We're into the third month of the Simply Socks 10th Anniversary celebration, and I have for you a chance to win some sKNITches Nimble! In keeping with tomorrow's upcoming kit (Set your alarms, if you're hoping to buy one - these things tend to sell quickly!), tell me about a knitting or crochet tool you couldn't live without.
You have until Tuesday, August 11th at noon to enter, when I will randomly choose three winners to each win a skein. One entry per person, please.
A tiny crochet hook for dropped stitches is my most valued tool for sock knitting. It can also function as a cable stitch holder.
Posted by: Linda Sutherland | August 03, 2015 at 02:42 PM
I love my stitch markers! They help keep it together for lace knitting and there are so many cute ones out there.
Posted by: Lynn | August 03, 2015 at 02:46 PM
My row counter. I'd hate to have to remember or count rows on my own.
Posted by: Wendy | August 03, 2015 at 02:48 PM
One tool I absolutely cannot live without is my knitting machine latch tool. The machine is long gone, but I use the tool to pick up my dropped stitches. It works like a charm!
Posted by: Carol Coombs | August 03, 2015 at 02:54 PM
Stitch markers...rings, floopys and the safety pin type. Use them ALL!
Posted by: Nicole | August 03, 2015 at 02:55 PM
My measure tape. Not a stiff ruler. Not a metal tape measure. A tailor's measure tape. I couldn't possibly measure anything with anything else.
Posted by: Christine | August 03, 2015 at 03:13 PM
One of those little locking stitch markers is essential in my toolkit. But I agree that a tiny crochet hook is right up there as well.
Posted by: Merna | August 03, 2015 at 03:14 PM
My afghan crochet hook, my go-to for most projects.
Posted by: Kassie | August 03, 2015 at 03:14 PM
Count me in as another knitter who prefers to travel with a crochet hook for emergency dropped stitches. (Although I do love me some cute stitch markers, too.)
Posted by: sprite | August 03, 2015 at 03:17 PM
Love my Ablet (an abacus bracelet) for keeping track of rows.
Posted by: Amy S. | August 03, 2015 at 03:17 PM
The tiny crochet hook for fixing mistakes.
Posted by: Alecia Helton | August 03, 2015 at 03:26 PM
I can't live without my stitch markers!
Posted by: Marissa | August 03, 2015 at 03:27 PM
I can't live without the green and orange interlocking stitch markers that I'm sure many of us have. Not only are they stitch markers, but can help with row counting, pinning while seaming, and marking dropped stitches to pick up on a subsequent row.
Posted by: Debby | August 03, 2015 at 03:32 PM
My size h, I think, small crochet hook for picking up mistakes and...for picking up the side stitches in my heels. I never mastered picking them up with my needle.
Posted by: Judi Kennedy | August 03, 2015 at 03:33 PM
Tapestry needle I can limp along without a crochet hook but definitely need a tapestry needle for Kitchener stitching heals and toes.
Posted by: Joanne Olson | August 03, 2015 at 03:33 PM
I have to have my highlighting tape to keep track of rows or where I am in a pattern, especially when I put the project down for a while, it helps me remember where I left off. The magnets work well too but the tape stays put, even when I put the pattern back in the project bag.
Posted by: Judi Schaffer | August 03, 2015 at 03:37 PM
Hard to pick just one tool but if I have to, I would pick my stitch markers (close second would be my highlighter tape). I knit lots of lace socks and shawls and the stitch markers are a life saver!
Posted by: Sally | August 03, 2015 at 03:41 PM
Locking stitch markers! I rarely use row counters, but these are so helpful for marking prominent rounds when I need to keep track.
Posted by: Michelle | August 03, 2015 at 03:42 PM
Stitch Saver! it's a small crochet hook for picking up stitches.
Posted by: Barbara | August 03, 2015 at 04:12 PM
I have to agree with the tapestry needle!
Posted by: Alison | August 03, 2015 at 04:14 PM
The little metal tool included in one of your kits awhile back, It's 4 inches long and has a small crochet hook at one end and a needle point at the other. I always have that in my knitting bag, great for picking up dropped stitches.
Posted by: Marjorie Millner | August 03, 2015 at 04:18 PM
I couldn't live without my crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches and my red Clover stitch counter.I also have a retractible tape measure.
Posted by: Donita | August 03, 2015 at 04:23 PM
Couldnt live without my stitch markers, row counter.
Posted by: yolanda v | August 03, 2015 at 04:43 PM
I can not live without the needle stopper. I have a number of them but love them.
Posted by: Maureen | August 03, 2015 at 04:45 PM
Gosh I guess it'd have to be my needles. I've made do with scraps of yarn and paperclips for stitch markers, and a paperclip for a darning needle and cable needle and rubber bands to keep my resting project on my needels. If I really had to I could knit with chop sticks, but thankfully I haven't had the need. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Savannagal | August 03, 2015 at 04:48 PM
Mmmm.......shiny yarn.......I can't live without my yarn. But, in lieu of yarn, stitch markers and my notebooks or my phone. Whichever....
Posted by: Renee Anne | August 03, 2015 at 05:02 PM
Can't live without my measuring tape. It's getting worn and I can hardly read the numbers any more but I am very emotionally attached to it :)
Posted by: Julie | August 03, 2015 at 05:15 PM
I NEED my crochet hook for those dropped stitches.
Posted by: Bev | August 03, 2015 at 05:16 PM
So many gadgets in my knitting bag! Could not follow lace patterns without my stitch markers in various sizes and colors. They not only mark my place, but the various colors can identify what I am supposed to do at each marker. Such a time saver.
Posted by: Lyn Johnson | August 03, 2015 at 05:24 PM
I never thought I would say this, but I cannot live without my kitchen scale! I use it to weigh yarn as I knit and can knit happily knowing I have enough yarn to complete my project.....
Posted by: Karen | August 03, 2015 at 05:33 PM
My cannot live without tool is my fix-it tool. Never leave home without it and it's the ONE item that MUST be in my current project bag --- so it gets moved around ALOT! I hope after tomorrow that my favorite tool is my YARNIT!
Posted by: Diane Jespersen | August 03, 2015 at 06:01 PM
My go to tool (that I need way too much) is my crochet hook "fixit". I have stopped so much heartache with this little tool!
Posted by: Merridee | August 03, 2015 at 06:03 PM
There are so many things, hard to choose only one. But I guess my small crochet hook to pick up those tiny stiches!
Posted by: Maki Kondo | August 03, 2015 at 06:03 PM
Stitch markers for sure!
Posted by: Kim yancey | August 03, 2015 at 06:08 PM
Coiless pins. They aren't fancy but they are perfect for me. I also am dependent on my kitchen scale, computer and knit-kit. With my coilless pins and knit-kit and a 4x6 card with pattern in my little bag with yarn and needles and I'm ready to go anywhere.
Posted by: JoAnne B | August 03, 2015 at 06:19 PM
I think it's called a dentist tool,but it has a very slim point on one end, and a small crochet hook on the other. The slim end can get into knots to open them up, or get under a leg of a stitch ... helpful in many situations.
Thanks for the contest!
Posted by: Jan | August 03, 2015 at 06:46 PM
Besides stitch markers and coilless pins, I think my mechanical pencil (so I don't have to worry about sharpening it) to make notes on my patterns and my set of highlighters to mark the things on my patterns and charts (I use different colors for different stitches.
Posted by: Patricia V | August 03, 2015 at 06:47 PM
I can't live without my tape measure...mostly because of my own impatience to see how close I am to being "done"
Posted by: Lara Dillard | August 03, 2015 at 06:57 PM
Like so many others I would be lost without my blue crochet hook. Where it came from I have no idea. Also a tapestry needle to take care of those loose ends.
Posted by: cynthia | August 03, 2015 at 07:09 PM
I'm not sure it's a tool, but I couldn't live without my circular needle organizer!
Posted by: Nancy | August 03, 2015 at 07:10 PM
Definitely stitch,markers. I lose my place easily without them.
Posted by: Anne | August 03, 2015 at 07:15 PM
Obviously this isn't only a tool for knitting, but the knitting tool I can't live without is the internet! It's so great that I can just google a technique that I don't know or find the answer to any knitting problem I might have. Thank you to all the people who take time to post about knitting on the internet!
Posted by: Tiffany | August 03, 2015 at 07:35 PM
I don't have one favorite knitting tool -
because I need them all - I usually have three to four items going at one time. It depends upon time - thats how I choose which item to knit.
Beverly
Posted by: Bev | August 03, 2015 at 07:46 PM
The "safety pin" style stitch markers! So handy for a number of things: marking between sts obviously, marking the "right side" of a flat piece, holding pieces together, and I just love being able to add or remove them at any time!
Posted by: Lauren | August 03, 2015 at 07:50 PM
Crochet hooks in various sizes, not for crocheting, but for picking up those pesky dropped stitches in my knitting!
Posted by: Cheryl Adams | August 03, 2015 at 08:21 PM
Tiny crochet hook and stich/row counter.
Posted by: Maria R | August 03, 2015 at 08:46 PM
My knitting row/repeat counting app on my phone! I don't think I could keep track of everything without it!
Posted by: Monika | August 03, 2015 at 08:50 PM
I can't live without my row counter, I am hotel lost without it!
Posted by: Carolyn | August 03, 2015 at 08:55 PM
My locking stitch markers for sure. I use them for everything. Counting stitches, counting rows, marking decreases, marking shortrows.
Posted by: Marguerite Hammond | August 03, 2015 at 09:03 PM
My tape measure!!!
Posted by: Ann Knepper | August 03, 2015 at 09:09 PM
A row counter is a must for me; also stitch markers.
Posted by: Chris Kittrell | August 03, 2015 at 09:21 PM
I must have a tiny crochet hook with me as well...it fixes a myriad of mistakes with no panic necessary.
Posted by: Rene B | August 03, 2015 at 09:22 PM
I could not knit without my row counter hanging on the needle (and sometimes doing double duty as a stitch marker).
Posted by: MarthaO | August 03, 2015 at 09:23 PM
It's a popular response, but stitch markers end up in every project I ever make - they're such a sanity saver.
Posted by: Sylvie | August 03, 2015 at 09:42 PM
Needle sizer and stitch markers!!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 03, 2015 at 09:43 PM
My sewing up needle with the bent tip. It's good for Kitchener, slipping stitches to a holding thread, for recapturing runaway stitches - oh, and for sewing up too!
Posted by: Amy C | August 03, 2015 at 09:44 PM
Gotta go with the tapestry needle. Tracking rows and measuring can be done with pencil and paper, improvise stitch markers with yarn or paper clips. tediously pickup dropped stitches with the needles, but I'd be at quite a loss to kitchener a toe without a tapestry needle!
Posted by: Sue | August 03, 2015 at 09:45 PM
Stich markers, tape measure, little crochet hook, and tapestry needles. Never leave home without them!
Posted by: PatW | August 03, 2015 at 10:01 PM
I couldn't get along without my little African basket, made by African women. This little bitty basket holds all my tools, is very sturdy and is so easy to carry around. It's really cute. Besides, I can't misplace it.
Posted by: Barbaara Osterberg | August 03, 2015 at 10:54 PM
I'd have to say I couldn't live without my tapestry needle. I like to knit my socks toe up, so I use it for a stretchy bind off regularly.
Posted by: SarahP | August 03, 2015 at 10:55 PM
My crochet hook to fix my mistakes
Posted by: Matt | August 03, 2015 at 11:28 PM
Locking stitch markers and my tape measure get the most use.
Posted by: Karen G. | August 03, 2015 at 11:29 PM
I can't do without my row counter.
Posted by: Reda | August 03, 2015 at 11:34 PM
My favorite tool is the dental pick on one side and crochet hook on other end
Posted by: jana Ames | August 03, 2015 at 11:40 PM
The tool I can't live without is my printer! Most of my pattern purchases are in PDF format. And, most times the font is too small for my liking. My printer allows me to format a pattern to meet my needs.
Posted by: Leslie | August 03, 2015 at 11:47 PM
I love my digital row counter that I can wear on my finger. It is quiet and keeps me on track when doing toe decreases.
Posted by: Barbara | August 03, 2015 at 11:48 PM
My stitch markers. I love different styles, love the different colors, I'm an addict!
Posted by: Elaine | August 03, 2015 at 11:49 PM
The tool I can't live without is my printer! Most of my pattern purchases are in PDF format. And, most times the font is too small for my liking. My printer allows me to format a pattern to meet my needs.
Posted by: Leslie | August 03, 2015 at 11:51 PM
I absolutely could not live without my stitch markers!
Posted by: Ramona | August 04, 2015 at 01:03 AM
I use my needle gauge a lot with my double point needles. Another important tool is internet! I find yarn, patterns, knitting technique videos and much more.
Posted by: Dee S | August 04, 2015 at 01:49 AM
I love my finger row counter. It's always there when I'm ready to move to the next row.
Posted by: Sandy4Cats | August 04, 2015 at 01:53 AM
I can't live without my stitch markers.
Posted by: Ada | August 04, 2015 at 01:57 AM
I use my scale, markers, small crochet hook, sizer, tape measure androw counter a lot. The one 'tool' I would be lost without is my tapestry needle threader. Thanks for all the fun Allison!
Posted by: Kay | August 04, 2015 at 02:26 AM
I use my latch tool from my knitting machine. Great for the machine and hand knitting as well. Great for dropped stitches.
Posted by: Renee Shipe | August 04, 2015 at 04:22 AM
Right now my favorite is the BeeCount app on my phone. Helps me keep track of my progress in multiple projects at once. Free too!
Posted by: Jan Ball | August 04, 2015 at 06:40 AM
Needle sizer.
Posted by: Patricia Richardson | August 04, 2015 at 07:15 AM
Definitely extra small "00" double pointed needle to help pick up stitches.
Posted by: June | August 04, 2015 at 07:16 AM
Obviously I can't knit without my knitting needles- but if that doesn't count, I'd have to say stitch markers.
Posted by: Mujercita | August 04, 2015 at 07:25 AM
My tape measure.
Posted by: Larissa | August 04, 2015 at 07:42 AM
A pad of "super sticky" post it notes for counting & scribbling notes on, and hiding everything except the row I'm working on. For lace shawl knitting or complicated sock patterns, that's my favorite trick in my knitting bag.
Posted by: Connie | August 04, 2015 at 07:54 AM
I could not live without my tape measure
Posted by: Teresa | August 04, 2015 at 07:55 AM
I'm on Team Tapestry Needle. One little gizmo that can save dropped stitches, punt for cables, and seam a toe.
Posted by: Anne R. | August 04, 2015 at 07:58 AM
I have a tiny crochet hook used by my grandmother (a maker of beautiful bedspreads and tablecloths) and by my mother (a knitter), that I now cannot live without--not only for the memories, but to pick up those dropped stitches made by size 2 needles.
Posted by: Ann | August 04, 2015 at 07:59 AM
Ring stitch markers with a bead at the join. These are my favorite. Also a 6 in rule with for gauge swatching and measuring sock legs and foot length.
Posted by: Penny | August 04, 2015 at 08:06 AM
I keep my row counter very close by but I am really liking the new sock ruler. I think it is a great tool.
Posted by: Rhonda Atkinson | August 04, 2015 at 08:07 AM
So many tools I use all the time, but I most often find myself hunting for a tape measure. I must have about a dozen and throw one in every project bag. Amazing how many times I've pulled one out of my knitting bag to measure sizes of storage bins, curtains, and a million other things that aren't knitting related
Posted by: Sarah | August 04, 2015 at 08:08 AM
Crochet hook to fix my mistakes!
Posted by: Christine Newman-Aumiller | August 04, 2015 at 08:12 AM
My most valuable tool - no doubt is my row counter - I use this to count rows and pattern repeats. Couldn't live without it
Posted by: Pam | August 04, 2015 at 08:28 AM
I use my row counter the most, as I prefer to work from charts I find it's invaluable to keep track of where I am. I also have a little crochet hook in every one of my project bags, indispensable for dropped stitches.
Posted by: Brenda B | August 04, 2015 at 08:40 AM
My knitted kitty cat tape measure!!!! I LOVE HER!!! I ALWAYS think of the "Soft kitty, warm kitty" song from "The Big Bang Theory" when I use her and I just love that little song! She is ALWAYS with me wherever I go. Thank you for this contest and I would love to win....I am currently teaching my 12 year old granddaughter, Olivia, to knit and crochet and the more yarn, etc., the better! lol
Posted by: Justine Arrasate Lloyd | August 04, 2015 at 08:49 AM
row counter
Posted by: Cheryl Perry | August 04, 2015 at 08:52 AM
Definitely stitch markers! They are a must-have for marking off sections of lace, cable patterns, start of row when knitting in the round, etc.
Posted by: Lizzie | August 04, 2015 at 09:07 AM
I have a little makeup bag that my daughter gave .me years ago. It holds all the tools I need to knit. I could not knit without this little bag! I keep it in my project bag along with some yarn and circular needles so I am always ready to go with a pair of socks
Posted by: Leta | August 04, 2015 at 09:11 AM
Stitch markers - absolutely. All of the other things I thought of, I could come up with ways to get around using them - but I couldn't get away without stitch markers.
Posted by: Shelley | August 04, 2015 at 09:32 AM
Tapestry needle and stitch markers....a tie.
Posted by: CyndyC | August 04, 2015 at 10:20 AM
A little envelope coin purse just big enough for scissors, some stitch markers, a needle and a little bobbin of crochet cotton for provisional cast-ons o afterthought heels! Easily fits in even my smallest project bag!
Posted by: Sue | August 04, 2015 at 10:52 AM
I love my Knit Kit. I always have a tape measure, scissors, stitch markers, etc. handy.
Posted by: Becky | August 04, 2015 at 10:53 AM
My Clover stitch counter is a must for sock knitting.
Posted by: Cathy Besh | August 04, 2015 at 10:59 AM
My Knit Kit! It has everything I need for travel.
Posted by: MiriamR | August 04, 2015 at 10:59 AM
Stitch markers, a double-ended crochet hook, and an emery board nail file to fix any snags in my fingernails!
Posted by: Judie D | August 04, 2015 at 11:01 AM