a string of purls: 5 Must-Have Knitting Accessories

I took a break from my knitting as I watched tonight's episode of CSI: Las Vegas, and instead logged onto Etsy and after tooling around for a little while, A led to B, which led to C, which led to this post about amazing knitting bags and other accesories.

First on the list is a bag with pockets on the outside, which is perfect for an organizational freak (I really need to fix the mess of knitting containers I have...) like me. But really, it drives me up the wall when I'm frustratingly digging in my bag for a knitting needle, stitch marker, safety pin, etc., and can't find it. What a great solution!

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Next is a gorgeous, to-die-for needle case. I really, really want this exact same thing but as a clutch! I am obsessed with the fabric and style of this case. I do have a needle case that my grandmother made for herself years and years ago, and even though I love having it to store my straights and DPNs in it, it is pretty basic and not nearly as much as eye-catching as this one is! It also has a huge number of pockets (!!).

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Third is a really cool bag that you (literally) have to see for yourself. I first clicked on it because of the pretty paisley-esque pattern (I swear I didn't plan that!), but then looked closer once I saw the other images. This bag is constructed in such a way that when it's opened it folds open into a square - so ingenious! I can't stand drawstring knitting bags because it's so difficult to see anything in it - the fabric falls in on itself, and you're left playing a version of that Halloween game where you stick your hand into a container and try to figure out what you're touching. Never a problem with this bag! Everything is always in sight, and folds up into a chic tote!

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Next is perhaps my all-time favorite accessory. The fact that I just dissed this style of knitting bags is totally overshadowed by the fact that it is made out of a Gone With the Wind collage-type fabric! I am a die-hard fan of that book and movie, as well as the book's sequel, Scarlett. This would be the perfect bag to take a large project in, so small items won't get lost in it (as I said above).

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Last on my list, but absolutely not least, is "The Knitter's Tool Tin." As soon as I have any spare cash, this is #1 on my to-buy list. Number One. Anyway, this woman has packaged a number of essential knitting tools and packed them very creatively into an Altoid's tin! (Also note the magnet she attached to the inside so the needles are always at hand!) I adore her originality with this idea, and the variety of images she used for the tin covers (my fave is the sheep! Mostly because Will owns a sheep ranch though☺) . I may even buy multiple tins for different purses or knitting bags, so I always have one with me!