Keeping up with Sheri’s Loopy Life….

149 Comments »

1. Tasha said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 12:46 pm

   My favourite way is to both stash bust and store at the same time. I store all my sock yarns in a clear box with a snap-on waterproof lid (perfect for keeping yarn clean and safe on a fishing boat!). This way, I can see exactly how many skeins I currently have, what colours they are and be actively thinking about them while knitting on my current projects. All current projects are kept in a cardboard box but I’m in the process of covering a wooden box so it will at least look prettier! I hate the idea of wasting cardboard boxes so I save the lot of them. I keep my pattern idea envelope next to the sock yarn stash and my SKS and Knitting on the Road so I will never be short of ideas but I do like to have a pattern in mind BEFORE I buy the yarn. I havent knit enough socks for myself yet to warrent a sock holder but I do take care that my one pair doesnt get tossed in the sock box but have a special place in the undie, bra and bedclothes drawer! A revered spot indeed When I have finished a pair, I put a sticky in the book or on the pattern itself that details the, well, details, such as yarn used, time, any changes and the specifics such as # of repeats and heel flap details.

2. Mia said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 1:03 pm

   First of all, Sheri, what big feet you have!!! But at least you know if 1 skein is enough for a pair of socks. I always have left over yarn for my tiny size 8 feet.

   I have made my own sock bags for carrying projects. Several people sell a similar bag but it is easy to sew up. I keep one project in each bag along with whatever I might need for that pattern in the bag. It is easy to pick up a bag or two and through it in a purse or back pack to carry with you. I write out my pattern on large index cards and keep a copy of the pattern in the bag as well.

   For web based patterns, I always print a copy out in color and file it in a page protector. I also print out a black & white copy and keep them in folders.

   I have also started keeping several skeins of sock yarn in a large basket in the living room so that I see it. This makes me hurry up and knit socks. I will send you a picture soon of this stash. The colors in the basket liven up the living room.

3. Wendy said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 1:06 pm

   My tip — I’ve posted a page on my website to keep track of my sock yarn. I list them by brand and by colorway, and when I knit up a pair, I put that colorway in italics. It’s still a work in progress, but you can go see it here:

   http://wendyknits.net/sockyarn.htm

   Don’t tell anyone I have so much sock yarn, okay?

4. Lisa said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 1:06 pm

   I keep my “regular” needles in a crystal vase. Some needles are new - some were my mothers. My DPN’s are in a small antique pitcher that belonged to my grandmother. I keep my DPN’s, my mother’s darning egg and some of my grandmother’s’s crochet hooks she used for tatting together in the pitcher. My mother and grandmother have both been gone many years now but just seeing the needles reminds me of them and I love that.

5. Cathy D. said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 1:06 pm

   I store my socks in a drawer, socks lined up the width of the front of the drawer. New socks and just washed socks always are added on the left side. That way I can easily see socks that have been worn less often are to the far right.

   Just my way of keeping track of wear rotation.

6. Diane said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 1:08 pm

   I keep my sock yarns in clear plastic containers also…so I can look quickly to see what I have!

   I keep my dpn’s in a clear plastic case that has snaps on both ends…

   My other favorite is my Loopy Ewe Sock Book…..I keep track of everything I have made and all my Sock Data……

   Diane

7. Wanda in AR said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 1:15 pm

   For pdf files, I print them on card stock paper so they are thicker and last longer for me. I use those plastic protectors and have them in a binder. Currently my yarn is in plastic containers, labeled. My yarn list is on Excel and references the bin. Different bins for different types of yarn. When I use the yarn, I move it to a different spreadsheet where I list what I made with it. This is in an attempt to not buy the same color over and over. Yes I have done that.

   Since I’m getting ready to have a craft room, yes a whole room that is mine, I have trying to decide how to organize it. I haven’t been searching online for how people have organized their stuff. I’m not sure what type of cabinets to put in there but I hope to make a decision one year.

8. BusyHSmom said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 1:21 pm

   I can’t wait to read other people’s ideas. I am one of those people who love to organize. I am sorry to say that I have yet to figure out a good system for my stash. What I want is a room set up like a mini-yarn shop with lots of cubbies built in to nicely store and display all my yarn and sewing and crafting stuff. Alack and alas! Space and budget will not allow that.

   Here is my tip: I keep a three ring binder full of clear page protectors you can buy at office supply stores. Inside this binder go all my patterns that are not already bound in a book…the free hand-outs from yarn companies, patterns on yarn labels, and the print-outs of patterns from the the internet, etc. That way I can easily browse my patterns whenever I am looking for a project to do. When I decide to use one of these patterns, I can just remove the entire page protector from my notebook and the pattern does not get messed up as I carry it about. However, sometimes, to be honest, I will make a copy of the pattern instead, and leave the original in the binder. That way I don’t risk loosing it!

   When I use a pattern, I can also insert notes and/or scraps of yarn in the page protector with the pattern to help me remember any fiber I used, any changes I made and how it worked up.

9. Kim said,

   February 19, 2007 @ 1:22 pm

   My favorite storage for patterns is the plastic covers enclosed in a ring-bound notebook. I have separate notebooks for: socks; children’s wear; adult wear; shawl/purses/hats/scarves/gloves and mittens. My sock notebook is divided into categories: children’s socks; then adults with sub-categories of fingering weight and DK. In all the notebooks I keep all patterns from the same designers together within their category or sub-category.

10. Erin said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:22 pm

    I keep my circs and dpns in the “Circular Solutions” organizers. I just hang them on the back of my closet door. Nice and easy access to needles. A friend actually uses the canvas paint brush holders from craft stores. I also use the big wine gift boxes/totes for my straights. Nice, contained and pretty! By the way, I love the sock! And the blockers are way too cute!!!

11. pamela wynne said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:24 pm

    I created a circular needle organizer out of a leather mini-skirt. I made 30 small grommet holes all over the skirt — through both sides — and just dangle my needles through them. The whole silly contraption hangs from a regular skirt-hanger. I like that it keeps the needles organized in a way that lets the cables stay relaxed (before this, I kept them jumbled up in a shoebox).

12. Loren said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:29 pm

    I don’t know about anyone else,but I hate starting a round on a purl stitch,so if possible I “re-write” the sock pattern so that I can start on a knit stitch. I rearrange the stitches after finishing the leg(if necessary so that the pattern is even)It doesn’t matter to me about the foot section- I almost always make a plain foot.

13. Madeline said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:30 pm

    I’m still relatively new to knitting so i don’t have a ton of stuff but I do like keeping things in somewhat orderly fashion. I have all of my needles in a needle case I got off Etsy but I know you can sew them yourself and it’s an easy project. I might do it soon so I can store more needles. I have all of my yarn in a giant plastic tub with a good snap on lid. I keep all of the smaller things- cable needles, tapestry needles, etc. in a clear shoebox with a snap lid and all of my stitch markers go in cute coin purses. I also have a bunch of nails on my wall from which I hang various scissors of various sizes so one is always available and I have a hook from which I always hang a tape measure.

    Great update! I’ve been stalking that Yarn Pirate yarn for a while now

14. Emily said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:33 pm

    This is kind of silly. When I’m knitting on the couch I keep a spray bottle of water next to me, so if the cats get too friendly with the yarn or needles I can get them to stop quickly.

    Lest you think I am cruel, if they want some lovin’ I always put the knitting down and give them the best lovin’ I can. If they just want to destroy, well, they have toys for that.

15. Christy said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:34 pm

    I made a large three ring binder to keep all of my single sock patterns and I also created a seperate section forsock hints and tips that I have printed off the website. Not a terribly exciting tip I know but I have only just returned to knitting after 5 years.

16. Becky said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:37 pm

    I bought a low-sided wicker basket that I stack my yarn in/on. It sits on a shelf in my livingroom and becomes part of my decor. I’ve just started buiding my stash of sock yarn so what I have still fits in the basket.

17. Sherry said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:39 pm

    I also place my patterns in sheet protecters and keep them in a binder. I then add the label from the wool I am using and a piece of the leftover wool. When I finish a project I take a picture to add with the pattern. It is nice to have the specifics of the wool I used and a sample of a wool to see and touch. Also its great to have a picture as a reminder of what I made especially if I am going to give it as a gift.

18. Monica said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:42 pm

    My sister gave me those little elastic things to attach to your glasses, they are the perfect size to keep you DPN’s together and then you can mark on the little bead with a sharpie the needle size. And to store all the neat little bundles, a pencil box, you open one end and the box slides out, all of your needles are there ready for you. I also keep my stitch markers and tapestry needles in little compartment cases I got from the travel section of the department store, that is the best thing. And all my gadgets (tape measure, gauge measure, pencil, pen, crochet hooks, scissors etc..) go in one of the zippered pencil bags that are made to fit in a 3 ring binder, where many of my patterns are in sleeve protectors, It all goes into my Bag Smith Bag, which I love. This weekend my sister informed me that the little m&m mini’s tubes are the perfect size for 6″ dpn’s I have some of those to store my bobbins in for sewing. She says the great thing about them is, that every time you open them to get out a set of needles, you get a whiff of chocolate. Not too good for those of us trying to avoid sweets, but a wonderful idea.

19. Christine said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:48 pm

    Mine is a post knitting tip. I have a small mesh bag for lingerie that I keep all the dirty hand knit socks in. That way they don’t accidentally go into the washer if they aren’t supposed to.

20. Kate/Massachusetts said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:49 pm

    One of my favorite tips is to store patterns in a plastic sleeve and organized in notebooks. When I want to knit a particular pattern, I photocopy the original and use the copy to work from. That way I can write all over it if I need to and not mark up the original!

    Another favorite tip is to use Highlighter Tape whenever I work a multi-row pattern or graph. It’s available over the internet if you google it.

21. Gladys said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:54 pm

    I’m not organized at all because I work fulltime and have two boys under 4. So my only trick for keeping organized with my current knitting is to only have one project on the go at a time. I might bump this up to two: one plain mindless stockinette sock, and one complicated pay-attention sock.

    I’m also a shopaholic, and love shopping online for yarn and knitting books. (Beats taking two little kids to a yarn store!) But to curb impulse buying, I just keep a cart on the go, and don’t buy anything until I’ve at least slept on my “buy” decision. My amazon shopping cart has a ton of knitting books on it, but some of them have been in it for months, as I waffle about how much I REALLY want them or if they’ll just add to my existing clutter. Same with my Knitpicks cart — books and yarn go in and out of the cart as I shop virtually, just enjoying the shopping experience. (I only wish more online stores had carts that stayed “full” when you logged off the computer.)

22. Trish said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:55 pm

    Thanks for the tips. I love getting new tips. I use those plastic drawer systems that you can buy at most stores. I have my yarns divided out and organized by type so that I can easy find what I’m looking for. The first drawer is my sock yarn collection, the second drawer has my worsted weight wools and dishcloth cotton and the third drawer holds my leftover yarn from previous projects.
    I also have a binder that has tabbed sections to hold all of my patterns I have printed out. I put them in sleeve protectors. Sock patterns have their own tab, sweaters, dresses, etc. I have my electronic patterns separated into their own folders on my computer too. If I want socks I just go to the sock folder and where the patterns are divided up into folders called DPNs, 2 Circs, or Magic Loop. It makes finding things so much easier.

23. Phoebe said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:58 pm

    My many patterns were starting to eat up too much room–tons of cross stitch that I didn’t have the heart to toss even though I haven’t felt the urge to stitch for a while and lots and lots of knitting patterns. I put the scanner to work and saved it all to our computer (and burned it all to cd’s)–took me about a month or so to work on what I had at the time. We’re talking 1+ GB of patterns (eek). I have them sorted by craft (cross stitch, knitting, knitting tips, sewing, etc.). The knitting patterns are sorted by project type (socks, shawls, sweaters, etc.), and the bigger folders like socks are broken down even more (ribbed patterns, cables, lacy socks, etc.). I kept a notebook of favorites, but the rest was able to go. Cleaned out 3 file drawers to put the majority of my knitting books in.

    When I want to knit something, I can print out the pattern as is, or (preferred) I’ll create a “pattern card” (4×6) or cards I can throw in my bag and take with me. Socks are easiest, since it’s generally just the cuff I put the fancier cables or lace on.

    I’ve been accumulating so much sock yarn, I set up an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of what I’ve got (ended up with a few duplicates). The clear plastic tubs and bags of sock yarn are sorted as well (more or less)–misc handpaints, self-striping, opal, claudia, etc. The cat just loves to help me organize the yarn. Her favorites are the claudia, fleece artist, etc.–i.e., the pricier handpaints and pure wool. She doesn’t chew on the yarn, but she’ll roll around in it and isn’t too happy when mommy puts it away.

24. Abigail said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:58 pm

    I keep a sock knitting kit at my feet by my knitting spot. I never have to chase my tools. They are always where I need them and ready for use. I have trained my family to leave the kit alone if they value thier lives….:D

    Here’s the link:

    http://1870pearl.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/02/checked_in_and_.html

25. Belinda said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 1:59 pm

    I have a great tip that I use when I am working on current projects. I bought a set (4 or 5 packages in a set) of small (thin) post it flags (you can get them at any Walmart, office store, etc.). I put one in each of my works in progress. I use them for when I am knitting and I am interupted especially during any chartwork, etc. I can just pluck down a post it flag right on my pattern and then I can come right back to it. I love the post it flags because they tend to stick better than a regular post it and they are more colorful which they can be used for other areas of your pattern that you want to bookmark and you can still write on them (just like a post it).

26. Holly said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:01 pm

    Being easily distracted by bright colors and shiny objects of all sorts, I have trouble concentrating on a single project. So I don’t. But to keep my attention, I like to have one of those cute bags made up. I make them myself, in a print that has the same colors as the socks I’m working on. Then I print off my pattern. If I can, I print it at half size, or otherwise alter it so I can print it on cardstock at 5.5×8″. It fits right in the bag, along with a pair of tiny scissors. That way, when I want to work on something, I can grab the right bag (convenient color coding!), with everything in it and take it with me. And I can move from one project to another without having to find all the bits to any given project. I also like to use pretty beaded stitch markers. Since I convert my patterns to the magic loop, I use stitch markers to mark where DPNS WOULD be if they were there.

27. Angie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:21 pm

    To save time, or if I have time on my hands, I will swatch up my yarns to find the gauge and write the info down in my little handy-dandy notebook. I really hate swatching so now I look forward to getting my yarn out and casting on rather than going through the tedious process of knitting row after row only to undo it at the end.

28. Jen said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:21 pm

    I wanted to be able to display my knitting needles so that I could actually see them each day and enjoy them whether I am using them all or not. I started storing my straight knitting needles in beautiful vases that I buy at a very great discount (in fact, down right cheap!) at either Ross or a second hand store such as Goodwill. I have found some really gorgeous vases and they make wonderful storage for needles. This way I am able to make a great fashion statement in my house, as well as have my knitting needles near me in more rooms than one!

29. Angie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:22 pm

    BTW, I love, love, love the idea of using the shoe storage as a sock display! Very nifty!

30. Shauna said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:25 pm

    My tip is for handling those dangly yarn bits at the end of a long-tail cast on. (Does anyone else use that cast on? I know there are better ones that don’t leave dangly tails, but somehow I just like it.) You can sort of wind the yarn round your fingers until it’s in an orderly little wad, then use a hairclip (one of the flattish bendy metal types that snaps apart and together again) to keep the wad from coming undone. That way the dangly tail marks the beginning of the rounds, but you don’t have to worry about it getting in your way all the time!

31. Micki said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:26 pm

    In my knitting notebook I keep a shoe size measurement chart, along with a list of shoe sizes for all my family and friends. My shoe size list also make note of any known foot idiosyncrasies of each recipient (e.g., high instep, long toes, etc.). If only the nieces and nephews would stop growing!

32. Sarah said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:36 pm

    I knit socks on one circ (magic loop) and keep all my needles organized by storing them in labeled ziplock bags I tack to a bulletin board in my yarn room. I use the rest of the board to post knitting inspiration, like patterns, yarn scraps, pictures from magazines, etc. that help me brainstorm for upcoming projects.

    I’ve also put the master sewer fiance to work by having him make me bags for my projects. It’s a win-win, he gets to so something he enjoys, and I get a custom knitting bag!

33. Michele said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:39 pm

    I love that you do fun things like contests. You make spendin my hard earned money on yarn so fun and easy! I think I almost have my credit card number memorized, thats bad!

    Hmmm….I am really new to knitting. I have only been knitting less than a year but I also have been crocheting for longer. I use a zipper pencil case to hold my tape measure, yarn needles, stitch markers etc. in my knitting bag. I also use the little altoids cases for little items.

    Since I am getting a rather large stash of needles I started putting them in vases as decorations next to my knitting books on the shelves.

    Love the idea of the over the door shoe holder. I will have to get one, maybe for more yarn storage.

    have a great day!!

34. Alyson said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:41 pm

    Glad it doesn’t have to be original - I read one not long ago that I thought was pretty brilliant. When you’re knitting something that’s supposed to be a certain length - let’s say seven inches - tie a piece of scrap yarn to your needles, and cut the yarn to the length you’re knitting to - that way, rather than pulling out your tape measure every three rows (”surely I’m there by now!) you can just check the length against the 7″ scrap yarn.

    Also, this one’s probably pretty common - but I don’t buy expensive bead threaders for my beaded knitting….I just use el cheapo dental floss threaders. And if I ask nicely, my dentist will give me a few packs for free at my cleanings, so then they’re really economical!

35. Rosi G. said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 2:50 pm

    My tip is to create a gallery with pix your whole stash on your blog (if you don’t have a blog, create that FIRST and THEN the gallery! LMAO).

    I love to be able to go on my blog and look through what I have “in stock” - sorta like shopping but you already HAVE it at home!

    I can look and plan and I have all the specs for the yarn at my fingertips so if I see a pattern I wanna make I go to the gallery and see if I have enough of any one yarn there. I have the gallery broken down into weights but you could organize it any way you’d like.

    See mine here: http://rosi-g.com/soapyknitter/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=291

    PS: This is in ADDITION to my anal spreadsheet!

    PPS: I got my order today!! WOO HOO! Customer for life here! I look forward to placing my next order.

    PPPS: Apparently my brain SUBLIMINALLY only ordered ONE skein of the interlacements - not enough for anything - hence…I’ll DEFINITELY need to place another order SOON!

36. Tammy said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 3:09 pm

    I don’t like those no mail days either. I wasn’t sure if today was one of them or not, so I had to look it up in the newspaper. I thought it was interesting that my son has class today at the community college, but so many people have the day off. Dh is working and dd and I are home. We homeschool so we don’t pay attention to the holidays normally. I took the van in for some repairs this morning and the place was packed!! The service manager said it was because so many folks had the day off. I decided I wasn’t waiting for them to take me home, I can take the train and bus, and it only took me less than 45 minutes. It probably would have taken longer since they had to take that waiting room full home as well.

    Anyways, my ideas are already taken above, but I’ll add them anyways.

    Several years ago, like 4 or more, I had a friend make me two needle quilted holders. One for my double points, that I can roll up. I also keep other things in it, like scissors, a small ruler, a pen or pencil, and I can safety pin my stitch markers inside of it. I also have space for my Chibi. The other needle holder is different and can hold my circulars and hang up. For the most part though I just roll it up and put it in a drawer.

    I also have several 3-ring binders that I finally organized last year, each one has patterns in sleeve protectors and labels on the outside of the binder.

    My other organizational tip (Ha), I have two baskets that hold yarn. One is wicker and the other looks like an old apple basket. The apple basket one came from my grandma one year. She didn’t know what to get us for Christmas one year so she filled it with canned goods.

    I love reading everyone’s comments. Now to go look at the goodies on your website.

37. Gina said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 3:10 pm

    So here’s my tip for storing circular needles…does everyone know this already?? Go to your favorite Sporting Goods Store and buy a vinyl Bait Holder..yup..bait. It zips open to reveal ring bound zip lock bags that you can lable and store a circular needle in each one. They cost around 9 bucks instead of the 50+ for the fancy ones in yarns stores. And it’s really fun to tell your family…”I’m going to Sports Authority for some knitting notions!”

38. Dawne in Canada said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 3:23 pm

    Someone has already mentioned using the ‘post-it’ flags for marking your pattern. When working from a chart I like to cut (on an angle) each side of the ‘post it’ flag so that it comes to a point - similar to an arrow. Now I can easily see which line of my chart I’m working on or left off at because the ‘arrow’ is pointing to it.

    Since I’m a big fan of organizing and neat ‘n tidiness, I like to wind my yarn as soon as I get it! Once my skein has become a nice tidy cake I am left with what to do with many, many yarn labels. I bought some clear, plastic protective pages and they are the kind with individual slots - made for collectibles such as hockey cards. I slot each one of my yarn labels in a pocket and label where it was purchased and the date with a black ’sharpie’ on the outside. These pages fit nicely into any three ring binder.

    Now I’m off to pout as there was no holiday in Canada today and when I got home from work you all had beat me to the new Yarn Pirate!! Ooooooh how I wanted that Apple colorway

39. Sharon said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 3:50 pm

    Here is my knitting tip: when working in the round, don’t place the end of round marker until you’ve knit a few rounds. The first round or two is often fiddly and not having the marker until the fiddly rounds are complete makes things easier. The tail tells you where to put the marker. Just don’t get too many rows away from the tail or you may end up with the marker in the wrong place!

40. Bonnie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 4:01 pm

    Several organization tips:

    I keep my needles inventoried on an excel spreadsheet so when I’m browsing patterns and getting ready to buy supplies, I already know whether I have the needles I need.

    When buying supplies for a specific project, I put all supplies in some sort of bag (might be a basket, sewing bag, etc.) Then, when I’m ready to start, I have the pattern, yarn, and needles all ready to go.

41. KT said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 4:06 pm

    My best stashing tip is to take EVERYTHING out once and a while to admire/fondle/question/what have you. Excel sheets, lists, they’re all great, but part of the joy of knitting is the tactile sensation of it all. Nothing reminds you how much you love a skein of yarn like taking it out and petting it.

    At the same time, nothing reminds you of just how much yarn you have like the mountain of skeins staring back at you when you’re done. Just to put it all into perspective.

42. Mary Anne Schierman said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 4:08 pm

    I love having several of The Loopy Ewe black or red project totes, each packed with a small project to go. I put all of the yarn, needles, and other tools needed for the sock I am working on in it. Type out the pattern design I am using on the leg and put it in the bag.

    I am always ready to grab this small see-through “purse” as I go out the door so I can knit when the opportunity arises. Having my project “purse” with me on a recent trip saved me as the plane sat for three hours before taking off.

43. Lisa said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 4:09 pm

    I love reading so many great tips. Currently, my stash is stored in gigantic ZipLoc Bags. They have not worked as well as I would like–they’re too big, and it’s hard to find what I need. I think I’m going to switch to the plastic drawer systems.

    When I get a gorgeous new skein of sock yarn, I store it in a vase so that I can admire it for days. Even my DH liked this, and he complains that my knitting has taken over the house!

44. Kellie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 4:17 pm

    My tip is for dpn users without fancy storage devices (my storage system is an Elmer the Elephant pencil tin, lol). Keep your different sizes of dpns separated in bundles with plastic kitchen twisty ties, using a different colour for each size. Cheap and easy!

    love the sock storage system Sheri! I bought one of those doodads a couple of months ago intending to put fabric scraps in it from my quilting. Now that I’m on a sock bender my goal is to fill every pocket with handknit goodness!

45. Janet said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 4:30 pm

    My idea is for all you sock knitters out there with tiny feet. I wear a size 6 and struggle to make my socks fit snugly without going down to a size 00 needle. I have found two solutions to my predicament. One is to cast on the prescribed number of stitches and knit approximately to gauge given on the pattern, but when I get to the foot I go down a needle size for a tighter fit. This also results in a denser, stronger sole and toe for long wear. Alternatively, I knit the leg as given in the pattern directions, but when working the gusset I go ahead and decrease on down to around to 54 or 56 stitches for the foot. I like a good, snug fit. It also helps to choose patterns with ribbing down the top of the foot instead of stockinette.

46. Jean said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 4:53 pm

    I have a “sock book”…a page in a blank book for each person for whom I knit socks. I list the date, the yarn type, color, pattern used, anything that will jog my memory of that sock in the future. It helps when I go to knit that person a pair, and I see I’ve already made her 3 pink pairs, so it’s time to choose a different color!

47. Dawn said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 5:05 pm

    I keep my sock projects in a clear zipper bag that new sheets are sold in

48. Ali said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 5:16 pm

    I have an insulated lunch-bag that is a perfect size for a sock in progress, pattern, tape measure, all the sock accoutrements, that I can also slip a wallet in and be ready to go anywhere! And if you have a monstrously tight gauge (9 st/in on a relaxed day) and have cast off too tight to get the blessed sock on your foot, the 2 st picot bind-off is your friend. Trust me on this!

49. Kristine said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 5:26 pm

    I don’t know if I heard this one or thought it up, but I thought it before Stephanie Pearl-McPhee said it…there are no knitting police. If you want to change a pattern…okay. If you want to do something different…okay. Want to use a different knitting yarn…okay. No one is going to come up to you and say “You’re doing that wrong.” Or, if they do, you get to kick them in the shins.

50. Terri said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 5:48 pm

    I found a rolling cart that has 20 drawers in it. I use it stash my needles- dpn’s , circs, straights. The first drawer holds the smallest needles, 0000-00, in a small, 3- compartment tackle box, and the other drawers hold the larger sizes in increasing order. It holds all the way up to 50’s!! I also keep a needle sizer, scissors, and measuring tape in the top drawer, too. The drawers are colorful, and I can roll it from room to room. I also found 2 gallon ziploc bags are great for storing larger projects- patterns, needles, and all of the yarn.

51. Alyssa said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 5:50 pm

    I’m an avid user of post-it notes. Whenever I’m knitting a pattern I keep blank post-its stuck to the pattern and that way I can jot down repeats, gauge, needles size, etc. without cluttering up my pattern page. It makes knitting identical socks much easier when I’ve already counted out the pattern repeats on the first sock. I also learned (after a few mishaps) to alway notate what project I’m knitting on the post-it, just in case it gets separated from the page.

52. Jane said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 5:56 pm

    O.K. First of all, I’m somewhat of an OCD geek… as you will see from the following.

    I keep a database of my yarn on my PALM. It includes brand, line, color, quantity, dye lot, price, purchase location, gauge (as published on the ball band), washing instructions, intended project, project status, and a field for any additional comments I might have. This keep me from unintentionally buying the same thing twice and it allows me to do quick filters and searchs through my stash. I can also get quick counts of things that meet certain criteria… like how many skeins of unknit Fleece Artist I have, how many projects I’ve completed, how many types of sport weight I have, how many items I’ve purchased from The Loopy Ewe…

    I also have a PALM database for knitting needles and knitting books.

    I also use the MEMO function on my PALM to note details about patterns I’ve used for particular socks. I also note such things as the needles I used, actual gauge acheived, effects of laundering, exact measurements at certain points of the sock - like ribbing length, leg length to the start of the heel, foot length before starting the toe, etc. This is very helpful to refresh my aging memory if I set a sock down for awhile to finish another project. I also record the pre-sock and post-sock weight of the yarn. This helps me gauge how much larger a sock I can make next time with the same yarn.

53. Amelia Garripoli said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 5:57 pm

    Let’s see … 50 comments already, do I have something new to add? Well, okay, since it’s socks … I not only save the ends of my small skeins, but I’ve been known to buy them too, from others, at knitting retreats. Why? No great afghan plans, just to put in alternate-color heels and toes, and to darn with.

    Now I have to admit — most of my socks are done on antique sock machines — but my favorites are still the handknit ones. I’ve darned my very first pair several times, thank goodness for the (large) cookie tin with the remains of that skein buried in the bottom of it!

54. Katie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:03 pm

    A local drug store sells toothbrush holders that open up longways (instead of having a flip top). They are just the right length to put DPNs, a needle and crochet hook in. I print out a label and voila! A great way to store and transport my DPNs for all my sock knitting needs.

    I also bought a cheap toolbox that has two drawers and storage compartments on top. I put all my needles and various knitting tools in it. I think it works better than anything else I’ve seen and costs less than $20.

55. Dynna said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:17 pm

    i don’t think i have any tips today. but, i was telling my co-worker how much i don’t enjoy no mail days when i think i would have had an order from my favorite yarn lady today. but, no mail. i hated it actually. i totally agree with you sheri about these “holidays” that no seem to have anything to them, but holding up my order!! (( : happy knitting you all.

56. Laura said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:17 pm

    My three tips are this:
    I keep my dpns in the smaller sock knitting sizes in the little plastic bags (about the size of the goodies Sheri is always sending us) in a check/coupon organizer. I always have a ton of projects going, so each gets a sepperate freezer bag to store everything (plus it keeps the cat from stealing yarn or dpns). Third, I use highlighting tape (you can buy it at teaching stores) to keep track of where I am in a pattern. It’s removable, so you can move it along as you knit. I’ve really enjoyed reading everyones tips!

57. Magas said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:19 pm

    I bought myself a small footstool that opens up to reveal a storage compartment about 4 inches deep. I keep all my dpns, rulers, tape measures, sewing needles and stitch markers in there along with a pen and a notebook. I always know where all that stuff is….right under my feet!

58. Bronwyn said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:23 pm

    All my needles of one size reside in a plastic bag together - DPNs and circulars (I don’t do straight needles. Even my DPNs are curved ) so when I’m working on a project, especially sweaters which require several types of needle in the same size, it’s all together. My sock needles all reside together, but then I always use 0s or 1s so it’s not like there’s a huge variety to start with!

    Also, all sock yarn coming into the house must fit into its box. At one time I had enough for nearly 60 pairs! And this was on a college budget. It dropped down to about 12-14, and now (thanks to you!!) is back up to about 25. Gotta keep knittin’….

59. Barbara said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:49 pm

    I have some of the same tips as those above. I use plastic covers for my patterns
    and put them in a three ring binder which is divided off into sections. My biggest
    tip (for me) since I don’t always remember, is having a little sock notebook. I
    make socks for gifts for my friends and relatives a lot. I write down everything
    from start to finish including every time I do a pattern repeat. Maybe it is fifteen
    repeats from the top to the heel. The next time I make a pair of socks for my
    cousins or friends, I have the information that I need to make them another pair
    that will fit them exactly as they want them to; and if I make that same pattern
    for someone else, I know there will be fifteen pattern repeats. Works for me since
    I always make an eight inch sock to the heel. I also write down the repeats to the
    toe although that may change with the size of the sock.

60. Stacey said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:49 pm

    I sewed up a bunch of little project bags, which I then slip into Sheri’s plastic project bags. Because, really, who hasonly one project at a time. I then slip those into my larger knitting bag. Go buy those plastic bags she has… they’re great! They hold 2 projects, patterns AND my accessories bag.

61. Jenn said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:50 pm

    My (new) favorite storage tip I saw on someone’s blog a few days ago - they had glued together empty spools of thread and used them as a circular needle holder (stick your needle through the center of the spool). I thought it was a great idea, and cute! Off to hoard empty spools of thread…..

62. Dynna said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 6:53 pm

    still no tips from me. i just wanted to tell you sheri, how much i enjoyed the related photos that are with the yarn photos. that is the best idea to see how that particular yarn knits up. and i so enjoyed viewing the challenge socks too. i enjoyed seeing i have $25. credit and almost bought some yarn but didn’t want to lose my credit!! does that even make any sense??

63. Pam said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:00 pm

    I have a few favorite tips. I keep a small sheet of waxed paper in my knitting bag.
    When the needles start to get a little tacky, I rub them down with the waxed paper.
    This works for both metal, plastic and bamboo needles.

    If you buy a knitting book and it is hard bound at the seam, like Sensational Knitted Socks - take it to your local Office Max. They can cut the binding off and replace it with a spiral bind. That way, the book lays flat. This usually costs less than 5 dollars.

    I keep all of my DPN’s in a travelling toothbrush holder. Perfect lenght and they don’t get lost in my knitting bag.

64. rohanknitter said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:04 pm

    A lot of what I do has already been mentioned …..patterns in page protectors in a binder, yarn in plastic boxes, etc. One thing that helps me when doing a project such as a shawl with a seven row repeat, is to put each row on an index card, hole-punch the cards and then put them on a ring. I can just flip to the row I need to do and then I don’t have to worry about my eyes straying to the wrong row. It’s faster than what I used to do, which is move a post-it note from line to line.

65. Theo said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:05 pm

    I store my needles by putting as many projects as possible on as many needles as possible… isn’t that what they are for? Apparently, I am the only one that thinks this way……WOO HOO>> C: C: But boy do I have fun!!!

66. Isela said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:06 pm

    I posted on my blog about where I am storing my notions now :). It is a nice little wooden box that has 5 different compartments. Come on over and see the box and the pictures. I actually posted this yesterday on my blog :).

67. Kristi said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:14 pm

    Everyone has had such great ideas! I use clear plastic pencil boxes to keep my knitting tools in, such as yarn cutter, stitch markers, darning needle, crochet hook, etc. This way I can see if I have the tool I need at a glance. I have one box in each knitting bag…I won’t say how many bags I have. I love bags! And I definitely see a Zelda Grand in my future. I also keep a notebook in my purse with yarn samples, a list of my knitting needles, and just basically to jot notes in when I see something I like or want to remember. Right now we’re in the process of making a knitting/quilt room. I can’t wait to get it completed (the carpenter is on vacation) so I can get organized. I’m getting great ideas here. Thanks everyone!! I’ll definitely use the shoe organizer idea.

68. meg said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:19 pm

    Just last week, I went out and bought more clear containers for better stash organization. My problem is more with all the bits and half used skeins from projects..I thought if I containerized all the wool in one box and all the left over sock yarn in another box..that I could be more able to use up leftovers. Sock leftovers(from the sock yarn buffet?) are so much fun to use for kids socks..different color for toes and heels, of course add to the excitment.

    I, too, have the plastic sheet protectors for patetrns in three ring binders and I am about to graduate to a binder for just socks.

69. Dr. Jackie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:25 pm

    OK…my sock tips…hmmm….

    One that always seems to surprise people (which surprises me, since I have always thought it was soooo obvious), is that I always knit both socks of a pair at the same time. I work on dpn’s, so I have multiple sets in each size. I cast on each sock, work the cuffs of each, then legs, heel, turn, etc. working back and forth between the two socks (NOT row by row, but more like section by section). It serves several purposes…I end up with more consistent results between the two members of the pair…if I do something sneaky like stick in a few extra stitches when picking up the gusset then I remember better what I did and both socks are the same…AND when I’m done the whole pair is done!! NO “second sock syndrome”! (Otherwise, I would only have single socks in my drawer!)

    I also have my stash in covered big plastic boxes in the basement, and listed on an Excel spreadsheet, and when I work a pair I add info on what pattern I used, when they were completed, and any other comments or things I have “learned” from that pair. I keep all my purchased and downloaded patterns sorted in plastic sheet protectors in several big 3-ring binders with dividers for different types of socks and other projects. Good for fast browsing.

    And since I probably have twice as many dpns as most people (see reason above! :))
    I found some inexpensive (less than $2 each) cases to keep them in. This link shows the product. http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=106973&PRODID=165344&rId=GOBASECI). (This is by no means the only place to get them…they are available at most craft shops.) They are long enough to accomodate the 5″ needles, and the 7″ ones too. I have one case for each size (0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3). Keeps them from getting lost/broken/stepped on/eaten by my three dogs…

    Sheri, thanks for the tips idea…it’s been great fun to read everyone’s ideas!

70. Danee said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:28 pm

    My nifty tip is:
    I put all my knitting patterns onto my ipod nano. you know that notes section? you go and put you knitting pattern into Notepad on your computer, then drag teh file to the notes section on your ipod. so you can take your songs and knitting patterns with you.
    Also, instead of stich holders, i use ribbon cut to length so i can try things on. then i tie a pretty bow on it just to make me feel snazzy while i am working.

71. Amy said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:29 pm

    I’m really enjoying reading all these great tips, etc. Not sure if my description of my tip will make sense, but here goes: When I have a pattern that has say a 12 row repeat that is to be repeated 14 times, I not only use my row counter to aid in my counting of rows, but I also have a back up excel “row counter” to help me from losing my place. Its a little matrix of sorts that I put together with the numbers 1-12 down the left hand column and the number 1-14 accross the bottom. The second column starts with 13-24 and corresponds with the 2nd repeat, third column starts with 25-36 for the 3rd repeat, etc. Maybe I should blog about it and take a photo…I just know it helps me know exactly where I’m at…that is, if I don’t take the time to chart out the pattern…

72. Marti Johnson said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:29 pm

    I have a couple of tips that work for me … (1) I always carry a small notebook in my knitting bag that holds ideas on what # of stitches works for what weight of sock yarns. Since my favorite patterns are memorized, all I have to do is match the type of yarn I’m using to the # of stitches called for that type. Other ideas, shopping lists (for yarn and needles (of course), and handwritten lace patterns are also included in my book. (2) A friend game me a laptop computer bag left over from his office which now carries my sock knitting projects with me. I removed any sign of velcro and the styrofoam spacers in the bag, and it now subs perfectly for me when I’m on the go; I plan on using it as a carry-on bag this June when I fly to Italy since I know its the perfect size to carry! (3) In said bag, I usually have two or three pairs of socks-in-progress in their own little ziplock bags, but also one or two others that will be worked on when the first two or three are done. That way, I never get bored with whatever sock I’m working on since there are so many in the bag waiting for completion. Does it work? Lets just say that since the first of the year I’ve already completed six pair of socks, and have three more pair within less than one sock of completion each!

73. Debbie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:34 pm

    I’ve just quickly skimmed these comments and will have to come back when I have more reading time - it appears there is a wealth of great ideas here. I don’t think I have anything too original, and I really do need to get more organized about this whole business…..but over the course of time I put together my go anywhere kit, which is actually a cloth purse I received as a gift. I looked at it and immediately thought of what knitting tools I could put in it (as opposed to , “oh what a nice purse”). It’s about 8″ long and 4″ high and slim, so it fits in any of my bags. It has an outside zip pocket on each side, one of them smaller and clear, so I can see what’s in there. While I may add things to it for a particular project I’m working on, it usually just has necessaries - stitch markers, tape measure, scissors, crochet hooks, chibi needles, needle gauge, etc. And a pen and a calculator…:-)

74. Beth said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:41 pm

    I just read your post from 2/7 and like WonderHusband, I too, prefer fingerweight pasta for my spaghetti … who knew?!?

    As far as a tip … hmmm … I created a SockBox to carry with me when I knit socks. This way I have everything I need at hand. You can see it here: http://diamondsnpurls.blogspot.com/2006/06/bueller-bueller.html

75. Cate said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:45 pm

    When I knit a gauge swatch, I tie knots in the tail to indicate the needle size used.
    If you use an altoids or other metal box, a strip of magnet on the top holds darning needles in place.
    Instead of waste yarn for holding stitches, I use the 1/8″ ribbon that is so cheap at all the craft stores. Much easier to pick up the stitches and slide out the yarn.

76. Laura D. said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 7:56 pm

    breathe deep…..order should be here wednesday….breathe……ummm hints, okay–I keep all my knitting needles, tatting shuttles, and crochet hooks in a Stanley 19″ tool box. The needles are in the tray, tatting in the top snap down compartments, and my darning eggs in the bottom with the latest sock yarn that has caught my attention. I just grab and go….everything is there and organized. It fits in the trunk, the backseat on the floor and is wonderful for roadtrips and dr. visits. Just take in what I need or if I finish a project I have a backup with me. Another thing I do is when I walk in the evenings I carry my daypack/backpack. Unzip the top, sling it over my shoulder and woo-hoo! hands are free to knit and walk at the same time. Knitting stays inside the bag and a lil tug feeds me all the yarn i need right over my shoulder. Works great!

77. penny said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 8:31 pm

    I converted my needle inventory to a text file and put it on my iPod.. not really unique (and probably posted above) but it helps. I photocopy charts and bits I need of patterns and carry just that part with me. If possible I put them on index (3×5) cards. I constantly carry too much so this helps, plus I feel I can scribble all over them and mark where I am or what gauge I have or changes I need to make. I’ve started taking the ball band and a small snippet of yarn and putting that into my fledgling knitting journal (i have many other journals) as soon as I cast on. I seem to loose ball bands quickly and this has helped me immensely. And ziplocs. It’s all about the zippered plastic bags. I constantly see what I can reuse for needle and yarn storage. My pearle crochet cotton is in a clear bin some software came in. My husband came home with something from a tradeshow and it came with a clear tube with ends which will be great for dpn’s. I’ve used the single cigar holders for crochet hooks (after a thorough airing) for years. My mum taught me that one. I also have started buying the smaller wooden (brittany’s) in sets of two (so I have ten at a go). I’ll invariably snap one or two (because I throw everything in my bag) so this way I have a few extra. [i’ve also just swtiched to two socks on two circs so i’ll probably learn some new tricks]. nothing very unique but my methods work for me.

78. Ana said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 8:45 pm

    I keep a post it note on my sock pattern so that I know exactly where I’m at in the pattern and it makes working the second one so much easier. I record any decreases, increases on that post-it also. I get the super sticky kind so they last. I also use a three ring binder and sheet protectors for all my patterns that are not in a book. I have the binder divided into sections of the different patterns. I also keep my sock yarn in one clear plastic container so I can find it easier.

79. Shannon said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 9:14 pm

    WOW! Everyone has such great tips. I have already started a list of new things for me to implement. My tips are all organization based. First, let me say that I like to store my yarn in center pull balls. This way I can dive right into a project. In my knitting room I use a tall dresser to store all my yarn and various goodies. I have found a drawer insert set that keeps the yarn balls nice and neat..plus when you open the drawer and see all the colors it is quite amazing. It is completely adjustable, and it is very affordable (don’t want to use any of my yarn budget on such things). Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Drawer-Oragnizer-Snap-Set-Clear/dp/B0007UJ61M/sr=1-8/qid=1171937108/ref=sr_1_8/002-8627599-3963211?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden

    I also use a drawer insert to show off my completed socks. You can find the link here: http://www.amazon.com/32-Compartment-Diamond-Drawer-Organizer/dp/B0002M9JT4/sr=1-1/qid=1171937108/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-8627599-3963211?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden

    Shannon

80. Hari said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 9:42 pm

    I love all these tips!

    My tip is toI knit both socks on 2 circular needles. This way there is no second sock syndrome. I love working both at the same time. If I make a mistake it is on both socks and looks like a design element.

    When joining the yarn after casting on, I knit the yarn and the cast on tail in the first stich. This makes a very nice join.

81. Joy Jarus said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 9:54 pm

    When I knit a sock, I used to get really loose stiches around my gussets. Someone told that after I picked up all my stitches, knit the first knit through the back of the stitch. This will twist the stitch and make it tighter. And, it really works! No more loose stitches at my gussets!!!

82. Minnie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 9:54 pm

    i think my favorite tip is to do with socks. when you’re doing short row heels, when you have all the short rows knit up, i have found i can avoid the hole at the ends of the rows by picking up a stitch in the gap between the body of the sock and the short rows you just finished. then pass it over the first/last stitch of the rows from the heel. helps eliminate those holes, and your stitch count stays the same.

83. Laura said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 9:55 pm

    I’m not sure this qualifies as a tip, but here goes. I was 10 or 11, and my grandma crocheted all the time. One day, I asked my grandma if she could teach me to crochet. She said, I don’t think so honey, because you’re left-handed. The next weekend, my grandma told me to come with her. We went into my uncle’s room and sat on the bed. She looked up into the mirror and taught me how to crochet that way. I always thought she was so smart! I don’t crochet that much anymore, I knit. My grandmother loves that I do. And so, last year, for her 83rd birthday, I gave her my first pair of hand-knit socks. She loved them!

84. Emma said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 10:10 pm

    Oooh, a contest!

    And ooooh, 85 entries already. Wow.

    I don’t really have any good tips to add to what has already been stated, but for Christmas I got a hobby bag from Michael’s. It is shaped like rectangle and has a divider down the middle. It is further divided so that I could conceivably fit 4 seperate sock projects in the bag, plus lots of pockets on the outside for pens, crochet hooks, tape measurers, pot-it notes, etc.

    It’s been a wonderful–and attractive–way to keep things organized.

85. AnnaMarie said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 10:19 pm

    When I fly I always wear small hoop earrings. That way if I drop a stitch marker and can’t get to it right away I have an earring to take it’s place. Then when I can, I retrieve the stitch marker and put the earring back in.

    Wierd but it works.

    I also hate no mail Monday. Plus tomorrow I’ll be a the Vet getting the dog her Ultrasound (need to count pups) so I won’t get home until after DH has had time to fondle my new yarn! Hmmf.

86. knittymama said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 10:22 pm

    I like to have one double point case for only sock needles.

87. Hanna said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 10:30 pm

    hmm… tips. Well, I like to always knit two pairs of socks at once. I knit the first sock of one pair, then one sock of the other pair and so on. That way, when I come back to the first sock, it feels like a new and interesting pattern all over again. However, this only works if you take really good notes. That way you don’t end up with two socks of different length (and I know from experience. :P)

88. aimeedewar said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 10:31 pm

    I keep a very small spiral notebook (got it at target), maybe 2.5×5inches, in my knitting bag. It has the vital statistics of every sock I knit: needle size, gauge, yarn, date, and recipient. This is especially handy when I am making kids’ socks. That way, if I want to make a sock a couple years later, for say, another 4 yo, I can just look at the book, and see what I did when I made them for my kid was 4. Also, anytime I am using the same brand of yarn, I don’t have to refigure gauge, etc.
    Also, I use post-it notes to keep track of chart rows and where I am when following a detailed pattern. The sticky lasts surprisingly long, and I can jot down notes if I do any alterations.

89. Phyllis said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 10:32 pm

    It’s not unusual for me to start a sock, get half way through and frog it to start over again. I hate working with the kinky yarn I end up with, so as I frog, I wrap the yarn around a toilet paper roll, then spritz it with a spray bottle I use to mist my plants. After letting it dry over night, I rewind the entire ball. No kinks to fight with.

    I also keep everything in ziplock bags. When I wind a skein, I save the label or tag in the same bag with the yarn so that I can keep it with any leftovers. Saved me once when I had to buy one more skein for a project and needed to match a dye lot number.

90. Kelli said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 10:32 pm

    Hmm, so many wonderful tips. I use two knitting journals. I use one for a sample (or swatch) with the labels, a picture, yarn description, when I started, when I ended, what needles and pattern I used, and any comments on the project.

    In June, I made a knitting journal using 4×6 index cards, a three-hole punch, ring clips, and pretty scrapbook cardpaper. I stamped a bunny on eack page, nine little bunnies, then a big bunny to remind me how many pages I was on, plus I can replace them. I use the pages to make calculations, pattern notes, and anything else that I need. I even ran them through my printer with all of the “important” pieces of information so that I force myself to take detailed notes. I put simple patterns on the same page with all of the information.

91. paula said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 10:59 pm

    Here’s an easy storage tip for all those pesky little stitch markers, safety pins, tape measure, cutter, etc. that you can take with you on vacation or boating. When I go camping I always take a box of baby wipes (or you can call them adult wipes if you prefer). The boxes they come in can be used to store all your knitting tools. It’s lightweight, smells good and may even possible float, although I’ll admit I haven’t tried to sink it yet.

    Thanks for the tip on the M&M tubes. I’m going to check that one out.

92. Lisa said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 11:01 pm

    I use many of the same ideas that others have shared. I store my needles in storage boxes from IKEA, labeled. I store my patterns in binders with sheet protectors too. I love to put my sock projects in a cosmetic bag to tote around. The bigger ones with handles are the perfect size for my sock, chibi, small scissors, tape measure and stitch markers (I store those in empty film containers by the way). You can usually find some great bags on clearance (cheap) too!

93. stariel said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 11:06 pm

    I have a spreadsheet that has all the info on my sock stash (brand, color, number of skeins, project planned) which helps me remember exactly what I have. As for physical organization I have a couple of different stash storage areas, the yarns next in line are kept more accessible while the lower priority yarns are kept in the bottom of the plastic storage containers. It makes it a little tricky when I suddenly get a brilliant idea for something further down in the stash, but then I get to pull all my yarn out and play with it!

94. jaci said,

    February 19, 2007 @ 11:36 pm

    I store my circs in ziploc sort of bags that I got at my local yarn shop. Then they are put into a holder similar to one that would hold CD’s. I also have a small zippered bag that holds all my essentials Iike tape measure, darning needles, pencil, stitch markers, change, needle gauge, nail file, crochet hooks, scissors, and size one dpns. I also keep my patterns in binders with sheet protectors.

95. Ronni said,

    February 20, 2007 @ 1:01 am

    I’ve been buying a lot of yarn and stuff lately so I hate no-mail Monday too. Unless it’s delaying the reckoning from the credit card of course. Then I’m all about not getting mail.

    First off thanks to everyone else for sharing their tips. I’m sooo stealing some of them. I have a few tips to share.

    Based on a tip on the KnitU mailing list I wound my unknitable first handspun into a ball/cake and put it into a pretty mugwhich makes the mug a great place to stash DPNs and crochet hooks by my knitting spot without having them get all jumbled together. The KnitU suggestion involved knitting a length of garter stitch and rolling that up and putting it into a mug/vase/whatever but the handspun yarn ball/cake works fine and is faster.

    This one is stolen sort of from Lantern Moon. When I can next get to my sewing machine I’m going to make little cases for each size of my DPNs like the ones they sell the sock stix in. My machine can do rudimentary embroidery including letters and numbers so I’m going to embroider the size on each little bag. Since the machine will be doing it and not me it will be easy and quick.

    I’m also going to put a snap on the back of each little bag so I can attach them into a case in case I want to load them all back into a single package for some reason. Usually I have so many projects going (with multiple needle sizes per project in my attempts to get gauge) that the single roll or fold up case doesn’t really work for me.

    The bags that cosmetic gift with purchase things come with often make great little project bags for something small like socks or mittens. And sometimes they come with a bag big enough for a sweater. Since the bags are free (well, sort of) I can have one for each project and just have to move the little plastic bag (that something I bought came in) with the notions into the bag with the current project and off I go.

    This tip I saw somewhere online but can’t remember where. They were suggesting using a coat rack for yarn skein storage. I might try that when I get my room. I’m definitely putting all the project bags up on some sort of peg rack or something to make it easier to just grab one and go. I might go for something based on one of those pot racks for over a kitchen island rather than a coat rack though. With a grid and a lot of s-hooks you could store a whole lot more skeins. And then I could literally have my next project hanging over my head like the sword of Damocles.

    Last tip - I keep my list of needles in my cell phone. I’ve got one with a full keyboard so it’s not as bad as it sounds for data entry and my cell phone is the only thing that I am really certain to have on me when I get into a yarn shop or online somewhere. In the notes section of mine I have a needles note where I put the size in mm and then C16 for 16″ circular for example. Followed by whatever else there might be such as D for double point or S for single point. Or 2xC16 when I have two 16″ long circs in that size etc.

    I’m a relative newcomer to both the joy of socks and the Loopy Ewe but I am very pleased to have found both. I’ve definitely gone round the bend on the whole sock thing. But I’m sure it’s gonna be a fun ride.

96. Hilary McDaniel said,

    February 20, 2007 @ 7:47 am

    I have a french bread making bowl that is a large oval and it’s gorgeous. I keep my next project yarn on display on my end table next to my knitting chair. I love having yarn displayed. That’s like having a vase of flowers for me. It’s pretty, tactile, and an inspiration. I have beautiful round containers that room fragrance sticks came in that I store my straight needles in. They are pretty and take up no space. I keep my dpn’s in silverware trays tied in bundles. My circs hang on padded hangers w/a twist tie and my stash hangs in space bags. Easy storage, no dust to deal w/and very visual.
    hilary

97. Joni said,

    February 20, 2007 @ 7:48 am

    I don’t use patterns often. When I do, it’s for a lark and I have a hard time remembering to pay attention to the pattern. My tip is to use post-it notes to mark where I left off. I rotate the post-it note 180 degrees, so that I can cover up the lines I just knit rather than underlining them with the little paper.So I know that if I have, say, Round 18 covered up the next round I can see (Round 19) would be where I left off. This is especially helpful, though, on patterns that have a large number of lines per round–you can do this one line at a time to help keep it straight. Works very well on patterns like the Fiber Trends felted clogs.

98. Tracy said,

    February 20, 2007 @ 8:03 am

    I have a little bit different use for my swatches - when I don’t frog them to conserve yarn. I have a toddler who loves to play with my yarn and knitting when I’m working with it. If I have a swatch that matches what I’m working on to hand her to play with, it’s easier to keep her from pulling the work out of my hands - or adding tension to the yarn! I try to keep a big crochet hook handy as a toy also.

    She has a nice collection of swatches in her toys now, I’m also hoping it will inspire a love of yarn in the future!

99. Karen Lauterwasser said,

    February 20, 2007 @ 8:08 am

    My favorite inexpensive stitch marker for socks and other things are the smallest “silicon” type hair elastics. They come in lots of colors (so you can color code what you are doing - beginning of round, different parts of pattern repeat, etc. The second size can be used on larger needles. The largest size (can you tell the manufacturer packages them on a card with three sizes?) is mainly good for its intended purpose (controlling your hair!) although you could also use them to fasten sets of DPN’s together when they are not in use. You could also use them to wind around and around to make a knob on the end of a DPN if you wanted a shortish regular needle in that size.

100. Terry said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 8:42 am

     This may be a silly one, but I save the round baby butt wipes containers. One or two wound skeins of yarn fit in there and stay clean while knitting. You can also save the lids and enlarge the hole in the middle for a pull through.

101. Heather said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 9:19 am

     Ooh, I’m comment #101! I like the idea of keeping needles in pretty vases, but unfortunately, I haven’t got any pretty vases. Instead, I use old Ball or Mason jelly jars (fits in with my decor, too). I’ve got a little half-pint jar on the shelf right next to my knitting chair, and I keep all my in-use dpns in it. (I’ve got a lovely dpn roll that I use for the needles that are just being stored, but there’s several sizes that I use ALL the time, so they just stay out in my jar.) I really prefer the KnitPicks dpns, and unfortunately, they don’t have their sizes printed on the needles, so I use tiny rubber bands to keep each set of five together in the jar. The rubber bands come in packs of a couple hundred at Farm & Fleet (in the horse & livestock section…they’re for banding or braiding manes:-D), or you can get similar ones from a dentist for braces.

     I keep my sock yarn stash in cardboard banker’s boxes (like from Office Max). They’re super cheap, which is a major requirement, and unobtrusive to look at. The two sock boxes live in my closet so they’re easy to get to, because honestly, one ought to take out one’s sock yarn to admire as much as possible! All the handpaints are stood on end in one box, so that when I lift the lid, I see each & every skein at once. It’s the most beautiful sight in the world, with all the colours jumbling together, and calling, “knit me, knit me!”.

102. Beth said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 10:11 am

     This is not really a technical tip, but probably the best advice I ever received. KNIT FEARLESSLY! Don’t be intimidated by new projects, techniques, stitches, ect. What’s the worst thing that can happen if you mess up?? No one will die. Pull it out and start over…….once I started following that advice, the sky is the limit and I
     have accomplished projects I NEVER would have considered before because they
     were beyond my ability……like SOCKS!!!!!!

103. Janelle said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 10:11 am

     What great tips everyone is sharing! It’s hard to add to this wonderful list.

     Like many knitters, I keep a knitting journal to record pattern and yarn information, recipient measurements, yarn sample, photo of finished project, etc. The journal is simply chronological and covers my entire knitting life (only 4 years so far - we’ll see if I can keep this up).

     Recently, I created a Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) Photo Book of all my completed sock projects. I enjoy having all my handknit sock information in one place, uncluttered by scarf projects and sweaters and other items, and it’s so gratifying to flip through it and see all the socks in one place. Many of the socks were gifted to people I don’t often see, so I enjoy seeing the socks in the book. It was fun to review my entire sock knitting career and to set some goals about what to do next.

     So… I guess my tip is: take a photo of everything you make before it goes away from you, and then you have the opportunity to create a very professional looking book of your work!

104. Jenny Raye said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 10:17 am

     My tip is for storage of circular needles. There are over 100 comments at this point, and I haven’t read through them all, so pardon me if I’m repeating a previous tip.

     I found at my local Walmart (although I’m told that BassPro Shop carries something similar) a blue zippered bag (looks like a cd holder) with heavy-duty zipperlock pockets inside–8-10 I think. These are designed for the fisherman to store lures in–comes complete with a bass on the front. Does that bother me–nope. Function is the name of the game. Each pocket is set aside for a given size needle. My 40in circs fit easily–often more than one needle per pocket. I actually bought two of the bags and took the sleeves/pockets out of one and put them all in one bag. Cost per bag when I got them last year $5. Beats the heck out of paying $20+ for holders designed just for knitters and serves the same function. I think the ones at BassPro may be a little more expensive, but you can buy refill pages for those.

     Hope someone finds this useful. I’m off to browse the other tips now.

105. Deanna B. said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 10:54 am

     I have been wanting to learn to knit socks for some time and I saw that cute sock and now I really want to learn. The friend who said she’d teach me sent me this site and now I’m more inspired to learn than ever. As soon as i have the money saved I’m ordering some yarn and pattern for that sock - Do you have a way to order without a credit card or paypal acct.?? Otherwise, I’ll order through my friend!
     Thanks for your spot to encourage otherwise timid newbies~!!

106. Miranda said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 11:05 am

     Wow… lots of great tips! I store most of my sock yarn in pretty wicker basket so I can see it — it’s gorgeous stuff, and having it in a basket close by my desk makes it easily fondled, too!

107. Michelle said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 11:15 am

     Hooray for all things socky! I also do all the knit-notebook, binder with page protectors for patterns, photocopy a working schlep-everywhere copy of current pattern, multiple projects on the go so as to have both mindless and pay-attention knitting available, zip-pocket needle storage, plastic bin yarn storage and constantly fondle stash and dream stuff. To be much more organized than that is beyond my abilities.

     I have one technical tip and one love-your-yarn tip.
     Technical: when casting on, always add one more stitch than you need. When joining the round, pass the first cast on stitch over the last, snug it up and knit on. This makes the join stronger and tidier.
     Love your yarn: stop using mechanical ball-winders! Part of my joy in sock yarn is to spend time fondling it and my LYS folk know not to offer to wind my yarn for me. My husband turned the most beautiful tulipwood nostepinne for me and built an unbreakable swift (NOT one of those flimsy umbrella types). Yes, it takes a bit longer to wind lovely cylindrical yarn cakes, but it’s extra time spent with my yarn and the end result is gorgeous.

     Hmm. Obsessed? Defiknitely!

108. Karen said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 12:22 pm

     I blogged about this not too long ago…I have several of the plastic sliding pencil cases to store my DPN’s in. I keep the sets held together with the little dodads that you make eyeglass chains with. I have a BagSmith Bag that I carry my knitting around in and to keep my socks nice I keep them in the Lock n’ Lock storage containers (4 fit very cozily in my bag). And something I’ve started just this year is to keep a written record of my (sock mostly) knitting. I bought a double ring index card thingy and when I start a new project I write the start date, pattern name, yarn, stitches, how many repeats of the pattern, how many stitches I pick up for the gussets, anything that I feel is relavent. It makes it so much easier when I make the second sock or if I put the sock down for a while and go on to something else.

109. Danee said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 1:05 pm

     For anyone who is wondering…I should have done this earlier with my first post…

     To put your knitting patterns on you ipod:

     put all your files into notepad(sometimes this means using the copy and paste, so copy the website or where you got the file from so if you need it later you have it)
     go to the “my computer” area of your computer with your ipod plugged in. open the ipod folder.
     open the notes folder.
     Drag the notepad files into the notes folder.
     when you disconect your ipod, your knitting files should be on your ipod.

     That’s how you do it. there is an extra step if your file is a pdf.
     go to the files section of adobe. you can save it as text.
     that should convert it into word, or into a .txt file. the .txt file will work on your ipod. but always double check your file to make sure it is correct. i would qualify this as your working copy. any notes you make you will have to make in a regular notebook, but this makes it smaller for you to carry your pattern with you in your purse with your other knitting things. and who doesn’t listen to music while knitting?

110. Colleen said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 1:21 pm

     Several years ago, I bought a handy tool that stores my stitch markers, point protectors, short cable needles, etc. It is a small (3 x5) plastic box that I found at Kmart in the fishing tackle isle.

     It opens on both sides, one side has two lids with divided compartments underneath. Just the right size for the rubber ring markers and fancy beaded markers. The other side has one lid with a 5″ compartment (good for a short cable needle and point protectors. This side also has a narrow compartment that I use to store split ring markers.

     I store my yarn, sorted by content/weight in large plastic containers in my knitting room. I also have some yarns stored on shelves and sockyarn in baskets. I have patterns in plastic sleeves in notebooks - one notebook for each type of design ( sock patterns, baby patterns, lace patterns, cotton sweaters, adult wool sweaters, mittens/hats, etc.). My circs are hanging from a circular solution - I tied a needle gauge to the hanger, so I am sure to get the needles back in the correct slot.

111. Laurie in Maine said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 1:34 pm

     My first tip is: WRITE IT DOWN! I have a small spiral notebook that I write the specifics of each sock pattern tried. Yarn, size needles, # cast-on, # rows of each section, who it was for and did it fit?! ANY CHANGES especially. Because even if I think I’ll remember, I can’t.

     Second tip: DPN tip holders can be made from 2 (Bic@) pen caps & an elastic/rubber band. The caps even come all punched with a ready made hole. Cut an elastic and knot at one end, thread thru top of one cap and into the other cap; knot the ends several times so it won’t slip back thru the hole and it will hold a sock project on the go.

112. Jennifer said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 2:26 pm

     My fav organizer (currently!) is my “spool circ” organizer ala pieknits. It’s nice, crafty and cheap and it keeps my circ cords straight. (pics on blog)

     I am also fond of a little handheld tackle box that I keep my notions and such in. It has nice little compartments to keep stuff separated and easy to find…..including my handmade stitch markers, which are also a fave of mine!

113. tracey said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 2:27 pm

     No matter how great or cute my DPN holders (longer term storage holder) are- 1 always seems to slip out. I’ve solved this by using tiny rubber bands to band each set of 5 dpns together. Slip the banded DPN’s into the pretty fabric needle roll- voila- no more lost needles… although that doesn’t mean I don’t keep buying them!

114. tracey said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 2:31 pm

     One more tip- I keep my stash- neat clean and tidy in these awesome bags from Ikea:
     http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=16198&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=11120&langId=-1&categoryId=17096&chosenPartNumber=70102528

     Black- zip tops- with a little clear changeable label holder for organization;)

115. aija said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 2:42 pm

     My tip is a quick and dirty circular needle solution– the 4×6 or 5×7 picture albums you can buy at the drug or dollar store for very inexpensively. The ones with stuff covers work best– the needles slip in the picture holders, and have several pages so you can keep everything in one place. They’re also inexpensive enough to mark on the plastic with a sharpie (for the size and length of needle inside), helping the organization cause

     All of that, and I’m still dreaming of a custom fancy pants one Someday!

116. Marilyn said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 2:54 pm

     For my finished projects, especially if I didn’t photgraph them but found the yarn later, I put a bit of the yarn around a tag from an office supply store (like a sale tag with a hole in it), marked on the tag what I made with it and put it in a clear, decorative jar. The jar is colorful & I get to do some time traveling when I pull them out & recall the knitting process or how the giftee acted when I gave them the finished object.

117. I.M. Knittified said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 3:36 pm

     I don’t use DPN’s. I do all circular knitting using Magic Loop (one long circ) method.

     I keep all my circular needles hanging from the Circular Solution(which hangs from a hook on the wall) with a needle gauge tucked in the top slot for easy access. In addition, I have each needle tagged with Needle ID Tags (Nancy’s Knit Knacks) , and I also have them inventoried in the KnitAble software program which I synchronize to my phone/PDA so I can carry the information with me everywhere.

118. Karen said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 3:43 pm

     I will make copies of my charts so that I don’t mark up the original for each pair I make and mark of each row of the chart as I knit it up. When I’m done with one sock, I know how much I have to knit so that both socks are the same.

     Also, if a pattern is written out row by row (k1, p2, k1, yo, you get the drift), I will type the pattern into an Excel Spreadsheet and use that to mark off where I am. This is especially helpful when a pattern states to repeat these 6, 7, 10 rows 22 times. Works like a charm every time

119. Lisa said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 4:09 pm

     I have a rather meager stash, but I have recently discovered something about it! My husband bought me my very own ballwinder and swift so I would stop bugging the LYS to use theirs for yarn I buy elsewhere. (They were really very nice about it, but I don’t want to take advantage of them!) I re-wound all my skeins and hanks, and I learned they actually take up less room by being in yarn “cakes.” I thought that was surprising since skeins and hanks are rather flat by comparison. I plan to keep all my stuff wound up from now on. Splurge and buy your own, crafters! (Plus, you are then viewed as “hard-core” by all the people who don’t have their own. Just ask my husband’s admin assisitant!)

120. Kelly said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 4:11 pm

     I’m sure this is a repeat but—whenever I acquire new sock yarn, it immediately goes into a gallon size ziplock bag with the pattern and the needles. Weird way my mind works…..of course if I want to, I can always change the pattern. Also I take the patterns and convert them to a 5X7 index card, row by row so I can have something smaller to carry with me. And finally, because I’m such an obsessed sockknitter and have the toe I love, I have printed several copies of the toe by number of stitches for the sock…..pattern, toe pattern, yarn, needles and I’m set!!!

121. Jodi said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 6:06 pm

     I keep my small WIPs (like socks) in individual ziplocks in a cute, floral print fabric-lined white chipwood laundry basket. In fact, the basket is so darn cute that it’s featured in this month’s Country LIving! It’s a Simple Shabby Chic basket from Target — I highly recommend it to anyone who likes Rachel Ashwell and Cath Kidston.

122. Jen said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 11:05 pm

     I keep all my dp needles in a spinning thingy that is made for kitchen utensils. It is from the pampered chef i think and is called the tool turnabout. It sits on my shelf and I can just spin it to get to whichever ones I want and they stay all nice and organized in their own little sections. I keep other knitting goodies in it too

123. Marianne Y said,

     February 20, 2007 @ 11:49 pm