September 25, 2009
Today at Loopy
It’s Friday. Wait. Let me say that again. It’s Friday!!!! Weekend! 
Here are a few things going on at Loopy today:
People are shopping for yarn (like Sharon and Lori):
People are winding up newly purchased skeins (like Dr. Jackie):
Susan is talking to one of you on the phone (and printing shipping labels):
Donna is eating M&M’s (and packing orders):
Wendy is photographing yarn for next week:
More yarn is being unpacked:
There are pumpkin bars from Karen and tomatoes/peppers from Donna in the kitchen:
And the big topic of discussion here today? A knitting survival kit. You know, in case of an emergency. We decided that everyone needs one project all packed up in a bag, ready to grab. What would be in your Knitting Survival Kit? I think I’d either put something in there that would be brainless knitting while I focused on other things (kind of like doodling to keep my hands busy), or I’d need something really challenging to keep my mind engaged and off of whatever emergency pushed me out of the house. Or maybe both. How about you? What items would go into your idea Knitting Survival Kit?
Sheri somepeopleshoppingheretodayweresupposedtobeatwork
Can’timaginewhytheydidn’twanttobeinthephotos…..
Brenda said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
I think I’d put in the most beautiful skein of yarn I own, a set of fabulous needles, a simply spectacular pattern, and a pair of remarkable looking magnification specs. I’d want to spoil myself with one luxury during the emergency, and have a least one beautiful memory from that time.
Christine said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
I would take straight needles and kitchen cotton to knit ball band dish rags. I have the pattern memorized so I have to stay focused, but it is easy to put down and pick up again. Plus, it is small, perfect emergency project!
Debra I said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
I keep a sock in progress in one of those neat little GoKnit Pouches. Depending on the sock, the pouch may include a 3×5 card with the simple stitch pattern on it, a stitchsaver crochet hook, and a tape measure. Fortunately or un- I have a sock in there that’s been there a while — so no emergencies. Yeah!
Happy Friday — Looks like Fall around here, with the leaves turning and the sunlight at that autumn-y angle peeking through the mist. It was cool enough last night that my two poodles and I were really comfortable all cuddled together in bed. Hey, it IS Friday — sleeping in tomorrow!
Cheers!
rarabecca said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
oo this is a good question. I have a couple projects in my knitting back at all times so I would probably bring that bag. It has a pair of socks, a lace pattern and an easy Baktus scarf in all garter currently in the bag. I definitely would not be bored, but I might be hungry.
Hannah said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
You say “more yarn being unpacked”? I look forward to seeing them!
An emergency kit? Just simple socks.
Karen said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
I most always have a sock on hand to be knit up, but just for fun, here’s my thought of an emergency kit:
1. an endless skein of Tempted that magically changes colors (we all know Stacy can do that, right?) :-p
2. the perfect needles (ones where a cable won’t break half way through a project) and adjust to the right size needed.
3. the perfect project bag to carry it in (ala 3AM!)
OK, OK, a girl can dream right?
Catraggedy said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
More yarn… means Cat will be spending more money at TLE next week!
For an emergency kit, I would keep some circular needles and yarn for a hat. I can knit one of those up fast and it’s fairly brainless work.
Alice said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
My current knitting bag has 2 pair of socks, a simple sweater(with only 1 sleeve left to go), and a ball of lace yarn just waiting to cast on for my 1st lace project. I would say that would be a good emerency ration of projects to keep me busy. I would also need a few other essentials like: scissors, small crochet hook, and stitch markers. I think I could get by on that.
On recommendation of Sheri(yes…it is completely her fault) I might have went to the Have It Sweet Confections etsy store and I MIGHT have purchased some delectable caramels. So I would definitely have to add some of these to the emergency knitting bag.
Joannah said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
Karen’s bag sounds pretty good to me!
My own bag has: a sock in progress on size 0 needles and a worsted weight stole on size 10 needles. Plus the patterns, a tape measure, darning needles, a needle gauge, a row counter.
Teri said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
lovelovelove seeing the photos of TLEcrew, but where are you, Sheri?
Knitting Emergency Survival Kit sounds like something I should keep in my car in case current-travelling-project-getting-too-big-to-bring-into-dept-of-motor-vehicles or curernt-travelling-project-is-lace-and-unable-to-chat-and-knit-without-high-risk”
In which case, I think I’ll throw together a set of dbl pts and a lusious LE yarn for a pair of simple ribbed socks.
What a fantastic idea!
Liz said,
September 25, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
Something pettable–luscious softness to keep me calm. BFF Sarah and I have both, on occasion, just packed a ball of squishy yarn to bring to work if we know it’s going to be an evil day. Crack Silk Haze makes an excellent petting ball.
Lynne E. said,
September 25, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Why not multiple Knitting Survival Kits? Or, put another way, why do you think I need all those bags I purchase from TLE, anyway?
I have a variety of projects packed up in knitting bags, and when I go somewhere where knitting is a possibility, I grab the bag with the appropriate project. The sock knitting bags have socks of varying difficulty, so I grab one and toss it into a larger bag as I go out the door. Larger grabbable bags have an easy but time-consuming cabled sweater, and an easy lace shawl. All project bags have the appropriate tools already packed. Also, I have a small zippered TLE project bag with tape measure, darning needles, markers, cable needles, etc. that can be tossed into any larger project bag.
Seanna Lea said,
September 25, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
I don’t bother with a specific emergency project, because I normally have a sock in my commuting bag. I would just take that bag with me, because it has essentials (toothpaste and toothbrush, knitting, a book, etc.).
I also have a tendency to have multiple balls of yarn in my bag anyway, even when I am only actively working on the one pair of socks during my commute. I’m silly that way.
Jean E. said,
September 25, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
Socks.
Jennifer said,
September 25, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
Ummm. in my trunk I have the yarn for a log cabin blanket(all of it, adult sized) and 2 different socks in progress.
For an Emergency kit, yarn for a pair of socks, and enough yarn for a shawl and needles. No patterns(cause I misplace them like you wouldn’t believe) easy enough to remember a basic sock and a pi shawl.
Gretchen said,
September 25, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
What does it say about me that I already have an emergency knitting kit all packed up? Is it even worse that I have two? One in my vehicle and one in my husbands vehicle.
I start with an index card box. The one I have is I think for 4×6 cards and holds 2 50g balls with just a little extra space. It contains:
1 travel size dental floss to cut the yarn if needed.
1 darning needle
5 coilless safety pins for stitch and row markers
1 3×5 card for notes and to use as a ruler
1 sock, cast on and knitted a little bit.
1 extra ball of yarn for the second sock.
I used some yarn that I enjoy but not yarn I love so much that I’ll feel bad about it sitting out there. I cast on the sock so I can get right to the mindless fidgeting part of the knitting. In in emergency I’m much more likely to want to fidget than concentrate. I usually use magic loop to knit socks, but these I put on dpns because I go a little slower on those and if my emergency knitting runs out I’m in BIG trouble. I’ve found the index card box is nice because it doesn’t crush so I don’t have to worry about my needles either getting broken or poking through the bag and stabbing anyone.
These emergency kits are in addition to the sock that usually lives in my purse, because I might finish that one before the emergency is over.
Alexis said,
September 25, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
Wish I was there, it looks like fun! In my kit I’d probably have a st-st sock and some difficult something otn. And all my wollmeise is ready to go in case there IS an actual emergency lol.
Chelsea the Yarngeek said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
I think my knitting survival kit would be a skein of Malabrigo worsted, wound and ready to go, a set of size 9 DPNs and 16″ circs, a stitch marker, a tapestry needle, scissors, and the patterns for the Amanda Hat and the Armando Hat. Hats are mindless knitting, but those two have enough of a stitch pattern to engage while only taking one skein for the set. In fact, I may have to pack that up and put it in my car…
moirae said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:05 pm
Currently it would contain Ellington, my Malabrigo Sock yarn, a tape measure, my miniature iron scissors, a tapestry needle, my owl sock needle gauge from GirlontheRocks and two packages of bamboo needles in Size 1 or 1 1/2. Just need to order some more 1 1/2 CPs from you first
Karla said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
Wendy is photographing Casbah!!!!! Yummy!
The emergency knitting kit is always something simple. I have one straightforward project always available, usually a baby blanket or a very simple cardigan ready to go in its very own project bag. Bag contains a xerox copy of the pattern, extra skein of yarn already caked, stitch markers and row counter if applicable, measuring tape, and a “yellow sticky” I make notes on to record where I stop so I can keep track of what I am doing.
Tracy said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
Unfortunately not a sock for me because I don’t do heavier than fingering yarn socks and I’ve learned the hard way I don’t see well enough by lantern light to knit those without missing stitches! My emergency knitting (I guess I’m taking this literally since my city is actually under an emergency announcement now in ANTICIPATION of flooding and evacuations this Fall/Winter) would be a single scarf on single points. It’s a pattern I know and it’s easy and relaxing and doesn’t require great visual skills on my part
Bonney said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Hmmm, I keep a bag by the door that I grab whenever I’m going someplace with guaranteed waiting time. It has yarn and needles to make mitered squares. Mindless with the ability to be picked up anywhere in the pattern. It’s surprising how much gets done on this project. It also serves as a repository for those tons of ends!
Castiron said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
Ideally, if I grabbed my knitting bag, I’d be set for emergency knitting; I usually have two or three (or more…) projects in there, along with a pouch containing stitch markers, sewing needles, scissors, etc. (Just at the moment, though, if I grabbed it I’d have the scraps from a nearly-finished vest. Must remedy that.)
Of course, that’s not counting the pair of socks in progress in my fanny pack, the project in my backpack, the projects in my standup knitting bag…..
Kat Jorgensen said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
I’ve got a couple of projects in bags ready to dash out the door. They keep me busy while I’m waiting for drs or appts or stuck in the car.
I use a 3 AM bag for one sock project and a Mind Your Knitting bag for the other. Got both of these at TLE and I love, love, love them.
What’s inside? I keep a photocopy of the pattern, a tape measure, a row counter and the yarn.
I’m amazed at the progress I make with these emergency project bags. Have yarn, will travel. Woot!
Thanks for the pictures. It was so good to see everyone. Sheri, you should have had your picture snapped, too. : )
Happy weekend. Happy knitting.
Kellie said,
September 25, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
oooh those pictures make me pine for St Louis and the Loopy Ewe
(
On a happier note, I always have two emergency knit kits ready to go. One very simple sock in progress for work meetings/teleconferences/supervsion etc Something i have memorised and can do without referring to a pattern. Has sock yarn, needles, darning needle and hand lotion. Plus another kit with a more complicated sock that I need to refer to the pattern for (for waiting in airports, plane flights and taxi rides) – has yarn, needles, pattern, pen, small notebook, hand lotion, stitch markers and tape measure. More often than not, these are in GoKnit bags cause I can just attach them to my main bag. Couldn’t cope without my garb-and-go projects.
Mandy said,
September 25, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
I have a knitting bag to grab at anytime. It is my PEACE not WAR bag from the UN in Switzerland. It contains two lace projects: one simple one, one complex one. And my buddy case which has all my supplies!
It’s (my knitting bag and it’s contents) are one of my prized possessions.
Tami T said,
September 25, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
Well, I have to ask wether I have my car with me? I learned when my DH had eye surgery that I keep a stash in my car. I ran out of knitting before he got out of surgery. Now I keep extra everything in there. If I can’t have my car, my knitting bag should do. I keep a few projects, My knit Kit, and extra yarn just in case.
Tami
NewJerseyLaura said,
September 25, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
I have a knitting survival kit – socks at the ready at all times
southparknitter said,
September 25, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
For my birthday/semi-retirement, I bought a Nantucket Bagg which serves as purse and knitting bag. I keep in the bag my Namaste Buddy with stitch markers, cable needles, mini-crochet hook, row counter, tapestry needle. On my “beener” I carry scissors and tape measure. My knit kit’s in there too. I carry a stockinette project with me in the bag everywhere I go. I work on it at home sometimes but it gets put back in the bag. I also have a sock project in the bag too. So whatever the emergency…I’m ready to go and to knit.
Carolyn said,
September 25, 2009 @ 5:34 pm
My (rather large) knitting bag has my set of Knit Picks Options needles, a full set of dpn’s, a tape measure, note pad, scissors, several pens, stitch markers, reading glasses, a crochet hook, darning needles, the Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques, enough yarn for at least 2 pairs of socks, dishcloth cotton (all yarn is in plastic bags), Sensational Knitted Socks book, some chocolates and a bottle of water. When I go on a trip, I usually add yarn and patterns for a few more projects, just in case there’s not a LYS in the area.
Gina said,
September 25, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
In my bag (whichever one I leave the house with), there is always….a plain sock in progress with anything I might need to finish the first or start the second, peanut butter crackers, gum, wintergreen lifesavers, water, and some other little bagged up snack…..when asked why I tell people that if I get stranded I can last a week while waiting for the firemen to come rescue me…….it ends with “wait just one minute while I finish this round…..” (this is very funny to me)
Kathy Sue said,
September 25, 2009 @ 6:48 pm
If I am working on something intricate or large, I also keep a relatively sip=mple scarf in my bag that I can grab and go. Sometimes socks, but I am into shawls and scarves.
Carol said,
September 25, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
I have to laugh at some of these kits and totally agree with others. My survival kit contains “mindless” sock knitting–at least for one pair of socks, and it would also have to contain a lace pattern (a shawl? or a girasole?) for a more “indepth” project. I though Gina’s comment about the fireman coming to rescue and her saying, “just wait til I finish this round” was hilarious… sounds like something we all might say!
sue said,
September 25, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
Vanilla socks on the needles with an extra skein just in case.
nyxs said,
September 25, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
A knitting survival kit ? There is a bunch of things you could put in one, well aside from yarn, tape measure, needle, scissors. You could make them up for socks, gloves or a scarf all of those would be small and easily transportable. Oh and the important things like munchies … you would need the energy to knit.
Linda said,
September 25, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
Well, the M&M’s for one thing….but also a basic stockinette sock pattern with yarn and needles and a couple of stitch markers. Also a tape measure and crochet hook and darning needles. (Or a Knit Kit instead of all that stuff). Oh, and did I mention the M&M’s? Those would be the essentials.
maryeb said,
September 25, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
Definitely a bit of brainless knitting probably a scarf in a drop dead gorgeous yarn, something hand dyed with shifting colors to keep me entertained.
And a bottle of Honest Tea, Jasmine Energy.
Gretchen said,
September 25, 2009 @ 7:43 pm
Emergency knitting kit would consist of a beautiful soft yarn and comfy needles. I knit scarves with a simple one row pattern. It can be put down and picked up easily and thoughts don’t get in the way of knitting.
Kudos to all at Loopy Ewe, but as a packer for another company, Donna you pack everything beautifully. My box always looks like a present. Thanks!
Kathy said,
September 25, 2009 @ 8:59 pm
I’ve always had a knitting survival kit since the late 80s when my best friend ran a LYS and insisted I should Always Be Prepared. I’ve always carried it and one small needlepoint project in case I am stuck in an airport or elevator (this happened once) on a subway (many times) or simply in any other on-hold situation. I had a separate one for most of summer 08 which I spent much of at the emergency vet’s office with my tabby Piper, I knitted a total of 7 prs of socks during his various treatments. I often felt I should be knitting a rosary instead.
Annie S said,
September 25, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
I have a small Knowknits bag with a sock in progress which goes with me pretty much everywhere. I keep a tape measure, stitch markers and some Chibi needles to seam the toes in the bag in addition to my yarn and needles. This bag came with me for my last emergency this summer–a trip to the ER for 11 stitches for my daughter. I had some Shibui sock yarn and the Jaywalker pattern for that excitement.
Sometimes, I stash some emergency chocolate in there too–Ritter Sport milk chocolate with biscuit and $5 for a coffee.
Lori said,
September 25, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
I have several emergency knitting bags, most have small projects such as socks, preemie caps, fingerless mitts. But what I have found most useful is a mini “Learn to Knit Kit”. Inevitably, my knitting in public attracts a “want to be knitter” and I end up pulling out a “spare” pair of needles and left over yarn. I after a short conversation, I find myself casting on for my new knitting friend. I have had so many of my needles “adopted” that I now shop for old knitting needles at garage sales just to be able to be prepared.
turtle said,
September 25, 2009 @ 10:57 pm
i carry a small project bag with me always. It has the simple brainless sock pattern, an old stand by, that i can pick up/put down and not be lost, or have to think too closely!
daniele said,
September 26, 2009 @ 12:46 am
I would definitely put a very intricate sock project to keep hands and mind busy; and then also one project that needs some finishing that you never have time for ( i-cord anyone ?), very mindless and satisfying; and then some sturdy and strong socks, we are talking about an emergency, right ? So let’s knit something useful !
Carol said,
September 26, 2009 @ 1:32 am
I too would have a sock for my project. Just a simple pattern in a small pouch like goknit. I wouldn’t need scissors, but I would need a needle for the kitchner stitch. A small tape measure and a zone protein bar. I think I can probably spare one skein of yarn for this emergency kit.
)
Rebecca said,
September 26, 2009 @ 5:33 am
Ooh what a great question!
– A bit like never wearing your daggy underwear out of the house in case you’re in an accident 
I keep a current project in a ziplock bag in my handbag – usually soomething mindless so I can pick it up without thinking – this probably would also help to get my mind of said emergency as I can usually put myself into a stocking stitch trance
However, out of my many WIP’s I would always choose something ‘pet-able’, – if it’s a project I have to push myself to pick up normally, I’m not likely to pick it up in an emergency!
Plus, it’s always nice to have something to show off
Thanks for the piccies!
Bec xx
Heather said,
September 26, 2009 @ 8:43 am
It would have to have a skein of great yarn and an accompanying project that uses the one skein. In an emergency, I do not want to have to worry about dyelots or joins! Needles, sewing needle for ends, and a piece of hard candy or two should be in there as well.
Great idea! Thanks for getting me thinking.
Lisa in Los Angeles said,
September 26, 2009 @ 8:51 am
I’ve been buying big canvas totes from Lands End this summer, and dividing up all my projects – the Bus Knitting bag has a sweater and a sock-in-progress that I can knit on the bus, with a ziplock bag with scissors, post-its, pen, point protectors, stitch markers, crochet hook, etc. Then I have a Sock Knitting bag, with all my other sock projects, which has its own little ziplock bag of tools. And a Lace Knitting bag, again with a ziplock full of tools, including most of my stitchmarkers. Then I have a workbasket that stays by the couch, which has three sweaters in progress and a ziplock of tools. And my Loopie Groupie bag, which has scarves (2) in progress, and a ziplock of tools.
If I’m just going out and only need one quick thing to work on, I grab one of my 3AM Enchantments KIP bags with a sock in it. I hate to wait, I hate to be bored and I hate not having the tools I need.
Lael said,
September 26, 2009 @ 9:39 am
.Well, right now in my knitting bag, I have cotton and needles for dishcloths and the lace scarf I am working on – scissors, Loopy measuring tape, tapestry needles, a couple of patterns. So I guess I’m pretty much covered. If I had to have a smaller bag for real spur of the moment, I would go with something simple – plain socks, ribbed scarf, dish cloths – relatively mindless knitting that I don’t need much of a pattern for.
Kim B. said,
September 26, 2009 @ 9:48 am
I keep a sock in progress (and extra skein of sock yarn for another project) along with scissors, Chibi, pattern, coiless pins, etc. in a small knitting bag in my car. If I get to a meeting early I might have 10 minutes of knitting time, if I get stuck in traffic I pull out the knitting, and if I get stuck — like I did in a rainstorm — I can keep busy until the situation resolves.
Marsha said,
September 26, 2009 @ 10:34 am
I always grab socks that are already packed up in one of my LE pouches.
Sheri, FYI, it sleeted here on the last day of summer (FPS), but now back to lovely fall weather with aspens turning lovely reds and yellows
I also had my first PSL from Starbucks last week.
Happy Fall!
Cindy K said,
September 26, 2009 @ 11:48 am
Emergency knitting: a dishcloth or a prayer shawl because they usually involve simple patterns and are pretty portable.
…and I’d like to volunteer to help Wendy photograph the yarn….I could carry it for her! No-no, really – I wouldn’t mind at all!
Genny said,
September 26, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Enough yarn for several pairs of socks, my cut-down Monkey sock cheat-sheet, both sets of bamboo 2.5mm DPNs, a 4.5mm circular needle and the pattern charts for the Shetland Triangle shawl. I can and have worked those patterns so many times that they’re written in my fingers, but better have the patterns just in case. Darning needles, scissors, all the standard emergency stuff from my purse, stitchmarkers. Spare cell phone charger. Hmmm. Non-perishable snack food and bottled water.
Good question!
Lynne T. in Culver City, CA said,
September 26, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
Oh yes, one of those Grab as you Go “Entertainment Kits”; a tool chest,under control (Zip lock ) and one of the self striping, self patterning yarns; Regia, Opal, Harry Potter…no pattern, just knitting; 66 stitches cast on and knit. It entertains me, and often other “waiters”..It often starts a conversation and on ocassion encourages that person to return to knitting..Oh yes and a small amount of dollars & change for coffee or snacks. A few LE kisses or mints in their own ziplock never hurts ( using the little bags we receive when an order arrives …….) They also include a Hug for Patience!!
I also keep one of these next to my knittigngchair, in case I want to knit but NOT count or read a pattern or chart. This works for chatting, football games or DWTS (Dancing with the Stars.)
How did we ever survive those moments without the Computer dyed yarn ?
Happy knitting ! It’s a KNITTING WEEKEND for ME !!!! Lorna’s Lace and the 3rd Anniversary Pattern!!!!! HAPPY and Smilin’ me!!
Knithappy said,
September 26, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
I would agree that a dish cloth, great cotton yarn, and size 5 needles. I can make up whatever pattern I want too and it doesn’t matter – it is a dish cloth.
Cheryl
Catherine Ristola Bass said,
September 26, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
My friend is traveling in South Africa and their backpacks were stolen with all of the husband’s pro cameras. Thais is distressing enough, but they also got her just completed knitting project, her just started new one, and her glasses so she can’t knit even if she got new needles and yarn!
Kim said,
September 26, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
It would definitely be dish/washcloths or socks. Some nice needles, a skein of pretty yarn, and a nifty pattern all stored in a nice bag
Charmaine said,
September 26, 2009 @ 10:26 pm
Wendy Knits sock book, some pretty yarn markers, enough skeins of blue yarn to knit a shawl & some sock!! Also chocolate!!!
Rose-Marie said,
September 27, 2009 @ 2:35 am
For me I think it would hold some sock yarn, preferably selfstriping so I don’t have to bother with packing a pattern, 2 circs, a spare crochet-hook for fixing mistakes, tapemeasure, and I’m thinking about ddoing a mini-guide to Wendys slip-stitch heel, I really like it but havn’t done enough to know it by heart yet.
Christine said,
September 27, 2009 @ 9:23 am
oh yeahhhh….I think of this often…..one of the gorgeous wools that I’ve been saving (for what? you know what I mean) and a lace shawl I’ve been wanting to knit, but would take forever…..that would be it and it would keep me calm and entertained forever. And if it lasted longer…..rip out a part and do another lace pattern/edge!
yeah…that’s what I would do. My doc hubby just told me that we have to stockpile some groceries.
stay well..and keep washing those hands.
Penny said,
September 27, 2009 @ 11:22 am
I keep a plain 2 X 2 rib sock in progress at all times. I use point protectors on my double points so I don’t drop any stitches. I keep embroidery scissors, chubi needles and a crochet hook in the Knowknits bag so I can pick up a dropped stitch or Kitchner a toe. I usually have 2 plain”vanilla” sock bags at all times and take one with me everywhere. It is surprising how many rows you can get done in those extra minutes.
Kay Nysse said,
September 27, 2009 @ 2:40 pm
I live in the mountains in southern Cal. and being evacuated during fire season is always in the back of our minds here. In August we did have a fire nearby and were advised to prepare to leave if that became necessary…..so I packed up all the knitting bags with my WIP projects and a couple of duffel bags full of recent yarn orders from the Loopy Ewe along with my needles. Just to be clear, I did pack up the cat carriers and cat food firsngt; then the knitting
. After that it was clothes, the computer and pictures. Fortunately we didn’t have to actually leave this time. But knitting in some form or fashion always goes with me wherever I go. My dear departed husband called me the original knitting bag lady. 
Kay Nysse said,
September 27, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
p.s. to above post; my kitten Oliver obviously helped type that one!
Denise Vitola said,
September 27, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
Well, it would be a BIG survival kit, but mine would include my complete set of Addi Clicks and my Addi Lace Needles, skeins of Dreams in Color Smooshy, Fleece Artist, and Malabrigo, as well as one of Barbara Walker’s pattern books. That way, I can make scarves, mitts, and socks, as well as the occasional shawl, in case the emergency lasts a while. Of course, I would need an oversized suitcase just for my knitting. Always be prepared.
Diane said,
September 27, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
What a fun place to work! Right now after looking at the photos – I think I’d have to have Donna’s M&Ms in my survival kit
Well maybe not Donna’s exactly – but my own….
Beverly Shaw said,
September 27, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
I would have to have a pair of plain vanilla socks, something else to knit that would require a little more brain power in case I needed to get my mind off of something (fair isle socks or hat? Or maybe a small lace project). I would also need the basics such as stitch markers, pattern (duh!), a yarn cutter, a notebook, and a row counter for the lace project.
Here I go again, packing a suitcase just in case!!! LOL
Amy said,
September 28, 2009 @ 8:39 am
I have a Hermosa that is my everyday bag, so it have currently 3 projects…. a sweater that is just a tube at the moment (round and round), a sock that I am turning the heel on and a scarf.
Also, all other projects are bagged as to avoid the cats laying on them in the house.
So, I could grab them in a pinch. A tip… I have a neat little bag that has all my notions in it and a folder that has 3 tabs in it so it can hold patterns in sleeves… All my WIP patterns are in this folder.
Maryann said,
September 28, 2009 @ 8:54 am
Oh,I love this question!
Gorgeous yarn,a sock pattern that can be done toe up or cuff down in moderate difficulty,a pattern for a scarf ,tea bags,coffee pouches,assorted candies that don’t melt,set of dpn’s, set of straights,set of circs (for Magic Loop).,the Knit Kit,stitch markers, a small card with the Kitchener Stitch instructions on it because I always forget when nervous.,small container of purell packed in a small plastic bag so it doesn’t leak out, soothing hand lotion.
Michele in Maine said,
September 28, 2009 @ 9:16 am
I have many, many knitting survival bags, of course! Several live in the car. One of these goes to basketball and soccer games and is a simple sock in Sock Hop yarn. The other bag contains my current sock-in-progress, at the moment Wendyknits’ Serpentine sock pattern in Fiesta Boomerang. Then I have a lace project Anne’s Boxleaf Wrap) in a larger Three Bags Full project bag, along with a photocopy of the lace chart and some highlighter tape. Another of my bags contains the Ariane sweater (not so far along). There are at least four other socks in other bags, and a poncho and a lace scarf….And then there is the project bag filled with newly wound sock yarn and needles and Anne’s Bricker socks pattern – these are a special gift for a special friend – I just need to make them!
All bags contain reading glasses and a crochet hook for those dropped stitches on the run! And several contain little jars of your wonderful Bee Bar for preventing winter skin.
Dr. Jackie said,
September 28, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Oh, definitely both! And I even have a special bag for it (http://shop.illiane.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=2). And note that there is also an “emergency knitting kit”. Disclaimer…no, I’m not getting perks for promoting this site. As an ER doctor, when I saw it I knew it was just too cute to resist!
Jody said,
September 28, 2009 @ 9:58 am
My knitting survival kit would include a skein or two of Numma Numma, needles, my Loopy Ewe tape measure, row counter, yarn cutter, a lovely cuff-down sock pattern, and my iPod with my favorite classical music! Also, some snack food for energy. Oh, yes, and I need to be by a window where I can look out and see the beginning color show here in SE Michigan while I knit.
Donna Meyer said,
September 28, 2009 @ 10:06 am
I keep a zippered pencil case in my emergency knitting bag that contains:
A retractable measuring tape
A medalion cutter
A Chibi needle
A small round counter
A mechanical pencil
Size 5 & 6 dpns
A tin of “baby” buttons
2 needle protectors (which I can use with the dpns to form a stitch holder)
A very small sticker notepad
In the knitting bag I also include:
Size 5 and 6 circular needles
A copy of a pattern for a seamless baby kimona (I knit for a local pregnancy center)
Blue Sky organic cotton yarn for the kimona (I live in AZ and babies here need cotton sweaters not wool)
Jeanne said,
September 28, 2009 @ 11:41 am
I have my cute loopy ewe bag all packed with 2 projects – complete with needles ready to start… There’s also an altoid box filled with stitch markers, darning needles and folding scissors… attached to the handle is a measuring tape – also courtesy of the loopy ewe. This bag serves as my knitting in waiting. I never have fewer than 2 projects in it, I’ll frequently take one out for current knitting and add a new project to the bag. I’m a pretty monogamous knitter (cuts down on ufos), but I do like to look forward, hence the bag.
I started this project management program when my kids started school – I was always waiting for them – so along with my current knitting, the bag would be in the mini-van with me. My oldest just started high school and nothing’s changed except the mini-van.
Marilyn said,
September 28, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
With all the comments, here, I’m sure this is a repeat (I haven’t read them all), but my good friend always packs a chemo cap kit for mindless, speedy knitting on planes and in airports. I generally have either socks or socks going for emergencies. Both projects fit anywhere in my travels and purses. With that said, needles, markers, scissors (the folding kind, if I haven’t lost them), tape measure and some Hershey kisses are tucked in a small bag. You just have to be prepared!
Celeste said,
September 28, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
I keep a small box bag in my car with a sock in progress in it – man sized on 0 needles – lots of knitting. I also have 2 sock yarn projects in my briefcase – a simple scarf and a lace shawl. When the shawl gets too big it will be replaced with a similar project. Never leave home without knitting.
Sheri at The Loopy Ewe » Instantaneous Personal Magnetism said,
September 28, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
[...] loved reading your Knitting Survival Kit comments from Friday’s blog. Now I just need to make mine up and keep it [...]
joy wililams said,
September 28, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
are you taking applications?-looks like a great place to work!!!-now you just need to locate to Chicago.
dana said,
September 28, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
in my emergency bag, i would have:
lace weight yarn.
the pattern for the lace weight yarn. (charts preferred)
the needles for the pattern for the lace weight yarn.
stitchmarkers.
eyeglasses so i could see all of the above.
a bottle of pino grigio.
a corkscrew.
yvonnep said,
September 29, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
A sock, of course, socks, mindless, colourful, plain vanilla socks. When the train who ever go on strike, when I end up in a … whatever… socks. plain vanilla socks in a fine and satisfying yarn.