Be sure the yarn matches the project

What's a knitter to do? Learn a thing or two about reading the labels. Most yarn companies follow guidelines for their labels, but not all, so you might have to be a sleuth. I am always a bit amazed that some beginning knitters are not taught how to read a label. It contains everything you need to know before you buy and might mean the difference between a well-planned, successful project and one that may stay hidden in your closet.

First, the name and address of the yarn company appears on the label. If the yarn is imported, it will have the country of origin. Many companies also have a Web address where you can view the whole line. If you have comments about a product, write to them. They need feedback too. If no address appears on the label, ask the yarn store to supply you with that information or just Google it on your home computer.

The brand name is second. This is the manufacturer's name for the line of yarn. Many knitters will often talk about a particular yarn by brand name only. I can recall feeling as though I were listening to a foreign language when a group of knitters would start comparing brand names. I had no idea what they were talking about until I got familiar with the yarns.

Prowl through the selections at your favorite yarn store until you too begin to refer to the yarn by name. It helps to better understand a pattern if you know something about the yarn it is worked in. You will know if the designer intended it to drape or stretch because the yarn they chose has those qualities.

Fiber content is next on the list of label musts. This will tell you whether your yarn will wear well for the pattern you have chosen or if it has fibers that might not be appropriate. Let's imagine you want to knit for a small child. You know the garment should be washable. However, the yarn you have chosen is rayon and needs dry cleaning. Maybe that is not the right yarn choice for your project.

Many of the new blended fibers are better than the old standbys. New "superwash" wool is 100 percent wool but has been processed in a different manner and is machine washable. The label will state "superwash" wool. Other blended fibers might have stretch added to maintain the shape of the garment. Fiber content is where you will understand your yarn and what it will and won't do when knitted up. If you are still unsure about the fiber, your local yarn shop will help you find a suitable yarn for your project.

Actual weight of the package of yarn will be on the label. Most manufacturers list it in both ounces and grams. Most packages are 1.75 ounces (50 grams) or 3.5 ounces (100 grams).

Military Family Initiative

Last week I told you about a project started by Deborah Bonito, wife of Mayor Mark Begich. This project allows you to knit gifts to be given to the families of service men and women deployed from the Anchorage area.

You can drop off finished projects at one of these local yarn stores: Far North Yarn Co., Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers Coop, The Quilt Tree, Seams Like Home Quilt Shoppe and The Knitting Grounds.

All projects will be picked up and wrapped for distribution at a reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Questions can be referred to Diane in the mayor's office at 343-7105.

Catherine Hollingsworth, interior designer, artist and professional knitter, has lived in Alaska for 17 years. A past president of Knitters of the North, she currently designs knitwear patterns for publication. To reach her, e-mail kmccoy@adn.com; put "knitting" in the subject line.