2012 Year in Review: Exploring Ravelry
Although I’ve been a Ravelry member since December, 2007, I barely used it until 2011. Last year, I finally started to browse Ravelry regularly for pattern searches and began to participate in several groups. My Rav goal for 2012 was to use the notebook to track all of my projects.
Adding projects (and even taking pictures of them) eventually became like second nature for me. Looking through my notebook, I discovered that I completed over 160 projects in 2012. Before you congratulate me for being the most prolific crocheter/knitter in America, let me mention that number includes many, many small projects (like an individual granny square for charity).
I actually think tracking my projects helped me to complete more (if only because seeing all of those WIPs can be distressing), and it definitely encouraged me to take more pictures! If you don’t already track your projects on Ravelry, I encourage you to start!
These are my 5 favorite completed 2012 projects using other designers’ patterns:
My first “magic loop” project – a hat for my dad.
Ravelry project page. Pattern: A Hat Fit for a Fella by Shana Kreikemeier.
My first Bruges lace project – a scarf for one of my best friends.
Ravelry project page. Pattern: Sparkling Wave Scarf by Tatyana Mirer.
Yoga socks for my mom.
Ravelry project page. Pattern: Pilates Peds (Crochet Yoga Socks) by Pam Daley.
My first knit shawl (made during and after Hurricane Sandy).
Ravelry project page. Pattern: Terribly Simple by Caitlin ffrench.
Super cute crochet slippers, made as a swap gifty.
Ravelry project page. Pattern: Granny Slippers by Bernat designer.
And these are my 5 favorite completed 2012 projects using my own patterns:
The All Weather Cowl, which I’ve been wearing a lot lately.
Ravelry project page. Free pattern available here.
The Sandworm’s Journey Beanie, my first knitting design, and a gift for my friend, JP.
Ravelry project page. Free pattern available here.
By the way, JP proved herself very knitworthy by sending this email after opening her hat (which I was worried might be too small for her):
I love my new hat! It is perfect in every way!!!!! I love the color, cables, shape, size, etc…. PERFECT!!!!!
My very first infinity scarf/cowl. Now I finally understand why everyone wears these – so warm!
Ravelry project page. Pattern available for sale here.
My first Bruges lace design.
Ravelry project page. Pattern available for sale here.
This hat is way cuter with the pom pom added.
Ravelry project page. Free pattern available here.
And this last project, a combo of my own layout with the pattern of another designer…
The never ending New Orleans Saints themed double Irish Chain granny square bedspread for my little sister.
Ravelry project page. Pattern: I used my own layout, but my granny square was a four round version of the Basic Granny Square by Julie A. Bolduc.
On a related note, I started using Ravelry’s stash feature after reading this great post by FreshStitches. I definitely don’t have all of my stash listed, but it has helped me to sell some stash and also to keep track of my stashbusting efforts this year.
What’s your favorite Ravelry feature?
I love that I can match up my stash to both my current projects and projects in my queue. I know which yarn is “spoken for” and which isn’t. It also makes starting a bit easier because I have a list already parsed out with yarn.
I might have to start using the queue, too, now, Vanessa! Thanks for this tip.
Oh, you have such lovely projects!!
Thanks, Lindacee! I really appreciate your kind words
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I was the same way, I joined Rav in 2008 but never really used it until early 2012.
I think it takes time for those of us who aren’t internet fiends to adjust to all the features.
I like the projects page very much as well. I started my own blog before finding Ravelry for just that purpose as I wanted a place to keep track of the things I made and what I modified or the yarn I used. Now I can hardly wait to post the finished things to my Ravelry page (although I am somewhat behind as I did not take pictures of all the Christmas gift knitting in case one of the recipients had a look! LOL)