So, since I'm in this phase where I want to cast on but can't find anything I want to start and all I seem to be able to do is look at pattern after pattern on Ravelry*, it has raised a question in my mind regarding how we all use Ravelry. That question is (drum roll please...):
Favorites vs Library?
When I began using Ravelry, I queued everything I liked at first which, as you can imagine, led me very quickly to a very unmanageable queue. When it finally dawned on me that there had to be a better way, I decided to save those patterns I wasn't likely to get to any time soon in my library. I soon also figured out I could create "sets" within my library in which to categorize everything. This has served me well. Last May, however, while I was at the Magnolia State Fiber Festival in Vicksburg, MS, I recall a conversation in which I casually mentioned how many patterns I had in my Ravelry library and by the reaction of those I was speaking to, um...it was apparently a lot (for example, currently it might be said that I have well over 1,000 patterns in my library--it might be said but I'm not saying it). That kinda planted a seed in my subconsciousness that maybe I wasn't using Ravelry the way most folks do. I ignored the seed. Until recently.
I often start my Ravelry pattern browsing by looking at the "Hot Right Now" box on the Ravelry pattern page. I noticed it listed the number of "favorites" of the patterns so I figured this must be a key to what is considered "hot". I started to play around with favoriting (is that an actual word?) patterns where eventually (I'm not real fast on the uptake) I realized it might be useful to tag them so I can easily search them later. I use the general item class, for example, "sweater" and the yarn weight, for example, "DK". This seems okay and yet...
I still can't seem to get away from my library. I like my little "folders" that put everything in a category. Ravelry doesn't seem to mind, plus, how ever-loving long would it take me to transfer every pattern (that may or may not be over 1,000) in my library to a favorite?? Too. Stinking. Long.
My solution? I don't have one. Currently I'm justifying adding any new patterns I find that I like to both my favorites and my library.
Is this weird? I think it might be.
So tell me, how do you use Ravelry? Do you "favorite"? Do you "library"? Do tell...
Lisa
*I'm only providing the link once, people. I freely admit I'm too lazy to attach a link to every place I use the word "Ravelry" in this post. <-- Including this one.