Awesome Website: www.ravelry.com

If you know me at all, you know that knitting is one of my favorite hobbies.  Now that my kids are a little older, it's easier for me to find time to actually do it every now and then.

I can remember when I was a little girl, I'd sit on the couch beside my mom, and I was absolutely fascinated at the speed in which the yarn would pull out of the center of the skein that was sitting on my lap and feeding into her hands (usually to a crochet hook, but sometimes to a set of knitting needles).  I used to love to "help" her pull the yarn out of the skein so she could turn it into one of her beautiful creations.  I would let it pool a little, and then watch as it was used up and it was time for me to pull some more out.  She would give me dirty looks sometimes, when I'd daydream and the yarn would pull tight, interrupting the steady rhythm of her stitching.  I flashback to these memories every time my own daughter sits next to me on my couch and lets the yarn pull tight and I throw her the same dirty look my mom threw to me.  (It is pretty annoying when your rhythm gets interrupted!  Sorry mom!)

Mom taught me so much about knitting and crocheting when I was young.  I remember getting so frustrated at those dang loops and how they just wouldn't go where I wanted them to go, when mom made it look so easy.  My crocheted rows never looked even - it seemed I would always turn one stitch too early, or my tension was so uneven that most of my rectangles turned out to be triangles.  I made tons of Barbie bibs (what 8 foot tall blonde with big boobs doesn't need a bib?) and doll blankets with mom's scraps.  Well, when I'd actually make it to the end of a project, which in all honesty, was pretty rare.  And knitting was nearly impossible for me at the beginning.  Wrap around the back or wrap around the front?  Put that needle in WHERE?  Ugh.  She was so patient with me and kept telling me that I just needed to practice, but of course I didn't want to hear that.  I kept plugging away though, and I'm so glad I did and that I can pass down my moms wisdom to my own daughter.  I don't know if my stitches will ever be as fast or as even as mom's, but they are close.  :)

So since I'm slightly better at my yarn crafts than I was when I was 8, and I can actually make things that people might like to receive as a gift, I am constantly looking for ideas of what to make.  Since I am so cheap frugal, I am often going to the internet for inspiration and free patterns.  There are SO many out there if you know where to look.  One of my all-time favorite websites is http://www.ravelry.com/.  This is an online community for knitters and crocheters, a.k.a. Heaven.  Users can create an account and catalog their creations, linking to the pattern they used that will most likely already be stored in the library of thousands and thousands of patterns.  They can also record the yarn they used, how much it took, and any notes that would be helpful to remember in case they wanted to make it again, or offer advice to anyone that might make the same pattern.  Adding your own pictures is very easy too. 

There is an awesome search tool where you can search through available patterns or finished objects that meet certain criteria.  I have spent hours and hours searching and dreaming and getting inspired.  It's a great place to send a friend that might ask me to make something for them, but they aren't sure exactly how they want it.  It gives them the opportunity to see the item they choose in different colors.  They can send me the link and I know I'll be making them something they will really like and actually use.  The forums are full of friendly people always willing to lend a hand if you have questions on a certain pattern.  All of this for FREE!  I love that word.

Wouldn't these make an adorable advent calendar hanging from your mantle?

Cold feet?  How about some nice felted slippers?

Someday when I'm feeling really ambitious, I'd love to try this beauty!

If you'd like to see some of the items I've made, head on over to http://www.ravelry.com/ and search for nancy88.  If you dare, head to the pattern section and look at some of the awesome things people have made and are willing to share.  It's very, very inspiring!

I <3 the internet!!!

NH