I don't think there's any one best way -- for me, it depends on the yarn, the pattern, etc. Whenever I can I use a felted join, something I discovered not that long ago -- of course it only works with wool and wool blends, but for joining yarns it works great. If I'm changing colors I often just start knitting with the new yarn, letting the tail hang free, and weave the end into the same color later on. That way it's a clean change. Another join I've used and really like is the Russian join -- it can be slightly bulky where the yarns join but it works well with yarns that aren't too chunky, no ends to weave in, and it allows you to move from one color to another with no overlap. If I'm joining yarns of the same color I'll often just knit a couple of stitches with both yarns, then drop the old one and weave the end in later. Jenn, I usually weave ends close to the edge, although not always... depends on the bulk of the yarn, etc. I try to weave them in where ever they'll be least noticeable. I carry yarn up the sides by holding it behind and to the left of the working yarn when I start the new color row, then looping it over the top of the new color before I start knitting. If I have to carry it more than two rows, I do catch it every two rows to "tack" it to whatever I'm knitting by kind of looping it over the working row yarn as above. If you're using colors that contrast a lot it will be more noticeable. If I were doing big wide strips I'd be tempted to stop and start the yarn over and over again just so I didn't have to carry it up far, but then there are a bunch of ends to weave in. Here's a photo that shows the edge of a scarf I'm making now; I alternate colors every 2 rows... you best can see the carried-up yarn where the colors contrast the most, maybe in the lower right portion where it's green alternating with purple. Because it's carried behind the working yarn, it gets kind of woven in and looks like it belongs. There are very neat ways to tack the yarn if you have to carry it more than a few rows but I don't know of any that will completely hide the carried yarn (not saying there aren't any, I just don't know of them!).

I may have totally missed this, but just in case I haven’t... I am a very new gardener, trying learn and absorb as much as I can over the last couple of years. I am slowly adding to a blank slate of a yard, whenever possible, and learning through successes and failure what I can do. I have never attempted a vegetable garden, but I am hoping i can make that happen this year. I would love any seeds that might be available for vegetable or flower garden. I am zone 7b.

Hi my user name is leslie_cunningham3 My real name is Leslie Cunningham I’m in 6b zone I am new to gardening in Kansas. We have REALLY SANDY SOIL. I had a garden growing up in Louisiana with my father. I was miltary wife and grew flowers only. When I moved to KS in early 90’s I have had gardens off and on but have always had purchase plants from stores. I had some success only when used chemicals and use potting soil. We have huge problems with insects and gophers. Last yr I lost over 3/4 of my garden to aphids squash bugs and gophers. Each yr I struggle with the decision to continue gardening. Which why Im super happy to have found this site. I did not see a seed exchange for KS on here nor have I found any local seed exchange. So this year I like to grow from seeds. I am looking for veggies herbs and flowers. Perennials and herlooms would be great as I would like to try organic gardening. I also like to learn how to gather my own seeds. I would like to send $ through PayPal I have edit my profile to include mgs from anyone. I have verified my email address and sent 2 emai to Val ( I forgot to include my mailing address in the 1st mgs)l. I have not listed veggies or seeds I have as I’m just starting out and I would like any kind of seeds available.

Val, I received the package. I was delighted to see so many different varieties! I am very excited to start the plants indoors, and when it's warmer will sow some outside. Thanks so much!