Ok, one more note on yarn subs for today and then I have to actually do some work. I am NOT of the "just adjust gauge" school of yarn subs. 1/….

I strongly and actively discourage adjusting a pattern for a different gauge - unless it's a) a very simple pattern or b) the knitter likes and is good at math, and knows a lot about the type of pattern in question. 2/…

Adjusting a garment for a different gauge is effectively the same task as designing a garment form the ground up. It’s complicated. The more complex the shape, the more variables. And, more to the point, it’s risky. 3/…

Mistakes are time-consuming and (can be expensive). And discouraging. There are lots of great patterns out there. I will guarantee you can find one that suits, that is right for your yarn. I love math and design, I really do. And yet I’ll still rather be knitting. 4/…

All these "ah, it's just a ratio" tutorials make me really nervous because they make it seem so simple. It *is* just a ratio, but that doesn't mean it's simple. 5/...

My answer would have been different 50 years ago, when fewer patterns were available. But now: save yourself the risk and calculations and the time at your computer! Find another pattern! 6/...

Some of you *do* enjoy this type of work, the design and calculations. And if you do, go for it! For it's not a recommendation that works for all - or indeed, in my experience - many! Take advantage of the wealth of patterns available. 7/...

Am I saying you have to knit a pattern as written? Am I saying that you can't customize? Absolutely not! It's all about knowing which customizations are simpler, and understanding what level of challenge you want to take on. 8/...

For example: it's easier to adjust body and sleeve length/shaping than it is to redesign a neckline. So if the pattern is perfect other than neckline? Find a pattern that's almost as good but might need a sleeve or body adjustment. 9/...

Want that gorgeous sock pattern to be toe-up rather than top down? Find a good basic toe-up pattern and apply the design details you love from the top-down one. Simpler! You get to spend your creative energy on the fun part of the customization, not the hard bits. 10/...

I'm a huge proponent of this type of customization: do the stuff you enjoy & feel confident about. Choose a pattern that takes care of the stuff you don't want/like to do/feel confident about. Find patterns that get the basic shape/gauge/size right, & build on those! /end