Don't Tell Anyone About the Secret Life of Circs

With all the talk on forums and such about what sort of implements you can take on a plane for knitting or other pursuits, you'd think I'd actually go and check to see if metal circular needles would pass security. Thing is, instead, I could not decide which yarn to bring. I mean, really, one must have at least a few projects to choose from when they travel. Why limit? Why? (I think I will limit my choice to two types of yarn.)

But, after finally checking the TSA about what type of items you can actually bring onto an aircraft without being shushed or taken aside for a frisk, I realized, that you can, in fact, or at least they say this online, take knitting needles onto a plane. I will say, however; they were very specific in mentioning that one cannot take a sword on board.

I mentioned this to HWWV the other day in the car, on our way to a fancy lunch out (Chili's--they give out crayons and don't go crazy when Girlfriend spills her Shirley Temple all over the joint) and he said, "So, what do you think one can actually do with knitting needles, anyway, especially the circulars? Threaten to knit the pilot's hair so tight their eyes pop out? Or maybe force them to try and jump rope with them while the onlookers jeer?"

And so, I said: "Ever hear of a garrote?"

Oops. I guess I shouldn't have said that. Wouldn't want to give any crazy-terrorist knitters any ideas (or the TSA for that matter just in case they might ban the circs).

But here is my real dilemma: I'm off to Ohio to do a couple segments for the show, Knitting Daily TV, and I'll have five hours of knitting time, give or take, each way (except for the sipping of the vino out of little plastic bottles). What yarn do I take with? Some of it? Only one skein of it? All of it?

And a little confession: When I read other peoples' blogs and they say the same type of thing, like "Oh noooo! I just don't know what yarn(s) to take with me!" Usually, I huff and puff and scoff a little bit and declare they're a bit silly but now, upon reflection, I'm realizing I just don't get out much.

Next question: Are there any good yarn shops in the Cleveland area?

BTW: My chiropractor, last Friday, gave me the go-ahead to do a few minutes of cardio each day since my back and hip are improving. So what do I do in response? Buy a foot-long tuna sandwich with extra cheese.

Comments

[kuka]

In Australia knitting needles are still banned from planes!
There are signs around the airport reading something like:
The following may not be packed in your carry on luggage: knives, guns, explosives, scissors, chisels, corkscrews, crossbows and knitting needles.
It does make it look a bit funny! =)

[Sonja]

Knitting needles are still banned in the EU as well. Like the above poster, there are signs specifically forbidding knitting needles. What really gave me a chuckle was the "cabinet of contraband" - various implements that airport security had confiscated from passengers. There, in all their glory, were knitting needles alongside pocket knives, switch blades and cigarette lighters.

[Estella]

I always over pack my knitting for a trip. When I get home I end up asking myself what was I thinking? The one time I packed properly was when I took 2 skeins to make 2 projects from the One Skein book. One item I made on the way to my vaction and the other on the way back. I couldn't believe my fortune! However, I have underpacked once and that was the kiss of death! To not have anything to knit and to land in a town with NO knitting store. Panic!

[rudee]

Your husband is pretty funny. I've flown in the US with metal double points without an issue. I did however get into it with the TSA over my mascara last year. Seems I forgot my clear plastic bag to pack it in and he was determined to take it from me. I am quite sure he thought the needles were just for show--I was somehow going to make a bomb with my maybelline great lash.

[Debbie]

I'm the wrong one to ask. My knitting bag is always much bigger than my personal stuff travel bag. I've been known to take 5 projects of varying sizes for a three day weekend.

[Debbie]

Two weeks ago, I visited family in Indiana. I took an entire suitcase of my knitting projects and knitted gifts. It cost me $25 for a third bag, but I just couldn't leave it behind! Don't make this mistake!

[Melinda]

Wow, the knitting daily tv show is filmed in Cleveland? Who knew? Yes, we have some lovely yarn shops around here. Here's a ravelry link to some: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/cleveland-knits/1723/1-25

[rita]

Oh, girl, if I take less that two or three projects with me for a weekend trip, I'm so anxious that I can't enjoy myself!

I baffled airport security four years ago on a trip home from CA. I bought a pair of size 19 addi circs and put them in my carryon. They xrayed that bag over and over, then took me aside and asked me what they were. I told them that the website said that knitting needles are allowed, and after consulting their guide, they let me through.

Now those things could do some damage!

Not to screw things up, but what about size one bamboo skewers I mean dps? If one wanted, one could really... Okay, I'll stop now.

I took my size 1 dps to Europe two years ago and knitted all over Europe, but we took the train everywhere except over and back.

[Deanna]

I usually take yarn to make a pair of socks or something small. I like something I can easily carry with me cause you never know when you might have some down time. I've been caught knitting in some very strange places and I like to have something I can tuck away in my purse or backpack.

[Amy]

Not IN Cleveland, but in the western suburbs, about 20 min from the airport...

In Avon, Ohio (west of Cleveland, off of I-90) there is a cute little "village" of shops with TWO yarn stores. Birds of a Feather is a yarn/quilting store and French Creek Fiber Arts is, well, a fiber arts shop. I highly recommend them both.

[Libby]

I work in a yarn shop IN cleveland called Fine Points. It's a really neat place, I think you might like it. We're (the employees) all a bit crazy but it's nothing compared to the customers...you would defenitely observe amusing behavior. our website is www.finepoints.com, come check us out!

~libby

[(formerly) no-blog-rachel]

I tend to bring smaller projects on the plane with me, just because space can be tight. At the airport in San Jose (CA not CR) they told me if the length of the straight part of the knitting was less than 7" it was fine.

I'm going to Hawaii next week and I'm obsessing about what knitting to bring; who cares about what clothes to pack!

[linda]

I have to second Birds of a Feather and French Creek Fiber Arts! And, if you need restaurant recommendations, just ask!

[Denise]

oooh coming to my neck of the woods! Yes there are knit shops! So don't worry!

[Rachel]

Hee hee, I've got a personal theory that the TSA realized that if they banned knitting needles from airplanes, the amount of terrorism from normal, otherwise law-abiding citizens would go up exponentially!

[Kim]

I feel your pain. It has to be easy enough that you don't need much space on the flight but interesting enough for several hours of work. I bring a pair of socks and an easy lace project - not too bulky.

The worst is the EU. Hello? How am I supposed to survive a 9 hour flight without any knitting? Obviously, TSAs worldwide need more information about the psychology of knitters. Like I'd take my work off the needles to attack someone - yeah, right.

Even so, I'm right there with you about the garotte. Way more dangerous that my husband's tiny swiss army knife. Yet another example of our national stupidity.

Have fun in Cleveland. There's at least one great shop - just can't recall where it is. I know the Clevelander's will let you know.

[Lynn]

Very smart, don't want to push it. And please post when you will be on Knitting Daily. I'd love to see it. I saw you once on Knitty Gritty and got very excited that I *knew* somebody on TV. You aren't the only one that needs to get out.
and yes you can do a LOT with circs. And a pencil for that matter. And if the book is big enough, it can do major damage to a person's skull.
I'm just impressed they allow knitting needles at all. Doesn't anybody remember Foul Play?

[kate]

I always think the fuss about knitting needles on planes is silly, because really, unless you pack the really big ones, most of them are about equal in deadliness to a ballpoint pen. And no one's banning those. So far.

I never know what yarn to take, either. So I've decided that, for my summer job, I'm not going to pack very much, and just buy stuff when I get there. There's a yarn store in walking distance!

[norrie]

I have never ever had a problem with my needles, except to for the tsa agent who tried to get me to knit him a blanket...My sister lives in cleveland, and I like to go by fine points when I am there. Also, the cleveland airport has an awesome display on confiscated items, I found it more amusing than disturbing, check it out when you are in the security line.

[Shara]

I just got back from Cleveland, and it looks like I'm headed back soon because I got a job there! When I was in the area, I heard great things about French Creek Fiber Arts, but I didn't get to visit because it's not in the city. Have fun in Ohio!

[Wendy]

Glad to hear you are a little better!!!!Let us know what the topic is on Knitting so we can find you!!! Take care.

[Lauren]

Great Cleveland Yarn shops? River Colors Studio in Lakewood (on Sloane Avenue). Really a cool place. I noticed a few people already mentioned Birds of a Feather in Avon, which is a really charming place, too.

[Liz]

You know, I couldn't take needles into the courthouse when I had jury duty, but I could take them on the plane. The TSA people really didn't care, but the bailiffs at the Yolo County Courthouse sure did! The first pair (Brittany DPNs) were "too sharp" - although they clearly wouldn't hold up to stabbing anyone, seeing as how they were 3.75mm or something. The second pair were my Addis and they said the circ cord was "too long and I could choke someone", at which point I told them they were only giving me ideas. I finally got a pair of stubbly generic bamboo needles in after much protesting and many notes sent to my judge.

I usually take one project with me on the plane... something that's not too complicated or involved, but one that does involve a fair amount of brain work so I don't get bored. Of course, this depends on the knitter's skill, but I'm sure you have something worth bringing!

And no - don't bring all the yarn onto the plane. Just... some.

[Rainy]

Last time I flew (50 minute flight) I brought one lace scarf, a wrap and two pairs of socks that I was working on.

It was maybe a little overkill on the packing the knitting. My suggestion, bring something small and portable and maybe one larger project for large swaths of mindless knitting.

You can also bring "toy transformer robots" onto planes. The TSA is quite specific. ;-P

[bettyc]

I hadn't knitted for many many years, and the whole reason I decided to try it again was because I was taking my first vacation in a while that required a long plane ride and waiting in airports. That was 2 years ago, and I was surprised they allowed all types/sizes of knitting needles. I like to knit with long straights, but have since discovered that I have to use circulars on an airplane because 14" straights will poke the person next to you! (I fly coach, obviously).