When All Else Fails...Read the Instructions!

Sometime ago I decided to take on the task of learning to knit. Once I mastered the craft of casting on, I was hooked! I have made some small projects and am now working on a baby blanket for my soon-to-be great-niece, and a triangle shawl for a dear friend. I have already mastered the world of crochet. I know most of the stitches by heart and can make almost anything. However, after trying and attempting to work on projects only to unravel them again and again, trying to figure out what hook or needle works with the different types of yarn, I noticed something. The important notes about needles, hooks, and yarns is right on the packaging! The packaging tells one clearly what types of needles to use with the type of yarn chosen. It also tells one what temperature to use in the washing machine! Why didn't I pay attention before? The gauge, an important part of the knitting or crocheting process, is stated right there! Well, it happens to all of us. We think we know it all and can do anything. But when it all fails and comes crashing down, in my case many times over, the instructions can really help first. Take the time to read the packaging on the yarn you purchase. Don't make the same mistakes I have made, scratching my head trying to determine which needle or hook is going to work with the yarn I have.