I have about a week left before I embark on a six-week research trip in Taipei. As you can probably imagine, there are a number of things I’m working on getting in order this week before this trip. Obviously planning for knitting is one of the more important tasks at hand. Since I’ve got the issue of needles tackled, yarn is now on my mind.
The Dilemma
The trick is going to be bringing enough yarn along, but not too much. So how much is enough?
Consider the following equation (don’t worry…it’s not too mathy):
(One round-trip trans-continental flight
+ One round-trip trans-Pacific flight
+ Various flight connections and layovers in Asia
+ Never being able to sleep on flights of any duration regardless of how many time zones/datelines are crossed)
+ 6 weeks of nights and weekends alone, missing husband and dog, in a city I’ve never visited where I currently know no one.
= potential for A LOT of knitting time!
On the other hand,
- I have limited luggage space since I have to bring a bunch of other dumb stuff instead of yarn (clothing, work-related computer gear, school books…).
- I will want to make sure I leave enough luggage space to bring back fun stuff I buy (likely including fabric, stationery, and new, more exciting school books)
- I may not feel like knitting at all since it is so hot and humid there
- I may make friends or be so busy working/sightseeing/eating yummy streetfood that there may not really be time left for knitting.
- There are yarn stores in Taipei (What? You didn’t think I already looked that up and Google-mapped it?)
So where does all this leave me?
Tentative Solution
I’m only bringing fingering and lace weight yarns since these require a lot of stitches to knit (thus lots of knitting time filled) while taking up little space. Finished objects made of these yarns will be light to carry back as well, and, who knows, may be wearable in any over-air-conditioned areas.
Here’s what I pulled out so far as definitely going in the suitcase:
Clockwise from the green at 12:00 position:
Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud lace in Dill – 2 skeins for shawl TDB
Malabrigo Lace in Sealing Wax – 3 skeins for Laar sweater
Universal Bamboo Sock self-striping for Skew socks
Pagewood Farms Yukon in Prism for Herbivore shawl
Madeline Tosh Merino Light in Trodden and Mulled Wine for Stripe Study Shawl
So that’s the core group. 5 projects for a 6 week trip. Another ball of sock yarn may still find its way into the heap. What do you guys think? Too much, not enough or just right?
That would be too much for me, but seems like it might be perfect for you! I usually like to bring lace and fingering weight yarns, and a mix of complicated shawls and a mindless project or two. Good luck!
Looks like quite a lot to me.
If it were me I’d take two shawls and a pair of socks.
Worst case scenario, you’ve got your sock needles and surely one of those google-mapped shops can sell you a skein of sock wool!
But I’ve never travelled for 6 weeks or knit on a flight… So what do I know? And I always over-pack knitting.
I definitely like the way you reasoned about it. As for actual advice, I always do it wrong, so I’m afraid I can’t be helpful…
Great idea to only bring fingering/lace weight. Have a wonderful adventure and good luck with your research.