In answer to your question, what ever happen with the sweaters, NOTHING. After being measured and given dates as to when the sweaters would be ready, they never materialized. Apparently, both myself and Moisture Missile went through the same run around procedure. Told a bunch of crap, even though I prepaid for one of my sweaters none were ever knitted. Thanks to Fishing Guide and his wife for their efforts in recovering the monies that I paid in good faith. I still don't understand why the orders we never made, from what I understand there were a number of people that would have been interested in having one knitted as well. Hate to be negative, but puts a bad taste in ones mouth and paints a bad picture for FN's people and I know that not all can be judge by a few. That's all I have to say on the matter, other than I did get a knitted sweater with Oylmpic Rings on the back, looks great, thanks to my fishing buddies wife, a Scottish knitter.

Cheers All,

I am in the midst of preparing a response but my time has been busy. I hope to have it posted in the next 48 hours. Thank you.

Cheers All,

The facts are as follows:

"tyee slayer 2 posted asking if anyone could provide a source for custom Cowichan sweaters. We had a sweater knitted from a Native lady from Duncan who had done a great job at a very reasonable price. We contacted her and she agreed to provide sweaters at the same price and asssured she was not busy so that delivery would not be an issue. I posted this and tyee slayer 2, Moisture Missile as well as 2 other members inquired. Both tyee slayer and Moisture Missile placed orders with tyee slayer 2 paid for one sweater up front 'in good faith'. After a deal of time had passed I had a message from tyee slayer 2 who informed me that he was having difficulty arranging to pick up his sweaters and could I give him a call. He explained he was getting the 'run around' and was there anything I could do to either collect his sweater or obtain his deposit. We also connected with Moisture Missile who was also having difficulty contacting the knitter. At this point I began what was about 25 calls and several visits to the knitter's work to inquire. We were given various reasons why the sweaters were not done. It took seveal weeks before we actually talked to the lady and asked for the money to be returned as both tyee slayer 2 and Moisture Missile had made alternate arrangements. Even at this late date she made various efforts to refrain from paying the funds. However she also realized that we were not going away and ultimately she refunded the deposit without remorse or explanation. I then ensured that the money was placed in the hands of tyee slayer 2."

I concur with tyee slayer 2 as there were several more people who were interested in sweaters - including myself - which would have provided work and funds for this knitter for a long time. What tyee slayer 2 and Moisture Missile went through is inexcuseable - as was mentioned it was 'crap' - it simply shouldn't happen. I don't know what occured to set this into a nightmare but I do know that that is what happened. I spent hours on the phone and we made many trips to her work to track down both her and the money as I felt responsible for recommending her. I learned a valuable lesson from that experience.

However I also do think we have to be very careful not to make this a native issue. This was a business arrangement that went terribly wrong and the business person had no honour to stand up to agreed upon termss. This occurs in all cultures and I am positive we can each think of one that still haunts us. Unfortunately this does jade ones picture of native people and for that I am sad. I do know this is the second time that I have had bad experiences in dealing with our native Canadians. I also can claim many, many positive ones. I believe that one must treat all business arrangements in such a fashion as to protect one's interests. Will I deal with this knitter again? No. Will I deal with natives again? Definately. However I will be very circumspect in offering referrals to people whom I am unsure.

I have a call in to the Chamber of Commerce and the local native band to ensure they are aware of the circumstances. I will also ask for a recommendation of a name of a knitter who is reliable and honours their word. I intend to give them a second chance and I will be placing an order for a sweater. I will also post the response I recieve from both the Band and the Chamber of Commerce.

I again offer my sincere appologies to tyee slayer 2, moisture missile and the other members who took my advice only to get caught in this nightmare. It was certainly not my intention and it was the least I could do to ensure nobody lost any funds. I must also say that both tyee slayer 2 and Moisture Missile were true gentlemen as, in all their frustration, they never once made any negative comments towards myself although it would have been all too understandable. It shows the true quality of them as well as the type of member we have on this site.

I had the pleasure of personally handing tyee slayer 2 his money and he was quite pleased to show me his new knitted sweater (done by a different knitter) and it rocks! It is probably the only Authentic Scottish Cowichan Olympic Sweater in existence and, as such, it is priceless.

If you have any questions about what transpired I am open to discussing them although I hope we can now move past this into more pleasant diversions. I will keep you posted on how the sweater I order turns out and any responses from other involved parties.