Travel Knitting

Since we’re off to Grenada on Wednesday, I thought it would be a good idea to make sure my knitting needles would be allowed on the plane. I don’t care much for flying (I’m a feet-on-the-ground kind of girl) and frankly, the thought of several hours in the air without knitting gives me palpitations. I was VERY relieved to find the following on the TSA website: <whew!>

Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage.

Items needed are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside which cannot go through the checkpoint and must go in your checked baggage.

The tricky part now is choosing the right project. I know that I should be thinking about portability, so the next sweater project on my list is probably not the right thing to take, though it is tempting. I got this Wool of the Andes “Opal Heather” during KnitPicks big sale right before Christmas. I just love the color and the price was ridiculously low…who could resist? I have it in mind for “Acorns” by Carol Sunday, a pattern published in Twist Collective a couple of years back. I’ve chosen this pretty pattern because it is something sorely needed in my wardrobe, but I think it’ll be fun to knit as well. Not very practical for this trip perhaps but I could take it as travel knitting to New Orleans next month.

I’ve had an idea in mind for a (desperately needed) pair of leg warmers with an intriguing art deco cable up the back. They’ve been sketched but not swatched. I want to use Eco Andean DK for these in a dark gray/brown color. Somehow, I can’t see myself lounging on a Caribbean beach knitting with dark gray wool so I think these will have to wait.

Here’s an option: my coveted Blue Moon Socks That Rock in the colorway “I Love What You’re Wearing”. This 100% merino sock weight has no nylon component so I hesitate to make socks from it. It would, however, work up beautifully in Luna Viridis, a pattern I’ve long admired because of its rather bizarre shaping. Challenging, no?

And one final possibility. I have a thing for Alegria sock yarn. I’ve got four different colorways in my stash, three of which I have definite plans for. (Every time Lesley brings in a new colorway, I must have it, often against my better judgement. She’ll have me in the poor house, that woman :D) Anyway,  one skein in colorway “Rambla Sur” has no particular plan. I could make lacy socks. The downside to that is that I spent Christmas week knitting socks and I’m afraid I might be socked-out. So for the moment, it looks like Luna Viridis. I’ll enjoy working these bright pretty colors in a not-too-big project as I dig my toes into the sand and it’ll be a lovely cheery thing to wear around my neck during the dark winter days ahead. I’ll let you know if things change 😉

I’m happy to report that “Zora”, over my morning coffee, has come off the needles. I so appreciate that Elizabeth recommended knitting the button bands and shawl collar prior to knitting the sleeves. Those areas are just too focal to leave to the end when one is trying to finish a project. And thank God it’s seamless. Once you’re done, you’re done! Just a few ends to weave in and she goes into the soup. Then I can add my pretty buttons (I picked these up at KnitPicks as well).  I’ll be wearing this on Wednesday in place of a bulky coat. If I can find a very light, soft cotton or silk scarf in peachy/browny shades to wear with it, I’ll be happy as a tropical clam!