Take Care of Your Tools and They Will Take Care of You

Occasionally, my husband “helps” me by running the vacuum in the family room. He really does a good job, because he takes the time to retrieve stray stitch markers from beneath the coffee table and chairs. I must dig these items out of the chair and sofa cushions myself as he insists that his hands are too big for such a job. I have probably have lost at least a package or two of stitch markers and a random knitting needle between the cushions of the sofa. Generally, I am not careless with my knitting tools; but if I am in the middle of a row and a marker pops off of my needle, it almost always lands on the floor or slips down that narrow space between the cushions. Once I start knitting, I hate having to stop knitting to look for markers or any other tool.

I have tried several techniques for keeping track of my slippery little markers and other knitting tools. Some of these ideas were better than others. One good one — keeping a small, shallow dish close to my chair so that I can reach markers and scissors (I love Super Snips Mini scissors) at hand. This cute little dish was a gift from a friend.

Since I like to be able to pack up my knitting and go (I knit in planes, cars, and waiting rooms), organizing my essential tools into small portable containers that fit into a medium size tote works the best for me.

After trying several containers such as a plastic pencil box and zipper bags (including Ziplock plastic bags), I settled on a bead box that I found in a hobby store. The box is really two in one. The top section is subdivided and is perfect for keeping different stich markers, point protectors, end caps, etc., tidy. When I need a ring marker, I don’t have to dig through a pile of different kinds of markers as they are all organized into neat little compartments. The bottom section of the box is large enough to hold my cable needles, Fix a Stitch, scissors, crochet hooks, etc. The overall size of the box is only 5” x 8” and 2” deep. It tucks easily into my tote and pretty much holds everything I might need for an on-the-go project.

Aside from my yarn and an Audible book, a set of interchangeable needles is pretty much it. Like many knitters, I have several sets of knitting needles, but my favorite by far is the Knitter's Pride Karbonz Interchangeable Circular Deluxe Set. The needles work like a charm and the set includes 9 pairs of 4.5" tips in US sizes 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The set also includes 4 cables (one 24", two 32", and one 40"), 8 end caps, 4 cable keys, and a set of needle size ID tags, all organized in a fabric zippered case. There is room to tuck a couple of sets of larger needles and dpns into the case. A very compact and tidy setup that tucks right into my tote.

I haven’t totally solved the problem of disappearing stitch markers; however, I am better organized and having my tools handy makes knitting much more relaxing. What more could I want in new year?

Essential tools include: