What do you have to have by your side while you crochet?

[aliassak]

What do you have to have by your side while you crochet?

 

Extra hooks?

Stitch markers?

Tape measure to check guage?

Scissors?

 

Those are the ones that come readily to mind, but is there anything else gadget-wise that is a must while you're working a pattern?

 

I'm just curious to see what kind of responses this will get! <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/scratchchin.gif" />

 

(note: edited by yarntomato to add complete question to subject line )

[Julie]

Those things, yes... for me, usually, a couple of hooks of various sizes, scissors, a yarn needle, tape measure.

 

Also, very important, a nail file. Because the yarn will find those little snags on my fingernails that I don't necessarily feel. There is nothing more annoying than having to hunt for a nail file after stitching for a few minutes. So I have them with my supplies at each place I stitch. Including in the car, if Rick is driving. <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/veryhappy.gif" />

[Tiffany]

I try to keep a notebook and pen close by for when I sit down to design a pattern or want to make a few changes to a pattern I'm working on. Sometimes I fall in love with a stitch and write down the instructions and name to google later.

 

Mostly I keep my hook holder near by, stocked with needles, scissors and extra hooks, plus a knit gauge.

[RachelG]

I usually have a little case with a needle to weave in ends, snipping scissors, and two or three steel hooks I always use. I don't usually make projects where I need stitch markers or things like that.

 

Rachel

www.crochetpatterncentral.com

[becjac67]

omg this is a funny question because I always get teased by my husband about having to have "my life" all around me when I work on something. I usually have my whole case of hooks by me, tape measure, stitch markers, file, scissors, notebook, a drink, my digital camera and my phone LOL. I'm probably even leaving some things out but I like to settle in when I'm working on something and have everything I might possibly need by my side.

[Guest SamplerLady]

Have to have by your side while you crochet?

I have one of those metal AOL disk cases which holds a magnet, my stork scissors, my metal yarn needle and my measuring tape key ring. My crochet hook will also fit in it so I can pack everything but my yarn up in it. My yarn, pattern, and project are in a basket with a handle so it can be transported from room to room. )

 

[shelbyro]

Great question!

 

I keep my work bag by me, which has the hooks, snippers, needle, pattern, pen, etc.

 

A nail file is a great idea to add to the bag--why the heck didn't I think of that?!

 

Also, a cup of coffee or soda, the phone, and the tv remote control.

[RebeccaVelasquez]

funny - i think we are all the same

 

i have this great tapestry project bag with the perfect number of pockets. it contains:

a click counter, small scissors, stitch holder clip (remember-my young kiddos) 3 hooks (sz of pattern, 1 up, 1 down) tiny tape measure on a knitting counter(it was my grandmothers), little spiral with pen, plastic needle, stitch markers in film case, contact drops, pattern and my yarn. in an outer side pocket i keep a fresh bottle of water. always by my side - hot cup o'joe

 

i get my nails done, so i don't need a file. great idea though!

[Nay65]

I have a plastic pencil box with my hooks, tape measure, pad, pencil, pen, highlighter, & stitch markers that I keep on the end table. For the project I'm working on, I have the hook for that project, the pattern for that project, a magnet with my yarn needles & a couple safety pins, my scissors, something to drink and a scrunchie.

[MommaChelle]

Very good question! I have my yarn/thread that Im working with my hook case which holds all my crochet hooks, scissors, yarn needles and thread needles, and tweezers, polyester or cotton filling, a cup of something to drink *usually soda*, the remote (since Im usually in front of the tv ), and the phone so I dont have to get up to answer it in the middle of my work. I have a nice comfy recliner with a side table where I put everything.

[4PJ]

You know I was reading everyone's responses and I say ditto to most (yes, nail file that is one item I'm ADDING) and got to thinking why I have so many little things, so many little containers -love the idea of the AOL disk holder....now THAT is recycling!!! Now I know what they are good for instead of the trash! I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one that has to get 'set' before crafting...(whether it's knitting or crocheting or quilting) You know it takes about 10 minutes Great question posed :thumbsup

[ladywyntir]

Normally my work is in a plastic shopping bag and the hooks i need.

 

hahaha so little... i normally bring two projects with me in case i get frustrated, or if i run out of yarn (i like to crochet on the go a lot) and i ALWAYS forget my scissors... so i end up working on the other project... hee hee.

 

mostly i just need space to be comfortable. a lot of my creations don't involve patterns (i've tried them... but don't seem to have the patience to go through them all the time) so it's just me and my imagination.

 

when i'm at home, i just sprawl out on my floor, or on the couch with yarn everywhere (so it doesn't tangle.. hee hee) and my hook.

[LI Roe]

I usually have scissors, the little zippered pouch with all my hooks and sewing needles in it and the tape measure, the empty liquor box I converted into a yarn holder (left the dividers in it so that each skein has its own little home), other skeins of yarn and books and patterns (since I usually have a couple of projects going at the same time), the remote if I am on the couch. If I am outside, then I have a little tote bag with the basics (yarn, hook, pattern and sewing needle). And I usually forget something anyway so I am constantly hopping off the couch or chaise lounge. LOL

 

LI Roe

[4PJ]

great idea LI Roe! A liquer box with the dividers for the yarn!! It's great to hear about everyones 'tools'.....gosh can you imagine life without any of these priceless things?

[Guest hooky emmy]

Of course, I have to have my zippered case that's slam full of all of my hooks. I still keep my needles in the package they came in - it's a handy way to have the different sizes ready. My scissors, of course, and since like doing a lot of work with my Q hook, my stitch markers are usually necessary, for the first few rows, anyway.

 

I also keep a notebook of all the projects I work on, including start-to-finish dates, yarn brands/dye lots/types, etc. for me to go back to in case I want to make the same project for a friend. I find this helpful since I get comments on projects I've already made - I usually remember the comments around Christmastime! Other than that, my pillows, a drink, my phone, and the remote.

[Ambersafghans]

I keep record of my projects as well. But that is mainly because my work is my business. But I am still fine tuning my list. Adding info I need to it. What are the most helpfull pieces of info that you find neccesary for duplicating a piece?

Amber

[Guest hooky emmy]

Colors and stitches. My best friend will look at a particular part of something I've made and say, "Ooooh, I like that!" and I'll need to remember the exact pattern and stitch sequence I used.

 

As for the colors, before I kept logs of my projects I used to take swatches of yarn into the store to try and match the color (while also trying to remember the brand I had used) and would often come home with skeins that I thought would match a color that I had used in a project, only to find I was wrong . Sooo... keeping tabs on the brand and colors/dye lots became extremely helpful.

[Guest ceeceecrochets]

Scissors, something to drink, and most importantly, hand lotion! I can't stand it when my dry hands snag the yarn.

[jennmwalsh]

Mostly, I just need what I'm working on, scissors if I expect to be cutting, my pattern book, and a piece of paper and a pen to mark off rows, if need be. Water, and the remote, like other people have said, is also a must

[Sonny321]

I have my hook bag, pattern I am working on, or the book or written istructions for the pattern stitch I'm using if it's something complicated, water tea or coffee, yarn and actual project and the container I store it in, and nail clippers, the nail clippers because I can NEVER ever find a pair of scissors when I need them, my kids use them and forget where they put them. So on my keychain I keep some nail clippers so that I am always able to snip a strand of yarn where ever I happen to be crocheting.

[threeolivemartini]

i have my box of hooks .. a pair of very sharp scissors... a nail file for my nails and also for my wooden hooks in case of splinters...i usually have something to drink... a special yarn holder thing i made for myself... (i use alot of cone yarn and it comes off easier if you pull from the top so i engineered myself something that would do that ) and the most favourite and best thing of all .. i do my work in a large chair... like a chair and a half ... so my boston terrier lays beside me while i work .. he is such a good helper !

[Ambersafghans]

I carry my small scissors in an old pen container. It's perfect. lately I've had to have a kleenex supply with me when I crochet. Allergies have kicked in. AAAACHOOO!

Amber

[viviskins]

I loved reading everyone's answers!

 

Also, very important, a nail file. Because the yarn will find those little snags on my fingernails that I don't necessarily feel. There is nothing more annoying than having to hunt for a nail file after stitching for a few minutes. So I have them with my supplies at each place I stitch. Including in the car, if Rick is driving.

 

I too have to have a nail file. I have four kids and am very rough on my hands and washing them all the time! HAVE to have a nail file and clippers incase I lose my scissors which happens at least once a night

 

I have a bag I received with a makeo-up gift with purchase thingie? and it is the perfect bag for carrying around my necessities and whatever patterns I'm working on or want to work on and plenty of yarn. I don't go anywhere without it. I also like to have "everything" around me before and during my crocheting time. I hate getting up to answer the phone!

[eurolyons]

My cat Yoda...

 

True, but seriously, scissors, tape measure, patterns, yarn, yarn, and more yarn than should be allowed...

[MsSunflwr]

I usually only have my scissors, the pattern, the remote, a cold drink, my tape measure, my cat Baloo likes to lay beside me, and since I have been making tons of ponchos, I keep a hardback book, the cover is perfect for wrapping the yarn around and making fringe, I hate using cardboard.