If you don't have software for charting your designs you can take some knitter's graph paper, photocopy it onto some clear acetate (overhead transparencies) and lay the graph paper over the design you want to chart and color in the design on the graph paper . You’ll have a chart ready to knit!
To reduce pilling on finished garments and bring the softness back to the yarn, drop 2 or 3 drops of glycerine in the water for a complete cycle in the washing machine, if it's wash by hand, only 1 drop, no more because it's greasy! Do not, however machine dry - they will get sticky!
Sew buttons on loosely, then wrap the thread around the button 4-5 times. To finish, run the needle through the wraps 2-3 times and cut. No knot!
Recycle the plastic clips that come with men's shirts to use as stitch markers.
To keep your yarn from tangling and rolling around the floor while working with it, try using a recycled plastic pop bottle. Thoroughly wash and remove the label from a 1 or 2 liter plastic soda pop bottle and cut off the bottom half. Thread the leading edge of the yarn skein through the neck opening and place the skein inside. Replace the top part of the bottle back into the bottom half. You can cut some small slits in the bottom to adjust the fit if necessary. Tape closed withh masking tape.
Sprinkle a small amount of baby powder on your hands before knitting or crocheting to help the yarn draw smoothly through your fingers and also prevent your hands from perspiring and sticking.
Add a little sparkle to your yarn with Angelina fiber. A tiny bit goes a long way and this interesting fiber picks up the light and shimmers.
To finish a neckline, pick up the stitches, and knit in REVERSE stockinette. You end up with a neat, inward turning collar that looks great.
Keep your project clean as you work by tucking loose ends into a pillow case on your lap - especially good for keeping light colored yarns from getting dirty with pets or kids around!with a needle size or two larger than you plan to knit with.
Cast on with a needle size or two larger than you plan to knit with. If casting on too tightly is a problem for you, this should do the trick!
What do you get when you cross a sheep with a porcupine? …. An animal that can knit it’s own sweater!
ENJOY!
