Passion and Seduction

Nothing inspires me more than working with a new yarn: simply playing with it on my needles. It doesn't take me long to wake the muse. Then I want to create. In fact, at times it is hard to pull back on the reins and check the saddle. (I don't ride - can you tell?) By that I mean, knit a sample swatch.
To knit a sample swatch.
(As in all scientific experiments the larger your swatch the more accurate your sample will be.)
Cast on 20 stitches.
Work in Stockinette stitch for 4 inches.
Cast off.

Measure the swatch. Match your results to that stated by the pattern. If you have too many stitches to the inch use a bigger needle size. Too few use a smaller needle.
I have a sad yarn to spin. Once upon a time in the land of "I told you so" there lived a fine knitter. She obtained a fine pattern. She read it once, read it twice and was bewitched. She bought the required yarn and needles and began her long journey. She knit passionately. She knit devotedly. Until she was done. When she was done did she have a fine sweater? Alas no. She had a strange exotic creature unlike anything you have ever seen before. Nor will you see now.

Lesson learned: always, always knit a sample swatch.

Check out this excellent site: http://www.earthguild.com/products/knitcroc/marypat/gauge.htm
Thank you Cathy for finding this site.

Talking about passion, did you hear Canada won gold in the junior hockey championship. "We're in Canada. The gold stays here in Canada." goaltender, Justin Pogge, Prince Albert, Sask., Canada.

How did hubby do in their "tournie"? Well, they came in third. Not bad for a bunch of old guys from the islands. Last year they won. Fun was had by all.