Bummed out

[yorkiepuppie]

dear connie, you didn't do anything stupid. you are a very kind person and took the time to help a friend. i am sorry that you were burned by your friend. that's not right. (not right is an understatement)

i think you might consider the other person's suggestion. i have also seen people selling patterns/directions online on how to make various different things. you said that you took pictures and wrote detailed instructions of all the steps. you might consider selling that. you just have to set it up one time. and the rest is just profit. (you don't have to buy fabric, spend time to sew and mail orders) you just email people a PDF file (or whatever format) when they order. that might be another way to get more customers to your store? some people like shopping for dresses, some people like to make their own dresses for their babies. i have seen it in other stores where the owner sells both the finished product and directions for people to make it themselves.

of course that is totally up to you, whatever you feel comfortable with. you created the dresses/vests. it's your creation. you should do what you want with your creations.

lots of hugs. i hope you feel better about it all. i hope you feel supported by your friends. i don't know you personally, but i support you, you sound like a really wonderful person and a wonderful friend.

[PANAMA69]

Originally Posted by ryorkies

I just watched an older movie titled Calendar Girls and I highly recommend it to each and every one of you.
Its stars are 50(ish) and dealing with day to day struggles just like many of us. The underlining story line is Friendship.
I cried during this movie and while watching it thought of all the wonderful friends I have made here through the years. Friendship. It is the foundation for which Love is built and oh so precious.
Now, I mentioned that I cried through this movie and perhaps that is because I just completed another round of chemo and my levels are just completely whacky. They fill me with so many steroids so that my body will not reject the poison that they are pumping through my veins. Hopefully this will put me in a longer remission this time to enjoy the Friendships I hold so dear. Right now I just hope that it provides me more time to meet the Friends who brighten my days and are so dear to me. I mention this because I have not been online here much and this is the reason why.

Recently I have been saddened to read of the loss of a Friendship. I have personally chosen not to reply to the threads posted ( until now ) because my heart just breaks with the loss of it all. I know each of these ladies so well and my heart is desperately hoping that it was all a misunderstanding. Anyway, what could I possibly post that will take away the pain ? You might ask how such close and loving Friendships can develop when you might never have met the other in person? Well, all I can say is, come to one of the Meet Ups and witness for yourself. Fellowship is strong and alive on this forum.... which leads to Friendship .... which leads to strong bonds of Love and Family. When something happens to break that bond it is painful and not only for the persons involved , but to those who love and cherish them.

The Friendships I have made along the way here have been of everlasting joy to me and I treasure every beautiful Friend I have met and those I hope to meet in the future. Friendship. It is the root of Love and isn't that just the greatest Gift we could possibly be given?
I pray with all my heart that my friends understand why I have chosen to reply in my own way.
Friends. I do cherish you all and I will continue to pray that this pain can be healed and hoping with all my might that it was just a misunderstanding.

Janie, is nice to hear from you, I'm glad also you are doing better hon, love your post, so beautiful and inspired, I hope I said right, thankyou for been who you are, stay strong for us you are truly a inspirations of God love, xoxo girl muchos xoxo

[yorkiepuppie]

i am really angry about some of the things that's happened in this thread and the other thread.

i don't like to focus my energy on something negative like what's happened, this is a dog forum, and my interest is talking about dogs. the reason i spoke up is because i think what happened to connie is really wrong, and i am really happy that connie made a thread about it. if connie didn't start this thread, i might have complimented and encouraged cory on her new venture, which i am sure would have sucked for connie to read about. i am glad i didn't have a chance to hurt connie's feelings because she spoke up.

i do not know either of these ladies personally. but i had to speak up because what happened is SO WRONG!!!!!!!!!

there is no grey area in this situation from all the info. that's been presented so far.

someone had -LIED about her intentions and GAINED information from friend, and BETRAYED her friend.

lying and betraying is what took place. where is the gray area?

i do not like to wrongly accuse anyone, so i would definitely like to know what i am missing.

more information needs to come from cory's side. there is none right now.

all those people who came on to support connie, i am happy that you also cannot tolerate nice people being burned like that. i am so happy that people have a sense of right and wrong and is not afraid to speak up.

for those of you that are here to speak up for cory, it's nice that you are trying to stick up for a friend. but i would like to hear more information. none of the people that are speaking up for cory presented any useful information to help us see why cory did not do anything wrong. like i said, i would HATE to wrongly accuse someone. so if there is information that should be made known, please share it. otherwise, i cannot understand how you can stand up for the actions of cory????

all of the people that stood up for cory, please tell me, if cory had lied to you and gained information that you rather keep secret, and then betrayed you. what would you do? basically, put yourself in connie's shoes, and tell me how you might feel about it all.

this is so wrong, it upsets me. if it were up to me, i wouldn't not let cory sell on YT. in this thread someone had mentioned that cory is selling connies creations on other dog forums as well. i sure do hope people are standing up for connie in those forums as well.

cory really needs to speak up. i don't want to be falsely accusing her of anything. and would like to make a suggestion that if she indeed didn't do anything wrong, she really should explain, otherwise it does make her look very guilty by all the actions she's chosen to take. and since her friends are here to speak up for her. why not offer us some insight into why you feel that cory's been falsely accused?

[BaxtersMommy]

Originally Posted by yorkiepuppie

i am really angry about some of the things that's happened in this thread and the other thread.

i don't like to focus my energy on something negative like what's happened, this is a dog forum, and my interest is talking about dogs. the reason i spoke up is because i think what happened to connie is really wrong, and i am really happy that connie made a thread about it. if connie didn't start this thread, i might have complimented and encouraged cory on her new venture, which i am sure would have sucked for connie to read about. i am glad i didn't have a chance to hurt connie's feelings because she spoke up.

i do not know either of these ladies personally. but i had to speak up because what happened is SO WRONG!!!!!!!!!

there is no grey area in this situation from all the info. that's been presented so far.

someone had -LIED about her intentions and GAINED information from friend, and BETRAYED her friend.

lying and betraying is what took place. where is the gray area?

i do not like to wrongly accuse anyone, so i would definitely like to know what i am missing.

more information needs to come from cory's side. there is none right now.

all those people who came on to support connie, i am happy that you also cannot tolerate nice people being burned like that. i am so happy that people have a sense of right and wrong and is not afraid to speak up.

for those of you that are here to speak up for cory, it's nice that you are trying to stick up for a friend. but i would like to hear more information. none of the people that are speaking up for cory presented any useful information to help us see why cory did not do anything wrong. like i said, i would HATE to wrongly accuse someone. so if there is information that should be made known, please share it. otherwise, i cannot understand how you can stand up for the actions of cory????

all of the people that stood up for cory, please tell me, if cory had lied to you and gained information that you rather keep secret, and then betrayed you. what would you do? basically, put yourself in connie's shoes, and tell me how you might feel about it all.

this is so wrong, it upsets me. if it were up to me, i wouldn't not let cory sell on YT. in this thread someone had mentioned that cory is selling connies creations on other dog forums as well. i sure do hope people are standing up for connie in those forums as well.

cory really needs to speak up. i don't want to be falsely accusing her of anything. and would like to make a suggestion that if she indeed didn't do anything wrong, she really should explain, otherwise it does make her look very guilty by all the actions she's chosen to take. and since her friends are here to speak up for her. why not offer us some insight into why you feel that cory's been falsely accused?

All I can say is THUMBS UP!

[spiritwings1202]

Originally Posted by yorkiepuppie

i am really angry about some of the things that's happened in this thread and the other thread.

i don't like to focus my energy on something negative like what's happened, this is a dog forum, and my interest is talking about dogs. the reason i spoke up is because i think what happened to connie is really wrong, and i am really happy that connie made a thread about it. if connie didn't start this thread, i might have complimented and encouraged cory on her new venture, which i am sure would have sucked for connie to read about. i am glad i didn't have a chance to hurt connie's feelings because she spoke up.

i do not know either of these ladies personally. but i had to speak up because what happened is SO WRONG!!!!!!!!!

there is no grey area in this situation from all the info. that's been presented so far.

someone had -LIED about her intentions and GAINED information from friend, and BETRAYED her friend.

lying and betraying is what took place. where is the gray area?

i do not like to wrongly accuse anyone, so i would definitely like to know what i am missing.

more information needs to come from cory's side. there is none right now.

all those people who came on to support connie, i am happy that you also cannot tolerate nice people being burned like that. i am so happy that people have a sense of right and wrong and is not afraid to speak up.

for those of you that are here to speak up for cory, it's nice that you are trying to stick up for a friend. but i would like to hear more information. none of the people that are speaking up for cory presented any useful information to help us see why cory did not do anything wrong. like i said, i would HATE to wrongly accuse someone. so if there is information that should be made known, please share it. otherwise, i cannot understand how you can stand up for the actions of cory????

all of the people that stood up for cory, please tell me, if cory had lied to you and gained information that you rather keep secret, and then betrayed you. what would you do? basically, put yourself in connie's shoes, and tell me how you might feel about it all.

this is so wrong, it upsets me. if it were up to me, i wouldn't not let cory sell on YT. in this thread someone had mentioned that cory is selling connies creations on other dog forums as well. i sure do hope people are standing up for connie in those forums as well.

cory really needs to speak up. i don't want to be falsely accusing her of anything. and would like to make a suggestion that if she indeed didn't do anything wrong, she really should explain, otherwise it does make her look very guilty by all the actions she's chosen to take. and since her friends are here to speak up for her. why not offer us some insight into why you feel that cory's been falsely accused?

Right on!!!!!

[chloeandj]

I absolutely know how you feel! I have had so many copy my designs! But unfortunately and the most hurtful, were some YT people that I sent to in a GIFT exchange or a donated prize...turned around to copy or tweek their own designs to flat out copy mine. To copy my designs for free was even more maddening! Had to quit those.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by chachi

LOL polite police I like that one! I may have to use that one if you don't mind

Go right ahead and use away!

[tjdmom]

Originally Posted by ryorkies

I just watched an older movie titled Calendar Girls and I highly recommend it to each and every one of you.
Its stars are 50(ish) and dealing with day to day struggles just like many of us. The underlining story line is Friendship.
I cried during this movie and while watching it thought of all the wonderful friends I have made here through the years. Friendship. It is the foundation for which Love is built and oh so precious.
Now, I mentioned that I cried through this movie and perhaps that is because I just completed another round of chemo and my levels are just completely whacky. They fill me with so many steroids so that my body will not reject the poison that they are pumping through my veins. Hopefully this will put me in a longer remission this time to enjoy the Friendships I hold so dear. Right now I just hope that it provides me more time to meet the Friends who brighten my days and are so dear to me. I mention this because I have not been online here much and this is the reason why.

Recently I have been saddened to read of the loss of a Friendship. I have personally chosen not to reply to the threads posted ( until now ) because my heart just breaks with the loss of it all. I know each of these ladies so well and my heart is desperately hoping that it was all a misunderstanding. Anyway, what could I possibly post that will take away the pain ? You might ask how such close and loving Friendships can develop when you might never have met the other in person? Well, all I can say is, come to one of the Meet Ups and witness for yourself. Fellowship is strong and alive on this forum.... which leads to Friendship .... which leads to strong bonds of Love and Family. When something happens to break that bond it is painful and not only for the persons involved , but to those who love and cherish them.

The Friendships I have made along the way here have been of everlasting joy to me and I treasure every beautiful Friend I have met and those I hope to meet in the future. Friendship. It is the root of Love and isn't that just the greatest Gift we could possibly be given?
I pray with all my heart that my friends understand why I have chosen to reply in my own way.
Friends. I do cherish you all and I will continue to pray that this pain can be healed and hoping with all my might that it was just a misunderstanding.

Janie, as always your wisdom amazes me. You speak so eloquently. I hope everyone sees the wisdom in your post.... Thank you!

[Yorkieblessed]

There must be alot of design stealing going on, the dresses on all the websites look very similar.

[gypsyqueen]

Leaving names out when a friend copys a friends product and opens a website and sells the product that is her friends way of earning a little money it is unethical it is mean it shows that persons true character if the shoe fits wear it. Trying to sugar coat what is the truth is a pile of bull now this is the facts if you had no names to start with anybody would say this is so WRONG. Can I say what was done is wrong YES is it mean NO its the facts.

[cory]

I am making a one time statement here from my standpoint and have not commented prior to this because I’ve been devastated emotionally and very, very hurt by what Connie has done here posting this not on one but four public forums including facebook instead of speaking to me directly. I have not been able to stop crying for days and my husband who read Connie’s email to me was in disbelief that anyone could be this cruel. He has seen how many hours I’ve spent on sewing, making my own patterns, and taking lessons throughout last year.

This is what happened from my eyes. It was last summer that Connie and I were talking and I mentioned about having a sewing a machine and wanting to learn to sew for my girls. Initially I did not even know if I’d be able to sew let alone like sewing. I thought this was a good hobby to take up and discussed this with Connie. Connie told me that she had mailed her pattern and instructions to another friend Janie who will attest to that I’m sure. Connie said she wanted to send me hers, I did not ask for this nor did I steal it as Connie has implied. I did not even get to sewing until the fall when I decided to start sewing lessons. I continued to take sewing lessons all through the fall and now have been taking four sessions of spring classes to do with serging and embroidery. It’s true, Connie did give me simple instructions on making a dog dress but I have not used her pattern and had shredded this information away long ago. I told Connie that I wasn’t using her pattern months ago and that others had started to ask me to sew for them.

There was another good friend who knew about my interest in sewing too and she was so kind to buy for me a bunch of dog patterns out east because they had a great sale on them. I purchased these from her and have been using these as well in things I’ve been making. I’m sure that this member would comment and tell others that this is the truth.

This wasn’t some pre-medicated plan that I had to sew for others. I was sewing for my own girls but others kept asking me to make things for them so it just happened as I continued to improve with sewing. I learned different ways to sew at my lessons and purchased a gathering foot. My method of sewing is not even close to Connie’s instructions and I was allowed to bring various dog patterns to classes where my instructor helped me. One class was strictly on adjusting patterns. Connie said that classes can’t teach you to make “doggy dresses”. I would have to disagree with this because now from what I’ve learned, sewing is sewing. You learn to cut out material, types of material, reading patterns, sewing techniques and finishing off the inside. Mostly I use my serger for finishing off the inside and when I bought mine Connie wanted to learn the serger too but had too much trouble with threading it and returned it to the store. Connie also told me that she has trouble following store bought patterns but I’ve been able to do this with the help of my sewing lessons. I purchased a book on bowmaking online and mailed a copy of this recently out to Connie when I returned from the states. I was happy to do this and to share this information with her. I’m really not a horrible monster like Connie is making me out to be.

I even told Connie about the different patterns that I had purchased and was using from Kwik Sew. Connie asked me for the pattern numbers and I gave these to her and was happy to do so. It’s true that Connie told me about where she gets her online Velcro and D-rings and I thanked her for doing so. It was just in the course of a conversation and there are numerous other places to get Velcro. It was like two friends having a discussion, and that’s it. I’ve purchased the same velcro at our local Fabricland and found it to be the same quality as the one that’s online. Many other people know about this site and have mentioned it to me too. Connie told me about her packaging that’s true from Clearbags.com. Anyone can purchase from this online company. I purchased many of the oversized bags so that I could poke holes and store my girl’s clothes in their closet on hangers to keep them relatively dust free. I don’t feel these bags are unique to Connie because anything I’ve ever bought from anyone has been in similar type bags. If anyone asked me about these bags I’d think it was no big deal and gladly give them the information on them.

Although I had initially only thought that I’d be sewing for my girls others on the sites kept encouraging me and asking me to open a website. Maggie and Lindi’s breeder from Canada asked me as well. All the while, I posted pictures of things I made and told Connie exactly what I was making for other people. This was not Connie’s pattern but my own pattern that I had worked with. I am not saying I’m a designer or claim to be. I’m still learning to sew and will continue to take lessons and improve on my current skills. When I say custom clothes on my website, all I’m saying is that the clothes are made to order based on dogs measurements. In otherwords, they are not ready made in specific sizes.

Everyone kept asking me for pictures and it was getting time consuming sending these so I thought about it and decided it would be better to open the website. The day I made the website up I told Connie right away and sent her the link. She said she looked at it and it looked fine. I certainly did not keep any of this a secret from her. I said I wasn’t going to advertise and I’m really not doing this on a big scale when all I’ve asked for is comments on things I’ve made.

We lived in the US last winter and I went to Joanne’s many, many times and when I’d see materials that I liked I just bought them. The Tutti Fruiti material was at the front of the store and on sale for weeks. I would have seen it and liked whether Connie mentioned this to me or not. I wasn’t aware that there was a paton on materials and if one person had it another wasn’t allowed to purchase it. I had not even looked at Connie’s materials and certainly did not purposely buy certain material patterns simply because she had them.

I still consider this a hobby and do not even care about how many orders I get. It was the farthest thing from my mind to steal away Connie’s customers. I’m simply just enjoying sewing. My prices are listed very reasonably and I’m not even charging for my time and would only like to get back a little of what I’ve paid to put into this hobby. I’ve also been a member on here for some time and spoke to the admin and another member who suggested that I start that thread to get an opinion on my website.

Connie said that this had nothing to do with her business but I beg to differ. She was fine with everything until I started that one thread showing people my website here on YT. These are two direct quotes from her email to me, “I was surprised to see a post by you in YT the other day where you have your website in your signature and had your website put on the store list. I have told you many times that I get good business on YT and that is why I stay there.” “You have been to many meet ups and met people personally, so I know that those people will order from you, rather than myself. I have never worried about competition before...not until now.”
In my opinion, it is not uncommon for people’s goals in life change as time goes on and it crazy to even suggest that I had a premeditated plan from early last summer for this to happen or for my love of sewing and these requests from others to evolve as it has.

I feel that Connie has done this to ruin my reputation and try to close up my website because she is afraid of loosing business. For me, this is certainly not a competition and I had no intention of stealing Connie’s customers as she claims. I told her I would be away this summer and next winter and only want to sew a little for some people if they’d like me to. Of course I want people to see my website and give me their opinion on things I’ve made and how the website looks. This is because I’m enjoying it and do not even care if I get back half of what I’ve put into this. In fact, I’ve been worried and hoping that I wouldn’t get too many requests because I don’t intend to be sewing for hours and hours each and every day like Connie says she does.
People that know me know that I’m not the horrible monster that Connie is making me out to be. Everything I’ve said here is spoken from the heart. I’m sorry but I really did consider Connie my friend but now after all of this, I have lost every ounce of respect for her in how she has handled this entire situation and blown it out of context with the ultimate goal of hurting me.

[kalina82]

Cory I am glad you came back to tell your part. It sounds like you took the time to write out a well thought out response. thank you for posting.

[chattiesmom]

Connie, I am so very sorry that you were betrayed by someone you called a friend. I truly know the feeling, and it is devestating.

In the recent past, it seems to be a re-occurring problem. I would venture to say that most of the long time YT vendors have faced this issue at least once. Not too long ago, I received a pm from a YT vendor who was upset because she had been "called out" in a pm. It seems like this YTer had copied a technique that was unique to another member. I was really amused because she was outraged that someone would be upset and wanted to know if I had ever received similar ugly pms. I don't think she liked my reply 'cause I haven't heard back from her.

There was a time when YT vendors took pride in their work, the work of others and there was mutual respect. Although dresses looked similar you could always tell who made the dress because each vendor has special little techniques that earmarked their work. It might be something as simple as how the velcro was sewn in, or something more significant such as the shape of the skirt and/or the amount of gathering. Now it seems like the "vultures" come out of the woodwork when they see something popular and either buy one and remanufacture it (take it apart to make a duplicate) or just copy it from pictures. I long for the "good ole days" when each YTer took pride in the fact that the work they produced was original, well made and was sought after by YT members for it's individual merit.

[Yorkieblessed]

Laurie, look at Cory dresses they are a harness with a skirt sewed on, like all the other dresses, , What are so original about Connies, nothing but she always used the same material for her bows... this has gotten to to be freaking ridiculous people think if they make something it is there pattern. Each dressmaker puts there OWN little touches on there clothes that makes them unique,original .NO!
Here boths sides, I think this is a case of someone feeling insecure,plain and simple.
Cory is one of the sweetest person I have ever met on the forums,listen to her side.You remember that email that was sent to me long ago by accident? That showed someones true colors if you ask me.
!

Originally Posted by gypsyqueen

Leaving names out when a frie I have seen it a few times!nd copys a friends product and opens a website and sells the product that is her friends way of earning a little money it is unethical it is mean it shows that persons true character if the shoe fits wear it. Trying to sugar coat what is the truth is a pile of bull now this is the facts if you had no names to start with anybody would say this is so WRONG. Can I say what was done is wrong YES is it mean NO its the facts.

[Yorkieblessed]

Thanks for telling your story and I truly belive every word you have wriiten Cory. HUGS!

Originally Posted by cory

I am making a one time statement here from my standpoint and have not commented prior to this because I’ve been devastated emotionally and very, very hurt by what Connie has done here posting this not on one but four public forums including facebook instead of speaking to me directly. I have not been able to stop crying for days and my husband who read Connie’s email to me was in disbelief that anyone could be this cruel. He has seen how many hours I’ve spent on sewing, making my own patterns, and taking lessons throughout last year.

This is what happened from my eyes. It was last summer that Connie and I were talking and I mentioned about having a sewing a machine and wanting to learn to sew for my girls. Initially I did not even know if I’d be able to sew let alone like sewing. I thought this was a good hobby to take up and discussed this with Connie. Connie told me that she had mailed her pattern and instructions to another friend Janie who will attest to that I’m sure. Connie said she wanted to send me hers, I did not ask for this nor did I steal it as Connie has implied. I did not even get to sewing until the fall when I decided to start sewing lessons. I continued to take sewing lessons all through the fall and now have been taking four sessions of spring classes to do with serging and embroidery. It’s true, Connie did give me simple instructions on making a dog dress but I have not used her pattern and had shredded this information away long ago. I told Connie that I wasn’t using her pattern months ago and that others had started to ask me to sew for them.

There was another good friend who knew about my interest in sewing too and she was so kind to buy for me a bunch of dog patterns out east because they had a great sale on them. I purchased these from her and have been using these as well in things I’ve been making. I’m sure that this member would comment and tell others that this is the truth.

This wasn’t some pre-medicated plan that I had to sew for others. I was sewing for my own girls but others kept asking me to make things for them so it just happened as I continued to improve with sewing. I learned different ways to sew at my lessons and purchased a gathering foot. My method of sewing is not even close to Connie’s instructions and I was allowed to bring various dog patterns to classes where my instructor helped me. One class was strictly on adjusting patterns. Connie said that classes can’t teach you to make “doggy dresses”. I would have to disagree with this because now from what I’ve learned, sewing is sewing. You learn to cut out material, types of material, reading patterns, sewing techniques and finishing off the inside. Mostly I use my serger for finishing off the inside and when I bought mine Connie wanted to learn the serger too but had too much trouble with threading it and returned it to the store. Connie also told me that she has trouble following store bought patterns but I’ve been able to do this with the help of my sewing lessons. I purchased a book on bowmaking online and mailed a copy of this recently out to Connie when I returned from the states. I was happy to do this and to share this information with her. I’m really not a horrible monster like Connie is making me out to be.

I even told Connie about the different patterns that I had purchased and was using from Kwik Sew. Connie asked me for the pattern numbers and I gave these to her and was happy to do so. It’s true that Connie told me about where she gets her online Velcro and D-rings and I thanked her for doing so. It was just in the course of a conversation and there are numerous other places to get Velcro. It was like two friends having a discussion, and that’s it. I’ve purchased the same velcro at our local Fabricland and found it to be the same quality as the one that’s online. Many other people know about this site and have mentioned it to me too. Connie told me about her packaging that’s true from Clearbags.com. Anyone can purchase from this online company. I purchased many of the oversized bags so that I could poke holes and store my girl’s clothes in their closet on hangers to keep them relatively dust free. I don’t feel these bags are unique to Connie because anything I’ve ever bought from anyone has been in similar type bags. If anyone asked me about these bags I’d think it was no big deal and gladly give them the information on them.

Although I had initially only thought that I’d be sewing for my girls others on the sites kept encouraging me and asking me to open a website. Maggie and Lindi’s breeder from Canada asked me as well. All the while, I posted pictures of things I made and told Connie exactly what I was making for other people. This was not Connie’s pattern but my own pattern that I had worked with. I am not saying I’m a designer or claim to be. I’m still learning to sew and will continue to take lessons and improve on my current skills. When I say custom clothes on my website, all I’m saying is that the clothes are made to order based on dogs measurements. In otherwords, they are not ready made in specific sizes.

Everyone kept asking me for pictures and it was getting time consuming sending these so I thought about it and decided it would be better to open the website. The day I made the website up I told Connie right away and sent her the link. She said she looked at it and it looked fine. I certainly did not keep any of this a secret from her. I said I wasn’t going to advertise and I’m really not doing this on a big scale when all I’ve asked for is comments on things I’ve made.

We lived in the US last winter and I went to Joanne’s many, many times and when I’d see materials that I liked I just bought them. The Tutti Fruiti material was at the front of the store and on sale for weeks. I would have seen it and liked whether Connie mentioned this to me or not. I wasn’t aware that there was a paton on materials and if one person had it another wasn’t allowed to purchase it. I had not even looked at Connie’s materials and certainly did not purposely buy certain material patterns simply because she had them.

I still consider this a hobby and do not even care about how many orders I get. It was the farthest thing from my mind to steal away Connie’s customers. I’m simply just enjoying sewing. My prices are listed very reasonably and I’m not even charging for my time and would only like to get back a little of what I’ve paid to put into this hobby. I’ve also been a member on here for some time and spoke to the admin and another member who suggested that I start that thread to get an opinion on my website.

Connie said that this had nothing to do with her business but I beg to differ. She was fine with everything until I started that one thread showing people my website here on YT. These are two direct quotes from her email to me, “I was surprised to see a post by you in YT the other day where you have your website in your signature and had your website put on the store list. I have told you many times that I get good business on YT and that is why I stay there.” “You have been to many meet ups and met people personally, so I know that those people will order from you, rather than myself. I have never worried about competition before...not until now.”
In my opinion, it is not uncommon for people’s goals in life change as time goes on and it crazy to even suggest that I had a premeditated plan from early last summer for this to happen or for my love of sewing and these requests from others to evolve as it has.

I feel that Connie has done this to ruin my reputation and try to close up my website because she is afraid of loosing business. For me, this is certainly not a competition and I had no intention of stealing Connie’s customers as she claims. I told her I would be away this summer and next winter and only want to sew a little for some people if they’d like me to. Of course I want people to see my website and give me their opinion on things I’ve made and how the website looks. This is because I’m enjoying it and do not even care if I get back half of what I’ve put into this. In fact, I’ve been worried and hoping that I wouldn’t get too many requests because I don’t intend to be sewing for hours and hours each and every day like Connie says she does.
People that know me know that I’m not the horrible monster that Connie is making me out to be. Everything I’ve said here is spoken from the heart. I’m sorry but I really did consider Connie my friend but now after all of this, I have lost every ounce of respect for her in how she has handled this entire situation and blown it out of context with the ultimate goal of hurting me.