And The Winner Is?
Make A Rustic Sawhorse Table For Under $40
Photo: Stitch Nation/Jo-Ann
Amongst a certain crafty-feminist set, Debbie Stoller is the reigning queen of do-it-yourself spunk. She's the co-founder and editor-in-chief of BUST magazine and the author of the wildly popular Stitch 'N Bitch knitting books. As of this month, Debbie Stoller is also Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores' poster girl.
But Stoller's long-time fans may be disappointed to find their hero has lost her edge.
Photo: Stitch Nation/Jo-Ann
Lest you think Stoller is not possessive of her name, she was involved in a three-year long legal battle to claim the trademark to the name, which was only recently resolved. If you need further proof that the once fearless feminist is just another corporate sell-out, we hear that Stoller now hosts and teaches on the Stitch 'n Beach cruises. Ahem.
For fans that won't begrudge Stoller her new, softer branding, the yarn has been released and is available for sale online exclusively at Joann.com (it will be available at select Jo-Ann stores soon). A pattern booklet is due to be released in February and there are free patterns (including this cute scarf design at right) on the Stitch Nation site now.
Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
Wow. What'd she ever do to you? Did you ever think that perhaps the multiyear lawsuit settlement had something to do with the naming on the yarn?
ReplyAnd as someone who co-taught with Debbie on one of her cruises, I have to say she's got quite a large fanbase outside of the "crafty-feminist" set. (What the hell is that, anyway?)
I also find the attitude of this post a bit disingenuous. Why are you so irritated that someone is successfully earning a living from her work? Why do you think that she should adhere only to your rigid strictures when it comes to how or where she does business? Both are diametrically opposed to the supportive community of independent designers and small businesses I'm proud to be a part of as a knitwear designer, author and small business owner.
In addition, she didn't "coin the term," as you state. The term "stitch and bitch" has been around for well over 70 years. See the book No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting for more.
And one more thing: I've had the pleasure of working with Jo-Ann myself. They really do respect independent designers, and are working to reach even more of them. Contrast to Urban Counterfeiters, aka Urban Outfitters, who seem to take great glee in ripping off indie designers' work.
What in the world is wrong with you? Debbie Stoller has certainly not lost her edge, nor has she sold out. Just like her books brought in a new generation of knitters, things made out of her new yarn may bring in new fans of long lasting, sturdy things instead of the disposable crap you can buy in a department store.
ReplyDon't hate on Debbie just because she's more successful than you are.
oh yeah cause it is sooooooo worng to bring quality products to the masses at a resonable price.. especially when soo many people are suffering from the economy.
ReplySo so pathetic. Debbie Stoller is an amazing example of a successful businesswoman pursuing her passion and spreading the crafty word. I guess that's too hard for you to deal with though, huh?
ReplyThat is very bold of you to write an article about business dealings that you had nothing to do with. I understand "journalism" but at least get quotes and facts instead of opinions. Was the article supposed to be about simply bashing Debbie Stoller or her great opportunity to team up with a craft giant and market to a larger mass? What could she have done differently to make her newest line appeasing to you? I think she is making great business moves to move into different avenues and to expand her business. Is the "B" word the only thing you know about her?
ReplyThe entire article just seemed very attacking on someone that has not done anything wrong.
If Jo-Ann's made her take the "b" out of the name, then why are they also prominently displaying the Stitch 'n Bitch and Happy Hooker books above the yarn??? Have you even gone into the store to look at the yarn and the display??
ReplyDebbie Stoller, Red Heart, and Jo-Ann's are trying to bring quality yarns to the masses at affordable prices. I've already noticed that it is attracting new people to knitting and crochet.