Knit in Public Week: Day 1
Meet the Editors of AllFreeKnitting!
Knitters, unite!
Every year, knitters around the world celebrate Knit in Public Day. Established in 2005 by Danielle Landes, this fun-filled day takes place on the second Saturday of June. This year, June 14 marks not only Knit in Public Day, but the start of Knit in Public Week! This yarn-tastic holiday was started as a way for fellow knitters to band together and enjoy not only the craft, but each other’s company.
As one of the editors of AllFreeKnitting, I didn’t want to miss out on any of the festivities. So, we decided to throw a week-long celebration on Stitch and Unwind!
From amazing daily giveaways to knitting tips and tutorials to interviews with designers, we’re doing our best to make Knit in Public Week a memorable celebration of our favorite craft. Every day, we’ll have new knitting tips, tricks, tutorials, and patterns for you. We’ll also be giving away daily prizes as well as one grand prize at the end of the week.
The full schedule of prizes, giveaways, tips, and tutorials can be found on this page here.
So, without further ado, let’s get to know each other!
I’m Julie (on the right), knitting newbie and ever-curious student of my co-editor, Audrey. Learning how to knit has been a long process, but having access to a great community of knitters at work has made it so much more enjoyable.
My name is Audrey (on the left). My grandma taught me how to knit when I was eight, and I’ve been fascinated with fiber ever since. I always have a project or two on the needles, ready to go whenever I need to relax or wind down. I’m taking my knitting game to the next level by learning to spin my own yarn.
Today’s Giveaway:
Today we’re giving away a Stitch Nation Tote Bundle! This incredible prize includes one Stitch Nation Tote (for all your needles, yarns, and more), one Stitch Nation USB containing helpful knitting tips, tricks, and patterns, 2 skeins of Washable Ewe, 1 package of Knit Clips, and the popular pattern book, Knits at Home.
Answer the question at the bottom of the post for your chance to win this amazing prize! The winner will be notified in tomorrow’s blog post.
Official Rules for Daily Contest
- There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
- Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post below.
- Winner will be announced here on the blog tomorrow as well as contacted by the email address provided.
- You have until June 14, 2014 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on this post. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
- Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.
Grand Prize Giveaway
Be sure to enter for your chance to win the Knit in Public Week Grand Prize gifted by Red Heart!
This fabulous prize is enough to make any knitter drool. The winner will receive a Red Heart tote bag packed with 8 skeins of Red Heart yarn, two packs of knitting needles, and various knitting accessories.
The deadline to enter is June 22, 2014 at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time. Enter here for your chance to win!
What’s your best tip for on-the-go knitting?
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I keep all my tools, snippy scissors, tin of stitch markers, tin of yarn needles, measuring tape, needle gauge and mini crochet hook for catching dropped stitches in a zip lock bag, so that I can grab and go every time I pick up a project bag and I can see the items through the clear plastic.
Use needle-tip guards or small rubberbands wound your needles to the prevent your stitches from sliding off and unraveling.
You stole my knitting on the go tip! I have certain bags that I use for knitting that I can just throw my wallet in and go somewhere. That way, I never have to be without a knitting project if I’m in a waiting room or going out to eat and waiting for my food.
Suit your take-along project to the activity. If you’re going to travel or sit in close quarters (think airline), consider circular rather than straight needles. If you’re going to be at a meeting or conference or performance, take along a mindless project — simple pattern with little shaping. Always carry tape measure and small scissors. And be ready for conversation and attention. People love to watch others knitting. I think it’s the rhythm. I believe t’s as comforting to them as it is to us knitters; and to some, endlessly intriguing and a conversation starter.
I always keep a small knitting project that I can grab on the way out the door. No large sweaters or Afghans; Just socks, gloves and scarfs.
I have a small bag that I keep a few small projects in that are always ready to go. Sometimes I just leave it in the car to have for those spur of the moment waiting times that come up.
My best knitting of the go tip would be the same as yours! Aside from maybe leaving a project on the car at all times so you are never without!
I like to look up new patterns, yarns and project ideas on my tablet and phone when I’m on the go since most of my projects are larger. Pinterest, ravelry and a good ol’ fashioned google search is a great way to keep inspiration going!
Double check your project to be sure you have everything you need before leaving home.
I have a reusable grocery bag with yarn and needles at work. If I ever get a chance to work on something, which of course NEVER happens. I may set a record for the longest amount of time spent knitting a scarf…Lol.
Carry something small and easy. Doesn’t Take a lot of concentration, and can be put down quickly.
I generally have a blanket, baby or other blanket in my knitting bag, for on the go, or at home!
My on the go knitting bag is always ready with a small project to work on in the car or while waiting for appointments. It is the coat closet so all I have to do is grab it as I head out the door.
I like to knit on the go because it is a good conversation starter whether you talk to knitters or non-knitters. I sometimes get so new great ideas too.
I always have projects ready to go and because I like to knit for others I sometimes give my project away if I finish when there are others around.
A small project in the car at all times. Hat, scarf, mittens, booties, dish cloths.
Put small items like a darning needle, scissors, small notebook for counting, and pen in a pencil bag. Keep it handy, so you can grab it when knitting on-the-go.
I have a cute little bag my friend go me in Mexico, it is big enough for on the go sock project or doll sweaters (make a ton of them!)…throw in my dpns, small circular, cable needle, scissors…it goes every where with me! Even to Puerto Rico!
My main tip is never leave home without something to knit, even if you don’t think you’ll have time or won’t have to wait long. Chances are you WILL be waiting longer than you think and wondering how much of your project you could have been completing! I keep a project in my car at all times so I’m never far away from my needles and yarn!
Ziplock bags are great to hold the yarn while knitting in the car. I always rewind my yarn to balls. Zip up bag to almost closed but so you can still pull the yarn out. That way if the yarn falls on the floor ,no big deal. Also I hate to carry a knitting book, magazine or original pattern around any get it messed up. So I make a photo copy. Can then fold it up into Ziplock bag to carry around.
I keep a bag with a simple project that I can grab as I go out the door.
Swatching is my easiest to go project, then small projects such as baby hats, etc. However, I have been known to go with an almost finished Swirl. I find that something that is not too complicated is best. Knitted lace never travels!
Similar to all the above! Needles and yarn with pattern in a prepacked bag. Include small scissors, crochet hook, markers and measuring tape and grab and run!
I do all projects on circular needles. It makes it easier to carry and I never lose a needle.
I’m a relative new knitter so not many tips to offer. However, I do have a motto (tip) about my knitting. “Never leave home without my project bag”. Since I’m new at knitting my projects are still rather small.
I hate taking sheets of paper printed patterns with me on the go so I have downloaded my patterns to my Kindle. The Kindle is small and light enough to take and you can zoom in on the instructions so you can read them easily. The patterns have to be in pdf. form and you just transfer them to the Kindle. I have one folder for knitting patterns and one for crochet. I also use my Kindle at home when I am knitting.
I like to knit small things!
A small project, that is memorized in a small bag. Easy to grab and go.
I keep my current knitting project with some other knitting necessities in a cute tote bag right next to my purse. That way I can grab and go and have something to do while waiting at the dr.’s office, while my daughter is at dance practice, etc. .
I too, like so many above have a couple project ts in my take along bag at all times. Usually one knit and one crochet project. That way if I’m not in the mood to knit but would rather crochet I am prepared. Works the other way also.
I keep a small, simple project (dishcloth or scarf) in my diaper bag so it always comes with me. When knitting in the car, I leave the skein inside my bag so it doesn’t go rolling away during turns or sudden stops. Also useful: needle protectors to keep the whole thing from sliding off in the depths of the bag, and a pen & paper to record row counts.
I always have a couple small projects going so I can just grab one small bag that has needles, scissors, pattern, and stuff current project into for on the go knitting. My hubby usually drives when we go anywhere, so lot’s of time to knit.
I keep a project at work so I can knit during lunch instead of grazing on whatever goodies are in the staff lounge.
I have a small bag with the most needed notions that I can just grab and tuck in with my current project when I’m going someplace,
I store my small projects in zip-top plastic food bags. Easily portable and protected!
I bought myself some good embroidery scissors with their own sheath to take with me when I knit. They are small enough to not take up a lot of room (and to keep people from borrowing them), they are heavy enough to fall to the bottom of the bag so I can always find them and the sheath keeps them from poking through the bag.
I always have something small to carry with me, hats, mitts, scarves etc.
I always leave a small project in the car. And If I’m taking a larger project, I carry it in an oversized bag. That way, if I get a lot done, it’ll all fit in the bag
I use the makeup bags that you get with offers. They are pretty and just the right size.
I also hold my knitting needle together with rubber bands so I don’t lose stitches in transport.
I’m pretty much a beginning knitter. Every time I grab my knitting out of my purse (making washrags) Someone says What are you making. Men, woman… even kids. But I have a couple of copies of a simple washrag pattern in my purse to give out. If I can do it any one can.
I keep knitting bags in my car, my husband’s car, my desk drawer at work, plus several at home by my chair. It’s grab a bag and go!!
Using a bag with separate compartments for different projects, needles, and other knitting tools is always the way I like to go.
No matter what type of needle you are using make sure they have point protectors on. I don’t care how careful you are, stitches slide during transport.
Always make sure and use point protectors when transporting a project. No matter how careful you are, stitches will slip.
I always make sure I download my pattern to my smartphone/Iphone AND take a photo of the stitch pattern with the camera for easy reference for on the go knitting. Another plus with this tip is that if I forget (or misplace) my readers I can easily use the zoom feature to enlarge the pattern for easy breezy on the go knitting 🙂
Always have a small project in the works in a small bag that you can just grab and go!
I’m never without a project a project near by. I.m disabled I keep project in places thats handy for me to get to and I use zip lock bags to keep the yarn clean.
Since I’m disabled I keep my knitting projects in places thats handy for me to work on especially my travel bag.
I fly a lot and with restrictions on how many bags you can carry on here’s something I do all the time. I have a big canvas bag which I put my knitting in. THEN I put my purse inside the canvas bag. Put on my shoulder, go on board. Knitting is separated and my purse is right on top. Works so well.
Afraid of losing stitch markers while on the go? Cut up a drinking straw. (I NEVER lose these even when I try!)
Terrific idea!
Always have a simple small project in a seperate bag. I like to knit afghan squares,, scarves, hats or other mindless knitting projects for my on the go knitting
I do a lot of house sitting and always on the go away from home. I keep an ott light and knitting bag in the car at all times so I can see in houses with poor lighting and always have something to work on.
Whenever you start a new project, store it in a ziplock bag so you can grab one anytime you’re on the go and tuck it in a purse. Ziplock bags are perfect because they fit in almost any purse or tote and protect your yarn from spills, uncapped pens or melting lipstick, plus they keep yarn in place while you knit.
I have a special bag with one of the projects I am working on either in the car or by front door with keys
I use a 3-ring notebook for my patterns and a 3-ring zipper pencil case for scissors ,needles, tape measure etc.
I found a wine bag that hold six skein ,it alway in my car so I can add colors. It work get when working with my grand kids
I have a 31 pouch with knitting and a tote with Knit Sharon Knit on it.
Either have small project in bag with correct notions or take a no think section of a project that I can still talk and knit with like a section of a project of a simple pattern.
I keep different projects in bags so I’m never without one!!
gallon sized zip lock bags! everything fits and stays together. easy to grab and go, too.
What a beautiful and generous prize. I’d love to win!
I use post-it tape so I can keep track of where I am in the pattern, especially if I have to put it away quickly. I also make a photocopy of my pattern so I don’t have to take my whole book or booklet with me.
I use zip-lock bags. You can see what is in them easily. I like to take a project with one page directions and minimal needs. Socks or mitts are good or other one-skein projects. For a long trip, I take a couple of projects that use the same needles.
Ensure the pattern is in the ziplock bag.
Love to knit small things for babies and young children. Always have a bag with leftover yarn ( separated by colors in ziplock bags) that I use to make blankets /bootees / hats and even knitted stuffed animals. These do not take up much room and you can leave a pair of needles and supplies with each craft so it is easy to pick up and go. If it is a new pattern being used I just photocopy it or transfer the pattern to a 3×5 card to keep with the project
A dishcloth or a hat makes a geat on the go project
Everyone has excellent points. My first thought was point protectors, though. They keep needle points from poking through the crocheted bags I carry projects in and keep stitches from slipping off.
I keep projects in separate gallon ziploc bags . . . with one or two already in a tote bag so I can just grab in on the way out the door
my project bag is always ready by the door with an easy pattern, needles and yarn for wherever i go!
I like to keep a small notebook with every project. They are great for jotting down notes, stitch counts, row tracking, etc. if my pattern is not in a book and just printed on regular paper, I use a clip board with a pen on the clip.
I keep my smartphone with several To Go projects and patterns on it-and like the other gals I have a notebook with ziplock bags for a few projects ready in the que in a bag. Also some moist wipes to start with clean hands!
My tip is not to forget a small pair of scissors, a measuring tape, and a crochet hook (for picking up possible dropped stitches, etc.) in your on the go knitting bag.
I don’t separate out my projects until I am packing for a specific trip
I keep a small kit with essential tools – scissors, measuring tape, pencil and notepad, stitch markers, emery board, etc. ready to go. I like to begin the project in a quiet place so that the pattern is established, but pack a copy of the pattern just in case. Also, coordinate your outfit with your yarn; I’ve worn black or navy and knitted in public with white or pastel yarn on a few occasions, so pack a lint brush as well.
I save the little zipper-top bags that new curtains, sheets, & bedding come in. They are perfect for carrying everything you need for your project in one place, you can see everything inside it, and because they zipper closed, everything stays neatly where it belongs!
Find something with a simple pattern, so you don’t have to carry one with you
I use repurposed cosmetic bags (lots of ’em available as freebies and give-aways if you look…)for my supplies and keep a set in each UFO bag. Basics are scissors, pencil and notepad/post-its, tape measure or ruler, safety pins (work as stitch markers for knitting and crochet) needlebook, and a G or F crochet hook. Other ideas posted are great!
I re-write patterns on an index card to carry around when it’s a fairly simple one, like the Liquid Silver Scarf – same two rows over and over. A DECK of index cards with each pattern line on one works for more complicated items – move the completed row to the back as finished, keep the cards in order with a rubber band or hair tie,
Always have a second look around when you leave a parking spot to check that something has not fallen out of the car. When we arrived in Vancouver, I discovered one sock had been left behind at a picnic spot in Saskatchewan. Fortunately there was enough yarn left to knit another, but a hard learned lesson.
Keep a small WIP in the car so you always have something to work on, no matter where you are! Sure helped when I was stuck in traffic due to an accident for over and hour and a half! Never know when you will have a knitting emergency!
I have a basket with all my books needles etc. Throw some wool in and off I go in the car motor home etc. knitting is my passion and have even created my own small business selling baby beanies bootees .
I have a small canvas bag that holds small knitting projects to work on the go. I try to make sure it’s a project that does not require counting or changing to different stitches as I also like to people watch when I’m out.
Zip top bags! I keep each project in a separate zip top bag, along with any small notions I might need for that project. Since i have terminal start-itis, this helps me keep all my projects organized so I can just grab n go! I usually have about 7-10 projects going at any given time (short attention span!).
I have a small quilted bag which doubles as a purse. It comes every where with me and I always have something small and easy in the works. I make dish/face cloths that I am building a supply of for the Pink Slipper Project to donate to one pf their shelters as soon as I have a enough.
I always have a knitting project packed with everything I need, the same as anything else I’ll need.
I have a bag with a zipper and pockets to hold scissors, needles and cable holders.
I always have at least one project in a small bag ready to go. usually it’s vanilla socks, but it can also be a dishcloth or a cowl. something with an easy to remember pattern.
I almost always have a small project and a large project on the needles, so when I go away I can grab the small project and take it along. I use plastic gift bags for each project. The plastic bags don’t rip like the paper ones do.
In addition to all the needed goodies for my pick up knitting project, I have a special clear vinyl envelope in which I keep a copy of my current pattern so that it is always protected. No rips, tears or wrinkles. I can also make notes with no worries. A grab and go bag is essential!
I have a small but heavy duty messanger bag that I can put a project or two. That way I can decide which I feel like working on and it has pockets for extra tools I might need as well.
Having a small project that has a simple pattern or a repeat pattern.
Keep a project and needles in a tote bag and ready to go.
Always, always have a hat on needles ready to go. Or a scarf or a little toy. Oh, just keep knitting and there’s always a bag with a project ready!
My organization for project on the go is… All my needed tools are collected in a heavy blue money pouch I bought at Walmart for a few dollars. It is heavy duty so it holds needles and scissors well. I keep a few balls of cotton yarn in the tote bag at all times. If I am working on small projects other then wash clothes I include my pattern binder or iPad to have the directions easily available to pick up the project and knit away during wait time or free time…
I always have the needles and yarn for a dishcloth. No pattern needed and they make great gifts!
My tip is too keep post its to mark my place on patterns. I like to make easy cowls on circulars.
When I know I will be somewhere for hours (like a hospital waiting room, Dr.s office) I make dishcloths. Knitting in public always attracts someone with questions. So if I have waited long enough to finish a dishcloth I give it to the curious person. Always amazes and makes people smile.
I always keep a project ready to take with me. I keep everything together.
Keep each project in an individual bag ready to go at all times. I usually at least two projects with me at all times!
I have my at home projects and my to go projects in differant bags. Bingo bags work great as have side pockets . i stick my needles into the ball of yarn to keep stiches from falling off.
I just made a Japanese knot bag for small take a longs. I get antsy if I forget my knitting.
I have several small tote bags that I keep each project in. The bags are just big enough for my project, wallet and keys so all are ready to go at any time. Each bag is a different pattern and contains a small zipper to hold measuring tapes a guager, stitch markers and holders and scissors. Can’t possibly be caught out without my security blanket uhh knitting.
I try to keep a small project in the car for a weekly meeting that I only listen at,. Mostly scarves, but some cancer projects and going to switch to kitchen ones for gifts at Christmas
Knitting on the go – hmmmmm. I haven’t done it for a long time, I don’t go very many places. I used to knit on the bus when I was in high school, but that is so long ago I don’t remember how I packed it. I also knitted on the bus when I commuted to work, but that has also been a long time ago. I am 79, everything is a long time ago.
If you’re going to be sitting for a while in a car or on a plane, use double pointed needles with point protectors to serve as extra short straight needles so you don’t intrude on your neighbors’ space.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE knitting!! Was amazed when my niece sent me pictures several months ago of an Irish Fisherman’s knit blanket that I knit for her when she was a baby – now 34 year ago. Her mom saved it and cleaned it up for her ton use for her new baby girl, born this past December. I could hardly believe I made it, but I did, and it’s now a family heirloom.
I put together a little take along knitting kit with things like tape measure, stitch markers, crochet hook, little scissors, etc. so I don’t have to scrounge through my accessories bag whenever I take along my knitting which is basically when ever I go out– just in case. 🙂
Make sure you have a small pair of scissors! I usually throw my project into a plastic bag… I’m not very fancy. LOL
I always carry a project in my purse. It’s often come in handy while waiting. I even knit in Disneyland while waiting for my boys to ride a rollercoaster I couldn’t ride!
I always put my yarn cake in a ziplock bag, so the rest of the stuff that I throw in my little tote bag doesn’t get caught up in the yarn. When it’s time to knit, I just open a bit of the ziplock so the yarn can flow. The bag also protects my yarn from coffee stains when I meet up at a local coffee shop with my Knit Sistahs. 🙂
I learned to knit as a child, but then learned crochet and continued to crochet with my aunt through the years, and sort of forgot how to knit. I have just started collecting knitting needles, so that I can go back and relearn knitting as a grown up. I thought I was being a bit weird when I would put a project in a plastic bag and tuck it in a purse or backpack to take with me. I was really excited when I heard about the celebration of knitting or crocheting in public. Hurray a perfect time to get started on a new project started and re-learn my knitting skills:) Good luck to everyone in the wonderful giveaway and thank you for all the great patterns and tutorials to inspire us. Have a great day!
I keep everything I need for a small project in a ziplock bag to make it easier to throw into whatever bag I am taking with me that day. I find using circular needles also makes it easier when carrying around projects.
I always keep a project that is garter stitch, stockinet stitch or a very simple pattern on hand for travel.
I have a tote that I put my needles and yarn in to take with me when I have to go some place. I use a Ziplock storage back to keep my pieces together.
I love carrying a see thru bag with the colors of yarn I need with me. I don’t carry the entire roll of yarn I wrap what I need around toilet tissue half rolls and a rubber band. This works so well for me especially with the log cabin knitted afghan squares I am now doing. I decided to make all my squares alike so after the first one-I got an idea of how much yarn I would need for each color in each square,. My squares are 14 inches square and simply beautiful–this works for any projects that use multiple colors.
I print a couple of copies of my pattern and place them
In sheet protectors to go in with my yarn and needles. The original
Is placed in a binder. I can then make notes, mark for pattern repeats and document any other information needed for that project.
I try to keep my skein of yarn in a ziplock bag and secure it snugly against the working “tail”…this helps avoid snagging and unravelling while moving about.
Have extra measuring tapes, stitch markers, etc. so you can knit on the go and not have to stop for lack of notions.
Keep it simple. Steam line and only take what you need for the project that will be done while or m.
Ziplock bags, pencil cases and plastic travel soap boxes are my favorite ways to keep small notions and double point needles and crochet hooks confined when we are traveling. I always have at least one project with me!
Circular needles seem to cause less stress on planes and can be tossed in most places without getting lost, bent or broken..or confiscated from security, and you never lose one, rendering you miserable with a sole one of two sets. I find knitting squares with various patterns fantastic. I buy wool wherever I am, knit a square using a motif or stitch pattern that fits the place, the mood, the weather..when I get home I sew them all together and have a great afghan of my adventures with each square telling a different story or memory.
NEVER leave home without it!
Always make sure you have all your tools with you. Put them in a case in your travel knitting bag. Oh and make sure you bring another pattern and enough yarn with you to start your next project as well. You wouldn’t want to be with nothing to work on. Happy knitting and travelling ladies and gents!
I have ended up in the emergency room several times because of car accidents or my heart acting up. My husband and adult children know that I have a tote bag made up for my unexpected hospital visits which contains a knitting project. They know I would go crazy without my knitting.
It would have been easier to get my comment in my midnight last night if I had actually received it on June 14. This was posted to my Facebook page at around 8 am CentralTime on Sunday June 15, so I was not technically even given a chance to enter the draw. Not especially happy about that!
Not sure why my 2 comments – one on each day says “awaiting moderator clearance” ? What the heck do I need clearance for? Not landing a plane here just answering the daily question to enter drawing …. I think.
Ziploc bags to keep materials separated and tangle-free.
I like modular projects. I don’t have to carry a huge project around. Modular pieces that can be joined together later are quick to grab and I have several small totes to keep them in. I tie a small yarn clippers to the tote handles so I never have to search for scissor when I am changing yarn.
I started using plastic coffee canisters to hold works in progress. a note on the lid tells me what is inside, the yarn stays clean, and they stack. The note on the outside tells me the pattern, needle(s) size(s), and at least one skein of yarn. It also houses the project until it gets too big to fit inside.
I like to keep a small knitting project in a separate bag so I can grab it on the way out.
I use tip protectors on the needles, and carry all my notions in a pencil case. Keeps them all in one place and I don’t lose them.
for traveling on an airplane bring wooden knitting needles, and a fingernail clipper– without a file on it.
The the bamboo needles wont be considered a weapon and the nail clipper replaces the need for scissors– but make sure they dont have the nail file on it as it can be considered a knife (no joke lol).
I’ve been knitting my whole life and I love it. I always knit in public…mostly because I’m not a big reader I guess. So my tip odd to keep your projects in go bags, use the tip protectors so stiches don’t fall off and(unlike what I did) don’t ever…I mean really don’t ever use a bag with Velcro in it, you will snag your yarn and then cry and say “oh duh”…I should have known better. Keep on Knitting!
Ziploc bags for different colored skeins and accessories.
I use a clear plastic zip slide lock bag. It’s easier to open and close than a zip bag because it has a plastic slider on the top and you can see all of your needles, scissors, and hooks. I also keep my needles in a little tube container with a lid so they don’t make holes in the bag.
I keep my knitting needles together on the go in a case…this way they never get lost. If i dont want to carry my case I use rubber bands or plastic baggies 🙂
I keep a small bag with yarn and needles ready for on the go last minute trips. I am careful to be sure my bags have no velcro or zippers.