Ravelry is a fabulous site - as both a programmer and a knitter, I appreciate it on many levels. It is an absolutely indispensable knitting resource.

My favourite feature is the ability to link yarns, patterns, blog posts, forum posts, projects, etc. to each other. For example, you can "magic link" a particular pattern/yarn/project in a forum where you are discussing it, causing the forum post to be automatically linked to that pattern/yarn/project. Then anyone who views the pattern/yarn/project can click "forum posts" and see what other "ravelers" are saying about it! This feature also allows someone interested in trying a particular pattern to see how other people made out with the same pattern, any modifications they made, what kind of yarn they used, etc.

Also, just about every time I've had a knitting-related question, not only have I been able to ask the community and get helpful responses, I've generally been able to do a search of the Ravelry forums and find an existing discussion thread about it.

And its never "sitting still" - new features (cool, and pertinant features) are being added all the time.

It's got unobtrusive ads (for things fiber related) that help it remain free.

Its possibly one of the most useful sites on the internet I've ever encountered - every hobbiest should have a site as wonderful as Ravelry.

In addition to everthing said above and in the article, let me add two things:

1. The site also offers help for spinners, both wheel and spindle, even though it's not set up yet to offer the same set of features that are available for knitting, crochet, and yarn. Yet.

2. The code jockey is an IU and database WHIZ!

I have been using Raverly for a couple of months and must say I find it a very useful tool, both for giving me a place to really see what I have done, am doing and have yet to do, and for giving me ideas for new projects. I hope others may get ideas from me as well. It also gives me a source for new online suppliers etc that I may not have come across before. A really great site. Glad to know about spinning as I have wanted to know more about this.

Ravelry is all that you've said and more! It has the potential to be the most valuable website for fiber lovers of all ages. But it is important to note that it is definitely not suitable for children (or most mature adults actually) due to both language and images. They have been assuring users for two years that "mature content" tools were in the works, but so far nothing has been done.

Ravelry has the potential for being a great tool for knitters, crocheters and spinners but at the present it does have its flaws. There are some very hateful and stalking types of people that frequent the site and they have a strong tendency to vulgarity and filth. The designers of the website seem to promote their disgusting behavior and even reward it. If you decide to join it I would recommend that you do so with caution and restraint.

Ravelry does sound amazing. Too bad I can't seem to get on. All my requests for an invitation keep getting bumped off the list, and no one will answer my questions about the situation. Oh, and I have friends in the same situation. Maybe someday........

I have also seen the vileness that Sonia talked about. And I have to agree with Lindsey with the "adult content".

It's sad that it has these flaws as they are not small ones. I think that programming problems would be better than these.

I do hope that the owners of the site will open their eyes to these problems and take care of them. The site could be wonderful, but these issues are seriously holding it back.

I've been a member of Rav for over a year, and recently had it blocked from my 15 yo daughter's access. It's got way too much pornographic and other nasty on it to allow her free access to it. When she needs help finding a pattern, I do the search, filter out any bad stuff and help her find what she needs. Parents beware, it's pretty bad in there.

Ravelry can be wonderful. If you go with the flow and never express an opinion you'll love it but it gets very vicious very quickly if you don't. The cruder and ruder you are when you discuss anything at all the better you will fit in and the more you will love it. If you just use the knitting tools there it's great. If you participate in discussions it gets old fast. Very fast. Don't let your kids on there. They have wonderful tools for knitters. It's awesome for keeping track of your yarn stash and patterns. My favorite feature is that I can add a yarn to my stash there and then click one button to see what others have done with the same yarn and then click one button to go to the pattern. It's so handy.

I would love to use the yarn and pattern search features because they are great, brilliant even, but I can't.

I was banned from the site for disagreeing with the site owner. I was publically insulted, chastized, lied about, and summarily banned. Repeated emails requesting proof of said misdeeds are ignored by site owners and their attorney. (Of course, because the proof doesn't exist.)

I am happy to tell everyone I know about my experience and similar situations that others have encountered. I openly praise the site for the good features, and warn about the not-so-pretty side. I am honest and fair in my assessment. Everyone needs to make their own assessment and conclusions about whether the site is for them. But don't get banned, because you probably won't get an honest explanation and you won't get back in.

If you stay in your own little corner and rarely use the fora, you are pretty safe. If you jump in with the dirty underbelly gurlz and play their game, you're okay, too. And make sure to donate generously and often to the site owners.

(Trolls refuting this to appear in 10...9...8...7...)

So how come refuting is automatically trolling? I just stay away from the groups that are going to annoy me or groups that indulge in un Christian behaviour, and I have never had a problem. Seems to me that Jess and Casey have been the ones acting gracefully...

I am another Ravelry lover. Have never been to the forums, so am completely unaware of any nasty side to the site. As other commenters have mentioned, the ability to see what a yarn or pattern looks like as worked up by, and worn by, other knitters is invaluable. For compulsive yarn collectors, the stash management system is heaven-sent, once you get in the habit of regularly entering each new yarn you buy. As yet unmentioned is another feature I find invaluable, the chart that lets you list what needles you have. It has saved me from duplicate buys numerous times.

There are places on Ravelry that make me want to vomit. I never see them because I avoid the groups that I find distasteful and I happily never venture into the big six. Because of this, I belong to active communities that are friendly and supportive. Just like forums on the internet in general, although the rules that Rav has prevents a lot of the seriously nasty things I've seen in other places.

Sometimes people on forums seem to forget that they are not in a public place. Their conversations are hosted by someone who sets the rules. When the rules are broken, you might end up banned. If the rules are broken and apologies happen, the ban is not likely. If the rules are broken and you start behaving in a wildly inappropriate manner and start badmouthing the owners.... Well I wouldn't let someone continue to visit my home if they badmouthed me.

I've never donated, and I've never been banned.

Wow. If you can't handle seeing something so OMGVULGAR as a picture of something like a crochet penis shaped chapstick cozy, then maybe you shouldn't be on the internet.

For those people who have a sense of humor, aren't jerks, and don't feel that the world should bend to their every whim, the ravelry forums are awesome.

For those people who don't feel the need to communicate with a half million knitters all over the world, there's a lot of awesomeness on ravelry that is NOT on the forums.

For those people who don't fit into either of those categories, well, they can go whine on other people's websites about how life isn't fair and other people who disagree with them are SO MEAN! I'm sure there is a lot of satisfaction in that.

I think Ravelry has been eye opening for those who think that knitters are all conservative types; although the "hip young thing knitter" is an unrealistic a stereotype, I think Ravelry reflects the true diversity of knitters -- including those who have a sense of humor. In fact, I'd say the Ravelry community self-selects to those who are not only familiar with technology, but who have a strong sense of irony and fun. I'm sure that's threatening for knitters who are accustomed to a more "old-school" crowd.

I <3 Ravelry SO MUCH! It is my most favorite web site of all time. I don't know what I'd do without it. Sure, there are stupid people there, but it's the interwebs. What do you expect?

Why is the "hip young thing knitter" an unrealistic stereotype? I guess it doesn't really matter, because I'm a "hip young thing crocheter." So many beautiful things to crochet! Yum!

I LOVE Ravelry!!!!! It's the best resource for knitters and crocheters I've ever seen in my 40+ years of doing these crafts.

Although it's true there are nasty things going on in the forums, it's limited to just a few oddball members who relish causing trouble and they get called on for their behavior (thus the whining comments above). I've never seen forums moderated as well as these ones.

For the most part though, the best part of Ravelry is the pattern/yarn database, and being able to keep track of my projects, complete with pics and details for yarn, needle sizes, etc.

I LOVE RAVELRY!!!

Fantastic knitting resource site. The ability to search for patterns, see finished projects and search on different types of yarn used for projects is invaluable. Use of the forums is completely up to individual users; you never have to touch them if that sort of thing is not your cup of tea cozy.

Seriously, if you knit, this site will help you knit better (from beginner to experienced knitter, there is value add for everyone) . If you like to chat about knitting and have half a brain, well, you probably love Pina Colada's too and will fit in well.

Ravelry was once an interesting place. However, the people in charge grew heads too large for the site. They think they are more interesting, more intelligent, and know what's best for the website, when it's clear that they are lazy people who cannot deal with the workload they created for themselves. Their constant journeys to conferences and yarn meets imply that they do not actually have a handle on their finances. Don't expect Ravelry to be around too long

One might look at how much yarn I buy and think that I don't have a handle on my finances either. However, unless they are privy to my bank account, it is only speculation on their part.

Speculation and perhaps sour grapes.

I tried to join your group but had problems hope you answer anyway. I have a little book I am wondering about published in 1843. It has Victorian patterns in it. It is titled "ladies assistant" and it is written by jane gaugain. Do you have any information on it? I am anxious to learn more about it.