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It’s no secret: I am one hell of a busy girl. Its the end of March and I’ve spent the last 6 weeks flitting between the US and Netherlands, with another trip to Stockholm imminent… oh, and did I mention I’m heading to Korea, then Australia in about a month? The one thing I can’t live without, is a yarny project. In fact, my Afterglow Top test knit has done the last lot of airmiles with me, and I’m already planning my ‘travel projects’. All I can say is, I’m glad my hobby is a portable one…

While a ‘one skein project’, like ones you can find in this post here is a good start, I can often find that one skein is not enough, especially on a 2 week work trip or holiday. With hand-luggage I find I want a project that won’t involve a lot of colour changing (and thus, a need for scissors… or my car keys to break yarn), and something that won’t include a lot of mental maths while I’m beach-side.

Things you should keep in mind when bringing your portable project along for a trip include:

1. Hand-luggage/baggage requirements. How much bikini-space am I willing to sacrifice for more yarn, and how much am I likely to actually use? [pay attention to weight limits]
2. How comfortable am I with accidentally spilling my margarita or getting beach water on my yarn? [look for harder-wearing yarns]
3. How many notions am I going to need for this project? [think: no scissors in your hand-luggage]
4. Is this project going to relax me, or involve mental-strain? [I’m on holiday, afterall]

Last years trip to Montenegro, taught me that multiple balls of yarn being worked up simultaneously was not the right thing to do. I spent more days getting tangled and un-tangling than actually enjoying the process while away.

If you’re a knitter, anything in mindless stockinette is a good way to go, but either knitting or crochet, my best advice is to set-up your project before you leave. You don’t want to find that you’ve brought the wrong hook or needle and are now getting the wrong gauge – scrambling around to find a yarn shop is not the best way to spend your holiday…

PS – if you want a gift for your busy friend (or yourself), then check out this post!

#1 – Long Summer Crochet Duster by Briana K Designs

I will always advocate for a project that you can start, finish and wear on a trip away, and for me, this pattern ticks all the boxes. Made up of a 2-row repeat, and using one colour, it’s mindless and portable enough to both zone out on the beach with enough going on in its repeat to keep you interested, without weighing down your suitcase.

Get the pattern here.

#2 – Canyon Top by Love, Aly

Yarn sourced on holiday, started and finished while away, this is a project that will quickly turn around and give you that sense of achievement that comes with completion of any project. Only a few skeins will have you with an increased summer holiday wardrobe in no time.

Get the pattern here.

#3 – Emilia Tank by GracefortheFrills

Forever a lover of simplicity, and with a silhouette I love, this super cute tank again expands on a summer wardrobe made in-situ. The pattern is also a freebie-which is an added bonus for any spending-savvy crocheter.

Get the pattern here.

#4 – The Albatross Hooded Cardigan by Hailey Bailey

A bit more time on your hands? How about sitting yourself down with this super-cosy number made with some super-cosy aran-weight yarn! A little thought required, but easy to try-on and measure against yourself – it won’t be a struggle to achieve a beautiful snuggly cardigan from wherever you might be in the world.

Get the pattern here.

#5 – Zen Garden Shawl by Carolyn Calderon

If you want a little thought involved in your portable project- why not grab a skein or two of colour-changing (ombre) yarn for a lovely shawl? I made this shawl myself a few years ago from the comfort of my hammock at home, and the anticipation of reaching the shell edging kept me motivated to finish this gorgeous little number.

Get the pattern here.

#6 – Simply Swirled Beanie by Alyse Crochet

Only away for a few nights? Try a super speedy project in this cute little hat by AlyseCrochets. A skein of bulky-weight yarn is all it takes, so is guaranteed not to take up too much space in your luggage- hand or checked!

Get the pattern here.

I’m trying to keep to my Ravelry queue for the first time ever, so already have a full-roster of projects I’m hoping to make alongside my jetsetter schedule. Check out my intentions here.

Wishing you a bon-voyage wherever your portable project might take you, even if thats sat in the car at the supermarket! Tee hee…