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Cam
New Pal
USA
37 Posts |
 Posted - 07/10/2006 : 07:18:18 AM
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Being a knitting addict, I find myself sitting down WAY too much, and my rear end is beginning to show the effects. I used to put on sneakers and hike around the neighborhood for 30 minutes a day, seeing the same old stuff, but I would much rather have spent that 30 minutes knitting.
So, I decided to create a waist-pack that I could use for knitting while walking! The first prototype I made was too loose -- the ball of yarn kept coming out as I pulled more off to knit. The next one I made was better, but the yarn did not fit in it as well. Finally, after 5 prototypes, I have the perfect design.
My "knit walker" is roomy enough to hold a large, full skein of yarn. It does not bounce on your leg as your walk, but fits snugly near the waist, with the adustable belt. It works best if the yarn is center-pulled. You can pull yarn from the right or from the left of the pack. If, heaven forbid, you should run out of yarn, or finish your project, or need to stash your project quick and run from a dog, there is an elastic band you can tuck it into if it is too big to fit in the pouch. There is a pocket for scissors or tape measure or folded pattern.
I have tried it out several times now, and have drawn some conclusions. 1) Don't knit in the rain. The yarn drags too much. 2) Look up occasionally so see if there are any cars parked in the road, so you don't walk right into the back of them. 3) Don't take along a project that you need to consult the pattern on; stuff with straight runs, like cuffs on socks, work best. 4) Use of the "knit walker" is safest in a quiet neighborhood or on a track. 5) Don't knit on a treadmill.
As I was walking around the other day, a little girl saw my silver circulars dangling from the sock I was knitting. "Are you trying to fix your glasses?" she asked. Being a teacher, I could not let the moment pass without explanation. "I am knitting socks. I used to sit on the couch to knit, but this way, I can knit and get exercise, too! Soon I will have a new sock I can wear." We went our our opposite ways, but just as soon as she was a few yards behind me, she said to her friend, "That's crazy!"
I relayed this story to my daughter, who shares the same opinion of me and my knitting addiction. She said, "Did she mean you were crazy because you were walking while knitting, or because you were making a sock?"
Same daughter has suggested the name of "Knit 'n Fit" for this invention. However, I don't want to discriminate against any crocheters who might feel the same need as I do to get exercise and to ply the yarn.
Do I have a product others might be interested in?
Cam
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RoseByAny
Permanent Resident
USA
12598 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 07:22:22 AM
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Well, yes, you do.
But that's why there are several versions already on the market.
"Choose your friends by their character and your socks by their color. Choosing your socks by their character makes no sense, and choosing your friends by their color is unthinkable."
http://RoseByAny.BlogSpot.Com |
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mwyn
Permanent Resident
USA
1419 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 07:36:37 AM
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Congratulations Cam. You didn't give up. Sounds like a good product. I like the 'Knit 'n Fit' name.
mwyn
One who works with his hands is a laborer. With hands & head; a craftsman. With hands, head & heart an artist. (Paraphrase St. Francis of Assissi) |
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Cam
New Pal
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 07:44:07 AM
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RoseByAny, where can I find a product similar to what I have made? I would love to see what is available, but I have not found anything in the searches I have done. Can you post a link to a similar product? If my friends want something like I have, I don't want to have to spend hours at the sewing machine. Thanks!
Cam
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RoseByAny
Permanent Resident
USA
12598 Posts |
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Cam
New Pal
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 08:07:56 AM
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Thanks for the link(s). The pouch/bag is different from mine, in that it hangs from a belt loop. If you are wearing athletic shorts, there is usually not a belt loop. Mine has an adjustable webbing waistband, and it does not hang down and bounce on a leg like something longer might do.
I did a little more searching, and found something called a go knit pouch. It, too, is designed for adding to a belt or hanging from the wrist. I found little knitting backpacks, too.
I like the one you sent me, because a portion of the profits go to cancer research.
Cam
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cozystitches
Gabber Extraordinaire
507 Posts |
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laparente@yahoo.com
Chatty Knitter
246 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 09:31:55 AM
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I think it is very cool that you solved the problem using your own creativity. I am too quick to spend money to solve my problems (which, of course, only causes new problems)
I also spend a lot of time walking (I am training for a marathon) and I wish I could spend more time knitting.
Very neat idea. |
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llinn
honorary angel
USA
1650 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 09:48:11 AM
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medieval illustrations show spinners carrying drop spindles and distaffs in order to spin while walking, visiting or tending flocks.
Once knitting was introduced in (most likely) Elizabethan times, small pouches or pockets to allow knitters to walk,tend flocks and so on became very common.
By the way, Elizabeth I was gifted with a pair of knitted stockings in silk. These were, it is thought, the first knitted hose in England. They were her very favorites and gave birth to the knitting industry in England as housewives and daughters hurried to learn and produce the valuable knitted hose. |
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Ditzy Girl
Permanent Resident
USA
4718 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 09:50:00 AM
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I'm with mwyn I love the name. Also I think your arm would get tired having the bag hanging from it and trying to knit at the same time. Good for you for finding a solution that works for you.
Zola, Seattle, Wash.
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Cam
New Pal
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 09:58:47 AM
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Thanks for the history on knitting while walking! Those women (and men) of long ago who had none of the modern conveniences of life probably multitasked much better than we do.
I am going to whip up a few more of my "Knit 'N Fit"(s) and pass them out at my knitting group on Sunday, for feedback from others. If only they didn't take more more than an hour to construct each one! |
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WendyB
Permanent Resident
3262 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 10:33:30 AM
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| It sounds cool, but can't you just use a big fanny pack? |
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gwtreece
Permanent Resident
USA
7254 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 10:53:40 AM
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Great idea. Congrats on designing it.
Wanda
My Blog
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Cam
New Pal
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 12:16:46 PM
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The suggestion of a large fanny pack is a good one. However, those often have yarn-unfriendly zippers and/or arch-enemy Velcro.
Cam
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Corddrymum
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
518 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 1:09:18 PM
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Cam, what a great idea! I think I will start walking if I can knit too. I had no idea there were so many bags available and I too applaude you in creating your own design!
Robin |
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blwinteler
Permanent Resident
USA
3145 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 1:12:29 PM
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I have a great little purse (sent to me by a KR member, actually) that I use when walking. It hangs nicely from my wrist, which works for me. I can do two socks at once as well as carry my wallet and various other things in there. I also have a vinyl lunch bag that I like. If I set it down, I don't have to worry about my knitting getting wet. It has a small bit of velcro, but that is on the outside and has yet to catch my knitting. I can also put a small water bottle (well closed) and a little journal in it. I do most of my knitting while walking. I may knit slower that way, but it is better than not at all. I can even follow some patterns while walking (I did a lot of the Linux illusion scarf - still only half done - that way). But then, I was the one reading while walking the halls throughout school.
Take care!
Brandy
My finished projects
[img]http://members.cox.net/blwinteler/th_TeamVegas2.jpg[/img] |
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Knitrageous
Permanent Resident
USA
1445 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2006 : 7:05:23 PM
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Good for you for thinking! I'm so uncoordinated I can barely walk without tripping, much less walk an knit! And as for sense of direction...well I'd be knittintg happily while waiting for someone to come find me as I'd be lost! Can you add a compass to one of these?! ;-)
~~~~Jamye
I don't have a problem with authority, I just have a problem with people telling me what to do. |
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knittingbuzz
Permanent Resident
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2006 : 03:56:08 AM
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Cam,
This is a great idea.....not sure if I could do both at the same time (kinda like chewing gum, I guess) but I'd sure like to give it a try. I checked out the links from Rose but your invention sounds actually geared to your walk & knit concept. Will you share a picture of it? Can I buy one from you?
Krista |
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sgoldfried
Seriously Hooked
Canada
769 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2006 : 05:13:46 AM
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good morning all
very clever i am going to try this. maybe my butt will reduce in size and i love walking smartest idea that i have seen lately
sylvia |
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Cam
New Pal
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2006 : 12:54:14 PM
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I'll take a picture of my "Knit 'n Fit" and post it. I was able to find really cool fabric with knitting (yarn, needles, garter stitch) prints at Hancock Fabrics. Pricey ($8.00 a yard), but I can make four "Knit 'n Fit"(s) from one yard, because I only use the printed fabric on the outside of it.
What would I charge for making one? I'll have to add up what my costs are to begin with. The most expensive part is the plastic clips for the webbed belting. I'll have to look for some less expensive supply....
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KathyR
Permanent Resident
New Zealand
2969 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2006 : 3:46:45 PM
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Your "Knit 'n Fit" is a good idea, Cam. But what I really want to know is how you came to your conclusions. Surely there are some stories there!
KathyR
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength. |
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