my knit and crochet projects for a MONTH on the road (project planning)

[@marjoriesolomon4955]

Here’s an idea: leave the blanket as is. When you return, finish the blanket with 8 more yarns. Then, use the remaining states to collect yarn to make pillow shams and you can have a SET that covers all 50 states.

[@KnittyNatty]

Ooh that's a cool idea!

[@ebbaclaesson]

I would crochet each hexie and add them later on! You could send the hexies home to your parents.

[@KnittyNatty]

I totally could!

[@HappyHayleyW]

Aw I’m so glad - it was me who left the comment about working on the current month in your BoK and working on any backlog as and when it suits. I’m glad it’s been helpful. Happy stitching x

[@aksez2u]

Every time Natalie mentions that, I think about how similar advice is given for scrapbooking your pictures and ephemera: Start with your most current photos and items and work backwards!

[@cherylmorrison2803]

Great organization and project selections! Safe travels and happy knitting!

[@DanasWanderlustCrochet]

No blanket left behind ha ha! For me personally I would love to see you complet it with the last 24 but it is your blanket, your yarn, and your time. ❤

[@KnittyNatty]

The door is not closed, or rather the ring 😜😜😜 Okay that was terrible lol! All that to say, I could totally still end up adding everything to the hexie blanket at the end!

[@lieslnew8247]

Perfect timing for me. We’re heading off in our caravan for 12 weeks in 3 weeks time and I am desperately trying to work out what projects I’m taking with me. 😊

[@wooldashery-kerrycoganbrown]

Project planning + organization are my favorite video types! This was another great one! Safe travels as you hit the road again 😊

[@joannmitchell8371]

You could start a sock walk around the world. Socks made of yarn from certain area. Pattern from different places. Socks representing places you visited. Socks are portable, used every day, and use less yarn economical. Joi

[@onesweetlife2469]

Love your project planning and organization videos! Maybe I shouldn’t say this but…I’m really looking forward to when you’re in 1 spot again. I like those videos the best! Love that Travelers hoodie ❤

[@bobbipersinger4609]

hey there. Love your content. Just a tip for a great yarn store if you travel through Wisconsin. A very nice town in southwest Wisconsin called Viroqua. Yarn store is Ewetopia. They are great people and also have a fiber mill and farm as well. If you make it to this town please have lunch up the street at the driftless Cafe, all locally sourced foods. Enjoy this leg of your adventure!

[@sophievibesmakes]

For state yarn, you could collect a few in a region and make wall hangings, placemats, pillow cover, coaster set, or a tote bag!

[@ErynnMann]

Wow! You knit the twisted tee very quickly. Looks great. 😊

[@wendystaples5906]

I love another blanket idea..may I suggest the Bits & Bobs by Kay Jones of the Bakery Bears. You can hold yarn double and knit even stripes or randomized to help use up scraps.

[@EvieO1950]

Excited for y’all to be back out there!! Good job getting things in that one cabinet!!

[@nicoledoyal8386]

What a fun video. When you were gathering minis and cleaning project bags, I was like “oh thank goodness, I’m not the only one with random mini balls of yarn here, there and everywhere!”

[@Millie.C]

I love organizing. So organizing + yarny projects = 🩷🩷

[@michellekitson5405]

Hi Natalie. Thanks for showing us how you organise your projects for your next adventure in the van. I love your twisted tea shirt. The Ruby and Yarn roses yarns are just gorgeous. I have brought alot of yarn from Addy and just ordered from her Flowers go Wild collection too. It will be ages before I get them as I am in Western Australia but can't wait. I use mostly her yarn now as just love the colours for mostly knitting socks. I think leaving the hexie blanket behind and now finishing it is a good idea since you aren't feeling the joy anymore. Safe travels.

[@christielamb2894]

Hi Natalie, I have enjoyed your travel adventures so much! I'm thinking that you, Kent and Toaster could do Canada next! 😉😉. Or, maybe check out Shetland Wool Week in Scotland? I heard about that from my Dr. She and her daughter attended last year and had an amazing time. I wish I had the sock yarn scraps quantities you've accumulated. I'm just still in the slowpoke learning stages and using up odd ball 50 g skeins of sock yarn I had picked up to make fingerless mitts. I know I'll get scraps eventually but, right now it's not building up fast enough. Lol! I am learning a lot though, especially about adjusting sock patterns to make short versions. You and Kay, the Crazy Sock Lady, keep me inspired and I appreciate you both so much. ✌️💜🧶🧦🤟

[@joanyaffe2367]

I've really been enjoying your travels and adventures. Sounds like you are almost done with the Midwest. Did I miss your travels in Nebraska? I live in Texas now but I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska and was looking forward to seeing it through your eyes.

[@academycute101]

In regards of the blanket: like others have stated you could leave the blanket as is. I would also suggest making scrappy socks for the remaining states and they could also contain your scraps from the states in your blankets. They could be your USA socks and because they are much smaller than your blanket project you can take it with you on the road.

[@karendavis7278]

I recently changed my Starflower Blanket (Tin Can Knits) which is also hexagons from an 8x11 to a 5x7 layout because I was wanting to finish it and start a jellyroll blanket. (Kay Jones) I had to frog some seams and finish 2 more half hexies. But I love the finished blanket and it is perfect for a lap blanket for my camper. And I got to cast on the JellyRoll. Such fun. Such a feeling of accomplishment.

[@KnittyNatty]

That's such a great solution!! Sometimes a project tells you how it wants to be

[@Roanoke-Deb]

The jelly roll blanket is awesome. I use The Crazy Sock Ladie's joining. It's beautiful and fun. I hold 2 fingerings together to make dk weight yarn.

[@KnittyNatty]

That's a really great idea! I've thought about doing a knit blanket for this half of the journey, but I'm a little worried it will take up too much time. I will have to swatch and see!

[@Carola-By-The-Bay]

I’m gradually working on the Battenberg Blanket (Cherry Heart). And, the Market Moss Blanket by Hooked Hazel just caught my eye. Both are crochet. 🥰🧶 I’ve made, and really enjoyed, the Hexie Blanket. (Used my Christmas advent.) It's one of my favorite possessions and thanks to you that I learned about it. 💖

[@jatraveler1277]

so much fun to downsize amd organize. You are so lucky to be able to leave things with your parents. Safe travels.

[@KnittyNatty]

It is! You're right, it's been nice to leave it and worry about it later.

[@kristinahill3708]

I love your planning and organizing videos!

[@knitsandcrochetsnv]

You could do half hexies to square off the edges without adding too much size

[@KnittyNatty]

Ooh I hadn't thought of that! Good idea!

[@heathertucker7056]

Brilliant job Natalie! I loved this video and seeing your choices of projects! So pleased it all fitted in so well- with just an itty bitty space left for a couple of future purchases 🤣 Thank you and take care x

[@Morganroadknits]

Maybe knit the next blanket, the Jelly Roll Blanket.

[@lgbinkley]

I really enjoyed this video Natalie. It helped me feel better about my yarn and motivated me to take time to organize a bit. Maybe this weekend. I know everyone is recommending the Jelly Roll blanket and I am a big fan of it and have one going now. I did mine in DK weight yarn. It is just very satisfying. Can’t wait to see what you decide. Also, can’t wait for your new pattern to come out❤

[@janetjroberson2581]

Hello from Swansea, Illinois.

[@imaginedlandscapes]

You just said “Rheinbeck sweater”’and I realized I’m going for the first time and I need to think about this! Panic

[@KnittyNatty]

Ahh yay!!! I can't wait to see you! Rhinebeck "t-shirt" is also a good option. Sometimes it's warm!

[@sum8572]

Great job 👏 We’re coming to the end of the school year here, so I’m using your tips to sort out my art classroom 🤣

[@MJay77-u9z]

On the road again Have a great time!!

[@KnittyNatty]

Thank you!!

[@knittingwithsheryl]

I have been knitting blankets for my grands

[@beanaasz4069]

Safe travels. Looking forward to seeing your adventures.

[@KnittyNatty]

Thank you!!

[@brittanyhanke]

If you want to make another blanket with the last 24, may I suggest the Jelly Roll blanket? You could make it in strips to keep it small and portable then mattress stitch the strips together at the end! And you can use as much or as little of a skein as you want! 🩷

[@ericamerry4366]

Love planning and organizing videos ❤

[@emilypeterson2108]

My blanket input: Leave the blanket as it is at your folks' place. Continue collecting and recording yarn from each state. Then just wait and see what eventually excites and inspires you. It might be a year from now and it might be another blanket. It might be finishing the hexi blanket. I think keeping your options open until you know for sure is the right choice for now.

[@KnittyNatty]

Thank you so much for this! I think that’s the best idea for me right now!

[@emilypeterson2108]

@@KnittyNatty Also, your next full ring around the hexi blanket could finish it if you only buy one or two yarns from each of your remaining states. You don't have to include as many as you have the first half. Wishing y'all safe travels!

[@SNLstitches]

Hi Knitty Natty! We lived in Alaska for three years while my husband was stationed there with the Army. Not sure if you are going to Fairbanks or not, but if you do, you HAVE to visit North Pole (yes the actual name of the town 😂) and go to Little Richard's Diner! We used to go there every Sunday for breakfast and they have the best food ♥️ oh and of course the Santa clause house! 🎅

[@KnittyNatty]

Oh my goodness that sounds so fun! I don't believe Fairbanks is on the schedule this trip, but I know FOR SURE it won't be our last time to Alaska!

[@charlottecaywood1099]

This was such a good watch 👍🙏

[@diposs937]

Looking forward to seeing you in the northeast!! Happy yarn travels 🧶 🚐

[@ajpayne75]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video Natalie. Thanks for taking us along on all your travels!! I live in Anchorage Alaska and can’t wait for your visit here. I’m really hoping things will work out and I’ll get to meet you. Any idea what stores you’re planning to visit?

[@9dnoble]

I think you should make a sweet shop blanket for the next 24 states.

[@jennlewis1639]

Love watching all of your adventures and knits you've been working on. You could make a stripped tubular scarf/infinity scarf with your remaining state suvinar skeins. Just a thought. Love your plans for the next few projects. Thanks for sharing. Jenn for Oregon

[@jeandekeyser6262]

Dying to know what your stop in Wisconsin will be! Safe travels!

[@KnittyNatty]

Cream City Yarns outside of Milwaukee! We'll be there Sunday!

[@mendezcher]

Use space or vacuum bags! You’d be shocked the space they save. Or just use zip lock and lay on them to squeeze all the air out. When I moved I did that and I was able to fit about twice+ the yarn in one bin!

[@cyndierussell9209]

I’m from Michigan so can’t wait to see what yarn shop you pick to visit. 🧶

[@guitarraroyala]

I hope she goes to Spun (in Ann Arbor)! That's my favorite

[@junimondify]

Is it weird that I am already excited for when you are done traveling and have all the yarn to sort out?

[@KnittyNatty]

Hahaha nope! I’m excited for that too

[@Irocknits]

Hi Natalie, 14 local yarn stores in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. The shop hop in April every year is really fun. They are all within about 1 hour of each other. I teach at almost all of them. Love following your channel. Your trip is epic. Would love to meet you sometime too. Reach out if you need some help navigating any of the shops, happy to help. Where is the Smore Yarn Please bag from? Thanks, Cori -Irocknits Designs.

[@crisreneemakes7178]

Yeah Michigan is my home state. I cannot wait to see where you end up going.

[@KnittyNatty]

I'll be in Ann Arbor at Spun on Thursday!

[@rdeniserhinehart7512]

I meant to say. Leave it there and then when you feel like working on it again you can finish the round and make pillows to round out your states

[@MJay77-u9z]

I've also got one strip done on my jelly roll

[@AbigailV5469]

Please let me know when the Project Bag is availible for testing/purchase! I have been looking for project bag patterns and I love this!

[@KnittyNatty]

I absolutely will! Instagram is usually where I share first!

[@kristyyoung779]

Make a list of the bags you are leaving behind and what project they go with for ease of telling your mom what to ship and ease of your mind to decide what you need her to ship next

[@annettewiggins2220]

Your project planning/ organizing videos are my favorites! I've learned so much from your process. The amount of time I can spend knitting hasn't really changed, but I'm getting more accomplished because I've learned how to be purposeful :-) I waste less time trying to decide what to work on (decision fatigue is real!). Planning and organizing also helps me with WIP and stash guilt. Just this morning I happened to spot an SQ of beautiful Aran in my yarn cabinet, and was immediately overcome with guilt - how long has that just been sitting there? I need to find a project and cast on NOW. Last year I might have succumbed and set aside my current WIPs to find something suitable for this stash, but not now! I added it to my list of future projects and went back to my summer knitting. Congratulations on your new tee, and good luck with your new projects! I've been thinking about the Traveler Hoodie or the Sea Salt for a fall project.

[@KnittyNatty]

Oh wow!! Yes, I relate to this so much!!! I'm so happy to hear you find my process helpful. I sometimes worry I'm just babbling 😅

[@annettewiggins2220]

@@KnittyNatty You're not babbling at all! In fact, I hope you'll write a book or do a workshop someday. I'll volunteer as a case study. 😀

[@jenni8609]

Which yarn stores will you be hitting while you're here in Michigan?? Spun in Ann Arbor and Michigan Fine Yarns in Livonia are wonderful 😍

[@jenni8609]

Haha nevermind! Just saw spun's Instagram that you were there already!

[@YvettePritchard-o2e]

Great job I was wondering how your mom and dad feel about having the yarn at there .place and sending it to you . Toaster looks great

[@KnittyNatty]

The yarn is a drop in the bucket for all the things at my parents' house 😅😅 But we definitely owe them big time for letting us stay so much and store things here. When we finally move away again, we might have to do a special house project for them!

[@YvettePritchard-o2e]

@KnittyNatty it's very sweet of them maybe make one of the blanket you where talking about for your perants that would be cool

[@zm3839]

Curios about the wool soap...I a new to sock knitting and now have several pairs that need tier first wash and not sure what to use...

[@edithboucher5687]

Hi, Ive been watching your channel since 2020 and just love all that you get up to. Thanks for a great channel! Just an idea for the remainder of the "state" yarns': instead of another blanket why not do socks (which you love making) and do them "scrappy" with +- 20 rounds per skein? So you can use 8 different skeins or whatever per sock but not have a giant project to work on. Also an idea for all the leftovers: if I remember correctly you have numbered baggies left from past advents ..... why not make up mini skeins, use you old advent baggies and make up a few advents to give away? You always have extra project bags and goodies you barely use and give away anyways that you can add into these "Knitty Knatty" advents 😊❤

[@KnittyNatty]

These are both such great ideas!!! Thank you!

[@rdeniserhinehart7512]

Finish your ring then make a couple of pillows with the rest of your states yarns

[@brat32179]

I scan all my patterns and put them in Dropbox. I download if I need them offline, but it's worked better for me than having photos.

[@KnittyNatty]

Do you scan on your phone? I'm curious to know more about this!

[@courtneyn.m.1687]

Wow that blanket really is a good size! My two cents: keep it as a memory object of the first half of your states tour! No shame in starting a second object to continue to hold all those memories

[@KnittyNatty]

Oh I'm definitely keeping it! Thank you!

[@courtneyn.m.1687]

@@KnittyNatty ❤️

[@rebeccamolock2564]

What about a scrappy cardigan or sweater with the rest of the yarns. You don’t have to use the entire skeins of each state. 😊❤

[@Proudmom9091]

You could make socks per state and or hats scarf

[@KnittyNatty]

I love that, but I think that would take a really long time!

[@lanageorge5865]

I would just collect the yarn for the next 24 states and send it home so you can work on it when you are more stationary.

[@KnittyNatty]

I'm seriously considering that!

[@PelafinaLievre]

@@KnittyNattyYou could also just do a 16 row border if you want all 50 states in the blanket. Maybe crochet border?

[@heatherr9201]

What if you leave the blanket as is for now… and leave it behind….when you get new yarn make a new hexie and do whatever else you decide to with the yarn and mail the leftover yarn and hexie home like you have been doing with the extra yarns… then after your trip you can add them or use in other ways

[@pammyers1982]

💜💜💜

[@OldeThymeKnits]

Maybe something like a Sweet Shop Blanket could work? Maybe you just want to collect yarn & then something will inspire you?

[@KnittyNatty]

I LOVE this idea!! That could be so pretty! I think that's where I'm at now. Collect and give myself a little break, then see where I'm leaning!

[@OldeThymeKnits]

@@KnittyNatty 🥰

[@sandrapeterson5983]

Do you have a pattern for your yarn ball cozy?

[@PelafinaLievre]

Did you frog your Rhinebeck sweater from last year?

[@KnittyNatty]

Nope! I can actually see it from where I'm sitting at my computer right now. 😮‍💨 I think I might pick it up later this year, but if not, I'll probably gift it to someone who is a similar size and wants to finish it!

[@littlemissunshine7846]

Sometimes prep workout is more of workout than working on projects

[@KnittyNatty]

tell me about it!! 🤪🤪

[@emmavoels2]

Pattern testers?????😅 My ears perked.

[@KnittyNatty]

Nowhere close to ready yet!! But hopefully in the next couple months!