There are many ways we can improve our knitting enjoyment when we have just a quick minute to pick up our project. These five tips are designed to help us have more fun and success every time we get the chance to knit.
Tips for Knitting Success
Write it down.
One of the most frustrating things for me as a knitter is having to figure out where I am in my project every time I pick it up. What a drag. I would rather be clicking away with my needles than struggling with the pattern. Taking notes while knitting allows us to be able to pick up any UFO (unfinished object) and quickly find our place. This can save precious time when it comes to grabbing a minute while in a waiting room or other opportunities to get our needles moving. (Notice, I said waiting is an opportunity!)
Consider this scenario: There I am, joyfully knitting away on a baby blanket. The phone rings. A friend has found a fabulous pattern for a summer sweater and I need to look it up on Ravelry NOW! Then, I get to go to my local yarn store, buy some yarn and start a new project. The baby blanket can wait for a day or two. I know exactly where I am in the 24 row lace pattern. (Of course I do!) Two weeks, or 3 months or 4 years go by before I find that blanket at the bottom of my bin of unfinished knitting projects. OK, you see my point. Write it. Write everything.
Some details that come to mind immediately when I think of things to get down on paper are:
Name of the yarn. The label is long gone. Now what? I don’t know the fiber, the washing instructions or the suggested needle size or gauge. I can go to my notes and check. 
It is helpful to save a label, tie a piece of the yarn to it and tape it to the notes.
Needle size, gauge that I got and the stitch pattern I used to get that gauge. For instance, “Size 8 needle, 4.5 stitches per inch in seed stitch.”
Notes about the pattern. What is the name of the pattern and where did it come from? Is it from a book I own or from Ravelry?
What size am I making? Not all patterns are created equal for size and gauge. Never ever simply assume you are making a “medium”.
Photocopy personal patterns so you can write notes on them.
This is a key point in many ways. When you have a second copy for yourself, you don’t have to mess up your original copy when you write notes all over it!
Working directly from a book, magazine or booklet means flipping the pages constantly. You can make the pattern darker or enlarge it for easier reading. Using a tablet or phone is not recommended for ease of use; one needs to scribble. You may want to use the same pattern again. Starting with a fresh copy is so much better.
A word here about copying patterns. Never copy a pattern for someone else that is for sale. You are taking money from the designer every time you do this, and it is a violation of copyright law. Stealing is wrong.
Have your own equipment.
I have decided to make a baby hat. I don’t own a size 6 16″ circular needle. I call my friend, drive 17 miles over to her house to borrow it. “Do you need a stitch marker?”, she asks. Of course I do. So the cycle begins. You borrowed a needle. 14 hats later, you are still using that same needle. Your friend is too embarrassed to call you to get it back because now she wants to make a hat. “I don’t think I borrowed a needle from you! I am sure I would have returned it by now!” Whether it is a needle, markers, scissors, needle gauge, etc, you need to have the proper items with you to knit. I even have an extra set of these items in a container to take out to my patio. In the middle of a difficult cable crossing I don’t want to have to get up and find a cable needle. Be self sufficient and get your supplies together.
Make your gauge swatch in several different needle sizes. Keep the swatch for reference.
Gauge, gauge, gauge. There is no way around it. If you need a refresher, please see my previous post: “It really is all about the gauge”.
Make a tag and put it on your swatch. 
Needle size, yarn, gauge, etc. If I remember, I put knots in the ends of the swatch for the needle size I am using. 8 knots= Size 8 needle. Keep the swatch forever. No, you are not “wasting” yarn. This is the best use of your yarn! Put all of your swatches in a container together. If you need that little bit of extra yarn at the very end of your project, you have it. What if the knitted item needs a repair in a few years? You have the yarn. Labeled. Good job.
Write it down.
Wait. What? I thought this was the first tip up above! Yes, yes it was. It is also the last tip. You can see how this is a topic that is very close to my knitting heart. What row am I on, what piece of the sweater is this, what on earth is this garment? “I know I will remember everything about this project when I put it down for just a minute…” (or a week, or 2 months or three years…)
Great article, Martha. Now to use the suggestions!
Great tips Martha!!!! Please keep them coming…you have made my knitting life so much happier, organized and productive!
such good advice. Thanks. mb
Great pearls of wisdom.
Thank you for reminding me to be better about my NOTES! At least I am keeping a Printed Copy in with the project but too often over time that sticky note drops off, etc….you know the drill…..there is nothing like Pen and Paper in my book….guess just old fashioned but if the Power goes, you still have your Info! I have too many UFO’s that I waste so much time trying to figure out what to do next…….another in my Martha File! Have a Happy Easter!! Sandy
Ah ha! Great blog! Love!