Yes! Gauge is a Good Thing!

Hi everyone! Jenn here. This week's topic, making a garment that fits, involves that dreaded subject, gauge. All patterns have one, but more often than not, we choose to completely ignore it. We just want to dive right into our new project. We found a great yarn. We found a great pattern. Why can't we just start knitting or crocheting?!

There are lots of good reasons to make a gauge swatch. Here are just a few:
>First, it let's you take a test drive with your yarn and pattern. Maybe you want to use a different yarn than what's recommended in the pattern. The swatch will help you see if you like the resulting fabric.

>Second, your tension as you knit or crochet is unique to how you are as a crafter. If your tension is the same as the designer who wrote the pattern, fantastic. If it's different, your guage swatch will help you figure out if you will need to make any adjustments to the pattern. 

>Third, if you know your gauge you can adjust your stitch and row count to get the correct size for a garment that fits you. I usually end up adjusting the number of stitches for my sleeves, and when and how often I do the decreases. 

>Fourth, patterns are like recipes. You can follow them to the letter and end up with a great meal, but will it be something you enjoy? I always sub parsley for cilantro because, to me, cilantro tastes like soap. Knowing, with a little 'funny math' I can adjust a pattern for my specific needs (like wider and longer sleeves), gives me the confidence to choose from a broader range of projects. 

Now, all that being said, if you want to just get some yarn and a pattern and jump right into a new project, no gauge swatch required, we have lots of pre made kits in the shop ready to go.  From simple cowls to colorwork cowls to holiday stockings (i.e. projects where exact sizing is not so crucial) we've got great options for some last minute gifts.

Favorite yarn that's in the shop right now:
For my Sweater in November I'm using Wonderland Yarns, Mary Ann (fingering weight), The Road Less Traveled.  

Favorite "unyarn" that's in the shop right now:
A great book to help take your knitting to the next level - Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag of Tricks

Hobby (other than fiber arts):
Is there anything better than knitting? Ok, maybe jigsaw puzzles are a close second.