What Your Future Self Needs To Know About Your Project

Have you ever picked up a project that you had put down for a while and wondered so rather basic things? Like what size needle of hook was I using? What was my gauge? Just what was the modification I made on the first sock/sleeve? I definitely have done this. An embarrassing number of times, sometimes when I haven't even put the project on hold.

Here is my check list of things to add to your pattern to avoid this. Your future self will thank you and so will anyone who tries to help you get back on track. How you add them is up to you. If you print out your pattern, you can write on it. Some apps allow you to write on or mark-up pdfs, or you can make a ravelry project page and add the information there.

• Needle or Hook size(s): add all the sizes if using more than one.
• If you do have multiple tool sizes, where is each one used.
• Which size you are making.
• The yarn you are using: seems obvious, but sometimes the labels get separated. Note how many skeins you have in case your future self wants a longer version, balloon sleeves, or who knows what.
• Your gauge: I recommend both your blacked and unblocked gauge if you have them.
• Any modifications you have made.
• If you are making two of anything (like sleeves or socks), take any notes you might need to make the second one: the measurement when you started the heel or sleeve decreases, comments on stripes or stitch patterning, anything else your future self might need.
• If there is an order to the skeins or stripes or patterning, make a note. For hand dyed yarns you might want to use them in a particular order due to slight dyeing differences. I usually number skeins by writing on the label or by pinning a removable stitch marker with a slip of paper to each skein.

Is there anything else you would add to this list? Have a question? Send me an email at maia@blacksquirrelberkeley.com.