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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>I was doing my homework for the square we’ll be knitting, and I thought of 2 hints I’d give beginner knitters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first is to figure out a way to keep track of what row you’re on. I use my abacus, but there are other ways I’ve occasionally used.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If I’m reading the pattern on a braille display, I know from the display where I am, because it keeps my place. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Or, if I have the pattern in a PDF or email, I copy it to Windows Notepad, so I can edit it. Then I can put an X where I am, or, if I just move down for each line, I put an X where I finished.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I know other people have other methods, and I hope they will chime in.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The other hint is to use stitch markers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I put a different stich marker at the beginning of an odd row than at the beginning of an even row. That way, I always know what kind of row I’m working, without having to feel for the bumps. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If I have a lot of stitches, or more than a couple pattern repeats in a row, I put a marker every couple repeats, or every 20 stitches. It saves me counting lots of stitches, and inevitably losing my place near the end and having to start over.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, if I’m working a pattern and come to a marker when I wasn’t expecting to, I know my mistake is somewhere between where I am and where my last marker was, so I only have to go back a little bit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I also like to have some locking stitch markers on hand. They look kinda like safety pins, only roundish. They’re handy if I decide I need a marker after I’ve passed the spot where it should go. I also stick one on a dropped stitch, so hopefully I can work it back up next time I come around to it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lastly, there is a class for beginner knitters on the first Thursday of the month, and anyone can sign up for it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tracy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>