I’ve taken great delight in the current trend toward kits. Like the “grab and go” earthquake preparedness kits I always had on hand in California,  they’re my knitterly version of a security blanket – when I need a new project and have run out of time, I can grab a kit and start a lovely new project.

Kits are all over the Market at Stitches West this year. I couldn’t help but buy the kit for the “Slip Into Spring” shawl from Stunning String Studio.

Shawl

The packaging for the kit is too darned cute! A darling little marker adorns the bag, and everything I need to make the shawl is inside. There’s not just the pattern and the yarn, but also a little box full of beads and a tiny heart-shaped box with all the necessary stitch markers. What a great idea! The final dose of cuteness is the stitch market that adorns the top of the package. Irresistible.

Shawl kit 

Shawl kit, stitch marker

Another trend I love is the packs of gradient yarns. I was enticed by Craftsy’s Malini Shawl Kit. It’s fun to choose from among lots of gradient color ways. I love these beautiful red variations:

Shawl kit from Craftsy

Now I’m well-prepared for the next time I’m worried I have “nothing to knit”, like when I’m about to get on a plane for a long cross-country flight. I’ll just grab one of my kits and be all set!