Great socks, Socks! I get mine closer to the same size by working on both socks at the same time. I start them both at the same time on different sets of needles, which helps me get them to match, also. I do a couple of inches on one, then on the other. That way, my gauge stays almost the same on each sock. When I have a ball of yarn that will make two socks, instead of needing two balls, I get out the kitchen scale and weigh it, then wind another ball out of it until I get equal balls. You may have to pull out almost a golf ball size ball until the ends match, but you can use it up at the toe if you run out on one sock. There, no one will ever know they don't match! Keep up the good work. I no longer consider you a novice!!! Tami

I knew I saved this article for a reason, my sister sent me it with this comment: This was posted on one of my lists about whether knitting is a right-handed or left-handed or two-handed activity. This led to someone remembering how she was taught the "right"way (and therefore only way) to hang a shirt on a hanger (you know how sometimes these lists get a little off topic). Myrna has written a book called about shawls and scarves (see her email address) and is in the process of writing another book. I met her in a class when the big knitting convention was held in Mpls and sat behind her and next to her sister who was also taking a class. I like how she looks at things. There isn't a right and a wrong way. I really like one of her great observations about errors in your knitting. If a man can't see the error galloping by on a horse at midnight, then it doesn't need to be fixed - unless it bothers you. Left and Right Handed Knitting: 1a. Putting clothes on hangers; why do we think in terms of "right-handedPosted by: "shawlsandscarves" shawlsandscarves@aol.com mstahmanDate: Sat Jan 2, 2010 7:54 am ((PST)) Greetings from Boise, I have never thought about whether there is a "right-handed" or "left-handed" way of putting clothes on a hanger. I have three upper sections to my closet, with shelves for shoes in the middle upper section. For shirts/blouses that go in the left section I put them on the hanger so that they face the middle section; for suits/blouses, etc. that go in the right section I put them on the hanger so that they face the middle section. I"m left handed. I generally don't think about whether something is done in a "right-handed" or "left-handed" manner. I just do what is comfortable for me. When I teach a new knitter I teach him/her to knit off the left needle onto the right needle, but I don't consider this "right-handed" knitting. It simply is the way that one should know how to knit because the majority of pattern instructions are written with the idea that one knits off the left needle and on to the right needle. When I teach those who are not new knitters, I urge them to learn to knit off the right needle and on to the left needle, as this is a technique that works so well when knitting a narrow border on to a shawl. I hold the yarn in my left hand and am a "pick knitter." My mother, who was a very talented knitter and who taught me to knit, always held the yarn in her right hand and was a "thrower." I learned to knit by holding the yarn in my right hand and throwing. A few years later I watched the mother of a friend knit; she held the yarn in her left hand. I tried it, and liked it. My mother tired pick knitting, but it just didn't work for her. Maybe because I am left handed it is more natural for me to hold the yarn in my left hand and pick knit. Does a left-handed person play the piano differently from the way a right-handed person plays the piano? I don't think so. Playing the piano is a two-handed activity; knitting is also a two handed activity. Both hands have jobs to do, and which one does the most work is not based upon the direction in which the stitches move from one needle to the other. Is there a difference between doing something the "right way" and doing it the "correct way?" There may be a "right-handed" way of doing things, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it is the only "correct way" of doing it. In knitting, there are many correct ways of doing something. The correct way is the way that works for you to get the result you desire. The same is true when putting clothes on a hanger! When I teach knitting I use the term "right" only when it means the opposite of "left." I use the terms "right side" only when it is compared to the "left side." I use the phrases "public side" and "private side" rather than "right side" and "wrong side." Now, Ill get off my soap box and get to work. Wishing you all a great New Year, in knitting and in all aspects of life,Myrna, enjoying a warmer day in Boise where the snow is melting, and looking forward to a great football game on Monday when Boise State University plays TCU in the Fiesta Bowl - time to get lots of knitting done :) Vickey-MN

I think I will have to triple team it. Write a schematic so I don't get confused by the "repeat rows such to such" directions. I love the idea of a magnet under the row I am doing. That would really help! And a row counter sounds like a good idea too. I have seen them, but wasn't sure if anybody really used them LOL. Thanks again!

Hi, I JUST went through this and my plumber was awesome. In our case, he was able to simply come up through the floor. No worries. For the faucet, when the counter top templater came, he marked the sink cabinet framing as to what he wanted cut away so the that counter space behind the sink would have enough room for the faucet. With a farmhouse sink, might be a different issue. Keep a smile. I've had little set backs all along and I'm still waiting for the countertops, backsplash, etc. I'm sure I'll have more but in the end everything will work out and your kitchen will be gorgeous!