Going crazy with this! A simple weekend project is now starting into the 3rd week, so I guess I need to ask for help from the experts.

short version preface-- SEVERELY allergic to wool, so using acrylic - I know the pitfalls and can usually avoid them.

OK - so it's no surprise that my swatches are curling. Is it better to send them off with curled edges or kill them with the iron? Neither way is correct, nor is it what I would do with a finished item. But since this is a follow-instructions program (which I understand and it definitely needs to be), I am not at libertly to make the adaptations that I normally would.

Help?.?.?
This SO needs to get in the mail and out of my living room!

You really don't want to kill them with the iron--what have you tried so far?

I've steamed and soaked. With both methods not stretching tightly, just squaring up and pinning.
I've also used different sized needles. The larger ones work a little better in preventing the curl, but the stitch definition gets lost.

The Committee understands that you will not get a perfectly flat swatch using acrylic yarn. Be sure not to kill it with too much heat and send it in with a slight curl. You could explain that you use acrylic because you are allergic to wool.

You could also try cotton although this is a very unforgiving yarn. <G>

Thank you. I'll go with that.
(Actually hoping that would be the answer )
Thanks for your help. I'm going to get this puppy in the mail tomorrow.

My two cents: It sounds like you've done all you can--I would send them as they are (and hope that being squashed in the page protector will help some!).

Be sure to mention your wool allergy in your cover letter.

Arenda