Knit tricks
Too lazy to shoot photos, so thought I'd share some favorite trix and tools:
1. Hair conditioner. A little in your rinse water softens itchy wool and makes your sweaters smell nice.
2. Stackable drying rack. Drying sweaters on mesh sure beats the heck outta laying 'em out on towels.
3. Yarn bras. Has your ribbon yarn ever slip-slidied into a tangled mess? Corral it with a yarn bra.
4. Get thee a good knitting reference. Did you forget how to do a provisional cast on? No worries. Look it up. (I use the big Vogue Knitting reference and Knitter's Companion and I hear great things about the old Reader's Digest guide.)
5. Spit splice. Rowan Aran Tweed and Noro Kuryeon are notorious for breaking. This is usually accompanied by the epithet "F*ck!" in my house. Simply untwist ends of the broken pieces and twist them together with a little saliva. (I believe Kate offered this tip in her blog too.)
6. Twisted rib. Knit into the back of your knit stitches when ribbing and you'll get a springy, purty look.
7. Between sizes on a sweater pattern? Knit the front one size larger to accommodate your chi chis!
8. Knitware Sweater Design Software. I'm a math whimp (more lazy than phobic), so I like using the software. Limited to certain things--no surplice necklines rats!--Knitware calculates basic sweater to your measurements in your chosen yarn.
9. A word about measurements. Some of us may be given to exaggerate one way or another. Lying to yourself about your measurements is a bit like lying to your partner about orgasms--you're only hurting yourself! Remember your bra size is not your bust measurement. Get out the tape measure and do the dirty work. Your sweaters will thank you.
10. Pick a challenge. For your next project, choose something just beyond your skill level (but not WAY beyond). Struggle through the tough bits. Ask for help. And persevere. You'll grow as a knitter. And your friends will ooh and ah!
8:36:52 AM 
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