When I was at a Connecticut knitting guild meeting the other night, a fellow knitter said her husband was glad they were having company for Thanksgiving. Having guests for dinner would require her to gather and store her “work in progress” projects (she had many) from all over the house. She told us she had a project going at each chair she sat in. Many of us can relate, at least to some degree.
So where do we start to get organized? First you need to think how your knitting “stuff” is organized. Do you organize by projects, by yarns or a different way? Then ask yourself if it is working for you. For most of us there is some type of organization going on and periodically it just tumbles out of control. Straightening up is best done one tub, bag, and drawer at a time.
The plan is too begin with the projects that are currently in progress and that have a Holiday deadline. Let’s begin by organizing each project.
Sorting by project: Put each project in a container or bag. Have a clear plastic envelope that fits into a three ring binder for each project. When the project is complete you can store this project envelope and all your info in the binder.
Add to this envelope the instructions or a copy of the instructions (if in a book). The label from the yarn and notes taken before, during, or after knitting the project. Make sure to mark on the pattern or note where you stop, when putting the article aside. You think you will remember but, it does happen that occasionally you forget, you're busy and have more than one project you are working on. There are apps to help you with this. Add a photo of the project or, note where on the computer you can find it. Take a photograph of your finished work.
Keep the needles, and stitch markers, row counter, cable needles and any other tools you need for each project in their own bag, with the project. Now you will be able to easily collect and store for Holiday company. You will also be able to scoop up a bag when leaving the house, to work on elsewhere (a to go bag). When the company leaves, you can bring you UFO's out again.
Yarn Basket located at 288 E.Main St. Branford, CT 06405 203-208-3288 says, “ BIG YARN – Small Projects – Hats, scarves, fingerless mittens, mittens and cowls make great gifts and when made with big yarn and big needles --- well – you just may get all that gift knitting done on time!” Check out their new Noro yarns at 20% off.
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