Design-a-long - Tools and Supplies

Tools,supplies and information for the DAL: 

• Choose your yarn. I'm going to recommend that you pick a standard gauge yarn that you will be likely to use the same weight again on future projects. If you normally like worsted, use that, if you prefer finer weights choose DK or sport.
• You will need some graph paper, to draw your basic schematic on. I like to use the 4 squares to an inch size.
• For calculating curves and angles you will need knitters graph paper, you can print it off here once you know your gauge.
• A pencil, an eraser, a hard edged ruler. A curve ruler if you have one. If not, a compass or various household containers can help you to draw any curves if you are not happy with hand drawn ones.
• Measuring tape.
• A notebook that you can record the measurements in and keep as a permanent record. The details you learn working through of a project like this will help you to choose sizes and make adjustments to existing patterns. If you keep notes on future projects in different yarn weights you will grow your understanding of ease requirements and fabric characteristics which is the true key to attaining perfect fit.
• An existing garment in roughly the same weight of fabric that you will be creating.  This garment should be one that either you like the fit of, or that can be pinned to correct the parts that you don't like. 

  
I'll list anything else I didn't think of as we go along.

I'd also like to mention that you should check your measuring tapes for accuracy. The fabric tapes do stretch out of shape with age. I've also seen dollar store tapes that were not accurately printed. Just compare it to your hard ruler as a precaution.