Go read this story about Russian cross-stitch stores getting banned from Etsy

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is affecting cross-stitchers who buy patterns on Etsy. Slate published a piece describing how American cross-stitchers have been devastated by the recent suspension of Russian storefronts, by the surprise of some.

Cross-stitch is a type of hand embroidery where the crafter uses a pattern as a reference. The designs range from simple to complex and start as low as $3. A few weeks ago, cross-stitchers began to notice that their favorite pattern shops were no longer on the platform.

Slate spoke with Russian artists and a historian to understand why so many cross-stitch pattern operations were based in Russia. Designers attribute it to a rich tradition of needlework in the country, rather than the theory that Russian sellers were pirating virtual patterns and reselling them.

Maria Demina, the owner of the popular LittleRoomInTheAttic store on Etsy, says, “The saddest part is that all the items got hidden, and nobody can see the patterns I have been working on for the last seven years.” Demina connects the popularity of this hobby and variety of digital designs in Russia not with piracy, but national traditions, which were passed through generations. “I still have two shirts that were cross-stitched by my great-great-grandfather,” she said.

It's clear that cross-stitch is popular in the country, and that Russians have benefited from Russian designs for sale online. There are trainings and workshops for beginners that can be found on the popular social media platform in Russia.

The shop owners affected by the ban are upset about losing their business. They feel like all of their hard work was wasted with no end in sight to restrictions.

The growing isolation of Russia will hardly cause crisis in the cross-stitch business in the country and throw it back to Soviet times, given the number of designers and their knowledge. But as many pattern makers have admitted, the lack of cultural exchange and inability to get the feedback from customers internationally has already affected their motivation. “I feel bad for losing connection with people abroad, because it has encouraged me to keep working. It is about stars, comments, messages from users. It is all gone,” said Alyona.

The Slate piece shows how supply chains can break down even when the goods are digital. The story does a great job of showing the effects of Russian sanctions and war through a niche but dedicated community, as well as the frustration of sellers who have very little recourse.