Swatch it!

There are so many patterns out there that call for many beautiful yarns, but sometimes you want to use a different yarn than the pattern calls for.  So what do you do?  1. You should try match up the wpi (wraps per inch) so bring your ruler when you are shopping for yarn.  Ravelry is a very helpful site when looking for yarns because they often list the wpi on the yarn info page. 2. Find a similar fiber to ensure proper drape.  3. Finally create a gauge swatch according to pattern, and change needle size to reach the recommended gauge.  I can't say I have always been the best at swatching, but I am trying to be better.

As many of you may know, two DK weight yarns are not necessarily the same weight.  I recently realized that when selecting a yarn for Hannah Fettig's "Effortless" cardigan.  The pattern calls for Madelinetosh DK, but she suggests to select a worsted weight yarn as a substitution.  I went Ravelry cruising and found that Malabrigo Rios would be a suitable sub.  Once I swatched it, I realized that it measured the same as the pattern recommendation.  The yarn is luscious and the drape is perfect, not to mention that it is machine washable.  Here is my swatch.  Aren't the colors gorgeous?

Weight charts are helpful to determine weight, but I highly recommend to use the yards to weight ratio and wpi when trying to substitute yarn for a pattern.

This is so cute!

I recently finished the cutest little shrug for my daghter's baptism.  I also found the perfect dress to go with it.  Yes, I make accessories first and then find the perfect outfit to go with them.

Here is a link to the pattern.  Yes, you have to buy it from Interweave.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/whirligig-shrug-3mo---childs-12

I have also completed Alana Dakos' "Cream & Sugar Cowl." http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cream-and-sugar-cowl It is made with one skein of sock yarn, so the possibilities are endless.  I love the feel of the yarn that I chose, but I want to make another one in Madelinetosh Sock yarn like the pattern calls for because I want to see why this yarn is becoming so popular and the color selections are lovely.

I used Classic Elite "Alpaca Sox."  This is thinner than recommended but it still produced a cowl with great fit.  Please check out my Ravelry page for more details.http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitterlydesigns

I'm all wound up!

I recently purchased 3 hanks of Malabrigo Lace for Hannah Fettig's "Wispy" cardigan.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/63236767/wispy-cardi-malbrigo-kit-m-l-xl  I had to wind them by hand since I do not have a yarn swift, so I got creative.  I placed the yarn over my large desk chair and my two-year-old son helped spin the chair while I wound.  Needless to say, it was a very long task.

I DEFINATELY need to buy a swift!  I like this one because it is portable and affordable.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Compact-Portable-Oak-Yarn-Swift-Winder-Decorative-base-/140447208217?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b34e5319