I am working on a collection of patterns that reflect what I enjoy about knitting, called "Portable Knitting for the Common Good." Here's what I mean by that.
Knitting bag and contents
"Portable Knitting"
I love to take my knitting everywhere, so I want it to be easy to carry. Over many years of knitting, I have collected and developed projects, patterns and accessories that make my knitting easily portable and compatible with whatever else I am doing. I knit through every kind of sports practice my kids participated in. I knit while waiting at the airport, at the dentist, in the emergency room (not as the patient), riding in the car, during fishing trips while others fish, anywhere there is knitting opportunity.
"For"
I like to make things to give away to others, and I want them to be things that people actually want and can use. I have made hats, gloves, shawls, baby booties, and socks to give away. I want the recipients of my projects to like them and use them. I try not to give away ugly knitting, which I know happens more than we like to think about, and has happened to me, and I may have done myself. But I try hard to avoid this.
Fern and Flower Shawl
"The Common Good"
Most of my projects are made from natural fiber yarn that will eventually biodegrade, which is better for the planet than using manufactured fibers. As mentioned, the pieces are designed for use, so (I hope) they are good for the recipient. And, not least, they enable me to have my knitting easily on hand, so they are also good for me.
Portable knitting ready to go
The Pattern Format
My patterns are formatted to print on a single page, and then the page is folded into a small form, usually a booklet. The format is designed to be, guess what, easily portable. It neatly tucks into my perfect knitting bag. No crumpled photocopied pages flapping around. If a row counter is needed, it is tied to the instructions, for convenience.
"Knitting for the Common Good, Volume One," a trio of triangular shawl patterns, is available here.
Pattern booklet
Enjoy Your Knitting
Knitting is a completely optional activity. We would not be knitting if we didn't enjoy it. My hope for this pattern collection is to make knitting more convenient so you can spend more time doing it. It is easy to grab your ultralight compact perfect knitting bag as you run out the door. Maybe you will find some knitting time.
Knitting in Zion National Park