How to Organize Knitting Projects
- 1). Empty out your knitting bag. Dumping everything onto a table or the floor might be dangerous, as stitches could slip off the needles, but at least take everything out so you can identify and sort what you're carrying around or storing.
- 2). Evaluate your projects. It pays to have different patterns going on different size needles in different stitch patterns for variety, but it gives your hands a break and can help prevent repetitive stress injuries. So if you're prone to knitting small things on smaller needles, keep a chunky yarn dishcloth or blanket around to knit on when you want some simpler knits to loosen up your fingers.
- 3). Finish up some long-standing, unfinished objects (UFOs). It's amazing how easily an almost-done project sifts to the bottom of a bag or bin, taking up space (and creating guilt with its unfinished state) and not being used for its intended purpose. Set aside these UFOs to tackle when you're in the right frame of mind.
- 4). Gather some standard tools into one small bag or pouch. Things like a small pair of scissors, a packet of stitch markers, tapestry needles and a crochet hook are all good things to have no matter what project you're working on, but feel free to add any other essentials you've come to rely on. You can have one pouch that travels from project to project--or if you always have multiple projects going--make up a few of these to keep in each type of tote.
- 5). Divide your projects among several totes. Instead of having one knitting bag absolutely overflowing with yarns and patterns and needles galore, give each project (or type of project) its own tote for easily grabbing on the way to a knitting group. Into each tote should go the yarn and needles for this project, any knitting-in-progress, a copy of the pattern (because carrying around one or two pages generally makes more sense--and room--than keeping the entire book with you) and a tool pouch. If you have several smaller projects that you are grouping together, place the project pieces into plastic bags.
- 6). Store the needles and yarn not currently in use away from projects in process--even if it means setting up another tote or storage bin. Not only does this keep the clutter down and reduce potential tangles in your project bag(s)--it'll be easier to see what you have available before you head to the store. This will give you more room in your yarn budget--because you won't be buying things you already have--and more time to enjoy knitting since you'll know where your stuff is!
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