This is the post in which I attempt to explain SPYN to you

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Daniela Rosner on Ravelry who asked me to participate in her PhD study in which she is developing a software/app called SPYN. SPYN allows the crafter to attach or “pin” memories to a handmade article, via the Google Android phone, while it is being crafted, for the enjoyment of the beneficiary (and the crafter as well I suppose). SPYN records the row count and the location (via GPS) and the user inputs the memory which can be supplemented with video, audio and still frame captures.

I wasn’t 100% clear on the whole process, but I agreed to do it anyway.

I chose the Drop Stitch Scarf as my project and my sister Karen as the recipient. There were some stipulations: 1. It had to be a project that I could complete in two weeks and 2. it had to be gifted to someone nearby. I might have chosen one of my kids, but all live more than 500 miles away and a pair of socks for the project but didn’t quite feel confident enough to finish a pair in two weeks – although I’m sure I could, if  put my mind to it.

The drop stitch pattern calls for multiples of 8 plus 4 so to expedite the scarf, I only cast on 36 stitches.

Yesterday, the three of us, Daniela, Karen and I, met at Starbucks for the completion of the SPYN alpha test.

I’m not sure about Karen, but I was quite pleased with the finished scarf, especially the contrast of the green with the fuschia colored top she wore.

Karen was amused by the “memories” I recorded during the past two weeks – especially our nephew Bradley’s birthday party. Here’s another shot of Karen wearing the scarf as she rushed off.

Although she confessed that she found the socks I had made her more useful, I’m hoping that the scarf will grow on Karen because I think it looks stunning on her. I love this scarf and this pattern so much, I started another one.

As for Daniela, I’m not sure what she thought of my project and I’m sure she has more work and testing ahead of her. In any case, I thank her for allowing me to participate.