Shockingly, metal knitting needles are not prohibited by TSA.  I look at my ominous blood red sharp instruments, used for magically turning yarn into blankets, and I think to myself, if I were czar of the skies, I certainly wouldn’t allow them.

But, allowed there are.  Nonetheless, be mindful of your fellow passengers, especially if you are among the huddled masses squeezed into economy.  Do not.  I repeat. Do not bring your straight needles.  Your elbows or sticks will be poking your companion travelers.  That will make them hate you.

Best bet for airplane knitting:  circular bamboo.  And while I know you’re two thirds of the way through knitting that Christmas lap blanket, and I know you’re thinking about how that time of enforced sitting on the plane is the perfect opportunity for finishing it, you want to travel light.  Therefore, leave the Afghan blankets and Irish sweaters at home.  Instead, focus on fingerless gloves, socks, or lacy narrow scarves.

OK, ok, full disclosure.  I myself, at this very moment, am breaking the small project rule, even now as I am sitting on this airplane.  Why?  Because… this time of enforced sitting on the plane is the perfect opportunity… and all that.  Dang.  And why do we avoid bringing oversized projects?  Obvious.  They take up too much precious space in your tiny carryon bag that also holds your snacks, your paperback, and your laptop.  And honestly, who has room to knit an eight by five throw in the three-square feet of personal space you’re allocated on this flying aluminum can in the sky?

Everyone wants to see what you’re working on, and will invariably ask if you’re crocheting.  Be gracious.  That peculiar lady who swoons over your lace trimmed bookmark might just be the same person you’ll run into, in the next day or so, on that crowded shopping boulevard at your foreign destination.  She’ll give you great insider advice, or at the very least, a smile and a friendly wave.

“You’re that knitting lady!” she’ll say.  “Look Gladys, it’s that knitting lady I was telling you about, and she was knitting from memory!”

I’m not making this up.  This has happened to me.  More than once.

And speaking of foreign destinations, if you should happen to wander into a yarn store, you do realize that you will find it impossible to leave it without purchasing something.

It’s Ok.  It’s a souvenir.  Just make sure there’s room in your carryon.

Because you know you’ll need a project for the plane ride home.

Happy Knitting and Happy Travels!