Helpful Hints from Spinnerin

GAUGE:  Is the most important element in successful knitting.  If your stitch gauge is correct the finished garment will be exactly the size indicated in the directions.
Gauge is the number of stitches per inch you knit with a certain size needle and a specific yarn.  Before starting your garment, make a sample swatch several inches long of the Pattern Stitch, or approximately 30 stitches if no multiple is given.  Count the number of stitches and rows you get to the inch.  If you get MORE stitches to the inch than the Gauge calls for, you are working tightly, so change to a LARGER needle.  If you get FEWER stitches to the inch, you are working loosely, so change to a SMALLER needle.  The important thing to remember is that the size of the needle you use does not matter as logn as your stitch gauge is correct.

SIZES: Be sure to select the correct size using the sizing guide.  The measurements given are the BLOCKED measurements of each garment.  Use the directions for the size which corresponds to the measurements you desire.

BLOCKING: For sweaters, especially for textured yarns, use this method: Immerse 2 terry beach towels in warm water.  Wring out towels.  Place 1 towel on floor or blocking board.  Place sweater or dress on towel.  Pat to size.  Cover sweater or dress with second towel.  Steam top towel if desired.  DO NOT PRESS.

WASHING DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash in lukewarm water, never hot water, using a mild detergent.
2. Rinse thoroughly, removing all the detergent.
3. In last rinsing water use 2 tablespoons of vinegar to 2 or 3 gallons of water.
4. Remove excess water, placing Turkish towels above and below sweater, and between layers of front, back and sleeves.  Roll and squeeze.  Repeat if necessary.

NOTE: Never use an automatic dryer.

    5.   Never permit a sweater to lay around wet or even damp...quick-drying is important.
    6.   Place on dry Turkish towel to dry, blocking to proper size.

NOTE: Never dry in sun.  NEVER PRESS.

FINISHING:  Careful finishing is extremely important.  For dresses and coats block all pieces before sewing.  Pin pieces face down to a padded board with rust-proof pins, keeping correct measurements.  Cover with a damp cloth.  Steam.  DO NOT Press.  Allow yarn to dry thoroughly before removing pins.

SEAMS:  Pin, then baste pieces together.  Try on and adjust.  Sw with yarn using a tapestry needle and a backstitch.