I used to read blogs through bloglines, but I read about a feature of google reader on Ravelry a while ago that made me switch to that. The problem I had with reading blog posts through a feed reader, and I’m sure many of you feel the same way, is that you’re forced to either read the post outside of the context of the original blog or to click through to the blog. With google reader you can add a ‘next’ button to your bookmarks toolbar that will allow you to click your way through updated blogs and read them on the actual blog. The feature is a little hidden but you can find it by clicking on ‘settings’ at the top right of the google reader page and then on ‘goodies’. I love being able to read blog posts on the actual page without having to guess at whether they’ve been updated or not since I last visited.
Last week I posted some photos of the Jawbone arch in the meadows that originally decorated (dominated!) the ‘Zetland Fair Isle Knitting Stand’ at the Great Exhibition in 1886. Elaine, who actually lives in Shetland, directed me to the Shetland photo archive which looks fascinating and there’s a picture of the actual knitting stand with the jawbone.
I love it when someone takes one of my designs and really makes it their own. Anna totally did that with Gretel – she used 5 different colours! I’m so impressed with the patience that this must have taken, you can read more about her project in her Craftster post.
I’ve just sent out updates of both the Elijah and Gretel patterns. Please let me know if you haven’t received yours, probably wise to check your junk mail first though. The updates are:
Elijah:
The pattern only illustrates how to pick up the ear stitches on the left side and this has caused some confusion. When picking up stitches for the right side follow the diagram but start towards the back of the head. I hope that’s now clearer.
Rnd 21 has been corrected to: (k1, ssk, k12 picking up wraps and knitting them together with wrapped st, k2tog, k1) twice.
Gretel:
There are a couple of terms missing from the abbreviations list in the pattern. The missing terms were:
pfb – purl in the front and back of next stitch
work in patt as set – k each k st and p each p st
I’m so sorry that these weren’t totally perfect in the first place!
And now, after all of that randomness I’d better go and finish my mum’s birthday present. Her birthday is tomorrow, so funnily enough she won’t be getting the print o’ the wave.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the google reader tip! I got so excited I went and did it straight away and then realised I hadn’t read the rest of your post ;)
Thanks for the update – don’t stress too much, that’s such minor stuff I’m sure people figured it out.
wow that hat looks great!
and i totally love google reader too. so much better to manage reading lots of blogs (the list of blogs, however, just keeps growing…)
Yes, I was a fan of google reader for a long time! I use netvibes now for a couple reasons – I like being able to keep a million different feeds organized just by dragging them around (you can create tabs! How I love tabs.) and also being able to look at an entry ON the blog, like you described.
Holy crap! Thanks for the google reader tip! That’s life changing!!!
Thank you very much for the updates. As for the Elijah pattern I meant to ask you about some minor thing with the ears too. I have the impression that the arrows in the “how to pick up stitches for the ear”-picture are pointing the wrong way. I might be wrong though.
Thank you for being so meticulous. I found the Elijah pattern very clear, and easy to follow.
I love that old picture. I really enjoying learning about the history of knitting because it gives you a little peek into the real lives of people.
Ooh, thanks for the Google reader tip!
I had to put the link on my bar right away. ;)
Thanks for the Google reader tip and yes, I did receive an update on my Gretel pattern. And I love it so much (although not done yet) that I just bought your Snow White and Briar Rose patterns as well. You’re so talented and I really like your unique style. (OK, gushing over)
Ravelry name: Viv