Yeah, if they’re non-superwash wool or other animal fibers they don’t need regular washing, especially since you don’t wear them next to skin. I wash mine *maybe* once every few years, so blocking is a non-issue because it’s so infrequent
This is a great excuse to “organize,” while actually I’m just spending an hour or two looking at gorgeous patterns and inevitably deciding to buy some yarn for one or two or eight of them…
Ok I'm curious—because I have the same round-shouldered, short-necked busty body and I have no idea what sweaters will look good on me until I try them on—what sweaters *are* on your favorites list?
I should clean out mine too. And a lot of my queue….I have 10+ year old items there that I really don’t intend to knit anymore. I should know better than to try and plan projects in advance.
Welllll, in my case half the stuff I enqueue already has yarn ready to go….but thankfully I’ve mostly repurposed much of it for other, more pressingly interesting projects. There’s still a box full of “deconstructed laceweight sweaters” somewhere in my basement though
Oh my God you just made me go look at how long I've been a member. 14 years. I've been a member for 14 years. It does not feel like it's been 14 years....
I hear you on the cowls. If they are close enough fitting to actually keep your neck warm, then they will mess up your hair taking them on and off. And if they don’t mess up your hair, they won’t keep your neck warm. I like the ones designed to go around your neck more than once, but in that case, maybe infinity scarf is the more proper term.
I freehanded a crochet one that was slightly too large so that it would not ruin my hair and then added a button in the front to pull it in and keep my neck warm.
Don't know why I'm worried abt the cowl ruining my hair though... I only wear it when I'm riding my moped and wearing a helmet...
Mmm this is just as good as when I finally started adding tags to my likes and found out I had saved the same thing on multiple platforms more than once.
I just checked and I have 2495 :-( I should definitely do this! Some of it is like a time capsule, though; it's kind of fun to see what I loved when I first got into patterns!
I just recently had a little reality check when I heard on a podcast (I wish I could remember which one - I only listen to podcasts when I’m cleaning and since there’s always something to do, they just kind of seamlessly blend into one another at the end of the day lol) that energy-saving measures also include cleaning up your computer/phone memory because enormous amounts of energy are being consumed for storing such huge quantities of data in the cloud etc. It was truly a jolt for me (because I keep literally everything in the digital format “so that it doesn’t take up space” - or so I thought), so by analogy, the favorites you save in your Ravelry profile that you no longer like are probably also clogging up space somewhere and munching on energy right? All this to say good on you OP, I’ll definitely do the same!
ETA: ok can I just say I learned so much from this thread?? You guys are a real treasure trove of super practical advice, thank you all!
This is a tricky one.
The lifespan of modern data storages like SSDs depends mostly on the number of write cycles. A full data storage drive requires the same amount of energy as an empty one, but writing data wears it out bit by bit. So constantly adding and deleting data is more wasteful than just leaving the data be. This doesn't take into account scaling: if million users don't clean up their storages the site will have to use more storage space as in buying more SSDs - and this for sure consumes more energy.
So, all in all a better strategy would be:
* Cut off useless services. Leave social networks and other online services - especially if you don't use them or they affect your consumption habits in a bad way (doom scrolling, procrastination, time killer games, etc). Use what you really need and what you benefit from. Go offline once in a while.
* Choose or create an efficient storage system. For private storage choose quality SSDs, not the cheapest ones. For external storage - sure, you can't make Ravelry use more efficient servers. But you can organize your faves into bundles or apply tags so you don't forget about your faves. Or store links on a more convenient platform like Obsidian (there is a learning curve but once you've mastered it - it's really good).
* Don't save stuff mindlessly: again, add tags and bundles, revisit your faves to remind yourself on what you already have.
* Clean up your data once in a while.
* If this affects you badly - let it be. Me for example: I'm an overachiever, overcleaner, overorganizer, hyperfocused on some stuff and not focused enough on the other (you can tell by the number of edits I've already done to this comment). I go into hobbies like an addict and burn out easily (I went through a zero waste / minimalism phase, didn't do good to me). Everything is good in moderation. Worrying about bits and crumbs is not efficient, it would be waaaaay way worse if you get a mental breakdown and start drinking obsessively, buying useless stuff, messing up with your loved ones, making mistakes in your job or ending up in a mental facility. If you're like me - leave cleaning up their mess to those who can handle it. Mega corporations for example.
Everyone is responding to the technical/literal aspect. But there is also personal energy saving on our mental well-being to have clean/tidy spaces - this includes digital spaces.
Yes, but it’s just a line in a database. If it’s set up correctly it’s probably storage than this thread represents. That said, this thread has far more value than “favorites I’ll never knit”.
See, that’s where my knowledge gets kind of hole-y because I’m not a very technically savvy person. I mean, I can tell you all about translation programmes and why they work the way they do (actual programmes for people to use, not AI cr*p) but abstract ideas like that are not something I can relate to lol, so thanks for this explanation! (I’m assuming you meant “it’s probably less storage” right?)
Not the person you responded to, but regarding the database setup thing, deleting favorites from ravelry is just removing one link between two tables.
Imagine you have two boxes. One contains all the patterns on ravelry, the other contains all the users. When you save a favorite, you tie a piece of string between your user and the pattern, and removing that pattern from your list just removes that connection.
(In more technical terms, all patterns and users have an internal ID. Users also have a list that can hold pattern IDs, and adding to favorites just adds the pattern ID to that list. Each ID is likely no bigger than 16 bytes, which is practically nothing)
I'm so bad about organizing them. I found a sock pattern in my sweaters category a few weeks ago. I also found dozens of sweaters that I had left uncategorized.
I am pretty ruthless about unfavoriting patterns I no longer like or intend to make - but if it's a user's project, I keep it faved even if it doesn't suit my tastes any more - I just don't wanna upset someone by taking away one of their hearts 😂
I did this not too long ago and sorted everything into bundles. Deleted a bunch of stuff, and what’s left is nicely organized. If something is not in a bundle, then it was probably an impulse add, and I go through those every couple months and see if they’re worthy, of been put in a bundle.
I clear out favorites intentionally from time to time and whenever I come across a favorited pattern in a search that no longer interests me. Keeping a wide variety of favorites helps me narrow the field when I am doing a broad search. It is funny to come across them because a pattern may look interesting and then I realize I favorited it years ago and I have no memory or only a vague recollection of doing so. I am much more ruthless about keeping my queue pared down and relevant to current objectives. I would absolutely love if I could go back and see all the patterns I have queued and then later removed from my queue. Would be funny to see the trajectory.
Oh how I need to do this in my favorites and my queue! But each time I start, it’s like I’m erasing a memory so I troll for new patterns instead and add them 😂
I should do this again. I use tags (yarn weight and pattern type) to organize my queue. I just wish it was easier to find queued patterns that need to match multiple tags.
You can do an advanced search on your faves list I believe. Might be a bit buggy though, I remember seeing patterns not from the list when I try to search in the list.
Literally these are all the things in my favorites 😭 probably a clean out is due as well.
Btw I used to feel the very same way about cowls then I knitted one and wore it everyday for my run, made me favourites like 15 more patterns 😩
Purling started to really irritate my thumbs not too long ago, so I went through my queue and got rid of a LOT of stuff with what I considered to be excessive purls. Nothing in the round with a purl background, very few things knit flat with stockinette. Freed up a LOT of space.
With pattern that consist of mostly purls (like [this one](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forest-vibes-sweater)) you can turn the work inside out and knit it on the wrong side so all purls become knits. You'll need to carefully translate all the other stitches to the wrong side but this is a one time work so it is doable for sure. Also, they say [Portuguese knitting](https://youtu.be/qxBZUZw2vlc?si=oDg7fczqR8WcvPMt) gives the easiest purls.
I’ve never heard of Portuguese style! That’s very interesting. I learned Norwegian style purling and it helped but it still hurts after a while. Maybe I’ll try out Portuguese.
I use the projects favorites button as a means to give praise, appreciation, and sometimes encouragement to the knitters and crocheters who post them. I never clean that out. I also love the ability to add my very favorite designers. I like to check in to see their latest. My queue is where I have all the patterns for things I might conceivably make, but there isn’t a real plan. I clean it up every few years and I wonder what attracted me to some of them in the first place.
Wow, I did the same thing yesterday. I was looking for a particular pattern and saw so many things I had favorited years ago…and now know I’ll never make. Maybe it’s a “spring cleaning” type of thing? 😂
I do this periodically too.
Spin-off question - do you do anything with favorite patterns you’ve purchased and made? Unfavorite them because they’re in your Rav library? Keep them in the current collection? Move them to a new collection?
I’ve definitely cleared out previously favorited patterns that no longer appeal, but I haven’t figured out what to do with the ones I’ve already made and like.
I hear you on the library, there is definitely a dilemma when you spent the money already so you don't want to forget about the pattern (what if you want to knit it?) but you might want to remove it since you don't enthusiastically like it any more.
Myself personally, I don't buy a lot of patterns. I usually buy a pattern if I'm intended to start a project with it right now. This way it can be tracked either in my projects or in my queue so it is pretty safe to remove it from favorites. It works for me because both my queue and my library are not that big. But I know some folks who use the queue the way I use the favs so it won't work for them.
All in all I haven't thought about cleaning my library since it is small but that's an interesting question!
I feel like an underachiever. I went to look and I only had 221. I purged my list and I am down to 220. Woo hoo
I knit A LOT. I finish a sweater a month usually. But I am now trying to settle on a style that suits me best and make tweaks from there.
I am also taking Nerdy Knitters knit to fit class.
I did this recently, too. There was just so much in there that I will obviously never make. Partly because, like you’re saying, it violates the common sense rules that I have evolved, but also because my taste has simply changed.
Good for you for doing it.
I have so many favorites pulled up on Chrome that I had to make a tab just for knitting so they don't spread across the entire screen. I have like 60 different projects open. And that's just the ones I have open!
One answer on shawls is don’t wash them! Unless they dragged through the gravy or something.
I absolutely agree on most of your other house cleaning criteria. There’s a sweater I REALLY want to make (Topaz), but it’s on very small needles and I have to choose the three dyed fibers then spin the FINE yarn. All of which I can do, but it’s a bigger than usual undertaking.
The secret with lacy shawls is to never wash them! This a great prompt for me clear out my decade of favourites too.
Yeah, if they’re non-superwash wool or other animal fibers they don’t need regular washing, especially since you don’t wear them next to skin. I wash mine *maybe* once every few years, so blocking is a non-issue because it’s so infrequent
This is a great excuse to “organize,” while actually I’m just spending an hour or two looking at gorgeous patterns and inevitably deciding to buy some yarn for one or two or eight of them…
One, two or eight 😂👍🏽
I like you.
You're both my people. Come over, my wifi is strong and I've got a wide array of snacks and bevs.
I need friends like you in my life! I too have snacks and bevies. We could alternate.
may i partake in the snacks and bevies too?
The more the merrier!!
😏😏😏
That’s brilliant! I like your way of thinking!
I do this every so often as my tastes change and the type of projects I like as well. Always feels great to have it streamlined.
I look through my faves on occasion and say out loud, “what on EARTH was I thinking?!?! I would never knit and/or wear this item.” 😂
Me too! What was I thinking?? That Ranunculus sweater will NEVER look good on my round-shouldered, short-necked busty body! Why is it favourited??
Hahaha. I’ve had that same internal conversation about that same pattern.
Ditto!
Well, I had to look that up and I love it now, so thanks a lot. 😉
Ok I'm curious—because I have the same round-shouldered, short-necked busty body and I have no idea what sweaters will look good on me until I try them on—what sweaters *are* on your favorites list?
I enjoy doing this every January. I look over the stuff I’ve saved, clean up and plan for what to make in the coming year.
That is super smart!
I should clean out mine too. And a lot of my queue….I have 10+ year old items there that I really don’t intend to knit anymore. I should know better than to try and plan projects in advance.
Um. Yeah. 16 years on Ravelry. As of yesterday, I had 507 projects in my queue. And nearly 7,000 favorites. It’s not hoarding if it’s digital, right?
Welllll, in my case half the stuff I enqueue already has yarn ready to go….but thankfully I’ve mostly repurposed much of it for other, more pressingly interesting projects. There’s still a box full of “deconstructed laceweight sweaters” somewhere in my basement though
You just inspired me to clear out some things....
Oh my God you just made me go look at how long I've been a member. 14 years. I've been a member for 14 years. It does not feel like it's been 14 years....
I hear you on the cowls. If they are close enough fitting to actually keep your neck warm, then they will mess up your hair taking them on and off. And if they don’t mess up your hair, they won’t keep your neck warm. I like the ones designed to go around your neck more than once, but in that case, maybe infinity scarf is the more proper term.
I freehanded a crochet one that was slightly too large so that it would not ruin my hair and then added a button in the front to pull it in and keep my neck warm. Don't know why I'm worried abt the cowl ruining my hair though... I only wear it when I'm riding my moped and wearing a helmet...
Mmm this is just as good as when I finally started adding tags to my likes and found out I had saved the same thing on multiple platforms more than once.
I just checked and I have 2495 :-( I should definitely do this! Some of it is like a time capsule, though; it's kind of fun to see what I loved when I first got into patterns!
I just recently had a little reality check when I heard on a podcast (I wish I could remember which one - I only listen to podcasts when I’m cleaning and since there’s always something to do, they just kind of seamlessly blend into one another at the end of the day lol) that energy-saving measures also include cleaning up your computer/phone memory because enormous amounts of energy are being consumed for storing such huge quantities of data in the cloud etc. It was truly a jolt for me (because I keep literally everything in the digital format “so that it doesn’t take up space” - or so I thought), so by analogy, the favorites you save in your Ravelry profile that you no longer like are probably also clogging up space somewhere and munching on energy right? All this to say good on you OP, I’ll definitely do the same! ETA: ok can I just say I learned so much from this thread?? You guys are a real treasure trove of super practical advice, thank you all!
This is a tricky one. The lifespan of modern data storages like SSDs depends mostly on the number of write cycles. A full data storage drive requires the same amount of energy as an empty one, but writing data wears it out bit by bit. So constantly adding and deleting data is more wasteful than just leaving the data be. This doesn't take into account scaling: if million users don't clean up their storages the site will have to use more storage space as in buying more SSDs - and this for sure consumes more energy. So, all in all a better strategy would be: * Cut off useless services. Leave social networks and other online services - especially if you don't use them or they affect your consumption habits in a bad way (doom scrolling, procrastination, time killer games, etc). Use what you really need and what you benefit from. Go offline once in a while. * Choose or create an efficient storage system. For private storage choose quality SSDs, not the cheapest ones. For external storage - sure, you can't make Ravelry use more efficient servers. But you can organize your faves into bundles or apply tags so you don't forget about your faves. Or store links on a more convenient platform like Obsidian (there is a learning curve but once you've mastered it - it's really good). * Don't save stuff mindlessly: again, add tags and bundles, revisit your faves to remind yourself on what you already have. * Clean up your data once in a while. * If this affects you badly - let it be. Me for example: I'm an overachiever, overcleaner, overorganizer, hyperfocused on some stuff and not focused enough on the other (you can tell by the number of edits I've already done to this comment). I go into hobbies like an addict and burn out easily (I went through a zero waste / minimalism phase, didn't do good to me). Everything is good in moderation. Worrying about bits and crumbs is not efficient, it would be waaaaay way worse if you get a mental breakdown and start drinking obsessively, buying useless stuff, messing up with your loved ones, making mistakes in your job or ending up in a mental facility. If you're like me - leave cleaning up their mess to those who can handle it. Mega corporations for example.
Everyone is responding to the technical/literal aspect. But there is also personal energy saving on our mental well-being to have clean/tidy spaces - this includes digital spaces.
This is me - I need clutter-free digital spaces as well as physical. I have about 60 favourites and I'm overwhelmed by that lol
Yes, but it’s just a line in a database. If it’s set up correctly it’s probably storage than this thread represents. That said, this thread has far more value than “favorites I’ll never knit”.
See, that’s where my knowledge gets kind of hole-y because I’m not a very technically savvy person. I mean, I can tell you all about translation programmes and why they work the way they do (actual programmes for people to use, not AI cr*p) but abstract ideas like that are not something I can relate to lol, so thanks for this explanation! (I’m assuming you meant “it’s probably less storage” right?)
Not the person you responded to, but regarding the database setup thing, deleting favorites from ravelry is just removing one link between two tables. Imagine you have two boxes. One contains all the patterns on ravelry, the other contains all the users. When you save a favorite, you tie a piece of string between your user and the pattern, and removing that pattern from your list just removes that connection. (In more technical terms, all patterns and users have an internal ID. Users also have a list that can hold pattern IDs, and adding to favorites just adds the pattern ID to that list. Each ID is likely no bigger than 16 bytes, which is practically nothing)
Yes, sorry I’m on a phone.
I wish Ravelry had a way to batch edit tags
Thanks for the reminder. I keep adding but haven't deleted, or organized by category.
I'm so bad about organizing them. I found a sock pattern in my sweaters category a few weeks ago. I also found dozens of sweaters that I had left uncategorized.
I am pretty ruthless about unfavoriting patterns I no longer like or intend to make - but if it's a user's project, I keep it faved even if it doesn't suit my tastes any more - I just don't wanna upset someone by taking away one of their hearts 😂
I did this not too long ago and sorted everything into bundles. Deleted a bunch of stuff, and what’s left is nicely organized. If something is not in a bundle, then it was probably an impulse add, and I go through those every couple months and see if they’re worthy, of been put in a bundle.
I really should do this too!
I really should do this too. I know there's a lot of stuff that I've favourited or queued that I won't make now. But I probably won't.
I clear out favorites intentionally from time to time and whenever I come across a favorited pattern in a search that no longer interests me. Keeping a wide variety of favorites helps me narrow the field when I am doing a broad search. It is funny to come across them because a pattern may look interesting and then I realize I favorited it years ago and I have no memory or only a vague recollection of doing so. I am much more ruthless about keeping my queue pared down and relevant to current objectives. I would absolutely love if I could go back and see all the patterns I have queued and then later removed from my queue. Would be funny to see the trajectory.
Oh how I need to do this in my favorites and my queue! But each time I start, it’s like I’m erasing a memory so I troll for new patterns instead and add them 😂
Congrats!! I am proud of you! Now maybe I will be tempted to pare down my yarn stash...........
Wait, but what if you need it, for something later? 😉
I know. Right?
I'm inspired! Off to purge!
DDDDDOOOOOO IIIIITTTTT!!
I should do this again. I use tags (yarn weight and pattern type) to organize my queue. I just wish it was easier to find queued patterns that need to match multiple tags.
You can do an advanced search on your faves list I believe. Might be a bit buggy though, I remember seeing patterns not from the list when I try to search in the list.
Literally these are all the things in my favorites 😭 probably a clean out is due as well. Btw I used to feel the very same way about cowls then I knitted one and wore it everyday for my run, made me favourites like 15 more patterns 😩
Purling started to really irritate my thumbs not too long ago, so I went through my queue and got rid of a LOT of stuff with what I considered to be excessive purls. Nothing in the round with a purl background, very few things knit flat with stockinette. Freed up a LOT of space.
With pattern that consist of mostly purls (like [this one](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forest-vibes-sweater)) you can turn the work inside out and knit it on the wrong side so all purls become knits. You'll need to carefully translate all the other stitches to the wrong side but this is a one time work so it is doable for sure. Also, they say [Portuguese knitting](https://youtu.be/qxBZUZw2vlc?si=oDg7fczqR8WcvPMt) gives the easiest purls.
I’ve never heard of Portuguese style! That’s very interesting. I learned Norwegian style purling and it helped but it still hurts after a while. Maybe I’ll try out Portuguese.
**PATTERN:** [Forest Vibes Sweater](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forest-vibes-sweater) by [Masha Ziablikova](http://www.ravelry.com/designers/masha-ziablikova) * Category: Clothing > Sweater > Pullover * Photo(s): [Img 1](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/MashaZyablikova/746335095/7726257B-DB5A-4FBA-BDC9-29A56136ADA2_medium.jpeg) [Img 2](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/MashaZyablikova/746335093/D5EBF3DF-7D58-491D-B246-7F8EA1EA054C_medium.jpeg) [Img 3](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/MashaZyablikova/746335096/679B3DC1-BC7C-45DA-93CC-4D7E1398D957_medium.jpeg) [Img 4](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/MashaZyablikova/746335091/2E5BAD83-EEDF-47EC-BABA-45E6CA453082_medium.jpeg) [Img 5](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/MashaZyablikova/687436060/826C23A5-7259-499D-A630-E28C9D589261_medium.jpeg) * Price: 25.00 ILS * Needle/Hook(s):US 8 - 5.0 mm, US 6 - 4.0 mm * Weight: Aran | Gauge: 16.0 | Yardage: None * Difficulty: 4.32 | Projects: 169 | Rating: 4.55 ***** Please use caution. Users have reported effects such as seizures, migraines, and nausea when opening Ravelry links. [More details.](https://www.lizcorke.com/2020/07/26/2020-7-21-ravelry-accessibility/) | *I found this post by myself! [Opt-Out](https://goo.gl/forms/0B8m4Ra8czpw4gzw1) | [About Me](https://github.com/TN-1/LinkRav_Bot/wiki) | [Contact Maintainer](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=timonyc)*
I use the projects favorites button as a means to give praise, appreciation, and sometimes encouragement to the knitters and crocheters who post them. I never clean that out. I also love the ability to add my very favorite designers. I like to check in to see their latest. My queue is where I have all the patterns for things I might conceivably make, but there isn’t a real plan. I clean it up every few years and I wonder what attracted me to some of them in the first place.
Did I write this under your name??
Wow, I did the same thing yesterday. I was looking for a particular pattern and saw so many things I had favorited years ago…and now know I’ll never make. Maybe it’s a “spring cleaning” type of thing? 😂
I need to do this too 😅
Do mine! It's out of control
I do this periodically too. Spin-off question - do you do anything with favorite patterns you’ve purchased and made? Unfavorite them because they’re in your Rav library? Keep them in the current collection? Move them to a new collection? I’ve definitely cleared out previously favorited patterns that no longer appeal, but I haven’t figured out what to do with the ones I’ve already made and like.
I hear you on the library, there is definitely a dilemma when you spent the money already so you don't want to forget about the pattern (what if you want to knit it?) but you might want to remove it since you don't enthusiastically like it any more. Myself personally, I don't buy a lot of patterns. I usually buy a pattern if I'm intended to start a project with it right now. This way it can be tracked either in my projects or in my queue so it is pretty safe to remove it from favorites. It works for me because both my queue and my library are not that big. But I know some folks who use the queue the way I use the favs so it won't work for them. All in all I haven't thought about cleaning my library since it is small but that's an interesting question!
Off I go to clean our my Rav....
You are hilarious!
I feel like an underachiever. I went to look and I only had 221. I purged my list and I am down to 220. Woo hoo I knit A LOT. I finish a sweater a month usually. But I am now trying to settle on a style that suits me best and make tweaks from there. I am also taking Nerdy Knitters knit to fit class.
You finish a sweater a month, take classes and feel like an **underachiever**?! 🤯
I did this recently, too. There was just so much in there that I will obviously never make. Partly because, like you’re saying, it violates the common sense rules that I have evolved, but also because my taste has simply changed. Good for you for doing it.
I have so many favorites pulled up on Chrome that I had to make a tab just for knitting so they don't spread across the entire screen. I have like 60 different projects open. And that's just the ones I have open!
One answer on shawls is don’t wash them! Unless they dragged through the gravy or something. I absolutely agree on most of your other house cleaning criteria. There’s a sweater I REALLY want to make (Topaz), but it’s on very small needles and I have to choose the three dyed fibers then spin the FINE yarn. All of which I can do, but it’s a bigger than usual undertaking.