When you're making a new item, there's a + and - symbol under the main material (for instance, iron ingots if you're blacksmithing). If you hit the +, you'll use more iron and create a higher level item. I think the first tier of materials craft up to level 14; after that, you'll need to unlock the perk for the next tier of materials.
Ahhh open the crafting perks, speaking of which I did open the ability to have a npc harvest for me. But is that auto or do I need to hire a npc somewhere?
it's automatic every 24hrs AFTER you spend the skill point
and you'll need to go to the next zone to find tier 2 and tier 3 nodes
except for what your Hireling *may* email to you.... they mail you random Mats for the craft line they are from... and read the email... some are down right hilarious