The thought of relaxing on a sun lounger is appealing, and there are always good books to read, but the crafter often finds that they have “restless fingers” if they don’t have a project to work on.
So what are the best things to take poolside or to the beach?
Simple Projects
The holiday is about pleasure, not work, and so relatively straightforward items which are easy to put down and pick up again are a good choice. Unless, of course, you know that you’re going to have some quality time to yourself, in which case, this might be the opportunity to try that complicated stitch pattern that you’ve been putting off.
Lightweight Items
Think of your luggage allowance as you pack your knitting or crochet. Lighter items are also easier to carry from your room to the pool. This may mean small items (for babies or children) or lacy projects.
Yarn Types
The combination of heat and sunscreen is likely to make your hands sticky, and so you want to knit or crochet in yarns which are smooth and comfortable to work. Leave the mohair at home, and stick to cottons and natural fibres.
Preparing Your Pattern
Copying patterns is not usually recommended, as it breaches copyright. However, it is probably sensible to take a copy of the pattern that you’re taking on vacation. It can be written on, folded and creased without you worrying about whether or not you can use it again.
Notions and Storage
As well as taking the yarn and needles or hooks that you will be using, don’t forget to take any notions that you need, including scissors, tape measures, row counters and stitch markers. It is also sensible to keep all of your craft things in a separate bag, so that there is no need to worry about leaking water or sunscreen bottles.
Crafting While you Travel
Knitting or crochet is a great way to make your journey go faster. However, if you’re flying to your holiday destination, check with your carrier; in these security conscious times, many airlines will not allow crochet hooks or knitting needles in the cabin.
Enjoy your Craft
The main thing about your vacation is that it is a chance to break from the routine and pressure of your working life. With this in mind, don’t turn your crafting into a chore or create targets; this is another way to relax on vacation, and so it should be a pleasurable activity. If you come home with a finished item, then great, but if not, then you will at least be well on the way to another handcrafted object in which you can take great pride and joy.
Lesley Arnold-Hopkins - Lesley Arnold-Hopkins is a freelance writer whose work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a number of fields. She has an ...
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