This past week, I posted a reel on Instagram that seemed to really resonate, with thousands of comments and shares.
It’s also an idea that I believe is super important, so I wanted to share it with you here, too.
It’s about Tall Poppy Syndrome.
I just learned about this concept from my friend Michael who’s Australian, where the phrase is believed to have originated. But it’s a universal issue, and for some reason, it’s especially prevalent in the yarn space.
Tall Poppy Syndrome is the social phenomenon where high achievers, or those who stand out, are criticized, resented or undermined by their peers.
In the reel I posted, I mention a specific example of this happening right now in the yarn space…but the example isn’t really the point.
From the conversations I’ve had around countless kitchen tables with different Stars over the years, I can promise you Tall Poppy Syndrome is very real and affects designers and dyers at every level – often to the point that they decide it isn’t worth it any more, and they walk away.
(And yes, it’s happened to me, too – I’ve been the target of many an unkind, untrue comment in the darkest corners of the web, but I’ve learned to focus instead on all of the people we are reaching, inspiring and helping to grow ♥️).
Here is the great news: You can help end Tall Poppy Syndrome in the yarn world, for good.
Here are some ways to help – and they are all free!
🌺
When you see a design you love, share about it – in personal and online. Tag the designer. Do this whether the designer is an up-and-comer or a “household name.” Know that even the designers whose names seem to be everywhere, are likely still struggling to make a living as a creative. Those pattern sales may add up, but so do the expenses of running a business.
(And even if they’re not struggling financially, I promise that everyone is struggling with personal issues you will probably never know about. The very day that you share about their design may be the day they needed that kindness boost the most.)
🌺Same goes for yarn dyers. Consider casting on something hand-dyed from your stash (or even just caking it up) and posting about it. Tag the dyer. They may thank you and even if they don’t, others will see and maybe support them.
🌺Consider casting on something hand-dyed from your stash (or even just caking it up) and posting about it. Tag the dyer. They may thank you and even if they don’t, others will see and maybe support them.
🌺My last idea is the simplest but arguably most powerful: When you see or hear people engaging in tall-poppy-chopping (cutting down others online), say something nice. And that includes when others try to cut you down to size. Be the Tall Poppy that you are!
As Yarnies, we are living in such an amazing era, with literally millions of choices of patterns and yarns, and an unprecedented amount of community, curation and support.
Let’s all do our part to raise the tide and lift all the boats.
With so much love,
