"You do not find the happy life. You make it.”

― Camilla Eyring Kimball

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Hello there fellow knitter!

This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Starbucks love Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

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Knitspiration

👜 Putting Together the Perfect Knitting Bag

The other day some members of the Yarnist Society were talking about knitting emergencies, and what you should have in your bag.

So I thought it would be good opportunity to put together my *perfect* knitting bag.

There's quite a few items so let's get into it:

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Leudes Knitting Bag • $29.99 on Amazon​

The first thing we need is a place to put our project, needles, notions, and other accessories.

There are a few reasons why I like this bag:

• Enough capacity to hold 15 skeins of yarn (100g each)
• Plenty of pockets to store essential items
• Water bottle pocket on the side
• Grommets to thread your project yarn through (great for managing colorwork!)
• Clear device pocket so you can operate a tablet.
• Travel strap to hold it in place on your luggage while traveling
• 11 colors to choose from
• Affordable!

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Interchangeable Knitting Needles • $75-$249 on Amazon​

This is one of two more expensive items on this list, but the only one I think is essential.

There is no better investment for a serious knitter than a set of quality interchangeable knitting needles.

You can use them for almost ANYTHING, and if you learn to knit Magic Loop you can even forgo owning double pointed needles.

I'm a HUGE fan of the Addi Click series. I have been using the Lace Clicks shown above for over 10 years, and I bought a set of the Bamboo Clicks a couple years back. I even plan to purchase their Rocket Square Clicks and maybe the Olive wood ones too.

They are by far the easiest to use, the cables don't have much memory, the needles are high quality, and I LOVE the compact magnetic wallets they come in. 😍

But, if you're looking for a more affordable option, the Knit Picks Options are a decent value for your money.

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Knitting notions kit • $9.99 $6.99 on Amazon​

There are a few knitting notions I believe are essential.

This kit has most of them and a few more for a very reasonable price.

Plus it comes with a handy organizer to keep everything easy to find.

But here's a list of what I think this should include:

• Yarn snips or scissors (I like this one)
• Tailors measuring tape (This one is VERY popular)
• Locking removable stitch markers (You'll never run out of these)
• Darning needles (These have big eyelets)

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Gauge ruler • $12.99 $8.74 on Amazon​

Now you might be thinking, I already have a measuring tape, why do I need a gauge ruler?

I like these square swatch rulers because they make it A LOT easier to count your stitches. Just count what's in the middle square and you're good to go!

It's lightweight and flexible and even has a needle gauge.

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Repair hook • $11.99 $6.76 on Amazon​

This is one you may not have every heard of, but they are super useful!

I was turned onto these by a designer many years ago.

They're perfect for repairing dropped stitches, counting gauge, picking up stitches along the edge of your work, working bobbles, and more.

You wouldn't think having a hook on one end and a point on the other would make a huge difference but it really does!

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Needle extension tubes • ​$10.98 on Amazon​​

There are places that sell these tubes in special packaging with a few feet of length.

But it's the same stuff as this rubber tubing.

So what do you use it for?

Well you slip the hollow tubing over the tips of your needles, and you can spread your work out to try it on.

Very simple idea but incredibly useful. They also work as waste yarn for holding stitches!

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Optional (But still really useful)

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Neck light • ​​$28.99 $19.99 on Amazon​​​

The other day I did a whole article on lighting options for crafting.

This is one that is very nice to have because it's portable and discreet.

And I love the faux leather details on the Enclize brand featured above.

Plus it comes in a bunch of lovely colors.

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Knitting Pattern Keeper by Knit Picks • ​​$20.99 on Amazon​​​

If you're someone who likes to print out your patterns, this little magnetic board is a lifesaver.

It allows you to easily track your place in a chart or pattern, and keep it at a nice angle for hands free viewing.

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Digital Mobile Tablet • ​​$139.99 $74.99 on Amazon​​​

I'm an Apple guy but I know an iPad is not in everyone's price range.

However I think having a digital tablet for storing and viewing tutorials and patterns is darn close to a necessity these days.

The great thing about an Amazon Fire tablet is you can also watch videos, read or listen to books, and even use apps like...

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KnitCompanion • Free (with in-app purchases)​

There are very few *essential* knitting apps, but this might be one of them.

It allows you to import PDFs and track your progress through a pattern.

There's chart tracking, and even video tutorials as well.

Plus they have a library of patterns that have been optimized for KnitCompanion to give you the best experience possible!

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Conclusion

So there you have it!

This is close to my perfect bag.

But what do you think?

Did I miss an item you would have included?

Hit reply an let us know!

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Announcements

FREE EVENT: Colorwork Knitting Weekend

Join us October 17-20th as we spend 4-Days diving into the wonderful world of colorwork.

With more than 25 sessions on almost every type of colorwork, there's something for knitters of all skill levels!

Register for FREE Today!

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Fiber Finds

Daily Stitch Raised Circles Cable This decorative detail uses small cable stitches that mirror each other. ​Learn this stitch​

Book Recommendation The Lost Flock by Jane Cooper Follow an epic true story of a woman who moved to a remote island to save the rarest sheep breed on earth. ​Get it on Amazon​

Today's Yarn Deal KnitPicks holding a 3 Day Flash Sale on their Hawthorne yarn. Pick up some of this lovely superwash highland wool in fingering or DK weight! ​Save 30% on Hawthorne Yarn​

Pattern Pick Camp Fire Wrap by Fiona Munro This large wrap is the perfect cozy accessory for taking on a cabin escape. Wear it by the camp fire to keep warm on a cool evening outdoors. ​Get the FREE pattern here​

Virtual Knit Night • Wed Oct 2 Meet other fearless knitters during this free LIVE community event. ​RSVP FOR FREE TODAY!​

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Knits & Giggles

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Thanks for reading!

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Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs:

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Look at you reading all the way to the end!

Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. 🤯

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Narva Mnt 15, Tallinn, 10120