When this summer started I did not know how much travel knitting I would be doing! It all started with a family emergency that had my husband and I driving to Utah and sitting at my brother’s bedside in a hospital for two weeks, then a trip across Canada to Ontario, that was planned, to an unplanned trip back to Utah. Then a planned trip to Jasper National Park where we were evacuated late at night because of the forest fire. I am writing this as we make our way back home from Jasper.
As a passionate knitter/crocheter I plan my projects for our trips. I knit with interchangeable needles and use magic loop for small circumference knitting so all I need to pack for needles is my Chiaogoo Needle kit with extra cables and end caps.
Tip 1: I have traveled with my metal needles within Canada by air, but always pack my wooden needles when traveling internationally and I have had no issues. I do have my projects on cables with end caps when going through security just in case they confiscate my needles. I pack many different projects like socks or a lightweight shawl for air travel and pack bigger projects for car travel.
Tip 2: Pack each project with the yarn and pattern needed. I usually print out my patterns in case I do not have connectivity or my battery is low and ensure I have the pattern downloaded onto my phone or iPad. I use the Knit Companion App and make a project page for each pattern. I put each project in a separate bag so I can grab it when switching projects. Remember to pack the correct needles if not using interchangeable ones and check you have that right size needles for ribbing.
Tip 3: I pack a notions container that can be an old makeup bag or a plastic resealable container. Pack stitch markers, both ring and lightbulb ones, darning needles in two sizes, small snips, tip pins for interchangeable set, stitch holders like silicone tubing and a tape measure. I also include a needle gauge because my old eyes can’t read the marks on the needles for sizes.
Tip 4: When car knitting I set up my little seat area so everything is accessible. I put my notions container in the pocket by my door and project bag at my feet with alternate projects within reach in case I change my mind on what I want to knit.
Rules of the road: my husband always asks me a question when I am counting stitches or rows, I finish my row before stopping and I always write down where I am at in a pattern because I will never remember when I pick it up again.
We have been away almost 50 days so far and I have knit many projects as we wandered. I have knit the Odyssey Shawl by Joji Locatelli and used a stash yarn but I think any DK weight yarn would be wonderful. I knit 2 pairs of socks using Heritage sock yarn making the toes and heels a different colour. I knit four sweaters using Queensland Dungarees for the Erica Cardigan, Pascuali Tibetan ( my favourite yarn!) for the Alvar and also for the Elah by Isabelle Kramer. I knit the Traveler Hoody with my handspun. I test knit for Bluebird Box knits by Anna Daku, a lovely summer tank called the Ancient Orchid. I used Jody Long’s, My Little Sunshine in the Playtime. It is a tank top that fits incredibly well around the arm holes and doesn’t show bra straps , it also has A line shaping to hide my bumps! Keep an eye out for it this summer but she has many patterns worth checking out Including my other favourite summer top the Mala Tank.
I always pick a few mindless knits, for me that is vanilla socks and some more challenging knots with lace work, that was my Elah cardigan and my test knit.
Tip 5: I check out the tutorials before going away and make notes for myself on the printed pattern.
This summer so far has ended with stable family health and many knitting memories. I always try to find a yarn shop in the area and pick a locally dyed yarn to knit a pair of socks so i can remember my trip.

Happy Travelling