Interesting Statistics

Many of you may not have noticed, but several months ago I added a "counter" to my blog which counts the number of visits. It is off to the right and just tallies "hits." One interesting thing I have learned from looking at it regularly, is that several search terms have come up more often than others.

1. "Booby Socks". I purchased this kit in January, started it right away, and then put it away for awhile after the "ladders" at the needles got too overwhelming. I had turned the heel and started on the foot, but realized that the laddering would make me crazy and I wouldn't wear the socks as is, and certainly couldn't give them away as a gift in that condition. I frogged back about 4 inches, and need to pick up again, especially since so many people are looking at my blog for the progress. To be continued......

2. "Feather and Fan" lace shawl. This one I did finish in time to take with me on my Europe vacation in May, but I realize now that I never took a final photograph of it. I owe it to my readers and I will soon. I will be taking it with me to my 40th High School Reunion in October, but I will try to post a photo sooner than that.

3. "Souvenirs from Paris." This title to one of my blog entries was somewhat facetious as what I was referring to was the severe bronchitis both Mom and I had after our return. Paris was the last stop and Mom started feeling badly there. I wonder what visitors to my blog thought when they pulled up that page. Were they looking for miniature Eiffel Towers?


I have now had over 1050 hits since I installed it and most of them have come from my active participation on the Ravelry Forums. If you are a knitter and have not yet discovered Ravelry, sign up and get involved. Warning: It WILL cut into your knitting time and TV time and possibly your work time. It has been an invaluable source of information and help both in figuring out patterns, spinning and getting excited about events, yarns, and the world of fiber.

And lastly, I am utterly amazed with the international readership the blog has attracted. In many cases, I think it may be ex-pat Americans, but there have been hits from Europe, Asia, all over the US, Canada, and the Middle East. Australia, New Zealand, and Scandanavia have been represented. WOW, it is one big knitting world. And I am glad to be part of it all!

Today I am a blogger!

On Saturday, I officially became part of the the Ravelry family, and today I join the blogging community. For consistency's sake ( but really because I have so many screen names, user IDs, and passwords, I have chosen Lizzzknits for ravelry, flickr and this blog. Mind you, my life is more than knitting, but I seem to be spending a lot of my free time either knitting, shopping for knitting, reading online about knitting and showing off my knitting.

My first blogging project is the Kauni sweater. So far, so good. My gauge is right on and I haven't had to tink back too much. I am knitting this together with a group of ladies at my LYS for the camaraderie as well as for the help. I have never steeked a sweater before, but I see each project as an opportunity to learn more and just the thought of taking scissors to my knitting has me terrified. The color changes of this yarn have been interesting and I like the way it is turning out, except maybe for the one time yellow suddenly was spliced with red for no reason. I guess I could have wound out some yarn to make the change more gradual, but this will make my sweater unique, to say the least. Unfortunately, it is near the front and center.

So there you have it. My first post.