I spent the other weekend at the Stitches and Craft Show in Melbourne. I volunteered on the the knitting and crochet craft bar where I spent my time helping people with quick little projects to make and take away. I also spent a lot of that time helping new knitters/crocheters and chatting to those that have been doing it for years. Over the course of the weekend I began to realise just how many crafters had never heard of Ravelry, or if they had, had not yet joined. So what is Ravelry and why should you join?
Ravelry is an online knitting and crochet community. It also has lots of great stuff for spinners, weavers and dyers. It is a place where you can share projects, find patterns or yarns, get help with a project and just hang out with like minded souls from all over the world and have a chat. However that barely scratches the surface of the fabulousness of Ravelry.
Wondering what to do with that stray ball of yarn that you have had hiding in the stash for years because you can't think what to make. Look it up in the yarn directory and see what others have used it for to get ideas.
Have seen a pattern that you love but you want to use a different yarn than specified. Look up the pattern in he directory and see who else has made it and with what yarns. You also get to see it modeled by real people as they add photos to your project page. It helps you get an idea of how your finished project might look.
You're having trouble with a particular pattern and need some help? Do a search of the forums to see if anyone else has had the same problem, post a question asking or help or better yet look up the designer and send them a message.
Have a favourite pattern designer? Add them to you list of friends so it is easy to keep track of what they are making.
You also get access to peoples opinions on patterns and yarns, ideas, modifications and tips for various patterns by looking through peoples project pages as well as an endless almost overwhelming supply of inspiration.
On top of all this lots of your favourite yarn stores will have a group on Raverly which you can join. Some may post specials exclusive to that group or give you the heads up when they are restocking there online store.
So if you haven't already joined I highly recommend that you do. To gain access you will need to create an account which is quick, easy and free to do so, then you are all set to create your own profile, add your own projects, upload you stash and hang out with fibre obsessed people from all over the globe.
Still not convinced you can check out a mini tour of what is available here
So once you've signed up come and say hello.
Mary
Chickenflowertots
