Ravelry: A New Knit and Crochet Online Community

Ravelry, a new online community just for those who knit and crochet is now available as a beta, and is all the buzz in the knitting community. Over 4,000 invitation have been sent out this month alone. Ravelry provides those who knit and crochet a way to connect with others who share their hobby, and to get all their knitted related stuff organized.

The my notebook section stores personal information about your projects, yarn stash, needles and hooks, books, and more. Detailed information, such as pattern information, needle size, yarn, pictures, and project progress, can be stored about each of your added projects. Projects can be marked as in progress, hibernated, frogged, or finished.

Yarn stashes have a way of growing out of control. Ravelry can help. You can enter information about all of your yarn including weight, number of skeins, dye lot, location of purchase, and more. You can add your own picture of your stashed yarn or Ravelry will pull up pictures of the same yarn from other Ravelry members. Future project information can be stored in your queue.

A library shelf allows you to enter related books you have and will even pull a picture of it to sit on the shelf. Books are organized on to a main shelf and a section of books that have been used, and those that will be needed for projects in your queue.

Fill in a chart to keep track of your needles and hooks. Then print a little card to keep with you when making trips to your local yarn shop. Create and mark groups, friends, and favorites. A future feature will allow the buying and selling of patterns.

The pattern section allows you to search patterns on Ravelry by name, designer, project types, and book. Check out the patterns being used by and created by other Ravelry members. You won't know where to begin picking your next project. There is a yarn section, too. Search by name, brand, or fiber type. Browse pictures of yarn. Find the perfect fiber for your next project and where to purchase it.

Use the people, forum, and groups sections to get connected with other knitters and crocheters. See what other members are doing. Connect with others working on similar projects or from the same geographic region. Need help or want to chat? Check out the forums. Join a group and get together with people in your area for a stitch and bitch, work on a knit or crochet along online, or work on a charity project. None of these appeal to you? Create your own group for whatever you want.

Since Ravelry is still in beta form, you cannot create a new account immediately. Sign-up now as a beta tester, and get on the waiting list. You will receive an invitation as they work through the list. Knowing how excited you'll be waiting for your invite, Ravelry has a waiting list check enabling you to check your position on the waiting list. Use the help section if needed and keep in mind a few features are still works in progress since Ravelry is still a beat. You'll be glad you tapped in to this great resource.