Size it up by simply gauging!

I have only recently discovered the utility of a swatch. The most common use of it is to identify needle size for any particular project but the real genius of the swatch is in re-sizing fitted garments.

Most patterns come in line-by-line instructions and in case of sweaters, a very simple outline of the pattern drawing is available. Mapping the smaller geometric units that add up to make the complete pattern comes handy in more ways than one. It not only makes for better understanding of the instructions - often making them almost intuitive - but also illustrates the underlying architecture.

Now that we've broken up the pattern into smaller units, and have the requisite swatch gauge information, we have full control on modifying the pattern. Why stop there? Change needle sizes, change yarn materials. The result is a fully customized pattern derived from a generic one. What a thrill!! :)

I knitted the sailboat (shown in picture) following free pattern instructions from www.knittinghelp.com. The only purpose it served was to quell my doubts on how even my tension was. I'd picked up needles and yarn after more than a decade and did not want to dive into projects unless the tension was even. I was quite pleased to see that the sailboat did infact look like one!! It spoke to me: " Sail on..!"