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to body, sew side seams, sew sleeve seams. This may vary according to the design, but following the order given in the instructions will insure best results. Sew the sweater together completely before blocking to achieve smoother seams and a more professional look...
When substituting yarns, make sure to purchase adequate yardage of the substitute. Yarn companies include yardage or meters on their labels. Purchase yarn by yardage, not ounces or grams. Yarns are not created equal! When in doubt, purchase an extra skein. The extra yarn may be used to make a matching accessory (hat, purse) or may be used for a "stash" project such as a sideways scarf.
November, 2002 tips and ideas
Many of you know how critical gauge is to obtain a properly fitting knit garment. You need to match the stitch gauge required in your pattern to get the correct width.This usually can be adjusted with a change in needle size and working a test swatch.Remember, to save time, take time to check your gauge.
Knitting is a intensely personal activity with many styles of knitting . The biggest difference between knitters' tension occurs with row gauge. Generally, if the row gauge is slightly off, you can knit to the required length measurement. There are two situations in which row gauge matters. One is when there is angle shaping (such as raglan sleeve or neckline decreases), and the other is when working a chart (such as intarsia or stitch pattern), which begins and ends at a specific point. You will need to adjust your shaping to accommodate your gauge.
There is another important consideration with row gauge -- how much yarn will be required to complete the project to the desired measurements. If your stitch and row gauge are the same as listed in the pattern, you should feel comfortable purchasing the amount of yarn suggested in the pattern materials. If your row gauge is larger, you may not need as much yarn. However, if it is smaller, you will need to buy extra yarn.
It is best if you purchase more yarn when beginning your project. This is one more reason to do a test swatch and check your gauge. And, yes, save a label -- not only will you have the exact yarn name, color and dye lot, but care instructions, too.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you run out of yarn. Matching dye lots can be a problem, particularly with handpainted yarns which are so popular. If you do run out and need to resort to another dye lot, save a substantial amount from the original dye lot, then work 2 rows from the new dye lot, 2 rows from the original dye lot, etc. This usually blends well, and will save the project.
November tips and ideas continued
Thanks to Donna Hosmer for this clever suggestion: place unruly or slippery yarns that have a tendency to fall apart inside a clean sock. This will keep them contained and clean while working your project. What a great use for mismatched socks…
One knitter asks: "What is a temporary cast on?" This is a cast on which will be removed later -- it is ideal for situations where you may wish to knit the ribbing after the
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