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Knitting for travelers: And you thought the craft was just for old women
I admit it. I'm a knitter. Maybe not what you would have expected from a twenty-something travel freak, but it's true. Knitting has gotten a bad rap over the years -- trust me, you can do more than knit ugly sweaters -- but fortunately, the craft is coming back into style. Why should you care? Because knitting is an excellent travel activity. Kelley Petkun, the Vice President of Knit Picks, sent over this list of her top five reasons for knitting while traveling:
1. Knitting eases the strains and frustrations of travel. While everyone else is upset by delays, you see it as more knitting time!
2. A knitting project and an MP3 player are an extremely effective defense against an overly-chatty neighbor when cramped seating in airplanes can quickly cause claustrophobia.
3. Knitting is a good friend. Travel solo with confidence with a knitting project as a constant companion.
4. You can handle any situation with patience and grace if you have your trusty knitting to keep your fingers and your mind occupied. Your travel partner may want to walk around a museum longer than you. The historical site you planned on visiting opens an hour later than the guidebook stated. It's pouring rain so you have to delay your walking tour. You'll always have a back up plan in your bag.
5. You'll meet new people. Knitting is an inviting activity that either fascinates those who have not had any experience with it, or encourages fellow knitters to welcome you into their world. I was in China, it was very rural, and most of the women knit. It was like there was no language barrier at all! We just sat and knit together.
In terms of traveling with knitting needles, you are more than welcome to bring them along in your carry-on, at least according to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards. On US flights, knitting needles are not considered sharp objects, be they metal or wood. You never know if your TSA agent will be in the mood to take extreme measures however, so it's always a good idea to bring a self-addressed envelope so you can send your project to yourself instead of having to throw it into the bin of scissors, water bottles and other non-approved objects.
Traveling abroad is a different matter. When traveling through Heathrow last summer, I did my research ahead of time and learned that knitting needles were not appreciated; I was forced to read during my eight hour flight. Check with your airline ahead of time to avoid any security inconvenience. Then again, if you've ever met a knitter, they're probably at the bottom of the list of security threats.
Thanks Angela!
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Gear








Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Elizabeth Mar 14th 2008 9:58AM
I found that knitting socks was a great way to pass the time when I travel by train (which is always delayed!) They're small and easy to pack, and don't take up much "elbow" room. One time we were delayed en route for over two hours in the middle of no where. The knitting kept my hands busy and kept my stress level down.
Super Zoe Mar 14th 2008 2:35PM
I have been wanting to take up knitting but am worried it is too hard (I am not craft-crafty, only tricky-crafty.) You make a good case!
Angela at mommy bytes Mar 14th 2008 2:08PM
Amen! I totally agree with the knitting and MP3 player as well as being a great conversation starter and breaking through the language barrier. I have had no issues bringing needles from the US to Canada and back. Circular needles probably don't draw as much attention on the x-ray machines as long straight needles. Then again, scissors are sometimes a problem, I usually pack a pair of nail clippers with my knitting for when I need to cut yarn.
Marilyn Terrell Mar 14th 2008 6:01PM
Thanks for this helpful post. You need to meet our knitting travel blogger friend Lolly of Lolly Knitting Around, who had a great time checking out the knitters in Peru:
http://intelligenttravel.typepad.com/it/2007/10/peruvian-knitti.html
Angela Mar 14th 2008 9:32PM
Here's a shot of a man knitting hats in Turkey:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonfever0/184089295/