A short talk to help knitters and crocheters boost their success rate by using the Ravelry database to make better informed decisions about their projects.

Liz discovered Ravelry in 2009 and has found it invaluable ever since to track and share her projects, find inspiration, and make more informed choices about patterns and yarn.

When Liz attends craft events, she is often surprised by how many crafters either don’t know about Ravelry at all or use it only to buy patterns seen elsewhere. In reality, Ravelry is a rich, multifaceted platform, offering an extensive database of free and paid patterns, yarns, designers, and personal project records, as well as vibrant community groups centred on shared interests - from stranded knitting, individual designers to British knitters.

Based on research with knitters about how they use Ravelry, this talk shows you how to use it to:

• Decide what to make

• Explore how a design might work for you

• Manage your stash

• Match yarn and design

• Get help with a technique or design

• Develop your skills

• Connect with crafters with similar interests

• Be inspired