| How to Recognize a Heart Attack Posted: 10 Jun 2016 01:00 PM PDT A heart attack happens when your heart cannot get enough oxygen because the blood flow is abruptly disrupted. The heart muscle cannot pump properly, and tissue rapidly begins to die.[1] About 735,000 Americans have a heart attack every year.[2] However, only about 27% of people know all the urgent symptoms of a heart attack.[3] Don't let yourself be a statistic. Crushing chest pain and upper body soreness (with or without exertion) are the typical heart attack symptoms, but there are other warning signs you should also heed. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack and getting to the hospital immediately can mean the difference between survival, irreversible tissue damage, and death. If you have any doubt about whether the pain you're experiencing is a heart attack, seek medical help immediately. EditRecognizing When to Get Emergency Medical Attention - Pay attention to chest pain. A pain in the chest, whether it's sharp or dull, is the most common sign of a heart attack. People who are having heart attacks often say they feel squeezing, fullness, pressure, tightness, or a sharp sensation in the center or left area of the chest. This feeling may last a few minutes or more, or disappear and return later.[4]
- Chest pain that stems from a heart attack is not always the crushing, heavy feeling that some people describe - often called the "Hollywood" heart attack. It can actually be quite mild, so don't ignore any type of chest pain.[5]
- "Retrosternal" chest pain is commonly felt. This refers to a pain behind the breastbone, or sternum. It is easy to confuse this pain with abdominal discomfort, like gas. If you have any doubt about this pain, call a doctor.
- Keep in mind that chest pain is not always present when a heart attack is occurring; in fact, over half of heart attack patients don't experience chest pain. Don't rule out the possibility of a heart attack just because you aren't hurting in that area.
- Check for discomfort in the upper body. Sometimes the pain from a heart attack radiates from the chest area outward, causing discomfort in the neck, jaw, abdomen, upper back, and the left arm.[6] The pain in these areas is usually a dull ache. If you haven't recently worked out or done anything that could cause upper body soreness, this type of pain could be a sign you're having a heart attack.[7]
- Watch for dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.[8] These are also extremely common signs of a heart attack, though they are not present in every person who is having one.
- Like other heart attack symptoms, dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting are also signs of other illnesses, so they are easily overlooked. Don't ignore these symptoms, especially if you are also feeling chest pain.
- Women tend to have these symptoms more frequently than men, though not all women experience them.
- Monitor your breathing. Shortness of breath is a subtle heart attack symptom that should not be taken lightly. It is distinct from shortness of breath related to other illnesses because it seems to come out of nowhere. People who have experienced shortness of breath related to a heart attack describe feeling as though they have been exercising heavily even though all they've been doing is sitting and relaxing. [9]
- Shortness of breath may be your only heart attack symptom. Do not take it lightly! Particularly if you have not done anything that typically causes shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help if you experience this symptom.
- Watch for signs of nausea. The nausea may also lead to breaking out in a cold sweat, and even vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, especially in conjunction with other symptoms, you may be having a heart attack.[10]
- Monitor your anxiety. Many heart attack patients get extremely anxious and feel what is referred to as a "sense of impending doom." This feeling is not to be taken lightly; immediately seek medical attention if you experience this extreme emotion.
- Call emergency services immediately if you suspect that you or someone you know is having a heart attack. The sooner medical treatment is received, the greater the chance of surviving the attack. Don't risk talking yourself out of it or waiting too long.
- One study showed that more than half of people with symptoms of a heart attack waited to seek help for more than 4 hours.[11] Almost half of deaths caused by heart attack occur outside a hospital.[12] Don't neglect any symptom, no matter how mild a nuisance it might seem. Get emergency help fast.
EditRecognizing Other Early Warning Signs - Seek medical attention for angina. Angina is chest pain that can feel like a slight pressure, a burning, or a fullness. It is often mistaken for heartburn. Angina can be a sign of coronary heart disease, which is the most common cause of heart attacks. If you feel any type of pain in your chest, it's best to get it checked out right away.[13]
- Most angina pain occurs in the chest. However, it may also occur in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back. It may be hard to tell exactly where you're feeling the pain.[14]
- Angina pain usually gets better once you've rested for a few minutes.[15] If your chest pain lasts for more than a few minutes or doesn't improve with rest or angina medication, seek emergency medical assistance.[16]
- Some people experience angina after exercising, and it's not always a sign of disease or a heart attack. A change in normal patterns is the most important thing to watch for.
- If you have what you believe to be painful indigestion, you may actually be experiencing angina. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of the pain.
- Determine whether you have an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms, and they're present in at least 90% of people who have heart attacks. If you have a fluttering feeling in your chest or feel like your heart "skipped a beat," you may have an arrhythmia.[17] See a specialist who can conduct testing to determine the cause of your symptoms.
- Arrhythmia may also display more serious symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, rapid or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms with arrhythmia, seek emergency medical assistance.[18]
- Although arrhythmia is very common, especially in older adults, it can be a sign of severe medical issues. Do not simply ignore an arrhythmia. Consult with your physician to be sure you do not have a more serious condition.[19]
- Be aware of disorientation, confusion, and stroke-like symptoms. In older people, these symptoms may actually be a sign of heart problems. Seek medical attention if you experience unexplainable cognitive difficulties.
- Look for unusual fatigue. Women are more likely than men to experience unusual, sudden, or unexplained fatigue as a symptom of heart attack.[20] This fatigue may start a few days in advance of an actual heart attack.[21] If you experience abrupt, unusual fatigue without having changed your daily activities, talk with your doctor immediately.
EditTaking Action While Waiting for Emergency Assistance - Contact emergency services immediately. Your emergency medical services may tell you how to help the person experiencing symptoms. Do exactly what the operator instructs. Call for help before doing anything else.[22]
- Calling 911 (or your emergency services number) will speed up your admittance into the hospital vs. driving to the emergency room yourself. Call an ambulance. Do not drive to the hospital yourself unless you have no other option available. [23]
- Treatment for heart attacks is most effective if started within 1 hour of the first appearance of symptoms.[24]
- Stop all activity. Sit down and rest. Try to keep calm by breathing evenly as best as you can.[25]
- Loosen any tight clothing, such as shirt collars and belts.
- Take any medication you have been prescribed for a heart condition. If you take prescription medication such as nitroglycerin, take your recommended dose while you wait for emergency services to arrive.[26]
- Do not take prescription medication that has not been specifically prescribed for your use by a physician. Taking someone else's medication could harm you.[27]
- Take aspirin. Chewing and swallowing an aspirin can help break up the blood clot or blockage contributing to the heart attack.[28]
- Do not take aspirin if you're allergic or have been told by your doctor not to take aspirin.[29]
- See a doctor even if symptoms improve. Even if your symptoms improve within five minutes, see your doctor. A heart attack can leave clots in your bloodstream that can cause more health problems, such as a future heart attack or stroke. You need to be evaluated by a medical professional.
EditUnderstanding Other Causes of Symptoms - Recognize dyspepsia symptoms. Dyspepsia is also known as "indigestion" or "upset stomach." It is usually a chronic or recurrent pain that occurs in your upper abdominal area.[30] Dyspepsia can cause mild chest pain or pressure. One or more of the following symptoms will likely coincide with this pain:[31]
- Heartburn
- Feeling bloated or full
- Burping
- Acid reflux
- Stomach pain or "upset stomach"
- Loss of appetite
- Recognize GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) symptoms. GERD happens when your esophagus muscles do not close properly, allowing your stomach contents to leak back into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and a feeling as though food is "stuck" in your chest. You may experience nausea, especially after eating.[32]
- The symptoms of GERD usually occur after eating. They get worse if you lie down or bend over, or they may worsen at night.
- Recognize asthma symptoms. Asthma can cause feelings of chest pain, pressure, or tightness. These symptoms usually co-occur with coughing and wheezing.[33]
- Mild asthma attacks usually lessen after a few minutes. If you still have difficulty breathing after a few minutes, seek medical assistance.
- Recognize a panic attack. People experiencing a feeling of intense anxiety may suffer a panic attack. The symptoms of a panic attack may initially seem similar to those of a heart attack. You may experience a racing heartbeat, sweating, feeling weak or faint, chest pain, or trouble breathing.[34]
- The symptoms of a panic attack occur very rapidly and usually disappear rapidly as well. If your symptoms do not improve within 10 minutes, seek medical assistance.[35]
EditKnowing Your Risk - Consider your age. Your risk of heart attack increases as you age. Men who are 45 or older, and women who are 55 or older, are more likely to have a heart attack than younger people.[36]
- People who are older may have different symptoms of heart attack than younger adults. Symptoms to watch for in older individuals include fainting, trouble breathing, nausea, and weakness.
- Dementia symptoms, such as incomplete memory, erratic or unusual behavior, and impaired reasoning, may be signs of a "silent" heart attack in elderly people.[37]
- Consider your weight. Being overweight or obese puts you at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack.[38][39]
- A sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk.[40]
- A diet high in saturated fats increases your risk of coronary artery disease, which may lead to having a heart attack.
- Stop smoking. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase your risk of having a heart attack.[41]
- Think about other chronic health issues. Your risk of heart attack is greater if you have any of the following medical conditions:[42]
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Family or personal history of heart attack or stroke
- Diabetes
- People with diabetes may experience less dramatic heart attack symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately for any suspected symptoms.[43]
- Do not allow embarrassment or worry that you aren't "really" having a heart attack to keep you from seeking medical help. Delaying seeking medical assistance could kill you.
- Do not take any heart attack symptoms lightly. If you do not feel better after a few (5-10) minutes of sitting and resting, seek immediate medical assistance.
- You are at higher risk for a second heart attack if you have had one before.
- Do not use a defibrillator (AED) unless you are specifically trained.
- In silent ischemia, a heart attack may occur with no prior symptoms or warning signs.
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| How to Satin Stitch Posted: 10 Jun 2016 01:00 AM PDT A satin stitch or damask stitch lays down threads right next to each other, in stitches between ⅛ and ½ inches (3–13 cm) long. If the stitches all have equal tension, the threads lying together will have a soft glow, mimicking satin. EditSatin Stitching by Hand - Practice on fabric scraps. Satin stitching by hand takes precision. Practice on spare fabric first so you get a sense for how tight to stitch, and how to keep the stitches as close as possible.
- Start with a simple square or circle before trying intricate satin stitch patterns.
- Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop. Always keep the area you're embroidering in a fabric hoop. This will keep the fabric tight and flat while you work.
- Choose a narrow area. Only include satin stitches in narrow spaces, no more than ½ inch (1.25 cm) wide. Long satin stitches will float loose and look messy.
- Stitch as close together as possible. You do not want any gaps between two stitches. Stitch as close as you can without tangling the threads, in tight parallel rows.
- Achieve even tension. Practice the satin stitch until you can pull the threads tight enough to lie flat, but loose enough that they don't distort the shape of the cloth. Stitching too tightly is a common mistake. Try to use a consistent tension for each stitch, or you'll have loose threads.
- Incorporate satin stitch in your design. Once you're confident with your scrap cloth, move on to a real project. Here are a few ideas:
- Outline the edge of a garment.
- Monogram a project.
- Sew buttonholes with an extra-narrow satin stitch.
- When you feel ready, try a whole art piece with satin stitches. Remember to stick to narrow stitches only.
EditSatin Stitching on a Sewing Machine - Try your satin stitch settings on a scrap of the actual fabric, with the same actual thread you plan to use before you do the real deal. That way you can adjust the spacing between the stitches by experimentation before you end up with a giant clump of stitches that are too close together on your actual, precious project.
- Set your machine to the shortest zig-zag. Satin stitching is a zig zag stitch with the threads so close they touch each other. This is zig zag setting 1 on most machines.
- You can change the width setting to any size that suits your design. Most satin stitches show up in buttonholes, outlines, and other narrow areas.
- If you're not sure how to set your machine, look in the manual. You can find many sewing machine manuals online.
- Attach a satin stitch foot to your machine. A regular sewing machine foot will usually jam if you try to satin stitch with it. Buy a special satin stitch foot from any store that sells your brand of sewing machine. This foot has a groove on the underside so the stitch can pass through as you go.
- A transparent foot makes it easier to see your design.
- For intricate designs, you may use a free motion embroidery foot instead. This allows you to move the fabric in any direction while you stitch.
- Draw a design onto the fabric (recommended). For all but the simplest patterns, most embroiderers sketch their design onto the fabric. Use washable fabric pencil so you can remove the marks later.
- Stabilize the fabric. An embroidery hoop that attaches to your machine will keep the fabric taut for your stitch. If you are stitching an intricate pattern, you'll also need a stabilizer that adheres to the back of the fabric.
- The choice of stabilizer depends on the fabric, thread, and type of project, so read the product description carefully before buying.[1]
- Stitch over the design. Move slowly, especially if you're stitching an edge or outline. The stitches should be as even and close together as possible.
- If your experimental satin stitch puckers, that means the tension is maladjusted. You can adjust upper and lower tensions ahead of time to prevent this.
- Make sure the satin-stitches top-side and under-side are pretty much even in width. This is also a function of tension.
- If adjusting the top tension doesn't even-out the top and bottom stitches, you can adjust bobbin tension by a tiny turn of the set screw on the bobbin case.
- Seal satin-stitched edges. If your piece has a satin-stitched outline, protect it with a fabric sealant such as Fray Check.
- To further enhance the appearance, carefully trim the fabric just outside the satin stitches. Work with a magnifying glass to reduce the chance of cutting one of your stitches.
- Draw an outline on the fabric so that you can have a guide to follow when stitching. (So that your shape will not be distorted, bent, etc.)
- If you are using an outline, be sure to cover it with your stitches.
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| How to Deal With Car Sickness Posted: 09 Jun 2016 05:00 PM PDT Car (motion) sickness is a common problem faced by many people. Motion sickness is caused by a disagreement between the eyes and the inner ear. The inner ear tells the brain that the body is moving, but the eyes say that the body is motionless. This conflict leads to the many symptoms of motion sickness. Though there is no cure for this problem, there are some ways to make it less unpleasant. EditDealing With Car/Motion Sickness Symptoms - Determine the degree to which you are sick. When car sickness first emerges, it is characterized by slight nausea or dizziness. As it gets more and more severe, other symptoms appear, such as belching, warmth, headaches, sweating, and increased salivation.[1]
- If you start out only feeling nauseous, but then you begin to sweat or salivate, you should probably try to discontinue your car ride if possible.
- Get some fresh air. Some people may find fresh air soothes motion sickness. Simply opening a window or vent may help alleviate your symptoms.[2] If symptoms persist, stop the car, if possible, and get out to breathe in fresh air. The air may help, and stopping the ride should help too.
- Block your view. Often, car sickness is caused by motion outside the car. For this reason, you may find relief when you block your view.[3] Alternatively, special motion-blocking eyewear may accomplish the same result.
- Simply closing your eyes may help, especially if you can fall asleep.
- You can also try sunglasses or sleep masks to block your view enough to curtail the symptoms of car/motion sickness.
- Use ginger products. Some ginger products may help alleviate motion sickness as well. You can try ginger chews, ginger ale, ginger cookies, and many other ginger products. If you are prone to motion sickness, keep one or more of these products on hand to take if you should become sick.[4]
- Eat something dry. Some data has shown that eating something dry, such as soda crackers, may help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. This is because the dry food may soak up excess acid in the stomach.
- Try acupressure. Putting pressure on a particular point of your body may help treat the symptoms of motion sickness. Specifically, Nei Guan—acupressure point P6, on the underside of the wrist—may be pressed to help with an upset stomach.[5]
EditPreventing Car/Motion Sickness - Prevent motion sickness-related nausea. You can help prevent nausea from car/motion sickness by avoiding foods, drinks, or alcoholic beverages before riding in a car. Any food that you know doesn't agree with you should be avoided. This includes foods that might make you feel too full as well as foods that are spicy or high in fat.[6]
- Avoid having foods in the car that have strong odors as well, as this can also help prevent nausea.
- Sit where you will feel the least amount of motion. Because motion sickness results from a discrepancy between the motion you feel versus the motion you see, choosing a seat where you do not feel as much motion (or any) could help you prevent car sickness. The front seat of a car may be the best seat, in fact, for avoiding motion sickness.[7]
- Never sit backwards of the direction of travel—this can hyper-activate car sickness.
- Avoid visual stimuli for motion sickness. Some of the things that can make you get car sick are visual in nature. For instance, you should not read while traveling in a car. The movement can make it difficult to focus on the words, making reading while riding in a car dangerous for those who suffer from car/motion sickness.[8]
- It might help to keep your gaze focused on a single point as your travel to help minimize the effects of car sickness.
- If you are riding with someone else who gets car sick, seeing them get sick—or even talking about it—may trigger car sickness.
- Use medication. Several over-the-counter medications including anticholinergics such as scopolamine, antispasmodics such as promethazine, and sympathomimetics such as ephedrine are available to help prevent motion sickness. Most of these contain a drug called meclizine, which is anti-nausea, as well as being an antihistamine and antispasmodic. It specifically targets the area of the brain that is related to motion to help prevent motion sickness that people can experience in cars (and other vehicles).[9]
- If your motion sickness is especially bad, your doctor may prescribe scopolamine, which can be administered orally, intravenously, or topically (on the skin).
- Always discuss drug interaction and side effects with your doctor or pharmacist before using prescription medication.
- Consume ginger. Ginger can be used as an alternative medication that may be an effective way to prevent car sickness for some people. For prevention, you can mix 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder with a glass of water and drink it down or take two ginger capsules 20 minutes before traveling.[10]
- Keep ginger products on hand to aid in the prevention of car sickness. Carrying ginger candies or ginger cookies in your purse or pocket might come in handy.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can be a cause of motion sickness, so it is best to avoid smoking.[11] A small study showed that nicotine deprivation overnight avoided motion sickness susceptibility. [12] If you are a habitual smoker, you may be able to curtail your smoking in a variety of ways. For additional information, check out: http://www.wikihow.com/Quit-Smoking.
- Looking at fast passing things sometimes makes you sick.
- Always notify the driver when you begin feeling sick.
- Take a deep breaths in order to calm yourself. Get your muscles moving steadily to help relieve the motion sickness.
- Avoid closing your mouth when vomiting, it will end up coming through your nose.
- Go to sleep! If you can't then try a medicine that helps you go to sleep, such as Melatonin.
- If you have a history of car sickness, carry a plastic bag, such as a resealable Ziploc bag.
- If the route you will be taking involves driving down curvy roads, plan for time to take breaks.
- Some have found that holding your wrist sometimes helps. Wrist bands are available with balls in the middle to contact pressure points that may help control motion sickness.
- Try to avoid traffic if possible.The constant starting and stopping doesn't help.
- Women are generally more susceptible to car sickness than men. Pregnant women, children ages 2 to 12, and people experiencing disorders of the vestibular system or migraines are more susceptible to getting car sickness.[13]
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| How to Open Regedit Posted: 09 Jun 2016 09:00 AM PDT The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains information and settings for hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, and per-user settings. The registry also provides a window into the operation of the kernel, exposing runtime information such as performance counters and currently active hardware. You can use the Registry Editor to make changes to your computer's registry entries, which can be useful for hardware troubleshooting and virus removal. EditUsing the "Run" Box - Click the Start menu and select "Run". You can also press in any version. If you can't open the Start menu, see the next section.[1]
- Windows 8 - Open the Start screen and type , or find Run in the All Apps list.
- Windows 8.1 - Right-click the Start button and select "Run".
- Windows 10 - Right-click on the Start button logo and select "Run".
- Type . into the Run box and press . This will start the Registry Editor.
- Depending on your computer's security settings, you may be prompted to confirm that you want to start the Registry Editor.
- Access to the Registry Editor requires administrator permissions.
- Navigate through the registry entries. Use the menu on the left side of the Registry Editor to find the keys you need. Many folders will contain multiple levels of subfolders. Keys in each folder will be displayed in the left frame.
- Edit a key by double-clicking it. When you double-click a key in the right frame, a window will appear allowing you to edit the values. You should only edit keys if you know what you are doing or are following qualified instruction. Modifying keys will change how your system runs, and could cause Windows to malfunction.
- Click here for more tips on safely editing the registry.
EditUsing the Command Prompt - Open the Command Prompt. There are several ways that you can open the Command Prompt, which allows you to open it if something is preventing you from using one way:[2]
- Click the Start menu and select Command Prompt. If you're using Windows 8.1, right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt. If you're using Windows 8, you can find the Command Prompt in the All Apps list on the Start screen.
- Press , type , and press .
- Press to open the Task Manager. Click the "File" menu, hold , and click "Run new task".
- Type . and press . You can do this from any location in the Command Prompt. The Registry Editor will open in a separate window. You may be asked to confirm that you want to open it.
- Use the left frame to navigate through the registry. The folder tree on the left will allow you to find the key that you need. Expand the folders to see additional subfolders. Selecting a folder will display any keys it contains in the right frame.
- Double-click a key to edit it. When you find a key in the right frame that you want to edit, double-click it to open it. Be careful when making changes, as changing the wrong thing can cause Windows to malfunction.
- Click here for more tips on safely editing the registry.
EditTroubleshooting regedit Not Opening - Open the Command Prompt. If the Registry Editor will not start, there may be a problem with your system settings. This is typically caused by a virus or malware infection. You can make a change to allow access to the Registry Editor again, but it is highly recommended that you take steps to remove any infections as well.
- See Step 1 in the previous section for instructions on opening the Command Prompt.
- You can also boot into "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" if you are having trouble opening the Command Prompt in Windows. Click here for instructions on booting into Safe Mode.
- Enter the command to unblock the Registry Editor. You'll be using the Command Prompt to delete a specific registry key that is blocking the Registry Editor from opening. Enter the following command and press :[3]
- Attempt to open the Registry Editor again. Use either of the above two methods to launch the Registry Editor.
- Remove any virus or malware infections from your computer. There's a very good chance that the reason your Registry Editor was blocked is because you have a virus or other malware infection. This could have come from an illegally downloaded game or program, from an email attachment, or bundled along with another program. Click here for detailed instructions on removing virus and malware infections. For really bad cases, you may be better off completely reinstalling Windows.
- Using Regedit can cause system instability, system crashes, or even a system failure requiring a re-install of the operating system if used incorrectly. Use with caution.
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| How to Stretch Your Knitting Dollar Posted: 09 Jun 2016 01:00 AM PDT Knitting can be an expensive hobby, especially if a ball of quality merino successfully tempts you. But if you're like most knitters, you have at least one tub full of leftovers from spare projects. Learn how to use these in new, efficient ways, and replace them with supplies that don't break your budget. EditSaving Money on Knitting Supplies - Shop with a project in mind. Come up the project first, and plan out how much yarn you'll need. An impulsive visit to the yarn store is the fastest way to end up with a stash the size of Berlin.
- Look for secondhand supplies. Many stashes, scrap piles, and unfinished projects end up at thrift stores and garage sales. Sometimes these are so numerous that you have to restrain yourself even at secondhand prices.
- Keep an eye out for tag sales, clearance sales, and other opportunities to save big. Check for announcements from local outlet stores and antique barns.
- Turn old objects into yarn. Unravel your old wool clothes, or go thrift shopping for sweaters that have seen better days. Even somewhat worn yarn can become a dishrag.
- Use alternative yarns.
- Organize a yarn swap or barter. Other knitters in your area probably have hoards of yarn scraps they're happy to get rid of. Ask around, and see if you can get enough interest to meet for trades or give aways.
- Some online knitting communities such as Ravelry encourage their members to send each other unwanted yarn.
- Compare online prices. Depending on craft stores in your area, ordering supplies online may be the cheapest option. Search for "discount yarn" and compare it to local offers.
- Don't forget to take into account the cost of shipping for online orders, and the cost of transport to local stores.
- Yarn prices tend to increase just before knitting season begins. If you can afford to, stock up at the end of the season to save money next year.
- Find cheap sources of knitting patterns. You can find free knitting patterns online, or in books checked out from the library. If you're looking for a specific book, buy it from a used bookstore, or try to get it for free.
- Use acrylic yarn wisely. Since acrylic yarn is cheaper, it might be tempting to use it for more projects, but its pilling and low breathability make it a poor choice for most garments. This cost-saving measure is best used for practice projects.
- Slippers are an exception where acrylic yarn can work well. The acrylic keeps them warm, and they are expected to scuff anyway.
- Buy the thinnest yarn available. A 50-gram skein of fingering yarn has a whole lot more yards in it than a 50-gram skein of worsted weight yarn, and working through that yardage gives you all the more time of knitting pleasure for your money. However, keep in mind that if you're going to change the weight of yarn, you may need considerably more to make the project the right size and buying more yarn may eliminate any savings from buying a thinner yarn. If you're going to make this sort of change, buy the yarn based on yardage rather than how many grams you're getting in a skein.
EditStretching Your Yarn - Make your best yarn last longer. Consider using your expensive yarn for trimming and accent areas. Use a cheaper yarn in a more muted color for the majority of the project. Consider looser knits and lace designs. A nice shawl or knee blanket doesn't need to be overly thick or warm and could use a lot less yarn.
- Choose projects that use what you already have. If you have a stash of knitting supplies, take inventory. You may be surprised at how many hats, scarves, mittens, and baby sweaters you can make without buying anything.
- Look up "one skein projects" in knitting books and websites to find efficient designs.
- Change colors mid-project. Learn how to switch to a different strand of yarn between stitches. This lets you turn that tiny ball of yarn into part of a larger project, instead of the world's smallest sock. Explore stripes and creative color combinations while you're at it.
- Switch at the end of a row whenever possible. This leaves a small knot behind, which is less obvious on the edge of the project.
- Use this similar technique while crocheting.
- Turn leftover yarn into scrumbles. Scrumbles are freeform knitting or crotchet projects made entirely out of bits and pieces. The only goal is to make a colorful, tactile object and to have fun doing it. One approach is to turn each little bit of yarn into squares, shells, or curves, then attach all the bits to each other.
- Form a pompom from the end of a yarn ball. Save money on party decorations with this quick technique. All you need is the tail end of a yarn ball, a pair of scissors, and a minute of your time.
- Make a scrap yarn blanket. Once you pick up the mitered square technique, you can turn any pile of scrap into a square. Repeat that enough times, and you'll transform a whole box of scrap yarn into a complete blanket.
- Yarn bomb. Yarn bombing is a harmless form of woolen graffiti. Decorate public benches, fence railings, or telephone poles with colorful yarn wrappers. Since these are temporary, outdoor art pieces, you can use the cheapest yarn available.
- Stuff animal toys. The tiniest scraps of yarn can become stuffing for animal toys. You can use it to fluff up your kid's worn down favorites, or to make your own stuffed animals.
- While not practical for everyone, one option is to keep angora rabbits or (if one were particularly serious), goats, sheep, or llamas, and learn to shear them and spin the wool.
- Wooden needles are cheaper than metal ones. They are more fragile, so treat them with care.
- There are places in the world where good yarn, even grown, shorn and spun by hand, can be had inexpensively. Don't travel just to buy yarn, but for sure buy yarn if you happen to travel to one of these places.
- If you have some extra yarn you won't use, consider selling it on eBay or similar websites.
- If you spend more on knitting projects than you would like, set yourself a monthly budget.
- Although not feasible for most people, it is possible to spin your own wool. This is only cost-efficient if you turn it into a business, or if you know someone who raises animals and is willing to sell the wool at a discount.
- Knitting with lots of different colours, for example stripes, can help use up the last little bits of leftover wool.
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