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levis_mama
Chatty Knitter
USA
188 Posts |
 Posted - 12/15/2004 : 6:23:20 PM
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Hello,
I'm taking a big trip next week and was wondering about what projects to take along. This is the first time I've traveled any big distance since learning to knit, so I'm stumped on what to bring w/me. I'll have about 15 hours of flying time each way and lots of tour bus time over 10 days.
I am prepared in the (hopefully unlikely) event I have to check my knitting needles in my luggage.
I have yarn for just about anything, so suggest away. I have yet to do socks, so this might be a good time to learn on 2 circs, but I don't want to get stuck since there are no other knitters in our group.  (If I can figure out that moebius cast-on of Bordhi's, I can have that project for on-the-bus knitting.)
Thanks.
StephanieR
A priest, a rabbi, and a minister all walk into a stich-n-beach... |
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spin_or_knit
Permanent Resident
USA
1203 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2004 : 7:38:58 PM
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Socks, hats, scarves. All these are quite portable.
Donna |
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Busyhands
Permanent Resident
USA
1496 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2004 : 9:50:22 PM
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I do a lot of socks as they are small and the yarn doesn't take up much space in the carry-on or suitcase. Also I don't poke the person sitting next to me! This year I am also taking along the yarn and pattern for the Charlotte's Web shawl - that ought to keep me occupied through any amount of mind-numbingly boring airport waits or afternoons where everyone but me decides to go hiking around through the cactus.
Lin |
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Shelia
Permanent Resident
USA
2314 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 06:50:38 AM
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Socks and small-needle lace or fair-isle projects - both take time but don't take up much room in your tote. For charts, I copy the chart, put on a Post-It or two to mark rows, and then put in a heavy-weight page protecter. This works well for me when traveling.
Shelia |
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Yogi
Warming Up
USA
95 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 08:44:59 AM
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I make sleeves on the airplane, and the body of the sweater while I'm on vacation. Actually, I haven't knitted on planes in a long time, since I'm scared someone will try to confiscate it. I crochet now, and I keep a binder clip on the working stitch so it doesn't pull out and unravel in my carryon.
...smarter than the average bear ... |
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amandaCO
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
530 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 09:22:00 AM
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| I ALWAYS travel with socks. Not only are they portable but I will actually wear them on my trip when I get them done. I would suggest purchasing Folk Socks by Nancy Bush. This book should get you through your first pair without a hitch. Use the "basic sock" pattern towards the front of the book. If this book doesn't look like something you'd use in the future then resort to the XRX Book Socks Socks Socks. This book also has a basic sock pattern towards the front, with really good illustrations. I would just xerox copy the 2-3 pages instead of lugging the book around with you. If you don't want to try out socks just yet I would suggest the multidirectional scarf. Kinda fun, you can make it short or long. The pattern is free on the web. Mittens, hats, wrist warmers, gauntlets, leg warmers, cowl (the neck without the sweater), purse/bag to be felted later...lots of options, but keep in mind you have to carry around whatever you knit once it's done too and you might want your suitcase space for other things? |
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dianeknardin@kpmg.com
Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 10:12:41 AM
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I've knit everything on planes...socks, mittens, sweaters, you name it. I've had no trouble using wood or bamboo needles on flights within the US. When I fly to Europe, I can knit -- but coming back, I know from bitter experience that the Germans, French, and the Brits will not let you take knitting needles of any variety in your carry-on bags. Buy a knitting magazine and dream!
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Laurie K
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
448 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 10:35:50 AM
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I am wondering where you are travelling to, perhaps certain items can be purchased there or it is something the locals may want to see.
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elogan@optonline.net
Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 10:51:27 AM
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The socks on two circs may be a good way to pass the time. I mastered that one on a 13 hour car trip. There was nothing else to do! I would suggest bringing a back up though. It may be pretty frustrating, and it would be a shame to waste that much time sitting idle. Socks in general are a great carry-along. Have a great trip!
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levis_mama
Chatty Knitter
USA
188 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 11:23:26 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Laurie K
I am wondering where you are travelling to, perhaps certain items can be purchased there or it is something the locals may want to see.
I'm going to Israel. I've heard that yarn is a little hard to come by there, but I haven't been able to reach anyone w/the local guild.
StephanieR
A priest, a rabbi, and a minister all walk into a stich-n-beach... |
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Wovenflame
Seriously Hooked
Canada
812 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 11:52:20 AM
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For the best HoKE factor (Hours of Knitting Enjoyment) I would suggest fine yarns. They require a lot of knitting time that you might not have the patience for in other circumstances, and they aren't too bulky to pack.
Socks or baby outfits are a good example.
-Marlene-
Come visit me at:http://wovenflame.blogspot.com/ |
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truly violet
Permanent Resident
6397 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 12:09:35 PM
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I always have a sock,
toe up with an afterthought heel for trips
either car or whatever
this way I can knit and site see or knit and talk
and later I do the heels
vi
none of this will matter in 100 years.......except I will finally be at my goal weight...vi |
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LidaLou
New Pal
13 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 12:47:00 PM
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Definitely socks on 2 circs, and a fine gauge scarf to work on during the in-flight movie (no counting rows needed).
On a recent flight, I was seated near a newbie who asked me to teach her to bind off. What fun helping and seeing her complete her first project!
I have had no problem taking knitting needles on many many domestic flights--thanks for the info about Europe! |
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Laxmom4x
Gabber Extraordinaire
527 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 12:48:44 PM
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I was never so happy after I started knitting to discover that focussing on a sock meant I wasn't focussing on my DHs driving!
Janet
"Change is inevitable except from a vending machine" |
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KnittingLiz
Chatty Knitter
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 1:18:09 PM
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I can recommend the Diane circular needles for flying. They are fantastic as the needles twist off and are smaller than a pen, also they are plastic so I don't think they will be confiscated by airport officials. I think they are great for knitting in close proximity to other people as it eliminates elbow knocking! As for actual project, something small. I did squares for an afghan which cut down on bulk. Good luck and happy hols! Liz |
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Mandy
New Pal
46 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 3:00:47 PM
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I usually take something that I don't really have to look at, so I can look out the window. However you will be on a plane, and that is a little different. I would go for the socks, but since it is something new, try and squeeze in something else. (Just in Case )
-Mandy-
quote:
Originally posted by levis_mama
Hello,
I'm taking a big trip next week and was wondering about what projects to take along. This is the first time I've traveled any big distance since learning to knit, so I'm stumped on what to bring w/me. I'll have about 15 hours of flying time each way and lots of tour bus time over 10 days.
I am prepared in the (hopefully unlikely) event I have to check my knitting needles in my luggage.
I have yarn for just about anything, so suggest away. I have yet to do socks, so this might be a good time to learn on 2 circs, but I don't want to get stuck since there are no other knitters in our group. (If I can figure out that moebius cast-on of Bordhi's, I can have that project for on-the-bus knitting.)
Thanks.
StephanieR
A priest, a rabbi, and a minister all walk into a stich-n-beach...
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knit_chick
Permanent Resident
1484 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 3:06:29 PM
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I recommend taking something simple that doesn't require too much attention to details. I had packed a project, but it required too much attention (two colors on bobbins, 2 charts and some cables), so I wound up not doing too much on the flight.
Just make sure you take non-metal circular needles and you should be fine. I just got back from a vacation this past weekend and flew out of Denver. I had two sets of bamboo circulars in my carry-on and there wasn't a problem.
http://knitchick.blog-city.com |
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lacylaine
Seriously Hooked
USA
989 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 4:09:46 PM
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Don't forget washcloths. They might be a great back-up project, when you want something pretty simple. I'm thinking on the bus, you might find your self talking with everyone else, which would be distracting (for me anyway!).
But the finer the yarn, the more room you'll have. In her Almanac, Elizabeth Zimmerman says she always takes a shawl on car trips.
Melanie
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10 |
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JammyB
New Pal
28 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 4:23:35 PM
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I would take a simple project such as a ponchette. You can make one on circular needles and probably finish it on the airplane and wear it on your trip. If you want the pattern, please e-mail me.
The shawl pattern that Berrocco uses in the suede yarn is wonderful and easy.
Have a wonderful trip to Israel!
Ilene |
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ozknitter
Permanent Resident
Australia
3248 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 5:30:23 PM
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Hi,
Don't forget if you are travelling to Australia knitting needles are a big no no and will be confiscated, knitting and all.
I don't know about crochet hooks tho.
I would do something really easy in stocking stitch or garter stitch, nothing that needs charts or constant colour changing.
Personally I would do cotton 3/4 sleeved t-shirts (or koolies as they are called).
Happy Christmas and holidays.
Knit in peace and harmony.
Rose. |
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Laurie K
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
448 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2004 : 6:32:34 PM
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I have flown on El Al Israel Airlines who have the strictest security measures and I always knit . Just last month, I took a group with me and many of us knit on the plane. I even used my #17s and 19's straignts in bamboo and wood without even a comment.
Laurie
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