Hey, knitting bag ... let me upgrade you.

When I was in NYC a couple of weeks ago, I spent some of my free time hanging out in Muji, home of all things organizational and minimalist and perfect. I swoon over every darn section in that dreamy store, but my first stop is always the stationery, with the tiny perfect notebooks and mechanical pencils and planners and binders. I love stocking up on these everyday items, but on this trip my mind immediately went to my knitting bag needs. I love carrying around a zipper pouch with all my notions and tools, but lately it had become a mess and I knew cleaning up my game would just made me feel better and be more inspired to work creatively.

So, knitting bag ... let me upgrade you.

Out went all the crazy odds and ends – a broken tape measure, dull craft scissors that I had stolen from my child's art bin, and the mess of whatever else that had accumulated in my multiple project bags over the years. I have to admit that yes, I've been reading 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' (like the rest of the world) so I am striving to keep and use only the things I truly love. I do think this is a magnificent idea.

Anyway, what's in my bag? Well, let's start with the bag itself, which is a large zipper pouch (In 'window' print) from Bookhou. I love it so very much and have been using it daily for quite awhile. It's hand-crafted and screenprinted – so much attention to detail. Everything they make is cool. The little tool treasures I snagged at Muji are the aluminum ruler, a wooden mechanical pencil, stainless steel + acrylic scissors, a tiny steel tape measure and a few notebooks in various sizes (where I keep my sketches and write down notes for new patterns.) A few of my other supplies have come from another favorite source, Fringe Supply Co.: the ebony repair hook, the matte black stainless steel 'facet' mini scissors, black rubber stitch marker and metal removeable stitch markers. Then there's my Wool and the Gang tapestry needles and my trusty Field Notes notebook, which I carry with me constantly. You can never have too many notebooks.

I love the contents of my bag now – cool supplies make the making more fun. What's in your bag? Are you due for an upgrade too?

Organize your knitting supplies with Creative Options

Every crafter and knitter I know is on a common mission: conquering the organization of the tools and notions that are essential to their craft. Knitters and crocheters are always on the go – knitting on the commute, in the car, on a plane, in waiting rooms and baseball games. If a knitter can take their knitting project with them, they’re going to do it. Just try and stop them!

One of the most annoying things that can happen mid-project is when you have to stop working because you forgot your stitch markers at home or you don’t have your scissors. Such a bummer. Luckily, Creative Options has released a new line of cool-looking, functional knitting needle cases, zipper bags and totes with really fun prints – the perfect way to knit on-the-go while keeping all of your important tools organized. If you desperately need to organize your knitting supplies, this is the way to go. No more hunting down your size 3 needles or your tape measure. These bags and organizers will give all of your supplies a home, at home or on the go.

I am a sucker for a cute knitting needle case, and this Creative Options needle case is perfection. It has 8 elastic bands to hold your needles, plus enough space in the pocket to hold even more needles, if you wish. I was able to fit my whole bamboo set in this pocket – sizes US 1 through US 13. The flap in front folds down and tucks into a nice little strap on the front to keep anything from falling out. The awesome knit stitch patterned fabric is not only super cute, but very durable.

This knitting needle case with zipper is a must-have, and you can use it for so much more than just needles! This has become my new road-trip companion – it’s compact but holds all of the small tools I need for my project. It’s exactly the right size to hold a few pairs of straight or circular needles plus a notebook, pen, scissors, measuring tape and all of my notions. And it slides right into my bag or purse.

I love the navy, blue and chartreuse arrow pattern, and the bright solid-colored inner lining ensures that you’re not going to misplace a thing. You’ll be able to spot even the tiniest stray stitch marker.

And obviously, every knitter needs a good knitting bag. The Creative Options 5 pocket knitting tote is just the right size to hold everything you need, and it looks great too. It has a large open interior space to hold your yarn, needles and books. And it has 5 exterior pockets to hold anything else you can imagine – notebooks, pens, more knitting needles, scissors, a water bottle … or more yarn. Throw your needle case and zipper bag inside and you have everything you need, without question. 

Are you excited about organizing your knitting life? It’s such a good feeling to have everything in it’s place. Get inspired to get organized by watching Amy Tan's awesome video showing each of these Creative Options storage solutions up close and personal.

To find out more about Creative Options® Storage Solutions go to www.CreativeOptionsCrafts.com and for crafting tips, giveaways, and product news, 'like' Creative Options® on Facebook.