Picture Perfect?

You’ve just completed your project.  You breathe a sigh of satisfaction and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment…..until you compare your end result with the picture on the pattern.  Your project looks completely different.  Why? 

 After years of helping new knitters and crocheters figure out “what went wrong”, I have compiled a list of the most common reasons for disappointing results.  They are (in no particular order):

1.       Gauge – there is a reason every pattern tells you to work a gauge swatch before you start on your project.  Adjusting your needle/hook size to match the pattern will help ensure that your project matches the dimensions of the pattern.  I am a tight stitcher and can easily work up a swatch that is bullet-proof.  To counteract my stitch style, I regularly have to increase my needle/hook size up two sizes.  Yes, two!  If I use the hook/needle size called for in the pattern, I end up with a significantly smaller item that is much stiffer than the designer intended.  Work your gauge swatch.  The investment of time now will save much heartache and frustration later.

2.       Yarn Selection – Switching out yarn is a fact of the stitcher’s life.  So many of the yarns called for in patterns are expensive.  If you are like me, you want to use up your stash as much as possible.  When substituting yarns, you must pay attention to the gauge.  A lace pattern worked in a fine DK will look very much different if worked in a thick worsted weight.  Yarn texture is a big factor, too.  A fuzzy or textured yarn will not show off the fancy stitches the pattern uses.  Fiber content can definitely affect in how your finished product behaves.  For example, cotton yarn is stiff and lacks elasticity, nylon yarn is strong but slightly stretchy, acrylic has good elasticity and holds up well to frequent washings.  Understanding the size, fiber content and texture of the pattern yarn will help you make good choices when selecting a substitute yarn.  On the other hand, don’t be afraid to experiment with a totally different type of yarn - gauge swatches are a great way to try something new.  You might love the results.  Years ago, I used a crochet thread edging pattern on an afghan made with worsted weight yarn.  The results were unique and very beautiful. 

3.       Pattern Error – Believe it or not, sometimes, there are errors in the pattern.  The publishers and designers work very hard to make sure their instructions are 100% correct but no one is perfect.  Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence.  If you suspect there is an error on your pattern, do a quick Google search and see if an update is available.  It might be from the publisher or a posting on a forum from another stitcher. 

4.       Personal Style – A pattern is a guide, not the law.  Minor adjustments to the pattern that accommodate your personal stitching style are completely OK.  For example, if I chain 3 for a turn on a double crochet row, I end up with an unsightly bulge on the end of my rows.  Most of the time, I only chain 2 so keep my ends super straight.  I also like neat edges on my knitted items so if the pattern allows, I cast on a couple of extra stitches so I can use the slip-1-stitch at the beginning of the row method to give me the nice, neat edge.  I will comment more on stitch and pattern adjustments in a future post.

5.       Stitching technique – even if you use the same yarn, match the gauge and follow the pattern faithfully, your finished project will never look just like the pattern example.  Every stitcher’s work is unique, just like their signature.  Embrace your style and rejoice that no one will ever have a scarf (sweater, hat, etc.) just like yours.  This uniqueness is part of what makes knitting and crocheting such a joy.

What other obstacles have you run into when trying to get your project picture perfect?

Estate Sale Find

I love estate sales.  Last weekend, I found 15 wonderful vintage knitting pattern books, a big bag of circular needles and accessories and a HUGE bag of georgous yarn (most of it mohair), all for $10.00.  While estate sales make me a little sad because I know someone has passed on, I like to think that they would be happy to know that another stitcher is thrilled to have part of their stash and will put it to good use.  At this same sale, I also purchased two completed needlepoints.  I plan to turn them into pillows.  This woman was seriously talented.  I would have loved to see more of her work.

Needlepoint Canvas

One of the many vintage pattern books.
Love the hair and makeup

 

 

Elann Yarn - RIP (Retire in Peace)

Back in May 2014, I created the post below praising Elann Yarn.  A few years later, they started selling their yarn exclusively through Amazon.  About a month ago, they announced their retirement and put their remaining inventory on sale.  Although there were an online retailer, I felt like another LYS was lost.  The yarn still sits my my stash with the pattern, waiting to make it to the top of my project list.  With Elann's demise, this project is on my mind.  I know that when I do start it, there will be a tinge of sadness as I stich.  

The Kimberly Scarf pattern was designed by Maggie Tietjen and is available on Ravelry.  She designed several of Elann's knitting patterns.  It's nice to know her work is still available.  

Kimberly Scarf Pattern

Originally Posted May, 2014  If you are looking for quality yarn at good prices, check out Elann, based in Canada (they have US pricing on the site).  I recently ordered their Silken Kydd in the cranberry color.  Absolutely beautiful.  I can't wait to get started on the Kimberly Scarf pattern (knitting) I found on their website.  They have tons of wonderful free patterns.

Summer is here!  Here's a little inspiration for you crocheters out there.

Knitting vs. Crochet - Which is Easier?

Welcome to Yarn Skills, my spot to discuss all things related to crocheting and knitting.  Who am I?  My name is Jill Brightwell and I am an avid crocheter and intermediate knitter.  I am a published pattern designer and have won many awards at state and county fairs.  Over the years, I have taught countless people stitch techniques, interpreted patterns, fixed errors and recommended yarns and tools.  After much encouragement from my sweet husband, Richard, I am (finally) entering the Internet age!

In the yarn arts world, seems like people are either Team Knit or Team Crochet.  I have met very few who are equally comfortable with both.  I am definitely more skilled with crochet since I have been doing it since I was a child.  When people want me to teach them, most ask, "Which is easier, knitting or crocheting?"  Many assume my answer will be crochet because it only uses one needle.  I have two answers - the easy one and the real one.

The Easy Answer?  Knitting!  Why?  The tension.  In knitting, the stitches are interconnected and the stitch size will adjust with its neighbors and produce a more even fabric.  In crochet, each stitch is much more self-contained and does not adjust very much.  I have had many more people give up on crochet because they became totally frustrated with mastering the yarn tension needed to produce even stitches.

The Real Answer?  It depends!  On what?  Your personal preferences.  Knitting has many different techniques and a very large range of stitch options.  It also uses about 1/3 less yarn than crochet so a scarf made with that uber expensive alpaca becomes much more affordable.  On the other hand, crochet fabric can be very sturdy which perfect for afghans, edgings and heavy use items.  Plus, it is a snap to rip out stitches to fix an error.  Irish crochet produces some of the most beautiful projects I have ever seen. 

Which do I prefer?  I love them both but when I want to do something to help me relax, I always turn to crochet.  With time, practice and patience, I hope to building my knitting skills to a point that I can say I am Team Crochet  and  Team Knit.