Oh my Ravelry!
“I love, I love, I love you, and never wish to be parted from you from this day on!” (Gawd! When Mr. Darcy says that to Elizabeth near the end of Pride and Prejudice, my thighs just about burst into flames! Every time)!!
Anyway, Ravelry! "Oh how I love thee…" Seriously folks, I can’t help but wax poetic about Ravelry. I know most of you have read scads of great reviews, so I’m just going to share how it has revolutionized my fiber world.
1. Organization. Love the concept, but I’ve always struggled with the application. With Ravelry? I just plug in the pics, fill in the blanks, and select WIP or Finished. And let me tell you, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing your knitted/crocheted projects all together in neat little rows of pretty pictures. Such a sense of accomplishment.
Speaking of accomplishment, I have two new pair of socks to share with you:
On the left: Embossed Leaves Socks featured in both IK Winter 2005 and Favorite Socks. Knit with STR lightweight in Dutch Canyon (lurve the color!) on 2.5mm Crystal Palace Bamboo. I used a German Twisted Cast-on instead of the 1x1 rib co for a bit more stretch, but otherwise knit the pattern as written. These are probably my favorite socks I've knit thus far.
On the right: Toe up socks with contrasting heels and toes knit in Duet Sock Yarn Pink on Pink (seriously, Angela, the names of the colorways on the labels would be good) from A Swell Yarn Shop. Sport weight and super smooshy. I knit these on 3.25mm Knit Picks circulars, made them really long (almost knee socks) and finished with a picot cuff (my first, and such fun). These will make the loveliest winter socks. Now I can't wait for colder weather!
2. Planning. Awhile back (read more than a year ago) I photographed the majority of my stash as well as the projects for which it was intended. With Ravelry, I have a neat and organized place to upload those photos. The benefit is obvious. With a stash as large as most of us claim (ahem), it’s not always easy to remember everything. Now, I can peak at my stash anytime I’m in the mood for a new project, without having to lug out all the bins and books.
3. New ideas. Easy peasy! Just take a quick peak at what my friends and neighbors are doing. Love that yarn? See what everyone (and I mean everyone) else is making with it. Enamored with a cool new pattern? See who else is making it or add it to the queue. I can save the fiber, the project, or the crafter as a favorite and it’ll all be there when I go back tomorrow (and the next day and the next and the next)!
Not a member yet? Don’t despair. They promise to be open to one and all soon, and I can assure you, the wait will be worth it. In the mean time, take a sneak peak. It will whet your appetite, or make your thighs burst into flames, depending on your persuasion!
