It’s been a while since we’ve had an update on the changes at Ravelry, and now that the classic design is no longer available it seemed like time for a recap and a where do we go from here kind of post.
To catch up (long version can be found here), over the summer Ravelry launched a redesign that, while some saw as a much needed update to make the site cleaner, brighter and less dated, others reported the new look caused headaches, nausea, even seizures.
Ravelry’s response has been less than great. They’ve made a few design changes such as not having animation on the login screen and giving people access to a few different versions, including Herdwick mode (which lightens buttons, removes drop shadows, and makes the background light gray) and (link to Ravelry ahead) dark mode (which actually has a dark blue background, rather than black, which light colored text).
While these options may be a help to some people, they don’t address all the issues, and there are people who say the site has become and remains unusable for them. Others don’t want to support the company when they at best have consistently ignored the needs of some of its users, and have gone as far as implying the problems aren’t really problems.
In a recent article in the New Yorker, Cassidy, one of Ravelry’s founders, said the accessibility issue “feels silly” to talk about.
“We had to take them seriously, even though the claims seemed outlandish,” she said. “If there was something to fix, we would fix it.”
In the same article the other founder, Jessica, said “the really hard thing is that migraines and seizures are caused by so many different things.” Which is of course true, but it certainly seems like Ravelry was causing issues for people, which those people say have not been resolved, leaving them unable to use the site now that the classic version is no longer available.
So what happens now? It’s clear Ravelry is not currently interested in making more changes to support people who say the site is now unusable, leaving them needing to find alternatives (I’ve shared a post here with some information; there are even more details and options on this post from WIP Insanity. You can also check out the post on tips to improve the Ravelry experience if you aren’t willing or able to completely leave the website).
Personally, since the redesign I have noted when links go to Ravelry and often have the word Ravelry as part of the linked text to make it super clear a link goes there. I follow a lot of designers who primarily use Ravelry for pattern sales, and it is still a source for a lot of free patterns as well, and that is probably not going to change for the foreseeable future, but when possible I will include links to other sites where you can purchase the same pattern or directly to a blog post about the pattern when available.
Instagram is my main source for finding new patterns, but I will continue to make efforts to search for patterns and designers who are off Ravelry for those who need or want those options.
I’d also love to hear your stories if you’ve had problems with Ravelry, if you’ve stopped using it because of your own problems with it or because of their response to the issue, or if you’re continuing to use it. If you know of other good sources for patterns, yarn information, etc., I’d love to hear about them, too!
I find the ravelry site easy to navigate and have had no problems finding what I want.
I liked the original revelry , the new version is more time consuming to navigate . Since there is so much conversation about diversity , I realize how ravelry has not been very diverse in showing the variety of ethnicities, of knit designers there are .
I find the site visually difficult to use now.
Navigation isn’t an issue,but whoa, the dizziness! I can only use the interface for a few minutes before the horizon starts to move with the new design (the dark mode seems to be somewhat better) and I don’t usually have issues with dizziness or migraines!
I’m so sad becaus I have enjoyed using it as a database for my own knitting, not to mention the library of purchased patterns. I am also furious for sellers and users who cannot use it at all, and I am really torn as to what to do now.
I personally have no problems with the Ravelry site and actually prefer it, as I like the library and don’t have to download each and every pattern I purchase right away. I have found that most designers give at least two options and sometimes 3 different places to purchase their patterns so anyone not able to use Ravelry do have options. While I empathize with those that have issues, I will continue to use Ravelry for my own personal reasons. Unfortunately you can’t please all of the people all of the time.
I’m not sure what the fuss is about. My site looks exactly like it always has…nothing has changed.
I preferred the Classic Rav, but have adjusted to new Rav. I did not like the initial site and am glad they have given us other options since. I’ve never had trouble with migraines or dizziness. I am disappointed in how TPTB handled the situation.
I liked the original Ravelry. The new one seems less pleasing and smaller. I also don’t
Like how they come across with their cramming of their diversity and lgbtq down one’s throat. That’s not why I come to the sight to hear their spiel. I would rather go about my business without their garbage.
I am upset because I can’t get into Ravelry at all. I have spent a lot of money on those patterns and can’t access them to either download or to print them. I was given another password to use to get in but it doesn’t work. Now what??
I can’t find the classic Ravelry app in the App Store. Where did it go? Is the classic app no longer available to download?
Judy, I can’t find an email to contact for support but if you can access it you can fill out the form here: https://www.ravelry.com/contact
Karen, I have never used the app but I assume they changed it from classic as well.
I assume you’ve read the Psychology Today research summary about how there was never anything about the site ‘leading’ to migraines.
Don’t want Diversity “ crammed down” your throat ?
Heartless. Ravelry has enhanced my knitting life and my social awareness. A treasure.
I cannot get the site to work. If I’m lucky I can get the search page up but then it doesn’t go there. All I get are a bunch of colored squares let me nothing to me no photos nothing. This is not the revelry I know.
Agree, I clicked a link to Ravelry and cannot get into the site.
I thought the classic version was sweet.
I have had no problem with the new site; I realize everything changes eventually.
I am still able to get what I want and need.
I’m sorry to hear others are having a problem with the new site. I find ravelry to be a very valuable resource.
I just want to go there for knitting and I’m very tired of the political issues. I suffer with migraines and definitely have problems with the new format. Until there’s an alter author works for me I stay.
I have never had a problem with the site. I use it daily and love it as a sort of scrapbook and diary for my projects. I love to see other people’s projects, it’s like a big knitting club for connecting people. I think the push towards diversity and acknowledgement of narrowness in the fashion industry and attempts to catch up are good. I’m sorry that some people experience difficulties but I don’t think Ravelry is to blame.
My problems with Ravelry are quite different. I cannot get into the site. When I log in it just comes up as a bunch of links down the side of the page but when I click on the links they take me no where. I cannot even use the contact us link. Anybody know how to get in touch with them? I had patterns saved on there.
I have no problems with using ravelry. I’m a chronic migraine sufferer — but NOT triggered by ravelry. Go figure. Anyway, I love the site and miss the social/political content. It’s GOOD to think — you can do it while you’re knitting!
one comment says there’s no Equality and Diversity, another says they are ramming down your throat. Just shows how wildly different peoples OPINIONS can be.
I like the fresh look. As for social issues, I would prefer a knitting community free of divisiveness. Knitting is my escape. There is so much divisiveness I think the world needs places to go where harmony and love dominate.