Knit4Charities

1.  Ask family, friends and neighbours.

2.  Put up notices e.g. if you knit for hospitals ask if you can put a notice asking for baby wool on the Outpatients notice board as well as in the Maternity Ward.  Anywhere that people sit and are likely to read messages!  Same applies for animal rugs - notices in Vet surgeries, RSPCA offices, etc. - explain what you do with the wool, put a photo on the notice.

You must be able and willing to go around these venues where you post the notices on a regular basis to collect any donations.  This is most important!!

3.  Check your local Library for books of Knitting Patterns.  Most Libraries also have popular craft magazines for borrowing. 

4.  Search the Internet for Free Pattern Sites.  If you are looking for a specific pattern (i.e. Moebius Scarf) do a search on the name of the pattern or even on variations of the name, you will be surprised how many sites are available.

5.  Telling the difference between USA and Aussie Crochet Patterns ---- With Aussie crochet when you start a row for DC (double crochet) you always do 1 chain which acts as the first DC.  When you are crocheting in Treble , you always start a row with 3 chain which acts as your first Treble .  If you are working in Half Trebles , you commence a row with 2 chain.

Neatening the side edge of your cast-on.  Before slipping the last cast-on stitch on to the left-hand needle, pass the yarn from back to front between the points of the two needles, then slip the stitch on to the left-hand needle.  This prevents a curved edge on the last stitch.  Very handy for blanket edges and cardigan fronts!

Tension Swatches/squares:  They are a necessary nuisance!  I have 2 hints for you ..
1: make a square using the corner to corner method.  Cast on 3sts.  Knit 1 row.  Increase 1 st at the beginning of each row until the side edge is the length required.  Decrease 1 st at the beginning of each row until 3 sts remain. Cast off.  This way you can make each square the same size and when you have enough sew them together for a rug.

2: keep a scrap book of your tension swatches making a note of the yarn name and ply, and the needle size used.  That way when you use this yarn again you just have to refer to your scrap book for the tension details.

'Little' needles:  For all the times when you are only knitting with a small amount of stitches (especially when travelling) and you wish you had some 'little' needles here's a couple of ideas.  Cut down your plastic needles and sharpen the end with a pencil sharpener.  Make them whatever size you need.  I always check in Op Shops for old plastic needles.  Great for making turbans, bandages, baby mittens, bootees, hats - and lots of other things.  Another way is to use double ended needles - stick a wooden bead on one end - instant 'little' needles.

Stitch Markers: (from Dawn) I have just finished making myself some stitch markers and thought the idea might come in handy for someone else. All my knitting life I have simply used thread as my markers until recently when I saw some that were really cute, but in my opinion expensive. So it began....I used very small split rings and added a bead or a charm to dangle from the ring and if I may say they are pretty. I did have trouble finding the small split rings but eventually came across the size I wanted at a key cutting place. I made 8 for the pricely sum of $2.00 having already had broken jewelry at home to use as dangles.The size of the split ring can vary, depending on the thickness of needles you use.