I started taking a poll and talking to fellow machine knitters about how they handled their tools. What I found out is more knitters than not keep their tools in a tool kit rather than keeping a set with each machine. This idea kind of bothered me too. I was worried about loosing the tools I have with each machine. YET the idea of pooling the tools kept coming up. I decided to give it a go. I wanted a tool box where I could have an area for standard tools and and area for the bulky tools. I didn't want to mix them. I also needed a tool kit that wouldn't be too heavy to carry. I also told myself I'd use a Sharpie to label the tools with which machine they go to in case I want to put them all back.
I found the above organizer at Target. It has three levels and is a very good size for the tools. I labeled the tools and put them into it. I carried it to my first meeting. It worked out great. It wasn't too heavy. What I found out later was it works great at home. More than great really. I'm very clumsy with my tools when I'm working. I put them onto the lid of the knitting machine as it sits behind the machine on the stand. Problem is I don't put them down in the same spot. They get under the yarn. Under the pattern. Who knows where they go sometimes. I spend more times looking for tools than knitting. Well, at least it feels like that. With this new organizer I use tools out of it and place them back into it. I only have to look in a 6"X 9" area. It's been such a relief to find my tools when I'm concentrating on a machine knitting project.
"I spend more times looking for tools than knitting. Well, at least it feels like that".
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to that. I love your idea about a tool kit but I only have one machine. I keep my tools in a large mug by the machine but rarely put them back after using them. I just lay them down and like you say they get covered up. I just have to be more organised I guess!