Ravelry in a nutshell ...

I have been 'on' Ravelry for a number of years now, but it is only recently that I started really using it to it's fullest potential.

I am aware that some are a bit hesitant to investigate it further, probably because they do not understand how it works, or maybe because they do not feel overly confident online. Maybe after this initial introduction - and if there seems to be a need for it, we might investigate some of the various aspects of Ravelry in greater detail later on. Let's see how it goes ...

Ravelry was started in 2007 by a husband and wife team and is based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. I actually found this out after I visited Boston last year! I wish I had known that earlier - it would have been awesome to investigate further.

Among other things, Ravelry was created to be an online space where anyone could come in order to find out where to buy, find help for, or be inspired by, pretty much all things related to a very broad and comprehensive yarn universe. It is essentially an online knitting and crochet community where you may choose to what degree you wish to be involved.

It is free to join and very simple. All you need is a valid email address to get yourself up and running. There is a help section and there are also videos, but if you're fairly computer literate you won't have any problems.

In my opinion, Ravelry is a great resource for anyone, even those on a low (or no) budget who want to be able to pursue a hobby they love when funds are tight or practically non existent. You can search for patterns on Ravelry (many are free to download if cost is an issue for you) and by filtering your search to the nth degree you can very quickly ascertain whether or not you will find what you are looking for. You can even save your searches, so you don't have to start all over again if interrupted for any reason! How cool is that?! Any patterns you like or choose to download (whether free or paid for) may be saved in a virtual library of your very own! You may also choose to create 'bundles' to be revisited at your leisure.

There are many independent designers selling their patterns on Ravelry, of which I am but one. There are groups you can join. There are designers and stores you can follow. There are projects you can ooh and ah over. You can make friends there if you so desire. You can look up yarns for sale, or find out further information on yarns you are curious about. Either currently available yarns, or in some cases yarns that may have been discontinued. You can record your stash there - so you know at a glance what is in there without having to haul it out for a 'big reveal'. And - you can even note down the hiding places!

The possibilities for Ravelry use are almost endless. You decide for yourself how you will use it ... so, if you are not involved but think you might need to investigate further - what are you waiting for? Head on over there and start the process. You won't be sorry! Here's the link that will get you started. http://www.ravelry.com/invitations.