Eighteen

Posted on by

If the blog was a person, today they would be an adult. Someone who can vote. Someone trusted to make big, important decisions and be responsible for their own selves. Upon reflection, that’s probably good since The Blog has been on its own more than I intended this year – so it’s good that you’ve all got some practice being a grown up.

Every year I write a big sappy thing about what the blog means to me, and this year is no exception – but let’s start here. When the blog began, I wrote to you from a spot in the dining room. We had one family computer, and I had this parenting philosophy (still do, though now I am outvoted I think) that the best way to manage kids and the internet was to let them at it- but in a family space. The kids could use the thing, but they had to understand that the rest of the family would be…around. They would be on the net and all around them the family swirled. They weren’t the only ones either. The first day that I wrote to you, I walked the kids to school, then came home and made myself a cup of coffee, and sat down with my laminated html cheat sheet, and had at it. This is a link to the very first post.

In those days Sam was 9, Meg 12 and Amanda almost 15. I used a digital camera, I went to spinning class at Parks and Recreation on Tuesdays, I’d written no books, I worked as a doula, Lactation Consultant and Childbirth Educator, and Hank was 4 – the age that Elliot is now, and I wrote every post to you from that dining room, amongst the noise and commotion of a young, busy, wild family.

I don’t have to tell you how much things have changed. Today, I write to you from here.

I almost always write to you from that space, the crazy little office I built for myself sixteen years ago- which reminds me, I should paint. That room is a little different now, in the beginning I had what felt like an expensive Ikea desk (we were so broke) and now I have my mum’s tiny desk.

Still, plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose, and after all these years, an adult human number of years here we are, me and you. Today I struggle to explain that almost everything I have (outside of the family I had when I started) is because of the blog, and Ken’s decision that I should have one. Everything changed the day he sat me in front of a computer – showed me this URL (it’s still the same) and told me that my people were… there. He wasn’t wrong, and today I’m so grateful to him for knowing me and my talents well enough to know that this was something that would resonate in my life like nothing else.

I just tried to write a paragraph about what these years have meant to me, and it ended in tears, and I deleted it. Here is what you need to know. Everyone I love and everyone who loves me, has been touched by The Blog. This last lonely, empty, wild year has been less lonely because I could walk through that little door to my tiny desk and know that you were there, whether I was able to do it, or not. I know that I haven’t always been there as much as would have been comforting to you, but these are strange times, and I want you to know that even though I haven’t always been the magic you wanted, you have always been the magic I needed.

I don’t know what I would have done without you, my sweet blog.

Don’t forget to vote.

Love,

Stephanie

PS. As is traditional, today is the day that I kick off fundraising for the Bike Rally. Hopefully that’s actually happening this year, though honestly I worry about sparking a new variant just thinking about it. In years past we have amused them mightily by donating a dollar for each year of blogging, a load of donations all the same amount (or a multiple) has always weirded the staff out over there, and I like that. I know that for many of us things are tight but honestly If you’re feeling it, we can keep the weird going with an $18 donation.

153 thoughts on “Eighteen”

  1. Fab. Who knew, just realized I have wine older than your blog. Your blog has been a joy, a balm, a much appreciated window. Thank you.
    Also, the wine is great, as is your writing. See? A connection!

    Reply ↓

  2. Happy Blogiversary! Somehow, it doesn’t feel like that many years (where does the time go?), but your posts have always been an inspiration to me. They’re sometimes expensive, too – when you show off a gorgeous item you’ve knit and I feel compelled to buy the pattern and knit one (or more) for myself. Hope you’re able to continue for years to come!

    Reply ↓

  4. Wow! Another year gone by! The last two have felt strange and for me, gone quickly. Probably because I do the same things most days. Groundhog Day! I’m so happy you are here writing to us. I look forward to your words here. Thank you Stephanie!

    Reply ↓

  6. Happy….blogday. I’ve told you this before, but I say it again. You (and other knitters like you, but you first) via the blog, helped me grow into a better person and navigate difficult issues. But mostly you helped me be a better mum. I found The Blog when I was nursing my never-sleeping daughter at night, and those little snippets of knitting and family kept me amused and awake during her night waking. (Honestly, they probably saved the poor kid from being dropped on her head by her zombie mother!). The blog is such a force for good and while I know you aren’t here as much as you would like given the train wreck the past few years have been, it’s worth remembering the incredible positive power you’ve already wielded through your words. I’m an ocean away and I’ve never met you, but the blog has been an amazing thing for me. That’s a pretty big impact.

    Reply ↓

  7. I found you in the midst of a very tough year way back in 2005. I didn’t even know what a blog was. I’ve never looked back. Xo

    Reply ↓

  9. What a celebration and what a testament – 18 Years!
    Thank you for the thoughtful words an d entertainment.
    Here’s hoping 2022 turns the corner for all of us.

    Reply ↓

  10. In Jewish tradition the number 18 is auspicious, because it correlates to the Hebrew word for life. May this year bring you and everyone you love more life.

    Reply ↓

  11. Happy blog-versary! Thanks for all of your wit and wisdom. And for sharing your foibles….makes us all feel better about ourselves. Take care of yourself.

    Reply ↓

  14. Happy Blogiversary, Steph! You probably have NO idea who I am (but same nick since I came about oh, 12 years ago ish?). You’ve always posted, even in the last year or so, right when I needed The Blog as well. Some day, if ever we can all get together again, we should all have a Blog Reunion. Meet each other, hug when we can hug again.

    You’ve supported me when Ive been anxious, when I was pregnant, when my toddler screams, when my knitting is just being rude. I spent my entire life being “weird” and “abnormal” or “atypical” and you made me feel NORMAL (because of course, there is no such thing). You made me feel like someone to be proud of. As a member of the amorphous Blog, I just want you to know we are as equally grateful for you as you have shown you are for us. We are Family. *safe digital hugs*

    Reply ↓

  16. Steph I discovered your blog when I re-discovered knitting later in 2004, in the throes of a pretty awful marriage break-up, post-natal depression recovery and bewilderment at trying to find a new normal with 3 very little humans.
    In those days, you were a lifeline. I devoured the previous months’ worth of posts and eagerly awaited each new one, a bright spot in my crazy world. From afar I was inspired and encouraged in my knitting, and I learnt from your sage parenting and life wisdom, much of which influenced my parenting as my children grew. Watching your girls grow up and sharing in their lives has been an absolute joy and privilege, in a hopefully-not-creepy way, you all feel like family, each and every beautiful character who belongs to The Blog.
    So thank-you, for doing what Ken told you, and for loving us as much as we love you ❤️ Happy Birthday Blog
    (P.S How is Hank possibly 22 years old?? And does he still have his dragon mittens??)

    Reply ↓

  17. Thank you for being there for all those years. It’s pretty amazing! You have been an inspiration and a comfort. It seems that nothing on the internet, including knitting blogs, are or have been stable enough to last 18 years. Including my own blog, which i started in 2008, inspired by you and other knit bloggers. 🙂

    Reply ↓

  20. Dear Stephanie,
    Thank you for being here in spite of it all. I was wondering about Hank after your most recent post before today. I hope he is well and still knitting and occasionally making ginger bread houses at Christmas.

    Reply ↓

  22. Hello Stephanie and Blog,
    I found The Blog because there was a Sock Summit ad in a knitting magazine I was given after a sudden death in the family – 11ish years ago I think. I needed … something, a distraction, a focus, something. So I went back and started at the beginning.

    And I still think about Washie when my washing machine makes noise. 🙂

    Thank you so much for being here, when and how you can in this madness. It has meant a lot for me to be able to visit.

    Reply ↓

  23. I’ve been around for many of those years, and you are a beacon in the sea of … whatever. It’s nice you have stuck around when so many of those Golden Age knit bloggers have left the scene. Thank you!

    Reply ↓

  24. For some reason, I find it comforting to be reminded of the ages of your kids when the blog started. Shortly after, I was a (very) young professional teaching myself to knit and your blog was a glimpse in to a different world. Now I have children who are 11 and 7. The running of the family is my only job and yet nothing ever seems to get done. Seriously, there is no one in this house too young to wash a dish, but do you know how many times I have emptied the sink today alone. Neither do I, because it was to depressing to keep count… Anyway, somehow the reminder of the chaos and craziness of your early writing days gives me hope that chaotically and incrementally things do get done.

    Reply ↓

  25. Happy Anniversary! I have been a faithful follower since 2006. I very seldom post, but look every day to see if you have posted something new. I feel like you have become a friend. I have cried with you, rejoiced with you, felt your pain, but always know you are a strong woman to deal with so much and have KEPT ON WRITING. Thank you for that. I send many prayers for you and your family and all Canadians who are dealing with your lockdown. I live in Iowa with my hubby. We are retired and I watch my grands – Elliott 2 1/2 and Leah 11 months. We have things much easier in the US Covid wise, but I also limit my outside exposure to keep my family safe. My hubby had the virus, but none of the rest of us got sick.
    Anyway – keep on with your blog. So many of us love you and your family and want to keep up with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    Reply ↓

  27. Happy 18th. And thank you to you and to Ken for this blog. Let me add my name to the list of people you have touched, taught, encouraged, enlightened, and entertained with these posts. I’ve read them all (many more than once – the adventures at the winter cabin, anyone?), and I’ve laughed and cried and become a better knitter and a more patient (even a kinder) person as a result.

    The last two years have been deeply odd and your words have helped me navigate. I was always thrilled to see a fresh post, but with 16/17 years of previous ones to revisit, I always got my fix and found comfort and insight when I felt particularly low. You have been magic indeed. Thank you for that. Here’s hoping the crazy abates and this next year is waaaay smoother!

    Reply ↓

  28. Thank you.
    For opening up your knitting, your family, and your heart to us without knowing yet who we were.
    For continuing to show the funny side of life and the hard side and the perils of knitting socks.
    For letting me know I”m not alone on this crazy journey of parenting (my kids are just enough younger than yours, that your girls are reassurance – my gang will come through ok!

    A question. We can donate multiples of $18 this year, but what do we do in two years time when it’s a relatively sensible number??

    Reply ↓

  31. I concur with the comment above – the blog is such a force for good.
    Quite often I needed your words more than i realized before I started reading the post.
    Congratulations Blog! Thanks so much Steph (and Ken) for 18 years of hard work.
    Off to make a donation.
    Spring is coming.

    Reply ↓

  32. I started reading in 2005 in college, when I googled “thumb gusset” and found the blog. I quickly read back to the beginning and have followed you ever since. I have a few of your posts saved for when I need to laugh so hard I cry (Joe and the Stuck Truck, and the Wild Goat spinning failure) and a few that made me cry. Thank you so much for sharing your life, wisdom, and words with us for so many years. You’re someone that I’ve always looked up to.

    Reply ↓

  35. The Blog has actually been sneaking into bars with a fake ID for some time now.

    From the bottom of my heart, thank-you for the past 18 years. From time to time I go back to read the old posts…Sir Washie, Hank winding yarn, Joe buying decaf coffee etc. and I never cease being entertained, touched and moved.

    Reply ↓

  36. Happy Blog Anniversary! I have been reading your blog for 15 wonderful years. When I first started reading it would keep me company late at night while I nursed my firstborn son. He is 6’2 now! Your words kept me company during those quiet nights and meant so much to me. Years ago I brought my littles to your book signing and they loved how excited I was to meet you! As a mom of three I have appreciated the stories of your family and parenting wisdoms and seeing you become a granny has been so lovely. I wish you and your family nothing but love and joy for the next 18!

    Reply ↓

  38. Happy blogaversary to us! I’ve been laughing and crying with you since knitlist days. In 2004, my oldest was 14, and turning 15, the younger, 11. We were in that busy busy stage of ballet, and orthodontist appointments and music lessons. I hadn’t had cancer yet; people since gone were alive. I hadn’t met you in person (which I did in the company of my daughter’s mother-in-law to be — she has great taste, my daughter). But I was a knitter. And I still am. Thanks for doing this!

    Reply ↓

  39. And we, the Boquete Knitters and Quilters, are thirteen. I have been inspired, encouraged, comforted by you. You’ve made me laugh. You’ve made me cry — for you and yours as well as for me and mine. Life has not been as kind as it could (should) be, but being knitted together in love has made it possible for us all to, as the poster above your desk says, keep calm and carry on. Thank you.

    Reply ↓

  41. My grasp on time was not firm before the pandemic and now it’s shot… I just checked my Gmail (archive of my life) and my first donation to PWA was in 2012. That means that the blog and I have been pals for at least ten years! Happy blogiversary, pal!

    Reply ↓

  42. I have been reading since I discovered you in, I think, 2005; I went back and read from the beginning, and more than once I was crying from the effort to laugh without making any noise (I was reading from work). Thanks for all those years of entertainment. I can’t believe, assuming my math is correct, that Hank is now 22?!

    FWIW, in Judaism, the number 18 is important because it corresponds to the word “chai” — life. So it seems pretty appropriate to suggest $18 as a donation this year!

    Reply ↓

  44. Happy Blogiversary! I multiplied the 18 x 2 for the rally – 18 for the joy you’ve given me, 18 for the joy the blog has given you. And for the years I was unable to donate due to financial constraints. Love to you and yours.

    Reply ↓

  47. You and the Blog have been a heart warming part of my life…Oh we all have been though so much, good and sad…but the Blog has been there though it. Thank you all!

    Reply ↓

  49. Happy Blogiversary to you, Stephanie — and to all of us who have laughed, cried, knitted, spun, crocheted along with you.
    I cherish the photo of you and me from your Indianapolis Barnes & Noble appearance, along with memories of Sock Summit 2011.
    Thank you for creating an international community long before we knew just how much we were going to need it to help us survive the pandemic with our spirits more or less intact.
    May you have many more years of Harlot-ry!

    Reply ↓

  50. Happy blog anniversary. As a number of people have commented, 18 in Hebrew is chai which means life. So appropriate for a celebration of the blog and a donation to an organization that brings a better life to people.

    To 18 more years, or 36, or …

    Reply ↓

  51. Happy Blogiversary Steph! I’ve been lurking since 2006, when I was a sophomore in college and not quiet a year into my knitting journey. The blog has been a companion as I launched into the adult world, and in the past year I’ve started trying to comment more to let you know how much your posts are appreciated, no matter the frequency. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us for all these years.

    Reply ↓

  52. Happy anniversary! So much has changed in 18 years — Meg’s a mom, Pato’s married — and so much has stayed the same — the gansey’s not finished. Yet, The Blog goes on. Glad we could help you get through the hard parts, as you’ve helped us through more than you will ever know. Let’s all raise a glass to many more years of Yarn Harlotry! (P.S.: Get another cat or you might lose your blogger’s license.)

    Reply ↓

  53. You were one of the first blogs I found, bookmarked and read/checked on almost daily since… oh well we shall not go into that. 🙂 I’m glad you are still feeling up to writing/sharing your life. You make me smile, cry and laugh. Happy anniversary!

    Reply ↓

  54. Congratulations! Excellent blog for a very long time.

    Mine just had its 10th birthday and I was typically English and understated about it! Maybe I should have written about why I started it and where, but I didn’t. I’m glad I did though.

    Reply ↓

  56. Congratulations and happy blogiversary! Thank you for the past 18 years; I’ve laughed and cried (and given away/worn out more than a few copies of Knitting Rules when converting the muggles one by one) and probably wouldn’t have made it without your humor and wisdom these many moons. (Thank you, Ken !!!)
    May the 18th year truly prove to be a kinder, gentler year for you and yours – and for us all. Namaste, Bonnie

    Reply ↓

  57. Thank you, Stephanie. If I tried to list everything I have enjoyed, laughed at, and loved about you and your family and knitting as viewed through your blog I’d have to skip work today, so I’ll just stop there.
    Thank you for all of it.

    (And, a plea to the Universe and/or whatever out there is listening to please get this g**da** virus handled so Strung Along can resume!!)

    Reply ↓

  58. At a time when I was losing one family member after another, and an age when doors were slamming shut all around me, I chanced upon a photo of Col. Hadfield holding a sock with a link to your blog entry…and a new door opened. Your writing is so refreshing and fun that I fell into a world I did not know existed (hello Ravelry), and remembered the joy of childhood knitting and leaned into a nearly forgotten passion that is now a lifeline while so much has crumbled away. I’ve enjoyed your books and blog immensely and my life is enhanced because you chose to share your talents. Thank you, and my pleasure to donate my $18 to the Bike Rally efforts.

    Reply ↓

  59. I’m sure I speak for others when I say I feel like I know you. Hooray for The Blog!
    Enjoyed your Zoom presentation yesterday about the mental benefits of knitting. I do so love to knit! : D

    Reply ↓

  60. Happy Blogiversary!!

    I led my daughter into knitting and she led me to find you. We have enjoyed you and the hobby together. These days she is the prolific knitter and I am one proud mama!!

    Reply ↓

  62. Thank you for sharing your life, your humor, your sad times, and your joyful times with us. And sharing your knitting and spinning journeys. I’ve been enjoying your writings for 15 years now.

    Reply ↓

  63. Hurrah for the Blog, hurrah for the Rally, and hurrah for the YarnHarlot! In addition to all the joy I get from your books and the Blog, your rumination on how experienced knitters just make bigger mistakes faster has gotten me through some staggering knitting errors with a laugh (see, look how experienced I must be to screw that up so spectacularly!)

    Is the Blog allowed to ask about Joe’s gansey? I’m dying to know what’s happened to it (mostly I picture that fleece-stealing squirrel leading a band of its compatriots to storm your house and carry it off).

    Reply ↓

  64. Happy Anniversary!

    I am so very glad that you have shared your life and your family with us. I hope that you do something special to celebrate today.

    Reply ↓

  65. We are all so grateful for all you’ve shared with us about knitting, family, loyalty, and life. You have a way with words such that every post inspires a smile; some a tear or two; always inspiration; and often a reminder of how to keep it real. You keep us grounded in ways that we can never fully express to you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Happy Blogaversary!

    Reply ↓

  66. Hi Steph, I’ve read your blog straight through from the beginning over the last couple of months. I feel as though you are a character in a long novel whom I’ve come to know and don’t want to finish reading about. (Except that you are not fiction but real.) It’s been wonderful to follow your ups and downs as well as your knitting. I’ve learned some things and I’ve enjoyed it all. I’ve never posted before on anything but want to congratulate you on your career and long time blog. I hope you will continue for years to come and continue to take strength from the Blog.
    My most fervent wish is that Omicron is the final wave of the pandemic phase of covid, as some experts are suggesting, and that this year marks the beginning of something close to normal for Canada, the US and the world.

    Reply ↓

  67. Happy Blogiversary! I have been reading your blog from nearly the beginning (and I did go back to the beginning) which is when I first learned to knit. I was intrigued by your knitting name and had to learn about this Yarn Harlot everyone was talking about. I always look forward to new posts (whenever they happen) and your humor and also the serious stuff. The biggest treat of all was being able to attend yesterday’s Fiberside Chat. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You Rock!

    Reply ↓

  72. Happy Blogiversary! I always love these posts, partly because I love the reminder of the times past and how much things have changed for me since I discovered the blog about 12 years ago and also because the blogiversary falls on my birthday, so I always get a new post to enjoy around that time. Thank you for giving us what you can.

    Reply ↓

  75. Happy blog birthday! According to Jewish tradition the number 18 symbolizes life and luck because the Hebrew letters used to denote 18 spell the word life in Hebrew. So it is a long-standing Jewish tradition to give gifts and donations in multiples of 18. Seems extra fitting for the rally.

    Reply ↓

  76. Wow. Happy blogiversary! I had to go back and figure out when I discovered your blog (sadly, not right when you started). Amazed to find it was late 2005 as I was part of the first Knitting Olympics in 2006, and had been reading your blog for awhile. It was so nice to find other knitters, and I appreciated your humor and your expertise. I have played along with the Olympics, and admired your work countless times (the blue and white sweaters for the twins, the embroidery you’ve done on little people sweaters, the gorgeous blankets for the new babies….just to name a few). I have actually laughed out loud at some of your posts, and – never before, never since – I actually *gasped* when you posted about your reader fixing a mistake in her lace.
    I always look forward to your posts – it feels like a letter from family. <3

    Reply ↓

  77. Happy Bloggy Anniversary, and many more. I’ve read your blog for some time, not a lifetime as others of your devoted followers have, and have to say I really enjoy your writing style. And….. after many years of wanting to learn about knitting socks, I now can, thanks to you. Sadly, I just couldnt cope with tiny pointed needles, but went to a class which taught how to knit socks on two needles with a seam up the side. Not “real socks” as far as the professionals think, but I’m really pleased with my achievements. Best wishes for another 18 years of blogging wisdom, knitting, family, and kindness to all your readers.
    Thanks again, Jenny from New Zealand.

    Reply ↓

  78. Thank you, thank you, Harlot. You will never know the inspiration, belly laughs, tears, and joy your words have given me. I love you!

    Reply ↓

  79. Happy birthday, blog! I love this blog. It was fun to click the link to read the Welcome blog, and even funnier to read the long-ago first comments. Carry on!

    Reply ↓

  81. In the midst of pandemic life when everything we thought we knew about how we lived suddenly shifted, I would turn to little things that I knew would still be out there, like little markers of our past life. YarnHarlot blog was one of them. Granted posting wasn’t as frequent, but that only made new posts more appreciated. Glimpses of YarnHarlot on IG filled the space between posts and kept me knowing the community of knitting people was still out there, knitting away. And that has just been one small reassuring thing. As one tiny sliver of The Blog, I’m so glad to know what we mean to you and do for you. But don’t forget how much more you mean to us. Happy Blog-iversary to us all! xo

    Reply ↓

  82. Stephanie, I’m so glad you are still here. I’ve met you in person once at Sock Summit, and you were a delight. But mostly I’ve been welcomed into your life via The Blog. I hope you know how much The Blog means to all of us as well. Thank you for still being there for us.

    Reply ↓

  87. I cannot believe I’ve been reading your blog for nearly eighteen years (I found you in the summer of 2004 when I was learning to knit). What a ride! There’s a lot more to say but like you, I’ll leave it right there except for “thanks.”

    Reply ↓

  89. Happy Blogiversary! You have no idea what fun I’ve had over the years reading first your blog and then your books. Your vanilla sock recipe is my go-to sock pattern. It’s the one I cut my sock knitting teeth on. 🙂
    I so appreciate the time you take to be in touch with all of us in the cyber world. It’s a calming spot in a crazy world. Thank you!

    Reply ↓

  90. I’ve been reading the blog for about 11 years now. Thanks so much for sharing your knitting and your life. Hearing about your ups has been heartwarming and hearing about your downs have helped me weather mine . Here’s to many more years.

    Reply ↓

  91. Thank you for such a wonderful, sweet place on the interwebs with great commenters, slices of real life and of course wonderful knitting. We appreciate being here.

    Reply ↓

  92. The blog makes me so happy even when its sad. I have shed tears along with you over all the sadness your family has had, So if we make you feel less lonely, then that makes me happy.

    p.s. could we have an update on the worlds foremost knitwear model? I miss her.

    Reply ↓

  93. I love your blog, thank you for the past eighteen years of reading your words, happy and sad. Be comforted by knowing that we are sharing your ups and downs, and feel very close to you through your written words.

    Reply ↓

  94. You are always enough magic. In no small part because you weren’t merely the maker of magic, but also the teacher of magic making. In the silences, we still had your example to show us how to pick up the thread ourselves and do the best we could. If the silences were hard, they also taught us that we have to be ready to cast on a spell, reach out a hand, wait patiently until we can all be together again. No one could carry the weight of so much magic making alone. You gave us the magic of not pretending otherwise. Thank you.

    Reply ↓

  95. Happy Birthday Sweet Blog. This old Granny has been a fan of yours ever since I could tap out a message on a computer Crashed a couple of them over the years when they caught another kind of virus.,so am now tapping on a tablet. which has apparently been vaccinated. Wouldn’t miss reading your posts for all the tea in China. Am a fellow yarn hoarder with the same habit of being unable to resist starting a new project before finishing the old and have collected all your books for enjoyment. Currently 3 generations of this knitting family have now had the pleasure of reading them.

    Reply ↓

  96. I was stuck in Myanmar (Burma) while husband was teaching in a govt department. No one to talk to, ran out of yarn, nothing there to purchase and a dysfunctional mail service so no orders. I could at least knit vicariously with the blog. It filled a number of empty hours.

    Reply ↓

  97. Happy blogversary! I still remember finding you reading all the current blogs and then happily reading my way through all of the archives. Thank goodness you were only a few years in when I found you. Please trust me when I say that you have been a wonderful light through all of this. Don’t be too hard on yourself. To say these have been trying years would be an understatement and yet here you still are for us. My kids still talk about hearing your talk when we lived in Minneapolis, by the way.

    Reply ↓

  98. When one by one the blogs have ceased, yours has been a constant.
    Over the years I have laughed with you, cried with you and felt every emotion in between.
    Thankyou for letting us all be a part of your family.
    I send you love and wishes for better times.

    Reply ↓

  99. I started reading your blog way back at the beginning. I was a baby knitter and loved your easy to understand style and that we have quite a few things in common (like both having three daughters around the same ages.) I find that you say things on your blog that I have been thinking but haven’t been able to put into words. We live in very different parts of the world, but I feel like you are my next door neighbor. Thanks for all you do!

    Reply ↓

  100. Thank you for keeping this blog going for so long!!! It’s amazing what becoming inspiring on each reading of a post. Donation made!

    Reply ↓

  101. Happy Happy Blogiversary! In Judaism 18 is a very auspicious number as it stands for Chai or Life. So, here’s to Life!

    Reply ↓

  102. I have loved you and the blog forever. I must tell how you helped me in Dec. 2020 when my lover/husband of 45 years had a horrible accident and ultimately died in my arms in our living room during the depth of the pre-vaccine pandemic.You and the blog were there for me.

    Reply ↓

  103. Happy Birthday, Blog. I started reading when I was just a very new adult starting to figure out the world. I have 3 kids now and life is very different. I hardly have time to knit now, but I feel like you remind me of the potential that I have to knit in the future, and the reasons why it is a valuable and beautiful skill. I have felt truly honoured to be allowed to peek into your wonderful life and family for so long, and you will probably not understand how much hope and light it has brought to me over the years, but I am thankful.

    Reply ↓

  104. Happy Blog-aversary (belatedly!). Thanks again for coming into our lives (I have *all* of your books — and you signed the last one for me in Edmonton some years ago). Thank you for your humour, your honesty, your heart, your courage, your way with words, your humour, your generosity of person and of spirit. Thank you for being you.

    Reply ↓

  105. Chai! How wonderful. I remember reading Yarn Harlot and thinking I need to know this person. She gets me and I get her! Thank you for being brave and sharing your life with us. When I could in the past I’ve donated- This is a tough time but I will work on it. When my knitting frustrated me I could read your blog and find encouragement. Thank you again and here’s to another 18 yrs.

    Reply ↓

  106. I have read your blog for years. “Yarn Harlot” is at the top of my favorites. I’ve even been lucky enough to have met you! Thank you for all you’ve done for me in life and in my knitting. You are so loved and appreciated.

    Reply ↓

  108. I am a little late in getting caught up with my Yarn Harlot blog reading, but I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your blog. I think I started following your blog in 2007. Thank you for still being here – so many blogs I have enjoyed don’t do it anymore.

    Reply ↓

  124. […] I am a living testimony…. If you need a permanent cure to herpes virus, please contact [R o b i n s o n b u c k l e r@] ( yahoo)) com […] ..,

    Reply ↓

  129. HI I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT ALL THE CONTENTS YOU MENTIONED IN POST IS TOO GOOD AND CAN BE VERY USEFUL. I WILL KEEP IT IN MIND, THANKS FOR SHARING THE INFORMATION KEEP UPDATING, LOOKING FORWARD FOR MORE POSTS. THANKS

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.