Beth asks:
What would you recommend for a ‘basic knitting survival kit’ ie: what are the most essential sizes of needles/crochet hooks to have/put in a pack that could have the widest range of applications… or a list in order of importance.
In my hobby knitting I usually go for the biggest size needle and yarn so it goes faster, but that’s probably not as effective for a survival pack.
The Survival Mom:
In regards to having a knitting kit, I would just pull together as many needles, hooks, and yarns as possible. Tiny double point needles, say size 2 or 3, will be needed for knitting things like socks. The size of regular needles I use most often is usually a 6, 7, 8, and 9. When you find inexpensive circular needles in those sizes, buy them.
You’ll need a small tape measure, a small pair of scissors, a few needles to weave yarn ends through the finished piece, and stitch markers of some sort. Also, grab how-to books and pattern books whenever you find them. I refer to my knitting books all the time whenever I have questions about a stitch or reading a pattern.
I have found knitting and crochet supplies at estate sales. Just buy whatever you find, including yarn. Only the yarn takes up much space. The other supplies could all be kept in a shoebox size container.
Have fun putting this together!
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Knitting garments takes a lot longer than crocheting. A pair of socks has nearly as many stitches as a sweater. Knitting is a good skill to acquire, but it takes time. I’m a master knitter and instructor. I also have 3 “hand” knitting looms. Like knitting machines. I can make a sweater that you would think is hand knit in about an hour. All those fancy “hand made” knit sweaters are done that way. Even the Aran and Irish knits. It is “legal” to call them hand made because they are, but they are not hand knit. If we have a breakdown and I can get yarn, I’ll do a lot of bartering with my knitting looms. The time to hand knit a garment makes it not worth doing as a barter or paid thing to do. Knitting for your family is a different matter, but I’d still go with the looms for everyday garments. I can hand crochet an afghan in about 1/10th the time of knitting. Knitting is more satisfying, though. Young women are getting into it…I was in college when I started. Now “old!”