Yarn substitution please!

We've all been there.  The pattern we choose uses yarn that has been discontinued since the publication of the pattern, too expensive for our budget, or we have stash yarn just waiting for a chance to sub.  No worries!  It's time for some handy info on smart ways to substitute yarn so that everyone walks away inspired with no headaches.   Rare right?  First off, read your pattern to see if the designer has included substitution suggestions or tips.  The internet has made it easy to contact designers and many are happy to help point you in the right direction, and it would probably be helpful to limit your questions to their patterns, specifically.

Here are some helpful places for you to check out on this not so scarey subject once you get the facts.  I use Yarndex.com often for the latest info on yarn and yarn availablity.  If you have a knitting teacher or experienced knitter nearby, ask them to give you some help, especially if you are new to knitting.

Substituting Yarn from Knit Simple

Yarn Info Finder from Elann

Need to Substitute Yarn from Jimmy Bean's Wool

How to Substitute Yarn in a Knitting Pattern at ehow.com

Always remember to check your gauge, choose wisely and you'll be knitting and crocheting with no fears and no headaches in 2012.

Remember, gauge is your best friend!
Margaret

 Wear your hand knit and crochet projects wherever you roam.

The Woman Scarf, from Knit 1 for the Road is made with Vegas.  Available on Amazon, Kindle & MargKnittingARound in paperback and as a digital download.  Knit Knitavian Style; Allow your knitting adventures to begin available at MargKnittingARound, Amazon and AuthorHouse Bookstore.

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2012 The patterns and photographs in this document are the property of knit1fortheroad.com and for non-commercial (personal) use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part, or distribution of the pattern, or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.

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HAVE A CASE OF THE FIXITS?

Are you a MS FIX IT? or perhaps a MR FIX IT? When it comes to knitting, learning how to fix your mistakes - oh excuse me - accidents- is soooooo important to your sanity and your knitting future. Frustration over mistakes can sometimes be a part of the process, but it doesn't have to ruin your knitting life. I was always weak in math skills and am reminded by this subject of how - after throwing my math book at the wall, crying and moaning for at least 30 minutes always resulted in me settling down and doing my homework- SUCH DRAMA! Now that I'm a "grownup", I don't have the energy for such things and have learned to search for solutions in a more sedate manner. So please, no crumpled knitting thrown to the floor, here are a few suggestions and places to find help.

A tip that I consider valuable is to have a crochet hook (I usually keep a G or H nearby) to pick up dropped stitches- so annoying, but manageable.

Consider using the expertise of your knitting community (online or locally). Experienced knitters are usually willing to help, so do take advantage of their knowledge. Knitting techniques are still handed down - the knitting story of tradition and techniques continues!

Knit1fortheroad.com JUST THE FAQS page is full of links to sites and videos to help you with your knitting dilemmas. I have, and continue to use this page as a handy resource.

INVEST IN A BASIC KNITTING KNOWLEDGE BOOK - go to the local bookstore and check out the actual books to see which one fits your needs. Look for clear pictures, descriptions, and a glossary. Consider the size and weight of the book - you may want to bring it along with your knitting project. Think portable, but readable, also.

KnittingHelp offers videos specifically for basic knitting mistakes and for beginners.

(also on knit1fortheroad.com, Faq page)

I hope this gets you going in the "CAN FIX" direction...if you can knit it - you can fix it!

KNIT-SHARE-GO pick up your knitting in the corner!

Marg(shamelessly knitting in public-how 'bout you?)