Myself and another knitter started the West Seattle Needlers group. We are on Ravelry, under that name, and we have been knitting at Uptown Espresso for years. We host parties, knit at the beach, knit in Portland, go to workshops together, visit Churchmouse yarns on Bainbridge at least a few times a year, and sometimes we knit around town at various bars and pubs on Sundays...
Brittlestar, your comment really pains me for two reasons: one is that you felt that way. That makes me so sad because that is the exact opposite of what our group is about. EVERYBODY is welcome in our group. Any member of our group will tell you that. I can't think of a single time when a member has been singled out for anything. It just doesn't happen. We are straight, gay, old, young, liberal, conservative, men, and women. We are a community, we support each other, and we are NOT caddy bitches. So, again, I am very sorry that was your experience! Your comments also make me sad because somebody else may come on here and then not feel willing to give our group a try, based on your comments. I hope that is not the case. I wish you would have talked to some of us about what happened. We would have tried to make it right. For the record, I am not doubting your experience! Our group on Ravelry now has over 200 members and our table group frequently changes based on several factors. But I can tell you that, our original core group, would just never do that. I want you to know that I started that group, having just moved to West Seattle. I had no friends and had just started knitting again. My knitting group was my sole source of friendship for quite awhile. I know this was the case for a bunch of other people too. We have talked over and over about how much we cherish our group and the supportive vibe therein.
Our group has evolved over the years many times. We are always gaining and losing members, to babies, jobs, yoga, taking a break from knitting, and whatever. But I do not think we have ever lost a member because we were mocking people! We may not be the right group for you, but please know that we are good people. I hope you find a group that better fits and I hope you don't ever have to have that experience again.
I know there is another group starting up in White Center, that is going to be for all sorts of stitchery. I will post details if I hear more...