Hi everyone,
My name is Angie and I am new to the Masters program. I recently completed Basics and signed up for MHK level 1. I recieved my instructions this afternoon via email and couldn't wait to get started. I have one question...my edges always seem so choppy and knotty...and generally unattractive. Does anyone have any tips on how to make them tighter or more...appealing???

Looking forward to hearing from anyone/everyone!!!

Thanks,
Angie

ok...I looked around at some other postings and on pp.2 I read Gary's question and Diana D's response...I tried her advice and didn't stretch out the first stitch in the first row as much as I normally would, while also trying to follow the same advice for the last stitch!! It worked...Thanks Gary and Diana D!!!

Well, if you're going to answer your own questions, you're a natural for the Master program! (Lots of research, as you may have noticed!)

I've been enjoying the program, myself--I hope you do, too!

Thanks for the positive words of encouragement. I have to admit, when I recieved my packet, I was a little overwhelmed. I am nervous and trying to have realistic expectations...as I have noticed in other blogs/messages, the committee does frequently ask you to 're-do' a lot of your work. So I am just going to put myself out there...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: spranger,

Glad I could help before I even got online to see your question!

Seriously though, if you want to see some pictures of beautiful knitted swatches for level 1, just go to the section of this website (the Masters area, I believe) and there are some pictures you can look at. But even if your swatches don't look quite that beautiful, doesn't mean they will be rejected either. And most people have to redo something, few ever pass on the first try. Also remember this, while I said "pass", don't take that like this is some contest or something and if you don't pass then your hopeless. This is a self-directed endevor, knit at your own pace, do the best you can and enjoy the learning process.
I had to redo one knitted swatch, and clarify a couple of my questions. One of them I had some wrong figures, but when I remeasured the swatch in question and came up with some new numbers for my answer to the question, it was accepted.

If you're nervous, you're going to drive yourself nuts. Relax. Almost everyone has to resubmit some of their work, and there's a very good chance it won't be because of something you would have noticed.

People who obsess and make four of everything, worrying vaguely that what they've done might not be good enough, either never send in their work or they send it and *still* end up having to resubmit stuff. Do your best, and send it off to see what they say about it. If you have to resubmit it, then you'll have learned something. This is a good thing.

While it's true that most people have to re-do something, there are a few that pass without having anything to re-submit, and I don't know of that many people who have to re-submit a ton of stuff. Of course, we'd need to define what it means to have to re-do "a lot" or "a ton."

There are a lot of people on Ravelry who have posted their swatches for each level, and some of us have also posted the comments from the judges, which I think makes understanding what is expected and what is acceptable a little clearer. For example, a swatch can pass even if there are some minor issues in the knitting, but an excellently knitted swatch might not pass if you have failed to follow the instructions.

Just don't panic, spranger.

This may not be the time to be thinking about *re*-doing -- rather, about *doing* . . . and enjoying and Learning. The packet contains alot of stuff, but you only do 1 at a time. Read it through, then sit down and think about the Big Picture. Break it down. And begin!

I recommend doing the questions related to each section of swatches as soon as you finish those swatches, while the info is fresh and you still have the bookmarks at the right pages. Start a bibliography as you use each book, and add to it as you go.

Are you a member of Ravelry? Many Master's participants have posted photos -- as rox says above -- but you'll also find another electronic forum for questions and support over there. This link goes to the TKGA group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tkga

I wish I could see everyone's posting while I am writing back...I wanted to respond to several of your comments. I let myself get overwhelmed and forget how much I learn from my 'mistakes' so to speak. So Peggy, I believe you stated that if you mess up...then you have learned something new...right on! So true. I say that to my husband all the time...I learn the most from my mistakes, not from doing it right the first time.

I was a kindergarten teacher for a short time and had a student who would become emotionally upset if he colored or drew outside of the lines...obsessive compulsive at such a young age. I always wanted to give him a hug and challenge him to not be so hard on himself when he feels he messed up...but he was to intent on doing the activity right/perfecct the first time. Sometimes, I find myself obsessing about submitting work...but then I turn on my mp3, sit in my fav. chair, read everyone's postings and just go for it! Instantly I feel better!!! I will never forget this child...they all seem to teach you something everyday (even though I am not teaching anymore). I try to remind myself that it is more important to put your self out there. What's the worst that can happen? Am I going to shrivel up and croak if I have to re-do a swatch or four? NOPE!

So you are all inspriring...and that was some great advice about writing things down (biblio., answers to q's) as I complete them! At the last minute I am sure I would have been scrambling to remember what method I used to cast on in this swatch or that...and what increase/decrease I used in this one and what forumula I followed!? Confusing stuff!! Way to be pro-active!!!

This is fun!!!

"scrambling to remember what method I use"--

Been there, done that. Funny how sure I can be that I'll remember, and how wrong I turn out to be.:-)