Knitting is a combination of skill, determination, and adaptability. Whether you're looking for a suitable substitute yarn, trying to modify a pattern, or fixing a mistake, Margaret Radcliffe offers proven advice that will help you solve all of your knitting quandaries. With this definitive guide, you'll not only learn how to adjust armholes and shape collars, but why certain techniques work best in different situations. Radcliffe gives you the confidence and inspiration that will help you become a better, happier, and more confident knitter. Margaret Radcliffe is the author of The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques, The Knowledgeable Knitter, and the bestsellers The Knitting Answer Book and Circular Knitting Workshop. She regularly teaches throughout the country about everything from beginner's basics to knitting design. She is particularly interested in promoting creativity and independence in all knitters and maintains the website www.maggiesrags.com. Introduction Knowledge is Power Chapter One First Choices: Pattern, Yarn, and Needles What Makes a Well-Written Pattern? Understanding and Evaluating Schematics Choosing the Right Size How to Take Body Measurements Finding a Yarn to Suit Your Pattern/Finding a Pattern to Suit Your Yarn Choosing Needles Matching Gauge There's More to Swatching Than Matching the Gauge Chapter Two Second Thoughts: Planning the Project Order of Construction Cast Ons Centering Pattern Stitches Planning Ahead for Perfect Finishing Chapter Three Third Time Lucky: Modifying Your Pattern Changing Color or Stitch Pattern Adding Embellishments Changing the Borders Changing Direction: Top Down versus Bottom Up Converting Flat to Circular The Whys and Hows of Steeks Converting Circular Garment Instructions to Flat Chapter Four Forethought: Shaping and Fitting Shaping Your Knitting Fitting Your Garment Chapter Five Work in Progress Understanding Knitting Instructions Reality Checks Disguising the Job Binding Off and Casting On in the Middle Bottom Borders on a Top-Down Sweater Binding Off at the End What Comes Next? Chapter Six Evaluation and Adjustments Honest Assessments, Practical Solutions Fixing Mistakes Variations in Dye Lot, Color, and Yarn Quality Size and Fit Adjustments Cutting Your Knitting Chapter Seven Putting It All Together Best Finishing Practices Blocked Knitted Pieces Dealing with Ends Joining the Pieces Chapter Eight Borders, Bindings, and Embellishments Neck, Armhole, and Front Borders Bindings and Facings to Enclose Edges The Zipper Controversy Collars for a Dressier Look Practical and Decorative Pockets Knitted Embellishments Blocking the Finished Garment Caring for Your Finished Handknits Storing Handknit Garments The Elusive Pursuit of Perfection Appendix Glossary of Techniques & Terms Abbreviations Symbols Further Reading Online References Acknowledgments Index

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