An Evolution is a beautiful thing. The colors have been carefully chosen to work beautifully together. Each transition has been meticulously blended to create an entirely new section of color that seamlessly fades from one to the next. This work of art should be kept together at all costs!
Use all the yarn!
If you choose a pattern that uses only part of an evolution, you miss out on an entire color and transition leaving your project feeling incomplete EVEN IF you followed the instructions to a tee.
Choose a pattern that requires approximately the same yardage as the cake of yarn that you have in order to use the entire colorway.
Hint: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your edging to either extend or shorten the pattern to suit your yardage.
Find a pattern with a repeatable stitch pattern!
Sometimes you know that your cake of yarn is destined to become something ginormous! An XL cake of yarn can be daunting when it arrives but fear not gentle readers, I have some tips that can help you find the perfect pattern.
If the yardage for your cake is greater than that required by the pattern, choose a project with a repeatable stitch pattern or edging. Simply continue on in the established pattern creating a larger garment. Notice in particular how repetitive the edging of the shawl below is. It could easily be adapted to be longer or shorter depending on the amount of yarn you have in reserve.
Another option is to look for patterns that are adaptable to suit any amount of yardage that you have. For instance, I wrote a pattern (see above) that is written using a ratio to accommodate not only any amount of yarn, but also different yarn weights.
Hint: If you have a petite coordinating solid you should be in great shape! This little insurance policy will make sure that you don’t end up playing yarn chicken and loosing!
Needle size is matter of preference!
Unless you are knitting a fitted garment like a sweater or hat, gauge is really all about how you want your fabric to drape! For instance, I prefer a more open fabric when knitting a shawl, and will often size up my needles a bit to get this look.
Right Colorway Warlock – Shawl using a larger needle for drape and an open lacey effect; project by twistedbee5
Both projects use the Zaftig yarn base.
A looser, more open gauge will give your shawl bounce and life. A tighter gauge may be appropriate if your intention is warmth or to keep out the wind or a draft. Size your needles down to achieve a more solid fabric. Size your needles up for a more open look.
Play a little with your knitting and don’t be afraid to FROG! (In other words Rip it back!)
The author – Beth Gorishek is twistedbee5 on Ravelry
twistedfiberart.org 
Thanks, Beth, those are great tips!
Lotte