These are a few of my favorite things🎶

Hello there, knit friend!

One of my favorite things about getting together with fellow knitters is hearing about their latest favorites, whether it’s a new technique or trick or a new notion or book that has brought them joy.

I’m sharing some of my favorite things with you, hoping they bring you joy! These are all items that I use and recommend regularly.

If you’d like a list of books only (ALL the books, including recommendations from our fellow knitters on great reads/listens for when you’re knitting!), click here.

Simply click on the images below to learn more about each product. 

Do YOU have some favorites that I should check out? I’d love to hear about them! Let me know in the comments.💕

The more knit-centric items listed may be found in local yarn shops, and I hope that you’re able to shop there first!

Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag of Tricks:

I’ve recommended this book more times than I can count at this point. It was a fast favorite, and I refer to it ALL of the time. Do yourself a favor and add this to your knitting library!

PS: If you’d like to read our interview with Patty, click here.

Yarn Scale:

I purchased this scale a couple of years ago to cut down on clutter in the van, and it’s become indispensable. It’s the perfect size for your knitting bag, and the measurements are precise enough to test colorwork patterns. The cover doubles as a tray to help hold larger items as you weigh them. This is truly one of my most-used tools.

Uggs Drizlita Rain Boots:

I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of clear shoes to show off my hand-knit socks for aaaaaaggggessss. I’ve tried a couple of different styles, and they were both stiff and unpleasant to wear. I’m not one to pass on comfort for the sake of fashion, so the search continued.

These Uggs (my first and only pair😂) are exactly what I had been searching for! They’re comfortable and functional. Perfect for slushy or rainy days, or better yet, for tromping through the garden while looking cute in your favorite socks!

The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques: 

I recently borrowed this book from the (online) library and immediately knew I wanted a print copy. It is a spectacular guide on color that dives deep on a variety of techniques.

Beach Hat:

Bear with me on this one. I’ve tried a few different versions of the sun hat, and this is by far my favorite. I know it seems random, but this is an ESSENTIAL knitting item, and here’s why:

• You can pile your hair on top of your head so it doesn’t stick to your neck and make you hot
• The hat shields your eyes and face from the sun, allowing you to see your knitting and avoid overexposure
• It acts as a deterrent to folks who try to talk to you while you’re counting
• It rolls up into a small-ish cylinder, making it easy to toss in your bag and take everywhere.

Vertical Tower Garden Planter:

Knitting necessity? No. Too good not to share? Yes.

I purchased one of these last summer when I realized that my feet would be planted for the first time in five years. It’s perfect for growing kitchen herbs and some flowers. The simple joy of running my fingers through the fragrant herbs and grabbing a sprig of mint to toss in a drink makes it worth every penny!

JoGo:

The photo doesn’t do this handy little gadget justice! I love supporting new projects on Kickstarter, and that’s where I discovered the JoGo a few years ago. JoGo is a modern take on the bombilla, a straw-like tool made for drinking beverages containing particulates (think loose tea, coffee, or herbs) or that might stain your teeth..

Living in a van means constantly re-evaulating your needs; trying to save on space and eliminating waste. The JoGo allowed me to stop using disposable tea bags. I now just toss my herbs in my mug and cover them with hot water. The fine filter at the bottom of the JoGo keeps them out of my mouth, and the silicone mouthpiece prevents me from burning myself. A quick rinse and it’s ready for its next use, with zero waste.

Alterknit Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel:

If you enjoy colorwork, this one’s for you! Andrea Rangel is a wonderful designer, and she has generously shared this gorgeous reference of stitch patterns for you to incorporate into your own designs.

Serenibee Beeswax Tea Lights Candles with Reusable Steel Candle Holder:

I love candlelight. It’s one of the tiny luxuries that I always have on hand while traveling. Beeswax candles are my first choice for a hundred reasons, not the least of which is their absolutely heavenly fragrance.

When my first order arrived, I knew I had found my forever candle. They burn beautifully and smell amazing.

The magic of these particular candles? They come with a reusable steel candle holder. No more throwing out metal or plastic tealight cups. No more waste!

Serenibee candles are made in the US from pure Montana beeswax.

Packing Cubes:

Packing cubes were among the first items I purchased when I packed up my life and moved into the van. My first set lasted for about six months before giving up the ghost. Luckily, my second set was these Veken packing cubes, and they’re still holding strong after more miles and abuse than I care to mention.😂

I also use these for storing my handknits.  I toss in a sachet with some lavender and cedar and feel confident, knowing my precious knits are safe from the dangers of road life!

Mystical Stitches: Embroidery for Personal Empowerment and Magical Embellishment by Christi Jay:

It’s not knitting, but this is one of the most incredible books I’ve purchased in the last three years. Mystical Stitches is packed with beautiful photography, inspiring design, and powerful writing about making with intention.

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen:

I have a not-so-small obsession with fountain pens, and I love creating fellow lovers. Consider this your invitation to join me on my never-ending pen journey!

The Lamy Safari is the perfect introductory fountain pen. It is a reliable writer with a great feel both in your hand and against the paper.

The Art of Cursive Penmanship: A Personal Handwriting Program for Adults by Michael Sull:

Once you fall in love with fountain pens, perfecting your penmanship is next on the list!

Heated Vest with Battery Pack:

I loathe being cold. This doesn’t bode well for an upstate New Yorker.

I purchased this vest last year in an attempt to get outside more during the freezing months, and I can’t imagine being without it. It’s made winter a hundred times more tolerable!

I wanted to share this specifically because there are so many options on the market, and I’m guessing that I got very lucky in ordering this one first, as many of the others have terrible reviews. I hope that if you’re a warmth-loving rock lizard like myself, I can save you the frustration of finding the perfect heated vest. This is it.

The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook:

This is the resource for fiber around the world. If you would like to develop a deeper understanding of the different types of fiber and how they affect your knitting, The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook is for you!

A Stash of One’s Own by Clara Parkes:

This is in my current rotation of summer reads, and I’m loving it so far! It’s a collection of stories and essays celebrating yarn – what’s not to love?

Leaf Shave Products:

After about a year of gazing longingly at these gorgeous razors, I took the plunge and purchased a Leaf Razor about six months ago.

This is another part of my journey to a more sustainable life. Leaf products are metal and use metal blades that are easily recyclable. No more excruciatingly expensive plastic waste.

I loved the razor so much that I also purchased the dermaplaner!

Nixplay:

(A sale and free shipping offer is happening right now!)

I purchased my first Nixplay Digital Photo Display over five years ago. It was a gift for my Aunt and Uncle so they could keep track of my adventures as I traveled the country in my van. They were 84 & 91, so following along on social media wasn’t ideal, and I wanted to be able to share more with them than I would the general public.

With Nixplay, anyone (with permission) can add photos to the screen in real time. Simply email the photos or add them using the app (which allows you to control multiple playlists and screens!), and they automatically appear on the selected frame. You can even share videos with sound! No memory cards, completely wireless. You can send photos from anywhere – and I have!

Over the years, I’ve purchased more Nixplay screens for my family, who always tell me how much they enjoy seeing new photos arrive. These screens have brought more joy and connection with my family than I can say. I can confidently say that these are among the top five best gifts I’ve ever given.💕

Free shipping on Smart Photo frames (WiFi Cloud Frames).

KnitIQ Blocking Mats:

I’ve had my eye on these for a while and plan on grabbing them when they’re on sale!

* This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item through the links here, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. These commissions help me to provide fun interviews, free patterns, giveaways, and KALs!