Finding Time to Knit or Crochet

One common goal that a lot of knitters and crafters of all sorts have for each new year is finding more time to knit or do their craft, whatever it is.

I like to think that we make time rather than finding time, and if we decide it’s important to us to have time for making every day, we will find a way to make that happen, at least more often than not. For me, taking the time to learn to knit without looking at my work has been valuable, because I can easily knit most things while reading or watching TV.

A Box of Twine has some advice, not only on finding more time for knitting, but for choosing the right projects to make the most of the time you have.

They use the acronym PSSST as the key to a happy knitting life: choosing the right projects, having the right supplies available and accessible, being comfortable with the stitches you are using (and practicing until you are if you aren’t), making samples (aka swatches) to ensure a good result, and taking the time to practice regularly.

One of their recommendations for finding more time is to use a knitting planner, which we have already talked about a bit. Their version uses the PSSST system to help you figure out what’s slowing you down and making you less productive than you could be as a stitcher, but also includes planner printables, project worksheets and checklists, plus project time estimates that can help you plan if you’re gift knitting or otherwise have a deadline.

Tip: if you sign up for their newsletter at the top link above you can get the project estimate printable for free.

I do like the idea that your hobby belongs in your planner because it’s an important part of your life, and also that if you write things down you are more likely to do them. For me, if I put knitting on my to-do list it’s for sure one thing that will get crossed off as done on any given day!

[Photo via A Box of Twine]

22 Page Knitting Project Journal and Planner

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There are certain things that just make sense to knit at this time of year, and market bags are one of them. We tend to use our canvas bags more often in the summer with trips to the farmer’s market and the library, but string bags and market bags are great to use all year.

I love the Three Oranges Bag by Hana Cho, which looks just like a knit version of a plastic shopping bag, but with three cute oranges stitched on. The bag uses intarsia to make the oranges, but you could use duplicate stitch or intarsia to add a different design if you like. It calls for fingering weight yarn and you can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Sharyn Anhalt’s Market Square bag (also on Ravelry) uses worsted weight yarn and a mosaic pattern to make a pretty bag you’ll want to use every time you go shopping. The bag comes in two sizes and is worked in two colors of the same yarn for a fun mixed up effect that’s almost like weaving.

Speaking of fun colors, the Market Bag from Hubbabubbie Art uses a multicolored cake yarn (specifically Lion Brand Mandala) to produce fun color changes without any extra work. This bag is worked from the bottom up with a crocheted bottom and knit mesh sides. It’s a free pattern on Ravelry.

The Pike Place Market Bag from Blue Bird Pine Shop looks like a massive bag to hold all your market goodies (that is a child holding it, but still). The bag calls for worsted weight cotton yarn and the mesh is worked on extra large needles to help it open up to hold everything you want held.

The Knit Farmer’s Market Bag form Design BCB is another good one, made mostly of mes with a little stockinette for extra stability. The base is also worked in stockinette so items you put in it will sit flat.

This mesh bag from Sheep and Stitch doesn’t have a base, and the body is worked flat before being joined in the round to make the top and handles. That makes it easy to make the bag just the size you want because you can stop knitting whenever you feel it’s big enough. The pattern includes a step-by-step video if you need extra assistance.

And the Eco Market String Bag from Mama in a Stitch has a solid knit base worked in a contrasting color from the mesh body. It’s an easy project that comes out a great size for your market needs without being too huge.

Do you have a favorite knit market bag pattern? I’d love to hear about it!

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