Saturday, March 7, 2009

Nesting with my Needles

The count down is officially on for the arrival of the new baby bunny - and it seems I am refusing to slow down. I had planned that I would spend these last few weeks as a 'resting' period. Where I could curl up on the sofa, watch movies, generally pamper myself and the large bump I'm hauling around - most of all stacking up on some extra sleep that I won't be getting for the next 3 months. However it seems that I am still running around doing things at full tilt, brisk doggie walks in the park - like the most energized pregnant person you have seen - occasionally I might pass out for a quick 'nap' (of a couple of hours or so .... hum.)

This week, ignoring all the baby orientated things I should be doing, I spent a day pulling together my first knitting needle organizer. Before I could begin on my pattern I had to first sort through the pile of knitting needles I kept loose in this bag. The bag had done a sterling job for a while - but as my knitting needle collection has grown it has become harder to find needles quickly - or even know what needles I have. For example I had completely given up on trying to find my beloved chunky cable needle and my naff blue plastic needle I love to use to sew knitted pieces together. But once the bag was emptied properly I discovered that they had been hiding in there all along! Some time ago my mother had also given me a large collection of old knitting needles. I did discard the bent ones but I was still left with a whole array of different lengths and sizes. How would I measure all these strange unmarked sizes? Luckily I had an antique bell gauge in amongst the collection as well ... ... which I soon learned was not that helpful as many of the old UK sizes do not really exist anymore. So I have learnt quite a lot about old knitting UK needle sizes and in the process I discovered the crazy (yet impressive) art of miniature knitting.

I decided to make my needle organizer from some left over pieces of Amy Butler's Lotus fabric, some left over cotton batting and some left over bias tape (I tend never to throw any fabric bits away - believing it will come in useful at some point!) It was a super easy and fast project.
Unrolled it measures 21"h x 23"w. Rolled up it measures 15"h x 4.5"w (depending on how many needles you have stuffed in there of course!) It has 4 layers of pockets for different length needles. The bottom pockets are extra wide to hold your circular needles. In total there are 50 different pockets.There is also a crafty 6" flap at the top of the organizer that folds over and secures with cute side ties to stop the needles falling out once it is all rolled up.
This all means that now I have a full inventory of my needles and I can waste yet more hours, put aside for baby stuff, on the Ravelry needle page! Being able to deny that your life is about to change in a momentous way can be a fabulous thing!

17 comments:

Sue said...

Hmmmm! I've never been able to keep my needles organized to my satisfaction. Maybe because I get lazy and don't put them back properly when I'm finished with them.

I like your knitting bag. It looks like it'll hold a nice sized project.

Locket Pocket said...

Totally WOW!!!!! That knitting needle roll is absolutely FANTASTIC! Would you mind if I made myself one like it? I can't believe how clever it is with all its different layers of pockets! FAB!

Lucy x

Chocolate Cat said...

That is a pretty special needle holder! Looking forward to hearing about the arrival of 'baby bunny'!

dottycookie said...

Lovely knitting organisation!

And I've never met anyone who rested before their first baby. By the time the second one comes along you realise it would be a good idea but there's absolutely no chance of actually managing it!

driftwood said...

what a lovely organizer!
you won't believe how your life will change, but it is in such a wonderful way. xxxx

Kitty said...

The needle/hook organiser is gorgeous - well done you! As for resting before the baby comes ... nope, you don't do that! Have you got to the stage yet where you clean like a lunatic and can't stop? With No.2 I had a desperate urge to paint. My ex went to work one day and when he got back the kitchen was pink. It was a compulsion I couldn't resist! x

kristin said...

seems like you're doing plently to keep your mind off the due date...yes, your energy is admirable!

hetty said...

You can deny it, but the change in your life is definitely going to happen. Glad you're feeling so energetic!
I love your knitting needle organizer. I made one something like that a few years ago, only I didn't put a flap on it to hold the needles in place. Maybe I should add one.

edward and lilly said...

The needle roll is lovely and a fabulous way to keep organised!

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Great needle case. Beautiful and functional!

Lily Boot said...

Ah Rachael! Preparing for the baby. It is such a beautiful time in life - but don't worry if you're not doing it "properly"! I'm a great believer in we will do what we need to do and what doesn't get done will be fine. And whilst you may long wistfully for a nice long quiet afternoon and uninterrupted sleep once in a while after the baby arrives - there's so much that is wonderful and amazing about life with the new little one that it is irrelevant what you did before she/he came. And I love your needle roll - I've always wanted to make one but haven't yet had the patience. And who cares if the bell needle size detector is a little outdated - it's gorgeous! :-) Enjoy your days - I'm sure you are longing to meet your little rabbit asap :-)

LizzieJane said...

What a wonderful needle roll, I love the fabric you chose.
You must be getting so excited as your due date is getting closer...I know we all are, we can't wait to see your new little bunny!
x

Kristyn Knits said...

thanks for stopping by my blog! I appreciate your kind comment.

love your needle roll! great idea.

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Kellie said...

Even this non-knitter can see that that little organiser would work a charm!!! Looks great! Hope you do put your feet up from time to time before the bunny hops into your lives :)

Di said...

I love your needle roll! It's great fabric, and that needle sizer is amazing!

Anonymous said...

wow such a lovely organiser, my needles are a collection donatd by familly in a very ugly zip case! I don't remember resting before Miss T came along though, iIt was after she arrived and when she naped that I put my feet up.