As I explained in my original blog post, many yarnies are flocking to Airtable to log their stash. I created a base to simplify data sharing within the community; if we’re all using the same data structure, it’s much easier to share “standing data” such as yarn bases, patterns*, etc. It also means that yarnies who aren’t confident designing their own database scheme can use one that’s ready made for them.
*Note: when I say “sharing patterns” I mean pattern summary data like you would see on Ravelry, not the actual pattern files. Designers work really hard on their patterns; please don’t share them, even if they’re free.
After I released the first base, I realised that I had more work to do. There was data to add and new tables were needed to expand its functionality; I needed a way for people to be able to update what they had to include these changes, and I needed to start versioning to keep track of what was changed and when.
This is the page you’ll want to bookmark to make sure you’re always using the latest version.
If this free base, guide, and technical support has helped you, please consider buying me a coffee.
Get The Base
Latest
The latest version is 1.1.0.
Changes:
- New tables:
- hook_size
- library
- New fields:
- hook (projects)
- New data:
- brand – URLs
- designer – URLs
- hook_size – metric & US sizes
- category – completed as per Ravelry
Note: Airtable does not support importing attachments. As such it is not possible for me to share the logos for the designers and brand data.
Past Versions
Initial release: 1.0
This version is no longer available. Please use the latest version.
The initial release supported the storing of yarn, stash, pattern, project, and queue data. It included reference data for yarn weights, needle sizes, fibre content, pattern designers, yarn brands, and pattern categories.
FAQ
I’m confused. What’s a base? What’s a table?
Airtable has good help documentation that will make most of these things make sense. You can read it here: Airtable Support
Alternatively if this just isn’t your thing, get in touch. I’m happy to get you set up so all you have to do is enter your data.
How do I know what version I’m on?
Check the version table in your base. The highest number in there is your current version. If you don’t have the version table, you are on the initial release, version 1.0.
How do I get started?
- Make sure you’re signed up and logged in to Airtable.
- Click on the “New users” button above – the link will open in a new tab so you can refer back to these instructions.
- Click on “Copy base” in the top right hand corner.
- Select the workspace you want to add the base to and click on “Add base”.
Ta-da! You now have a copy of the blank base in your Airtable account and can modify it and add your own data to your heart’s content.
How do I update to the latest version?
Depending on what’s changed between the version you’re on and the next version, you may need to do different things.
Each new version has a specific step-by-step guide to updating. Click the “Update” button and follow the instructions.
Note: If your current version is more than 1 behind the latest version, you will need to update through each version in order, as each release only contains the differences between it and the version immediately previous.
If updating seems tricky for you, never fear! Get in touch and I will happily make the changes for you. (Note that you would need to give me your Airtable login for me to do this, so if you’ve created an account using your Google account, you may want to switch that first.)
How can I share my data with you to be included in a future update?
It’s really helpful to share yarn, pattern, brand, and designer data.
I’m working on creating forms so people can submit this data, so it can be included in future updates.
In the meantime, you can download a csv of your data and email it to me at victoria@victoriamarchantknits.com.