“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!
Comments (17)
I love your new socks! See you over at Ravelry.
Posted by Carole | July 24, 2007 1:18 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 13:18
The organization of my stash in Ravelry is my favorite thing about it. All the other things you mentioned are wonderful too, but I love being able to finally organize all that yarn! I am going to add all my fiber soon too.
Love the newest socks!
Posted by Karen | July 24, 2007 2:31 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 14:31
I love those pink socks!
Posted by Valerie | July 24, 2007 7:09 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 19:09
Your socks look terrific! Unfortunately, I signed up late for Ravelry, so it will be a while until I get signed up. It sounds like fun.
Posted by Beth | July 24, 2007 8:09 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 20:09
Beautiful Socks as always! I LOVE Ravelry too! Especially the pretty pictures of all your FOs --I'm with you it does give a person a great sense of accomplishment.
TaTa... Off to ravelry to check out all your projects and socks --I am sure:)
Posted by Marisol | July 25, 2007 1:21 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 01:21
Your socks are great! And I am with you all the way on Ravelry. There really aren't enough good things to say about it. Even for someone as organizationally impaired as me, it is the best most user friendly organization tool I've met.I also love the ease with which you can see what other people made, what yarn they used, whether they liked it or not. I love looking at what other people did with a pattern I've used. It's just fun.
Posted by marnie | July 25, 2007 9:37 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 09:37
I totally agree with you about Ravelry! It makes organizing and keeping track of things so easy. And I love seeing all the different versions of a pattern together, so I can decide what I think of it, what modifications look good, etc.
Posted by Cheryl | July 25, 2007 6:45 PM
Posted on July 25, 2007 18:45
I have spent a few minutes checking Ravelry out, but I really am scared of what it might do to my time management if I get sucked in. I just added one FO and poked around a little. Maybe when things settle down (or I guess I should say IF) I will have more time to get into it. It is super cool, though, you're right about that!
Posted by katie | July 25, 2007 9:27 PM
Posted on July 25, 2007 21:27
two new pairs of socks -- color me impressed :o) i have some of that duet too and can't wait to co.
Posted by amanda | July 25, 2007 11:59 PM
Posted on July 25, 2007 23:59
Your embossed leaves are gorgeous!
I'm with you on Ravelry. Unfortunately, I think I'm now spending even more time browsing and coming up with possibilities. It's hard to not be seduced by the new, but I'm working on finishing things up.
Posted by Terby | July 26, 2007 11:51 AM
Posted on July 26, 2007 11:51
I am right there with you singing the praises of Ravelry! :) Wonderful!
and I love the socks! they both make me smile!
Posted by Lolly | July 26, 2007 8:25 PM
Posted on July 26, 2007 20:25
Ack! I love those contrasting heel toe socks! I haven't knit a thing since the baby was born, but those socks could definitely get me to forgo some sleep for some sock knitting time. Nice job!
Posted by allison | July 30, 2007 12:16 AM
Posted on July 30, 2007 00:16
love the new socks - they are wonderful!
and I totally agree with you about Ravelry - it's the best!
Posted by Teyani | July 31, 2007 11:57 AM
Posted on July 31, 2007 11:57
I'm not cool people yet and into Ravelry, but I am anxiously awaiting my invitation. I think I was under a rock called mommyhood and the fact that existed was over my head. Knitting is supposed to help with patience, right?
The socks are beautiful!
Posted by Gracie | August 5, 2007 10:14 PM
Posted on August 5, 2007 22:14
I completely agree with you. At first I thought it was just a fun novelty -- an enjoyable distraction -- but then I realized I was using it ALL the time! And with 15,000 people still on the waiting list, can you imagine how many more versions of every pattern and projects in every yarn we're going to see? Jess and Casey deserve the Nobel Prize, as far as I'm concerned.
Love your socks! The pink ones manage to look both prim and flirty.
Posted by Rachel | August 7, 2007 8:53 PM
Posted on August 7, 2007 20:53
Hi Leah! I found you through Teyani's blog. She answered an email of mine not too long ago thinking I was you. Not too often you meet another Leah.
I love your new socks, especially the embossed leaves.
Leah - Nashville, TN
Posted by Leah | August 11, 2007 11:08 AM
Posted on August 11, 2007 11:08
The socks are gorgeous, I'm really happy to see that duet yarn knit up, I've been eyeing it for a long time.
Posted by keri | August 14, 2007 8:43 AM
Posted on August 14, 2007 08:43