My first project is Pele (link to pattern), a Berroco pattern for a pair of convertible mittens. Flip back the mitt, and viola!! Fingerless gloves. I’ve never knit gloves before—oh sure, I’ve knit mittens and wristers and fingerless mitts, but never anything where fingers were involved. Since I’ve been telling Matt for at least a month now that I would knit him gloves, I figure this would be the perfect challenge.

I am also a meticulously slow knitter, and projects tend to sit on my needles for quite some time. I mean, how long have I been working on Aquaphobia? While someone else may be able to whip up these gloves in a few hours of watching Law & Order on one of the many cable channels, I know I will need a deadline to turn the yarn into something wearable.

I’ve got at least two other patterns on my must-knit list for the Olympics, and a few more in the queue if I really feel up to it, but the point is to be realistic while still being challenging. I think three projects in 17 days is challenging enough for me. But who knows? Maybe I’ll catch the Olympic spirit and push myself to try knitting even more awesome stuff.

Last month I said the following to our audience, “If you’re not a member of Ravelry, you’re a fool.” It may have been a little strongly worded as there are many perfectly understandable reasons to not participate in in the site. However, for a knitter like me, Ravelry has been a godsend.

The pattern database is extensive and easily searchable. If I’m looking for a lace jacket made with worsted weight yarn, I can narrow the list down with those variables. And then to be able to see other people’s results when creating the projects, reading their notes on changes they made or types of yarn used; that curiosity of “I wonder how this will look in x size or in x yarn” happens far less often.

I’m also a big fan of the yarn database. It’s a virtual yarn shop only with more information. There are descriptions of yarn, lists of what projects have been made with yarns and links to what’s available for sale or trade by other Ravelry members.

And let’s not forget the community. Frankly, I’ve made brilliant and wonderful friends on the Ravelry forums. Our weekly Tuesday night knit and crochet group formed from a post a few years ago & from there the Social Knitworking Podcast. The Cult of The Blankie has it’s own forum for trades and pictures and Blankie discussions. I can talk to other toy knitters. There is always someone to talk to about life or craft.

So my dear Ravelry, thank you for existing and growing and being the super community you are.

With much love,
Joanna