a conundrum

In the age of Ravelry, in which almost every pattern designer is available through a few simple mouse-clicks (presuming they actually check their Rav-mail), is it still appropriate to review, critique, or just plain complain about a pattern?

I’m having a hell of a time understanding the final directions for my most recent project. I posted the question in the Ravelry forums, and inevitably someone asked me why I didn’t just throw the question at the designer herself.

Well… firstly, I didn’t want to pester the designer if it turned out I was simply a numbskull. Secondly, I assume she’s a very busy lady, being a professional knitwear designer and everything. And thirdly… well, it’s not exactly that it hadn’t occurred to me, but only that I dismissed the thought for the previous two reasons.

The whole experience (not understanding, seeking help, considering contacting the designer, writing about it all here) has got me wondering… if I blog honestly about the experience with the pattern, is that mean-spirited? Is it messing with someone’s livelihood and reputation? Is it in better taste to simply email my concerns to the designer? Are reviews going out of style?

I can’t decide.

coming up short

I had high hopes of finishing Baby Yours today, but halfway through my lunch hour knitting session I ran out of yarn. I had been worried this would happen, not because of a yarn shortage (I have another skein) but because of yarn windage (I never remember to ask them to do it for me at the store).

So tonight, rather than knitting the button band and the ONE REMAINING INCH on the second sleeve,  I wound a ball of yarn. I’m not entirely sure how long it’s supposed to take a person to wind 400 metres of sock yarn, but it took me about an hour and a half. I’m thinking this is a little longer than normal?

Arequipa - 1/4 wound (or so)

Then again, I am easily distracted.

I wish I knew the proper etiquette in a local yarn store – if you purchase a skein of yarn, is it standard practice for them to wind it for you? What if you buy, say, six skeins at the same time? Will they wind all six? Are you allowed to use the ball winder and swift yourself? Because it sure is awkward standing there while they do it. I feel like I should tip them or something… but that seems like the wrong thing to do, so instead I thank them profusely. Probably more than is really comfortable.

Regardless, even when I’m only buying one skein, I always seem to forget to ask.

I suppose this is why some prolific knitters invest in a ball winder/swift – but my yarn habit (or lack thereof) doesn’t warrant that. Not to mention, I have no idea where I’d store it in my little one bedroom apartment. There’s a distinct lack of, well, storage.

So for now, it’s just me, my thumb, and a wooden spoon.

Arequipa - 3/4 wound (or so)

Arequipa - wound!

Maybe I’ll finish Baby Yours tomorrow.