Sparky’s View

I’m a little behind on my 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge. The second assignment is to create a list post. I had a hard time thinking of a topic to write about, then it dawned on me that I have tons of knitting resources that I love, why not share them!

1. Social Networking sites
   My favorite resource is Ravelry. You have to become a member to use the site. It’s free and totally worth it. There are tons of patterns, projects and pictures of knitting. There is lots of info on independent spinners and dyers. And a great community with tons of groups for all different interests. I’ve also found a lot of knitters on Facebook by posting status updates about my projects or frustrations.
2. Online Help sites
   KnittingHelp.com has been another great resource for me. This site offers videos on how to do certain techniques, from the basic knit stitch and purl stitch to more complex procedures like cabling, knitting in the round and finishing. The videos are brief, but clearly show the process. And there are videos are for both Continental knitters and English knitters.
3. Manufacturer Websites
   Yarn companies have very in depth websites offering tutorials, patterns, yarn sales, swatch cards, blogs and much more. I have spent lots of time on Lion Brand’s website and am working on a big project from one of their patterns right now. I also like the Berroco site for design ideas, great giveaways and videos.
4. Online Stores
   Many online stores offer free knitting patterns, knitting information and, of course yarns and patterns for sale. There are online stores like KnitPicks, which offers a wide variety of yarns, patterns, pattern books, even their own needles and eat.sleep.knit which offers many beautiful handpainted yarns.
5. Brick and Mortar stores with websites
   Some small, local yarn shops have an online presence as well. There are some that have information about yarns, class times and details, and shop hours, like my local yarn shop, Yarn It All. Other shops have ecommerce sites that offer many items for sale including yarns, patterns, books, needles and notions, like Kaleidoscope Yarns in Vermont.

So that’s a list of my favorite knitting sites. What are yours?

I’ve been knitting for about two years now. About a year ago I was introduced to a cool knitting website by a friend of mine. Once I checked out Ravelry, I had to sign up. Ravelry is a social networking site for knitters. A place to research and share patterns, see pictures of finished projects and talk to other knitters about all things knitting, and some things not knitting related, too.

Earlier this week I saw that Ravelry is looking to hire a Community Support person. After reading the job posting I thought, ‘I can do this, what a perfect job for me.’ Then my friend emailed me suggesting I apply. When I showed Drew the posting, he agreed that I should apply. So it was time to update my resume and think about why I want to work for Ravelry.

This position is part-time, work from home, acting as support to people needing assistance with their accounts, orders and assisting in whatever way possible. This is a perfect opportunity for me to be at home taking care of Eva and work in a position that is challenging and allows me to support my family. Why wouldn’t I love the opportunity? I love knitting, I love Ravelry, I love social networking. It’s really a dream job for me. I really like that the site provides knitters, crocheters and spinners all over the world the opportunity to talk, learn and share. It is a great forum for people who do not have a Local Yarn Store to get assistance and advice.

So, I love the idea of the job, but what are my qualifications? I am a friendly person who loves knitting, learning and meeting new people. I have spent seven and a half years working as an office manager. Seven of those years I acted as technical support for the small office I was managing, running the network, updating the company website and interacting with clients, both on the phone and by email. I am quick to learn new technology and work well both independently and with a team. As an added bonus, I live in Massachusetts, so travel expenses would be minimal if I had to go to Ravelry.

I have quite a bit of internet experience, as well. I have a blog that I am working on updating more frequently, I love to take pictures and share them through Flickr, Facebook and Ravelry. I think that living with my computer nerd husband is rubbing off on me.

Craftwise I have been knitting for the last two years. I take classes at my LYS and learn a lot from reading at Ravelry and other knitting sites. I have made many scarves, baby blankets, socks and some sweaters, mostly for babies. I enjoy finding new patterns and techniques. My current project is an heirloom baby blanket that I am making for my niece who is due in June.

The team at Ravelry also asked “If you were a yarn-producing fiber, what would you be and why?” That was a tough question to think about , but I eventually decided that I think that I am most similar to Superwash Merino because I am warm and friendly. Superwash Merino reminds me of curling up under a favorite afghan chatting with a good friend.

The Ravelry team has a cute mascot, a dog named Bob. No cute dogs here, but I have two cute (black and white) cats and an adorable 17 month old daughter.

Eva showing off recently.

Eva, at 7 months old, showing off Mommy’s handiwork

Eva, at 8 months old, entertaining herself and the ladies at class at Yarn It All

Oliver sporting Eva’s Jayne Hat

Duncan sporting Eva’s Jayne Hat

So this winter I decided that I needed a new hobby. I read a lot, I like to do Sudoku in front of the television, but I wanted to do something else. There is a little yarn shop right around the corner from our house called Yarn It All. So one day I decided to stop in and see what the classes are all about.

The classes are really reasonably priced and run for four weeks, two hours each Tuesday night. It’s nice to get to meet some other people in town, learn to knit, see what other people are working on and get a little social time.

It’s great fun and I’m starting to find some cool online resources in addition to my weekly classes. I plan to start a link section about knitting, since I’ve found some pretty cool sites about knitting. So far one of my favorites is Lion Brand Yarn. They offer free patterns, a free newsletter and info about knitting. If you’re interested in knitting, check it out.