzled by the name. Good for y’all for making such a loud bold step for positive change. It is wonderful.
Just a tiny bit younger and likely a bit more northern, but that’s exactly my feelings as well. I avoided MDK for a couple of years after it was started, because of the name. Came ’round when I read that it reflected geographical distance, rather than a political stance. Then stayed for the great knitting, loveliness of Ann and Kay, and their interesting non-knitting content. So much more comfortable with Modern Daily Knitting, though! Thank you, Ann and Kay.
Thank you!! The name always bothered me. Dana, you are so brave, strong, and beautiful to draw attention to it and to cause a wonderful change! Love to all.
Love the new name and the thoughtfulness behind it.
I visited your site for a month before subscribing. Because of the name. Thank you for changing.
Amazing decision! Good for you!
I was initially put off by your original name but I love your site and your Field guides and the yarn. But when you changed your name I became a super fan. I’m the grandmother of 26year old twin grandsons and a 6 week old grandson and I want a better world for them and all of our children and your step towards a better world gives me hope.
A name that fits! Thank you!
So – what to learn here? For me it is that a lot of us made insensitive choices without meaning to be insensitive and absolutely without meaning to offend. The issue becomes: once we realize that we DID offend/ hurt/insult, we MUST STOP denying the hurt we caused and take action to change. You Ladies at MDK have modeled that beautifully for all of us.
A hearty “Same here!” from me. I contextualized the original name of the site the first time I read the header info (this was years ago), and I just never stopped to consider that other readers might react very differently–that the name would be painful to some. Well done, and thank you for setting this good example. “When you know better, do better.”
My thoughts too! I didn’t know I was hurting you. Now that I know better, I will do better.
Agree! Well said Lisa
Kudos to you for taking action!
Good on you!!
I never thought to express it, but for years I shied away from Modern Daily Knitting because of the name. A knitting friend often referred to MDK so I thought I should check it out and loved it. I agree that the name change is a good thing. It better represents the lovely thoughts you share.
Now the name reflects your intention to have an inclusive and safe community for all participants. Thank you!
I love the new name, I love the site, I love being part of it! Bravo!!!
Fashion has Women’s Wear Daily. We now have Modern Daily Knitting. Looking forward to many more mornings with you guys.
Thank you!
I was disturbed from the first at your Modern Daily name, but continued for the knitting info. I applaud the new name and I feel much more comfortable with it.
Thank you for making the name change. I became a member after a friend shared your post about center ball plying verses outer ball plying. It was such a good article that I wanted to learn more about knitting but I was uncomfortable with the name of the group. This is definitely a positive change.
Well done!
Thank you
This is such “the right thing to do” — As someone born in the South, I appreciate it when we realize that what had been our norm can be/is hurtful to other people and needs to change. Well done.
Wonderful news! Love the new name!
Thanks for your sensitivity.
Thank you !
Thank you! Think of how many potential people you’ve missed with Modern Daily Knits. Now you will potentially have an even wider audience to spread love, positivity and knitting that doesn’t make people feel uncomfortable or like they were unsure using the site.
It’s wonderful to listen and then do something with what you’ve heard.
I admire your willingness to quickly take action. I need to work to identify the things I do and say that have caused pain to others and, likewise, make changes. Thank you.
Thank you.
Congratulations on the name change!
Thank you for changing the name. It always bothered and made me wonder why you, such an upbeat and forward thinking company, would select an image with such a negative connotation for so many. Hats off to you! L. Bowman
As a Southerner whose family has been here for hundreds of years, and who knew the pre- and post-slavery history of the Line, I appreciated the witty tongue in cheek use of the term for your blog.
That said, I also appreciate that many folks see the long years of oppression and evil that the name has come to represent. So thank you for changing your own blog and company names to acknowledge and put that behind you.
And, of course, you are still Kay and Anne!
I am so proud of you. For years, I would not look at your products or site because of the name. I know that was probably unfair, but sometimes image does matter. Keep up the good work.
Excellent!
Awesome! I was never a huge fan of the name but came anyway because I respected many of your regular writers. May this give inspiration to others to make changes and give hope to those who have been asking for changes.
Thank you for listening, and for acting.
Thank you
Thank you
Well done, love the new name~
Good for you and good for us!
I, too, did not look at your site when I first saw it, because the name carried negative connotations to me. However, when my curiosity was tweaked by a topic title in my feed, I clicked on it, then read your “story”, accepted why you chose the name…and your blog has become a favorite. I am not at all surprised you have made the change and applaud you for it.
I totally applaud your name change. Your former name was a bit off putting, but your reputation and great products helped me get past that. Now all is in sync!
Doing your part to make the world a better place. Good for you!
Great
Great response, showing awareness and compassion! I wish everyone would be so open to change.
We can all make a difference. Thank you for this.
Kudos to you for realizing that change was needed after hearing from customers, knowing that now was the right time to do this, and for doing it. From your mouth to the ears of the gods in terms of little changes making a difference and those little changes lead to bigger changes. I am impressed and proud!
Literally, and I mean this, the least you could do. Thousands of POC die during the pandemic, and nothing. And for years you’ve made money, and all these people falling over you in the comments have given you money, while you built a brand on Southern kitsch You capitalized on a history of racism for cutesiness. And now, NOW, not in 2016, not in 2018, not during the pandemic, but after a week of rioting and looting…you decide to make a change. Really? Y’all are just unfreakin’believable. Changing your name doesn’t do a damn thing to erase the fact you made MILLIONS of dollars with your racist name and everyone telling you how omg awesome you are for doing this? THey’re complicit in your quiet racism.
Wow! This is not the sort of dialogue that will lead to change. This is why many people will not engage in honest dialogue. No one wants this sort of anger thrown their way.
Enough with the tone-policing – it’s not cool, so.just.stop.it.
The name change seems, to me, as a good first step. The problem I have is it’s not clear if recent events were the catalyst or if this was a change that has taken time to arrive – this post is very vague. Some further context from Ann and Kay on this would provide clarity.
Thank you for expressing your thoughts; I will admit that I read your words and had to sit with my own discomfort and pain. I went away from this comment several times, afraid to write any reply for fear of being attacked. That fear is still there, but I do want to let you know you are being heard. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I will say for myself that I am a flawed product of where I was raised, the times and the people who raised me, and educating myself to try to be a better person is an ongoing process. I believe the MDK ladies are in a similar spot, and are trying to do better as they learn.
I can only imagine your pain, anger and resentment. However I believe these ladies should be respected for standing up, recognizing their error and making a correction.
I think it’s totally fair for people to express their opinions and concerns and not be silenced by well-meaning people. Everyone has the right to express their disappointment without being corrected or silenced.
Thank you for doing this!
Thank you! I know you didn’t make this decision lightly. Your former name always gave me a bad feeling so this is a welcome change.
That’s great!
You made the right decision!
Changing the name will take a lot of time and money. Thank you for doing it.
I’m not sure how to edit my comment, so I will tell you here: In honor of your willingness to change and to help support it financially, I promise to buy something from your shop later today.
I know change takes time and I applaud this move. When I open links on to articles on your site, the tab on my computer still reads “Modern Daily Knitting”.
MDK truly inspires me to be better.
I’m so glad to see you change the name! The Modern Daily name kept me from looking at your blog and website for years. It’s the start this country needs! Thank you for listening and your thoughtful posts and suggestions for reading these last weeks.
Excellent!
I’m impressed with your humility and courage. Grace and peace to you. Cheryl Fraracci
Fist bump (while distancing) gals!
Way to go! Way to be!
Thank you! I’m so glad to see this change. Initially I was put off by your name, and I am a white woman from the northern midwest. My sister insisted that the content on your site was good, so I took a look, and I have become an avid reader, but I really appreciate this change. Thank you!
Thank you…..
Bravo. Some words and images need to remain in the past so that we can find our way forward to a more inclusive and brighter future. It is a huge enterprise to change a brand, but you are taking a great step forward and an inspiration to us all to examine our own lives for what may not be positive for others.
Just chiming in to add to the chorus of approval for your name change. I love it! Gaye Glasspie always says “my toe, my pain.” If someone tells you that you are stepping on their toe and it hurts, you don’t say “but I didn’t mean to hurt you” while you continue to stand on their foot! You step off their toe! Well done, ladies.
THANK YOU for the name change! I am a very white woman from Chicago but applaud the name change and your (our) recognition of the connotations for people.
Thank you SO much for changing your name. Your responsiveness demonstrates your commitment to equity and ongoing efforts for justice. Thank you.
Excellent! I’ll have to admit that as a white woman raised in the northeast, your former name gave me pause. Onward in Love and Acceptance!
thank you for name change; Modern Daily Line supposedly ended with the end of the Civil War; but not the behavior of people who continued to suppress and kill African Americans.
Thank you for the name change!
I must be one of the only customers you have who was totally clueless about the awful historical significance your previous company name had, because I always thought it just referred to the fact that one of you was from the ‘south’ and one of you was from the ‘north’. I am so ashamed of my ignorance, and glad to have had my eyes opened.
Taking immediate action when so many told you how much the name offended them was a clear example of how to really hear what is being said and not just pay lip service to it.
I thought you would find it amusing to hear that one of my sons-in-law who is in the tech industry stumbled upon your website about a year ago and recommended it to me! He had no clue that I had already discovered you on my own, but his enthusiasm was very sweet.
Thank you for continuing to be a wonderful source of ALL kinds of inspiration.
This is how we move forward, you listened and responded. That’s progress. Thank you!
Beautiful – you all have my utmost respect.
It’s hard work to change the name of a business. You ARE doing the right thing. Thank you!
Love your decision and name change!! Congratulations on being a model for positive change!
Dear Kay and Ann,
Now that we have evolved to understand that silence equals violence, I applaud your name change and respect you greatly.
What will you do now with your white privilege and your position of influence?
I echo others – Bravo- it takes courage to be open to ways we may be subconsciously communicating in ways that are not in concert with our values and have biases which are offensive to others.
I really enjoy following your posts!!
Great name change
Love it! And the compassion behind the change. I know it’s the same logo, but somehow it’s fresher looking with the new name!
While I knew the WHY behind your original name, it was another of those slights that people like me (white privileged) didn’t even register. I knew from reading your daily messages and Snippets that MDK is one of the most welcoming, open, fun, and supportive communities around. This was the right thing to do.
Thank you for recognizing that the former name has always been problematic.
Change is good.
Honestly, the original name didn’t bother me, as I took it only as a nod to your locations.
Glad you took everyone’s comments to heart and came up with a different way to express who you are. Who we are.
And for new fans of MDK, they should know you’re much more than a name change. You helped highlight BIPOC in the fiber world way before any of our current unrest began.
I cannot thank you enough for introducing me to some incredibly talented makers, I would not have know about otherwise.
Ann and Kay, you have been and always will be a shining beacon in our diverse fiber-loving community.
Thank you!
Thank you for not only giving voice to change but taking action that reflects who the two of you are.
Pam Stocco
Good on you!
This made me tear up…in a good way. Thank you!
Greetings from Canada’s west coast. I am so happy you changed your company name, bravo! It gives me great courage in my move forward in voicing active anti racism. I’m thrilled!
The name bugged me, being from the South, but you do such amazing work through your business. I believe in you. Thanks for making the change. Every morning I look for your Modern Daily Knitting tips, and will continue to do so. Good on ya.
Thank you for making this change!
You two are so wise. Thank you!
So happy to see this change occurring! Thank you!
Thank you for taking this step!
I know how much work goes into a business name change, so I appreciate that you were willing to make this change to help make MDK more accommodating and inviting to others!
Stay safe!
Thank you for clearly illustrating the concept of virtue-signaling
Thank you for clearly illustrating the concept of missing the point.
Thank you! This has taught me to speak up when even something small makes me feel uncomfortable. So many of us should have said something sooner. I appreciate the lesson. Bravo!
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou. Thank you for choosing to do better.
Wonderful quote. I admit that in my unconscious bias and ignorance about my own race and it’s transgressions, I never had a problem with the name. Thank you for modeling a gracious response when presented with criticisms. You’re showing the opposite of White fragility.
Thank you.
Never too late for us to learn.
I am very ashamed to say that I didn’t even think about the name until I read Dana’s deeply moving post. Thank you for a) giving us the gift of her presence, and b) responding so quickly.
i’ve let my coffee get cold, trying come
up with what to say. in trying to not write a book about how i feel, i’ll simple say, with tears, thank you.
Very good! You are showing a lot of responsibiliy. Thank you
Thank you for putting your caring into action. I so appreciate your move to change the name to Modern Daily Knitting. I was very happy to learn about NFC’s donation activity and I have donated.
Big changes start from those who listen and make small changes. THANK YOU!!
The world is a bit messy. I never felt you were not communicating a warm welcome to Black knitters and knitters of color but if you wish to emphasize everybody is welcomed to your blog it is ok with me.
Great decision! Coming from the South I avoided your site for awhile–then I realized the name didn’t have the usual connotations.
Well done!! Congratulations on your new name! When I read Dana’s post, I wondered how you would respond to her comments about your old name.
I’m very impressed and thrilled that you changed the name. Great decision for a wonderful company!!
Good change; about time!
I too found the name off-putting and didn’t want to go to visit the site due to the name. However when I did finally go to check out this site due to a post from Dana I realized how wonderful it truly is. So glad that you changed the name to be inclusive. I think that this exemplifies the kinds of shifts we all need to make by listening to those around us and changing our behavior and actions that are offensive or racist. Thank you!
Thank you for being proactive in sending messages of hope and commitment during these troubling times in our country. Change can be good and your name change is definitely one of them.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I am currently knitting/designing an afghan I call Black Lives Matter.
Your rapid response and change made me think even deeper about what we can each do as individuals. Thank you
Yes, very good. Thank you!
So very right. I never expected less.
Thank you.
Thank you for helping to educate us too! I’m not an American and until your name change, I didn’t understand the significance of the Modern Daily Line
Thumbs up – both for the change, and for being open to hear a criticism without being defensive and digging in.
A positive and sensitive move – thank you.
I applaud your decision to change the name of your company. The former name invoked a great deal of negative feeling – clearly not the response you would choose! Connotation is critical when it comes to marketing.
Thank you for making this change. As an AA women, it touches me that you would acknowledge the trigger words that your previous name invoked. This rename has shown that MDK is willing to stand in the gap !! God Bless
Thank you.
You both have shown response/responsibility for micro/macroaggressions we all are guilty of and YOU did something immediate and major. I am so proud to know you both!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You may also want to look at suggested readings.
WHITE FRAGILITY,,,,,
SO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT RACISM
Both books are written with ways to recognize aggressions and change our behavior. Also, the need to be confident enough to face our family, friends and others in the public who make racist remarks in our presence and how to respond.
Hand Crafts are ancient and the history of creating these functional or decorative items are part of our souls and bring us together.
Thank you
Suzanne
P.S. I receive my book and I am excited to open the pages!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank-you.
You two have been my knitting heroes for a long time and now my respect has grown exponentially. I admire your courage to walk the walk. You inspire me to be a better person in the world. Thank you.
Being from BALTIMORE , I AM SO GLAD FOR KARIDA’S ORG. I AM A PROUD MEMBER OF THE BALTIMORE WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE, ALSO HELD AT BCF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bless you. Thank you for listening and responding, and for being there for all of us.
Excellent move in the awakening of all of us!!
The power of two needles and some yarn and the women who can bring a close knit a community even closer.
You seem nice.
I disagree with you. Why are you so mad?
This is maybe not the right place, but I couldn’t scroll past without saying something. Look into red-lining, look into black community death rates, look into the rates that black people are killed by police, read some more first person accounts, learn about the historical, systematic, and individual racism that these people have to live with for more than just 2 weeks that “cannot last”. So many people’s stories and experiences should be listened to. As I’m sure you don’t consider yourself a racist, ask yourself why you don’t believe them?
ThNk you for changing and for encoall of us to find ways we can change for the better. I’ll do my best to follow your example.
Oh dear. That looks like a tweet from someone not to be emulated. I meant to thank you for encouraging us all to find ways we can change.
BRAVO!
Well…. you have long been my favourite knitting blog, but THIS!! You have my utmost admiration 🙂
Modern Day Knitting is very good! Thank you for expanding the tradition in this way.
I never misunderstood your old name but congratulate you on changing the name! Thank you for posting your support of the protest.
Thank you for listening, and thank you for making space for change on your site. I now feel comfortable to explore further, and look forward to learning with you!
No, it isn’t stupid. Taking down Confederate statues isn’t stupid. It’s a recognition that these things are hurtful to millions of others. Saying the Modern Daily Line is regional is like saying the same of a Confederate flag. I was born and raised in the south and am sick of the complicity. We’ll wait and see what carries through after all this. Changing this organization’s name is one step towards enlightenment. Thank you Anne and Kay.
Thank you for the change! It is the right thing to do and we all do what we can from where we are, whether small or big. This is big!
Hello MDK,
When I first stumbled on the Modern Daily Knitting I was puzzled by its name, but assumed these were family names of the principals in this knitting circle… although Kay and Ann are not Mason and Dixon I later noticed(?!) It remained a bit of a mystery – I am not American and although I know some snippets (no pun intended!) of American history, I never knew what the MD Line was… until Dana’s column a couple days ago!
Right then – because she is black and commenting on your name – I knew there was more to it than “just someone’s family name” and so I found out what it was and also why originally you named your site so.
But times are a-changing and even though the MD was meaningful to you for not its historical connotations, just geographical ones, I commend you and congratulate on finding a better, more universal and up-to-date name.
The MODERN DAILY is also most reflective of the qualities you represent on a frequent (i.e. daily!) basis in your communications – always contemporary, tasteful, artistic and inclusive (in all meanings of the word “inclusive”). Things MODERN, in my view must be also “inclusive”. Your site is not only about your knitting, but also other creators are featured and even music or videos or cooking makes it to your pages! And so with my congratulations here are also my THANKS! for your daily deliveries…
Cheers to you,
Moteq
Bravo to you! The times they are a changin’! Finally! I’ll be honest…..I’m a white woman and I refrained from following your site, signing up for newsletter, etc for many years. I’m originally from the Boston area and moved to Florida over 30 years ago. Having grown up and being educated in the Boston area, just the “Mason/Dixon” phrase gave me a negative connotation and feeling.For me, it represented the Civil War, slavery, etc. I finally did check out your site a few yr. ago and discovered that it had nothing to do with what I thought. But changing it to Modern Daily Knitting is brilliant! Good for you!
Thank you for doing the right thing at this important time of reexaminations.
I join other readers in lauding your change of name as soon as the issues were pointed out.
Wow! Bravo! Thank you for your action, your thoughtful response, and your inspiration to me to think about what change I could make happen…
You all are just the best. The absolute best.
I applaud your sensitivity!
Reading your posts over time, I’ve found you both women of integrity. I’ve loved everything about your site and never protested the name, even though I probably should have written, which I’m learning is evidence of my white silence. Because I respect you both, it doesn’t surprise me that you made the decision to change your name. There is a comment among the many here that implies you are very late in doing this, but I feel we all are facing decisions right now about changing our names. Figuratively, for most of us, but just as real. I don’t want to be a silent white person any longer; I want to write, speak up, push, and rally in support of BIPOC. But I didn’t say this a year ago or a month ago. So as long as learning, dawning awareness, and action come into play–like you changing the meaning of MDK–I’m hopeful we are going to move forward in this country and heal a lot of wrong.
Thank you both for doing this. Like other people commenting, I’d had my doubts about the name, knowing only a little bit about the history behind it (posting from the UK). Like so.many others commenting I realised once reading and getting to.know you that you were alright. The thing I’ll take away from this, more than how you’ve modelled a change and apology, is to trust my instincts (“this name doesn’t feel right”) and to act on them by giving some feedback: it seems to me there were a few of us thinking it. I think it was Dana’s post that prompted a lot of comments and may have led to this change? I’m sorry that is was necessary for her to do this, that I didn’t say anything at the time and am committed to doing better.
Back in 2006 I almost didn’t look at your book because of its name. I bought it because I did look and found two absolutely fun real women who had forged something great in spite of a dividing line. Yarn is not a dividing line. We deliberately tangle it into the useful, the beautiful, the happy-making, and very often make others happy with it. Thanks for losing the line. I suddenly feel a need to felt something…
You are, all, the best that knitting has to offer. Thank you.
Wow, good on you. Thank you
Excellent!
Thank you for being responsive and to changing, that is what we all have to do to make real changes in the world. I am also so happy that you are highlighting NFC. I visited their space last fall while on a trip to Baltimore and found it to be a lively space with a workshop going on and the shop was open upstairs. I didn’t leave empty-handed, needless to say.
I am happy that you have changed your name. I always have had mixed feelings about the name of your company. It just brought up images that had nothing to do with knitting or, indeed, the original reason for your name. I feel that the new MDK name is what knitting has always been about for me. The daily-ness of knitting has always brought me joy. Thank you!
Please change your url also when you are able. Thanks
Excellent change—and, isn’t the new replacement name just perfect? So suits the times and this moment!
Thank you so much!
Well done!
Congratulations!!!! AND GOOD FOR YOU! Applause! Applause! Applause! For you and yours AND for all who spoke up. Beautiful new name.
I always rather liked the name as it represented to me a joining/unification from your beginnings. I’m fine with the new name as well and the rationale is certainly a valid one.
Kudos, ladies! I am still pondering how I can make a change.
I want to add my thanks and support for your name change and willingness to address the changes we all need to make THANK YOU
Classy move Ladies. I respect you for swiftly making this change. Thank you!
It’s long overdue but I’m glad you took this step. I’ve been reading your blog since 2005 and at first I thought it was a bizarre name for two seemingly progressive white ladies (albeit white ladies with a lot of privilege), but then (to my eyes) it just became normal and I stopped thinking about it (unfortunately), and that is the exact thing that perpetuates white privilege/white supremacy.
Although I am relatively new to this site, I was drawn here by a photo of Dana and Jellybean. When I realized what MDK stood for I was dismayed. Therefore, I’m very relieved by the name change. It may seem like a small step, but if we all take our small steps, we will force the sea to change its way. Thank you! Lisa Schoenwetter
I really like the new name and think it fits the community well. I know it will be expensive — I have been involved in several rebranding campaigns, but totally worth the effort. And I will be okay with getting old MDK stuff so you don’t have to waste what is already printed. Bravo ladies. You constantly amaze me.
Thank you.
Thank you for the name change. I have followed you for years, bought books and etc. As a Jewish American, the former name never sat well with me, but I thought I was being overly sensitive. My thanks to those who spoke up and to you for stepping up.
Thank you for this name change. I love your site, but the name never sat well with me or my family.
I’m sorry to see you caved because quite honestly the Modern Daily Line is and will always be a part of our history. No matter how many statues, name changes and soap boxes there are it will always be there. With that being said….goodbye. ALLLIVESMATTER and that will never change.
I think the point is that, whilst all lives matter, at the moment Black lives are experiencing tremendous brutality and injustice and this requires remedy.
Sorry. Should l have said not just at the moment but have been for centuries.
It’s too bad that you either can’t see or don’t care about the pain that the phrase “all lives matter” causes people of color. How insensitive.
Don’t let the door hit you on the ass.
The line is not something to celebrate. Y’all should be ashamed.
Sometimes it isn’t that people have caved, it’s that they grow and learn more kindness over time. That’s a wonderful thing. Even coming here from the UK (without the knowledge of a lot of american history) the name gave me pause. Thank you MDK for changing for the better.
Well done! You have made the right decision. Looking forward to following into the future.
. Thank you for listening. I definitely didn’t know it was problematic either. Listening and taking action. I’m with you.
Thank you!
I’m sorry to disagree. I thought the name was unique. I apologize if I am ignorant of any information related thereto. I thought the name was a dividing line to where Ann and Kay live. I’m not sure where this line is, however, I’ll get used to the new one.
No need to be ignorant – there’s an article here that explains it quite simply: “despite its lowly status as a line on a map, it eventually gained prominence in American history and collective memory because of what it came to mean to some segments of the American population.
It first took on this meaning in 1780 when Pennsylvania abolished slavery. Over time, more northern states would do the same until all the states north of the line did not allow slavery. This made it the border between slave states and free states.”
https://historycooperative.org/mason-dixon-line/
I did breathe a sigh of relief when I saw the announcement of the name change. Thank you for that. I’m hopeful that Ann and Kay will continue along that path.
This is my first ever post MDK or on any knitting site, I’m not good at this, but I’m going to stick my neck out, partly because Ann & Kay set an example. And maybe somebody else will have said this better already.
There’s another perspective on some of the congratulatory comments I’m seeing here (mostly from earlier this morning when I first saw it). If this feels uncomfortable, it might be one of the things that, we, as white women, are being asked to sit with, and acknowledge, before we resolve to do better.
So, after reading through a lot of the first comments, I was picking up on a combination of celebration and congratulation and relief, and (with exceptions) not necessarily a realization or understanding of the part we played in the fact that it took this long to get here.
I see people saying essentially that they were initially uncomfortable with the name, but then got to know Ann and Kay/the MDK community, (maybe) heard their justification, and proceeded to become part of the MDK family, and let the whole thing slide.
In short: You saw the problem, engaged with the community, felt safe personally, and didn’t rock the boat. You chose knitting over inclusiveness, without ever really thinking about what that might be saying to somebody who doesn’t look like you. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can only imagine how much it might hurt to see comments like that. Only a few of the comments in that vein included an acknowledgement of that.
White privilege allows us to exist in a safe bubble and decide whether or not to ask tough questions, where we risk finding out something we didn’t want to know about Ann and Kay (and maybe risk losing our sense of belonging).
And then Ann and Kay did a Good Thing. We love that! Whew… what a relief! Problem solved!
Not quite. They are an example to follow, and make it a little safer and easier to do better ourselves, but we don’t get automatic credit for the example they set– we still need to see the part we played, understand it, figure out how to do better.
I don’t know where my place in this is, I’m not free of responsibility, and I’m not trying to point fingers or judge where anyone’s heart is coming from. I don’t know what the process was like, leading up to the decision to change the name, and I don’t know how many people DID speak up or what the discussion was along the way. Maybe it needed to take the time it took, and asking questions wouldn’t have made a difference.
I hope I’m not stepping over a line, I just want to suggest that in order to SEE other perspectives, sometimes we need to step out of our own assumptions and go looking for them.
Sorry for rambling.
You are correct. As a POC, I have never felt safe in many of the knitting areas – both virtual and physical. I’ve been told “my English is good” or “your name is pretty but hard to pronounce, you should change it” by liberal white women who shared my love of fiber. No one ever spoke up for me and, when I did, I was told that racism doesn’t exist any more.
So to all of the readers, you have, collectively, chosen to make POC feel unsafe. Please consider why that is, acknowledge the pain you have caused and read up how to be anti-racist. Allies are more than speech, and are treasures as anti-racists.
This is absolutely an excellent post, and to be honest, you’ve made me rethink how I’m looking at this name change. You’ve said something that will impact how I think and act in the future. So thank you.
Not a ramble. You’ve given me plenty to think about re my place in this. Thank you.
‘You saw the problem, engaged with the community, felt safe personally, and didn’t rock the boat. You chose knitting over inclusiveness, without ever really thinking about what that might be saying to somebody who doesn’t look like you. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can only imagine how much it might hurt to see comments like that. Only a few of the comments in that vein included an acknowledgement of that.’
I first found this website looking for knitting blogs, and the name and all that it is associated with immediately disgusted me, so I closed the tab immediately. It felt like a racist dog whistle, to be honest, and I am a little disappointed but not surprised that it took a man’s death and protesting around the world for this name change to happen. I only found my way back here after getting linked back through Yards of Happiness, and because of Dana’s posts, I decided to read and follow despite the name. I don’t regret it one bit; the posts are fantastic, and the posts on knitting and yarn are so detailed and clear, on a level I have not seen anywhere else online (seriously, whoever knew grist and twist were such fascinating topics?). However, as a POC, I didn’t feel safe in this space, so until the past few days I have never commented here and never followed the IG account, because the idea of having the previous name show up in my Followed list made me so uncomfortable. I also have never purchased anything, because the name made me fear what I might be inadvertently supporting, but I will consider doing so in the future. Thank you for this comment and your lovely rambling. The acknowledgement means a lot, at least to me.
That was a good ramble 🙂
Yes, put into words what I’ve been thinking too.
I appreciate and applaud your willingness to and your immediate action to change the name. Not many organizations are so responsive.
I have always known that you were sensitive and moral people. Why did no one speak up and tell you (and me) that your former name was hurtful to people? By this I do *not* mean the people it hurt, but all the people who say, “Oh yes, I knew.” I just think that in the future people should realize that they have a responsibility to nicely say “Did you know…” and help protect people Like Dana from hurtful situations. Thank you Dana for educating those of us who were clueless.
How clueless do you have to be to “not know” the racist associations of the Modern Daily Line?
I live in Canada. In school, American History was 50+ years ago for me and briefly covered. I remembered it as a demarcation of the north/south divide. Now I know differently.
Subjugation of people who weren’t white wasn’t limited by an imaginary line or a single country. We all have our own histories.
Thank you.
Never thought much about the name, other than geography, kind of like the 100th meridian. Then it was just MDK. I have since removed the log from my eye. I really like the new name. Thanks Dana, Ann, Kay.
When I first found your site, I could not reconcile your company name with your online content and presence. Congratulations for making the change
What an awesome decision, I have to admit that even as a white woman I was initially turned off by your name when I first saw it on books. Then I did realize that you never meant it that way, but still glad for the change.
Well done.
Good Job. Thank you.
A change in the right direction.
I’m so happy to read this!
Thank you for taking the initiative to change your name.
Excellent decision.
Thankyou.
I was unsure about joining up – I heard great things but hesitated.
Thankyou for the clarification but most of all for the openness of changing your name.
Well done.
I applaud you. This was truly the right thing to do and you just did it. I’m proud to be a part of this community.
For years I’ve never felt that I could financially support your business because the name was patently offensive. Thank you for a big step in the right direction and I hope to see further action in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
Thank you. I hope you plan to update the MDK logo. It triggers association with the old name. I hope I will be able to stop seeing/ hearing the old name in my head every time I see “MDK”. I wish you were totally rebranding.
Thank you for the change. I’m heartened that so many people are open to (and making) specific actionable changes.
Each tiny, individual change moves us away from the past and closer to the DREAM.
Beautiful change. As we know better, we can do better. Was re-watching “Singing in the Rain” last night and found that the scene where Don first drops in on Kathy as she’s driving to be horribly cringe-y and a repeated invasion of her space in a super gross way. Never saw it before. But the world has changed, and so have I. The world has shifted since MDK began, thank goodness, and now your name reflects that! Onward!
Thank you for this oversue and most welcome name change from the cringeworthy original!
For anyone who hasn’t already seen it, please go watch 13th on Netflix asap. So illuminating. A must watch and hugely worth the time.
Since you’ve changed your name, you might want to change it on the banner of your newsletter (underneath the MDK) as well….when you get to it!
That sound you hear is me clapping. Good for you for LISTENING!
Names and words, said and written help to set the intention of an experience. Thank you for your thoughtful response! Your well crafted Modern pieces bring me joy and are at my fingers Daily as I work at perfecting my Knitting.
Thank you so much. I am a white woman, and mother to a child of Color. When I read this I was practically moved to tears. I hope we are seeing a sea change in our country.
This is so wonderful! I loved DWJ’s article. I too avoided MDK for years because of the name. I’m delighted to see the change and the promotion of Neighborhood Fiber Co’s fund.
Thank you for making the change. I was one of those who was uncomfortable with your name. I’m white and from New England.
I was too – white and live in Atlanta. I actually didn’t engage for a long time because I made assumptions about the company based on the name.
I am so amazed, impressed, and proud. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is! What a great statement of respect and solidarity.
Awesome!
Love the name change and the reason behind it!
Good choice!
Thank you for the name change. In the time I have followed you I must admit the name always left me uncomfortable because of the historic reference. But your company and community of knitters and sources were so talented I tried not to think about it. I am so happy with your new name and will continue to follow and support all the creativity you share and represent.
Thank you!!
Well done!
Your thoughtful consideration and change of your name fills me with hope. Three cheers for this revolution.
I must confess that I was also put off by the name Modern Daily Knitting. Thank you for responding so quickly to people’s requests for a name change! It never occurred to me to ask!
I like the new name.
Thank you!
Happy Knitting.
Appreciate your wisdom & courage to make the change. Ive been hooked on knitting for years and especially loved one of your first books in 2006, made dozens of mitered kitchen towels!Thank you so much, keep going.
I am a Black Woman and I am a Knitter. I was offended by your former name and the insensitivity of it. I apologize that I never shared with you how I felt and for that I was part of the problem. Thank you for changing your name!
Reading the comments, I’m struck by how many people say they were bothered by the name for years. I wonder how many of us expressed this to Ann and Kay before, or did we just scroll on in silence? The lesson I take for myself is to speak up more in this kind of situation.
For instance, my town has what I consider to be a racist school mascot. When we moved here, I wrote to school officials about why they should change it, but when they ignored me, I did not pursue the issue. I was sure my position would be unpopular, and I was afraid my kids would suffer if I pushed the issue. Now 25 years later, amid the protests, some young people are demanding the name be changed. Maybe if I had pursued the issue back then, I would have found more support than I expected. I am resolved to be braver.
That is a wonderful and welcome change. I will admit I found the previous name off-putting. However, I also appreciated your engagement of racial issues (such as “1619” in your “knit to this”—a welcome surprise!) and your inclusion of knitters & designers of color. Thank you for being good humans
This is my first time to this site. As a Latinx women, I’ve actively avoided your site because of the name. Thank you for making such a large change. Hope it’s not just in name only and you look to feature more diversity.
What a positive change! Thank you.
Wow! Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you for changing your branding. I have always reacted negatively to your previous name , never purchasing any of your items or even using one of your patterns. Thank you for speaking out against white lady racism and welcoming everyone.
Wonderful!
Excellent, thank you!
In my mind I’ll probably always think of you with the old name but I LOVE the new name and the reasoning behind it. I grew up in Maryland (where the M-D line is) and I do remember thinking, when I first heard of you two, that it would be some kinda of “history and heritage” knitting guild and I was not into it.
I really do think of MDK as my “daily knit blog” (as opposed to once a week or sporadic bloggers) so it’s great that you could preserve your initials with a name change that really represents you!
Your practical action in response to increased awareness is exactly the kind of change that I hope will radiate out of this difficult time and lead to a lasting shift in our society. As Maya Angelou advised, once we know better, we need to do better. Thank you.
I so appreciate your decision and am glad to be part of the knitting community which is supportive and inclusive of all humanity. I keep thinking about Dana and hope that when she is able and if willing can update us as to her wellbeing.
Hi. I don’t understand why the name was offensive. I’m searching through comments now. I googled it and nothing derogatory came up. So, I will keep looking. cheers,
First I’m from Canada and when a friend said I should join this group I questioned the name
I am so glad you changed it
Thank you for making the decision to change your name.
Rebranding can be both painful and expensive. Many would hide behind those excuses. Thank you for doing this.
I was raised an international person and have a mixed race adopted son who is 26. I am thrilled with the new name, thank you for the Change.
Well done on the name change! To be quite honest, when I first encountered this site, it was definitely with a bit of hesitation specifically because the name held certain implications. I’m extremely pleased you’re taking this into account and making this a more welcoming space.
I found you a short time ago and was a little put off by the name but joined anyhoo.
I feel comforted that there was no bias that went along with the name.
Love the change though.
Now just wish I could navigate around here better.
Excellent!
It took me until today to realize you had changed your name. I noticed it in Instagram. My first thought was: “What fresh hell is this?”, thinking a spammer had managed to infiltrate my account. Whoa! I’ am glad it’s you guys! I’m glad not to put any more emphasis on a part of our history that was so ugly and painful.
Modern Daily Knitting. Huh. Who’da thunk it? Well, carry on. Nothing to see here.
Didn’t think my admiration for you two could expand, but it has. No dithering, just a swift, effective pivot, taking action to do what needed to be done. You have a large following, and your leadership influences a lot of people. You’ve inspired me to search for ways I can take action.
Me: “Did they change their name??”
Me: *crossing fingers and absolutely hoping you changed your site name*
I’ll be honest, the original name of the site turned me off, too. If this site hadn’t kept popping up in all my fiber-related searches, I never would have visited because I skipped over it probably four or five times before I gave in.
I’m white, so prioritize the voices of your BIPOC readership. But know that as a queer person, I’m also a lot more comfortable with the new name.
(It’s also pretty catchy. Nice choice.)
Acknowledging that old ways and names don’t work anymore is the definition of an openness and willingness to change. Good for you for listening and changing and helping to make the world a better place.
Congratulations! I sincerely add this to the many others I read on this thread, but I am uneasy about how easy it is to send. May your example be representative of a sea-change, where those of privilege (myself included) take action when the situation requires bravery and sacrifice on our part, and is not just a sentiment written from our keyboards.
Thank you.
Thank you for making a knitting space that is more inclusive. I have brothers and sisters of African American heritage who proudly create fiber arts in memory of their Grandmothers who were born into slavery. This name change honors the long suffering they endured and the freedom that we continue to strive for. My friend the great Sunshine Joe always said,” Anyone can start a project, but it takes someone special to finish it.” Let’s finish this fight for equality together!
I am sure that changing a business name is not an easy thing to do. Thank you for making the decision to do so. I am proud to be part of your wonderful knitting community.
Thank you for the name change. As a woman of color, I debated with myself for a while before subscribing to your website just because of the name. Many times I even thought of unsubscribing for the same reason. Once I saw Dana on your site regularly, I decided to stay. Now, I’m glad I did.
Your site has been popping up on my suggested stories feed for some time but, due to the previous name, I never once clicked on it. I had a preconceived notion about what I would find, particularly in this time of division. I clicked today for the first time and am so glad I was wrong about the character of this site. Hopefully your name change will bring you more new fans!
Thank you for changing your name! I discovered you today–I’m really not sure how–but I would have NEVER visited a site with your previous name. I am so excited to discover you, and clearly just in time! Thank you for being here!!
Well done for taking the comments and criticisms onboard and making a change! That shows true leadership.
I live near the Modern Daily Line, so the term was familiar to me but in a generic way. I now know it must have been uncomfortable for some people. I really like it that we can change and be sensitive to others’ feelings. It makes for a better community.
Glad you finally understood and stepped up. Thank you!