When I used to go to numerous boutiques around the Valley I would see wreaths that were hanging with glue "threads", ribbon ends that someone forgot to trim neatly, glob of glue where you could see it(did a flower fall off?) sewn projects with threads hanging off, felt items with poor sewing so you could see the stuffing. These folks would often have lots of stuff & often be busy making more while customers were passing by or worse talking about something to another person sitting there & ignoring the customers. I just passed them by, I stayed & looked at the organized attractive display with lady looking "Christmasy" or like "spring" she cared enough to dress for what she was selling. She had made a stand-up board for her handmade jewelry, maybe handmade tags with cute stencil in corner, nice work, nothing unfinished & looking like she enjoyed the customers. Very unprofessional is the person trying to talk you into the yarn teacups years after the pattern came out & also selling towels to go over fridge handle made from cheapest towels there are, no matter how nicely done I want a quality towel not a flimsy thing. Oddie's items are very nice. I think it was too-much- class that had display she showed of her sale at a park(glass objects I think) or maybe someone else but very well put together. Someone had plants in old or antique or unique objects- wonderful. I imagine before these ladies sold things they gave them as gifts to family & friends & made each with love & care & receivers urged them to sell their wares! Kudzu does beautiful work & I know there are so many others. I guess the professional is person who looks professional, does lovely work & is interested in customers by having an easy to navigate booth or table & being ready to assist customers. I headed our boutique for number of yrs. We gave it up because of 1 person. She had lovely oak picture frames her son had made, unfortunately she really almost ran after customers insisting that they were perfect gifts. Many customers complained & I had talked to her & she just would not tone it down. So because of her & the huge loss of sales we quit. So for anyone going into this, don't be your own worse enemy & sabotage your own sales! Good Luck on all your spring sales. Jan

Robin, you have been given some great advice, especially checking your gauge, which none of us like to do! If a pattern calls for casting on more stitches, but has a pattern to it, especially a cable, try it anyway. Cables take up stitches, or pulls the stitches tighter, similar to ribbing, so it takes more stitches to fit the same. Also, measure your foot from the back of your heel to the tip of your toe. Subtract 2 inches. That is how long you need to knit the foot before you start your decreases for the toes. The decreases will take up about 2 inches. That is how you get the socks to fit your feet in length, no matter what the pattern says. As long as you get it to fit around with the right number cast on, you can make the foot as long or as short as you need to. I use Ann Norling's Basic Adult Sock pattern. It has multiple cast ons for different weights of yarn. I cast on 72 for my fluffy legs and decrease to 68 at the ankle so the foot fits right. For my DH, I cast on 72 and do that to the end with only decreases at the toe. All on size 2 needles. Cables are not hard as long as you mark your rows and pay attention. And the needle thingy you need is called cable needle! I have used a double point needle and a size 1 crochet hook in a pinch! Hmmmm, a tooth pick, too, once! Tami

Jen, it is nearly impossible to pick just one or two favorite yarns. I like different yarns for different things. Even the dreaded "Fun Fur" is a dream to work with when I knit "No Hair Day" hats. Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton and the other cotton yarns are supposed to be great for washcloths, but I find them too bulky for my taste. I think I would try Lustersheen for those. As for scarves, just about any yarn will work, depending on the type of pattern you will use. But it should be something soft (not scratchy). Many people don't like Lion Brand Microspun because it splits, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's the nature of the yarn. And it makes a super soft fabric that I love to touch. So does Paton's Carmen. In fact, I'm afraid to wear it, because I can't stop myself from constantly petting it. But if you are just learning, or learning again, it may be best to stick with a "regular yarn" like Red Heart Soft or something similar.

Actually, the ladder/trellis yarn does not knit up using only the top edge. It's actually a rather narrow yarn (I wouldn't even really call it yarn). Clueless, have you used any of the ladder/trellis yarn? I bought several balls of it a few years ago and I HATE it. I don't know how much you need or what color you want, but if you like, I can check this weekend and round up what I have left and let you know what I have. You could have it for the cost of the shipping. I REALLY don't like it.