The Trouble with Bringing Yarn on Trips

So this is me getting ready to leave for a week-long camping trip, but not the peachy skin part--that's a filter (anything orange-y is my favorite, even if it is my skin).

Next to me is a stack of socks, recent socks that I've knit. Since my hand surgery, I've been knitting sock after sock after sock. Not sure why. I suppose I go through sock binges kind of like the people who go on crazy pumpkin flavored yadda yadda binges during the fall (something that I totally don't understand, but I'd venture to guess that most others don't understand my mild obsession with knitting socks, so I won't throw shade to that pumpkin business, which is weird because pumpkins are orange and I don't like pumpkins, except to carve them but doing so makes my arms itch).

So, when it comes to packing for a trip like camping, I'm pretty good at keeping things simple. I know what I need, which is not a lot because we don't glam it up at all--just regular camping by a river with no electricity or cell coverage or any of that but with lots of coffee, wine, and snacks and food and rummy-playing.

The problem is, I have a problem with the part of packing for a trip that includes packing yarn.

I'm not the only one, because this problem is widespread among knitters; in fact, I'm pretty certain that this subject gets covered ad nauseam in our little corner of the world during any true vacation season: Winter holidays, Spring holidays, Summer holidays, and Fall holidays. Whoops! That's all year long!

Which brings me to this: I know in my heart of hearts that I won't knit more than one sock or maybe a pair during this week-long trip.

But I can't bear to bring just one skein.

Because there is an off-chance that I'll knit instead of paint this time (I bring paint supplies too).

Or there is an off-chance that I might become the super nova of knitters and knit so fast that I rip through two pair.

Or I might accidentally drop a skein in the rushing river and I need a spare.

You are probably thinking to yourself: "Yeah, I totally get it. I have trouble making packing decisions like this too, but can't she hit a yarn store?"

There aren't any where I'm going--not even on the way there.

You are probably also thinking to yourself: "Well, it's hot in summer and the yarn may go slowly through her sweaty fingers. She might not get much done because it's so slow going."

Yup. I know it'll be sweaty, but I have to bring two skeins. There's no way around it. If I have to leave without an extra pair of hiking socks, so be it.

So this is what is coming with me come hell or high water: A skein of this new Opal Light in green (it is supposed to be a lighter knit and will be less "warm," and a skein of Opal Fresh and Juicy that sort of looks like a watermelon colorway. I purchased both at Simply Socks Yarn Company. They have a great selection and they ship quickly.

BTW: Notice the double pointed needles paired with the yarn? I do this because these needles come in so many colors these days that in order to avoid a situation where you may not be able to see your stitches, be sure to use needles that are contrasting colors. Imagine if I tried to knit the green yarn with those green needles! Yikes! 

Comments

[Magoo]

You're bringing more needles though, right? For if one breaks or bends? Although maybe you shouldn't take packing advise from someone who has an emergency spindle with her at all times.

[Penelope]

Only two? I think you're being very restrained. Have a great trip!

[Patty]

Have fun!

[Jo]

Girl, there is no way I'd go camping for a week and only take one skein of yarn--even if I were backpacking!

P.S. Backpacking for a week? Never happen.

[Chloe]

Have fun! Wish i liked knitting socks, such a small amount to pack. But hats work, too!

[Georg]

I went to Camp for 5 days this year. I took the sock in progress (only had one toe cast on) and one sock cake for Next, but my aunt had promised me that there was yarn she would be giving me from her neighbor. This donated yarn is for cat blankets I knit or crochet for animal shelters. She said it was a lot. It was three full-sized trash bags full of yarn (crappy acrylic, perfect for cat beds). I also hit a yarn shop on the way and bought another proto-sock.

I knit a total of One sock (cast on and knit the toe of the second sock of the first pair). But the trip would not have felt right without having yarn!

[Lisa]

I love knitting while camping, being outdoors and lounging and pulling out knitting is so relaxing and enjoyable. I think you should take the extra skein if it makes you feel more prepared and like you said, you never know if you will need more yarn because you knitted so fast. Hope you have a fun trip! I can't wait to go camping in August :)

[Annie]

Off topic; I wanted to ask if you might share your favorite dress form for trying on sweaters as you knit them? Thank
You :)

[Ros Ritchie]

Glad it's not just me, then! Happy camping:-)