Choosing the perfect project for travel

I don’t get away much. Weekends away, let alone an actual “pack a bag, see you next week” are rare. That being said, I’m looking forward to taking a trip to see my eldest daughter and her husband for five days.

This, of course, requires all the normal planning that goes along with travel, like shopping for new outfits for Georgia heat. Oh yes, it’s my first vacation in forever, and where do I go in the summer? All I can say is, I didn’t choose were my daughter and her husband would choose to live.

I was told that a bathing suit was required, since we would be spending time in the pool. Hmm ... I guess praying for rain is out of the question. Then, of course, I always did like an evening dip, under the cover of darkness.

After packing the clothes, swimsuit and toiletries, the last but most important thing to pack is the project — the knitting project, that is.

Now you can’t just throw a set of needles and some yarn in a bag and call it a day. It is unthinkable for a knitter to be stuck with a project that just isn’t right. Every knitting project is unique. One project may require more attention, than another.

Generally, it is agreed that vacation knitting should require less attention; a simpler project. This is not be the time to bring along an intarsia sweater that requires charts and seven different colored balls of yarn, unless you’re “that” kind of knitter.

Another unadvisable project would be one with several pieces, since they are way too easy to get left behind. Like pets, fuzzy yarn should always be left at home.

Mindless knitting is usually the ticket. You would also need it to be lightweight and portable. Socks or a simple shawl would be a good choice.

Another consideration is, one project or two? Even after I leave the shop for the day, I always take home more that one project. Knitters like to have options. Sometimes what I feel like knitting tonight just won’t be what I’m in the mood for tomorrow afternoon.

So, when packing for my trip I will need a variety of perfect projects, preferably one for each day, just in case. Oh, and I can’t forget the airplane project … both ways.

Then again, sometimes I bring a whole lot of knitting, and never knit a stitch. Not even one.

Did I mention there’s a pool? weaving and spinning at In Sheep’s Clothing Yarn Shop at 10 Water St. Torrington .860-482-3979. www.in-sheeps-clothing. com

PHOTO BY GINGER BALCH Finding the perfect project to take on a trip is easy if you enjoy knitting or crocheting.