So you are going on a trip…
Your dilemma: Pack a pair of heels or an extra knitting project?
As the godfather said: Leave the gun, take the canoli.
In knitting terms: Leave the heels (grab flats they are more versatile and smaller) and take the knitting.
Now you are asking me, “why would I want to take more than one project in a trip that’s crazy!”
Well there are several issues at hand. If you take one project, what if you finish it? What if you don’t feel like working on that project? Then you have to go out and buy yarn, needles and notions for a new project.
While I will never guilt anyone for spending money on more knitting supplies, I am a planner and I don’t like buying a whole project and casting on without having all of my tools and endless time to pick a pattern that perfectly fits.
Also what if there are no yarn stores that you can go to? I know it sounds terrible but there are some places in this country with no access to such niceties.
If you don’t need to plan or love getting kits and you already know what yarn stores you are going to hit on your trip, then you really don’t need my advice, you are all set….
For the rest of us, here are some questions for you.
Where are you going?
How much time do you think you are going to have to knit?
Are you flying?
How long are you going to be there?
How much brain power/knitting ability are you going to have while you are there?
Where are you going?
- If you forget something is there a store where you can get replacements.
- If there is no option for replacements you need to be very careful to not forget any tools you might need. Think: extra stitch markers, crochet hook, scissors, different size of needles, etc. If you forget something you might have to stop working on a project until you get back to your tools. I have a little Altoids tin that holds all of this. If I am using my interchangeable needles I can add all of the sizes of needles I need and an extra cord into the tin along with everything else I usually have in there.
How much time do you think you will have to knit?
- More time all at once could mean you could take more complex projects. Personally I don’t like knitting lace outside my home because it makes me nervous. But if you don’t have that problem, lace could be a good option. Colorwork is an option. I think you see what I’m getting at here.
- Less time means stick to a project that has easy repetition or short rows/repeats so you can start and stop quickly. Some socks, hats, large pieces of stockinette or garter, etc.
Are you flying?
- If yes, this limits the type of tools you can take.
- Don’t take metal needles. It doesn’t matter if they are currently allowed by the TSA or not. All it takes is one agent in a bad mood and you have to rip them out of your project in progress. Just don’t do it. I don’t take my carbon fiber needles either but that’s because they are really sharp and I could hurt myself if I tried going through all of that unpacking and repacking.
- Scissors need to be TSA approved. I personally do not take scissors TSA approved or not. I have a clover thread cutter pendant that has a finger safe cutter. I wear it as a necklace (it goes in my purse through security). 1. I can’t cut myself on it. 2. I’ve never been stopped by TSA questioning it. 3. If it’s around your neck you can’t lose it. Even at home I use this necklace far more often than real scissors because I can never remember where I put those things!
How long are you going to be there?
- If you are going on a long trip pack accordingly. Take enough knitting that you don’t run out of things to work on.
How much brain power are you going to have while traveling?
- During work trips I’m usually working 12-14 hours per day. My knitting brain is not present. At that point I am happy with stockinette or garter stitch and that is enough.
- During vacations I have serious knitting brain power. I need to take a lot of yarn and a few different projects. Because I like to mix it up.
Have fun!