Sexy Knitter - a Review and Giveaway
June 29, 2011
I have ziploc bags with whatever basic knitting tools I need for each particular project in them. Not exactly cute or nifty, but it does the job.
But here is a much classier and "sexier" solution from http://thesexyknitter.etsy.com! Sarah, the woman behind thesexyknitter.etsy.com, created these compact Knitter's Tool Tins (she has a Crochet version too!) and sent me some to review and giveaway. Thanks so much, Sarah!
First, I am just amazed at how many great tools she manages to fit nicely into these Altoid-sized tins!
Each Knitter's Tool Tin includes: a stitch holder, a cable needle, a double-ended crochet hook, a set of origami star stitch markers, Puppy Snips scissors (so cute!), 2 yarn needles, a sewing needle, a measuring tape, and a magnetic strip to keep the needles in place. WOW! It's so easy to keep all you need in one place and just toss this tin into your project bag!
The tins come with fun and striking knitting stitch pattern graphics decorating the tops. You can ALSO personalize them with your own image! I LOVE that option, of course, as all I had to do was email Sarah an image of what I wanted, and she did all the rest. Cool, huh?
The customization option makes it such a great gift option. You and your knitting/crochet group can get matching ones! Or put your best finished project photo on there ;-)
The stitch markers included in the Tool Tin are also sold separately, along with other stitch marker sets on her etsy site. The ones Sarah sent me to review are the Origami Paper Stars. So beautiful, modern, and seemingly delicate, but they really are surprisingly sturdy (as she notes on her site). Very unique! They come in a small glass tube with cork stopper (nice packaging!). The fact that they are lightweight is ideal, as you really don't want stitch markers to ever weigh down your needles.
Please do visit TheSexyKnitter at http://www.theSexyKnitter.etsy.com. Sarah has a fun selection to check out at reasonable prices (Knitter's Tool Tins are $22 - $25; Stitch Marker Sets are $5.00)! Tell her SweaterBabe.com sent you!
*** And now for the giveaway details! ***
I have one customized SweaterBabe.com Knitter's Tool Tin and a set of 5 Origami Paper Star Stitch Markers to give away. TWO lucky winners will be chosen randomly after July 15th.
Here are the THREE ways you can enter this giveaway (do one or ALL THREE!):
1) Add your comment to this Blog Post by 9pm PST on July 15th, 2011. One comment per person, please. Telll us how you keep your knitting tools handy!
2) Make a pattern purchase from www.SweaterBabe.com anytime from now until 9pm PST on July 15th, 2011. Each pattern purchased counts as a separate entry!
3) Comment in the thread announcing this giveaway in my Ravelry Fans Group at: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/sweaterbabecom-fans. Comment must be made by 9pm PST, July 15th. One comment per person, please. This link will only work if you are a member of Ravelry.com.
Good luck to all!
*** July 15th announcement ***
AND the Winner's are . . . Julianne M, who placed an order on 6/30, and Judi A., who left a comment on this blog post on 6/30. Congrats!! Julianne, you have won the Knitter's Tool Tin and Judi, you have won the Origami Paper Star Stitch Markers. Woohoo!
I try to keep them in small purses but they are always aout of them in my project bags...I still can't understand why!
sophia.komninou at gmail.com
Posted by: Sophia | June 29, 2011 at 10:28 AM
Wow, this is just adorable...and I'm impressed with both how much it can hold and the quality of the items included. I'd love to win!
Posted by: Deb | June 29, 2011 at 10:43 AM
I keep them in mint tins and a small cosmetic bag with a zipper. I also save the small white bottles that my glucometer strips come in. It is the perfect size for stitch markers.
Posted by: Angela Humphrey | June 29, 2011 at 11:03 AM
I seem to do a combo of so many others....mint tins, ziploc bags, small cosmetic bags, etc. Depending on what I need and when.
Posted by: Amy J | June 29, 2011 at 11:09 AM
The sad thing is I don't have a good way of keeping my knitting tools handy and my 10 month old will find them regardless! I would love to try out one of these!
Posted by: Chelsea Anne | June 29, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I have a little zip purse with bits and pieces in it.
Posted by: Rhian | June 29, 2011 at 11:56 AM
What a great giveaway! I love Sarah's tins! I've been eyeing them for months but just haven't purchased them! Thanks for the giveaway!! *crossing my fingers* :-)
Posted by: Ani Doll | June 29, 2011 at 11:58 AM
I love Sarah. I have been looking at the Tool Tins for a while. I would love to try out a tin or the stitch markers.
Posted by: lyknnits | June 29, 2011 at 12:04 PM
I love her tool tins. Very handy!
Posted by: Angie | June 29, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Love this! I usually have a ziploc or some other container with a few things but often not what I need.
rav: aewsimmons
Posted by: Alice | June 29, 2011 at 12:25 PM
These are on my favorites on etsy----but which design to choose?
Posted by: JoyceAnna D'Alessandro | June 29, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I am very unorganized when it comes to my knitting tools. I never know where anything is!!
Posted by: Alexis Hayman | June 29, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Sweet! I've been thinking I need a little toolbox like that to move from project bag to project bag.
Posted by: Kare | June 29, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Unfortunately, I don't have a good, consistent way to keep my tools organized. Sometimes it's a ziploc bag. Sometimes I toss them in the bottom of my project bag (bad idea, but ...), sometimes they just hang out on the endtable next to my couch. Nothing so snazzy as this!
Posted by: Adrienne | June 29, 2011 at 12:42 PM
I have a tapestry bag that came with a purse I bought many years ago. It's the perfect size and has a zipper closure. I get a little crazy when I can't find it:)
Posted by: Connie | June 29, 2011 at 12:48 PM
I loves me Altoid style boxes, but these are the niftiest!
Posted by: Amy | June 29, 2011 at 12:57 PM
I am all about new gadgets or things to hole my gadgets. Oh and I love Sarah...
Posted by: Pam McGary | June 29, 2011 at 01:01 PM
I am often losing my stitch markers and needles and these tins are a clever idea of keeping all of your useful notions together, They are beautiful to look at too.
Posted by: Tracie Kilbey | June 29, 2011 at 01:05 PM
This is such a great idea! I want one!
Posted by: Adina | June 29, 2011 at 01:31 PM
I just got my very first knitter's tool tin from Sarah a few days ago, and I LOVE it! I definitely want a few more for my many WIPs! It is wonderful how everything you really need is already in one place so there's no "packing" to take a project with you.
Posted by: Laura | June 29, 2011 at 01:32 PM
I must admit that I don't keep my tools very well organized at all. Usually I just toss them into my project bag, or, if I am at home, I try and keep them in a bowl at least so small items don't get lost.
Posted by: Michaela | June 29, 2011 at 01:48 PM
These knitting tins are so cute! I keep some of my smaller notions in a plastic tube formerly used for automotive cleaning cloths, and it's one of my toddler's favorite toys. I don't have nearly so many notions in that tube as Sarah manages to fit in that handy tin, though!
Posted by: Kara | June 29, 2011 at 01:55 PM
I use the freezerweight ziplocks also, but they tend to get distracted and then I can't find one when I need it. These tins are much more findable -- especially if they're bright colors -- and little sharp things wouldn't poke through, of course. (Well, I actually, keep a package of yarn needles in each bag, but still....)
Posted by: Susan (sjanova) | June 29, 2011 at 02:02 PM
I keep my stitch in a small metal tin. I keep my other knitting tools in a ziploc bag inside of a small cloth zipper makeup bag with a notepad, emery board, pen, etc.
Posted by: Knittingdancer on Ravelry | June 29, 2011 at 02:03 PM
I have a small tupperware bowl that keeps all my little helpers save and sound.
Posted by: Angelique | June 29, 2011 at 02:14 PM
I'm not very organized so my tools can be just about anywhere. I certainly could use one of her valuable and oh so cute tins.
Posted by: Rose | June 29, 2011 at 02:27 PM
How do I keep my knitting tools handy? I DON'T! Which is why I desperately need to win this prize. Just this morning I nearly vacuumed up one of my favorite stitch markers. Someone please tell me know 6 busy busy kids and knitting go together!
Posted by: Anne Marie | June 29, 2011 at 02:28 PM
I have a rubber/plastic pencil case that I keep my knitting tools in. It's stuffed to the brim and very hard to find things in!
Posted by: Sarah | June 29, 2011 at 02:39 PM
I have a small nameste bag I keep my tools in. It was a gift from my sister.
Posted by: patsy | June 29, 2011 at 02:40 PM
What a wonderful idea! Love it, love it! My "handy access" is... well I don't have any special way to keep my tools handy. I just keep them all in my knit/crochet bag in a side pocket. Sticking my hand in there was a dangerous move every time so I cut a piece of 1/4 tubing for the end of my scissors, put all my pins in a little clear plastic snap-box and hope I stay organized.
Posted by: Cosima Ybarra @ Fishes and Loaves | June 29, 2011 at 02:44 PM
What a fabulous idea! I'd love to win. :-)
Posted by: Felicity Stryjak | June 29, 2011 at 02:45 PM
Wow, this is awesome. I'd love to win this!
Posted by: Catherine | June 29, 2011 at 04:10 PM
A lot of tools stored in a small space. What a way to stay organized!
Posted by: Jane | June 29, 2011 at 04:15 PM
I love Sarah's work! Sexy and knitting - why not?
Posted by: lindaran on Ravelry | June 29, 2011 at 05:10 PM
I store all of my tools in a plain super small Altoid tin. But my tools aren't nearly as cool!
Posted by: jessicac | June 29, 2011 at 05:18 PM
So awesome! I'd love to have one for my traveling project bag!
Posted by: Pamela | June 29, 2011 at 06:17 PM
Oh man, I need something like that! lol I just toss my odds and ends into a bag and dig around when I need something. That tin is a GREAT idea!
Posted by: alystyn on Ravelry | June 29, 2011 at 07:05 PM
I love the stitch markers and cute little puppy snips in the tool kit!
Posted by: Margaret | June 29, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Ziplocs. All over the place, including one right next to me as I'm typing!
I love your little kits :)
Posted by: Quinn | June 29, 2011 at 08:13 PM
I made a small zipper pouch to carry my notions but, this tin sounds cool.
Posted by: Josie | June 29, 2011 at 10:42 PM
This would be wonderful to have instead of the zippered pocket that seems to eat all the bits of stuff.
Posted by: Pat | June 30, 2011 at 05:41 AM
How cute, I'd love to win!
Posted by: Robin | June 30, 2011 at 05:49 AM
I've always wanted to get one of her tool tins! Right now, I'm using a plastic bead organizer. It has a larger compartment under all the itty bitty compartments that I keep cabling/yarn needles in, and I keep stitch markers and other tiny things in the compartments on top.
Posted by: Nicole Parker | June 30, 2011 at 06:25 AM
I have $1 make up zipper pouch that holds all my bits and bobs. It's covered in cherries and is definitely hard to miss.
Posted by: Peppermint Mocha Mama | June 30, 2011 at 07:24 AM
I use a little container that has drawers in it.
Posted by: Louise | June 30, 2011 at 08:21 AM
I use the key chain to attach my puppy scissors to my knit picks zipper bag. I also have a small knitting needle sizer n the chain as well
Posted by: Maria McCabe | June 30, 2011 at 08:28 AM
I use the free cosmetic bags that come along as part of the free gifts with purchase in department store make-up departments. How many make up bags can one person use? But projects bags for on the go knitting each need their own set of supplies. Gets me out the door fast!
Posted by: Pat Devaney | June 30, 2011 at 08:29 AM
What a great idea!! I use a beat up old ziplock myslef so this would be a really cool and much better way to keep thinkgs in one place!
Posted by: Jill_R | June 30, 2011 at 08:31 AM
I keep all my supplies in a zipper pouch. My tapestry needles are in small ziplocs and my stitch markers are hanging together on safety pins.
Posted by: Tina | June 30, 2011 at 08:32 AM
I use a small purple pencil box, but hate the fact that it's plastic. And sparkly. Your tins are much cooler!
Posted by: Kristen Wesloh | June 30, 2011 at 08:34 AM
I keep my tools in a toiletries bag with a zip
Posted by: Doreen | June 30, 2011 at 08:36 AM
These are so neat! I currently keep all my little tools in an old sandwich Tupperware container.
Posted by: Gwenyth Love | June 30, 2011 at 08:36 AM
I love thesexyknitter.etsy.com website and this is just a sample as to why. I have to check out the set for crocheters too. AFter all, have to have a set for each yarn habit!
Posted by: nanalisette | June 30, 2011 at 08:39 AM
I'm a guilty ziploc bag user. =(
Would love to change my "style" to one of these! So cute!!
Posted by: Michelle Miltiades | June 30, 2011 at 08:40 AM
I keep my knitter's tools loose in my project bag. i have lost many darning needles. Keep meaning to come up with a better solution. I also have a mini crochet hook in my wallet for picking up dropped stitches.
Posted by: Heide | June 30, 2011 at 08:41 AM
... 52U198AN
The best ideas are nearly always the simplest and you kick yourself for not thinking of them first! This one is brilliant... well done !!
Posted by: Moira Judd | June 30, 2011 at 08:41 AM
I got a set of small zippered cloth bags made from Guatemalan handwoven fabric, from one of those fair trade places online. One each in project bags, but there's always something missing, not enough small pairs of snips, etc. and the cloth is too easy to poke through with sharps. Tins are a great idea!
Posted by: Kathie Brosemer | June 30, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Both of these are very cool. Love em..
Posted by: Denise Royal | June 30, 2011 at 08:48 AM
I use a gift bag that a bath/lotion set came in. :)
Posted by: Caitlyn Morrissey | June 30, 2011 at 08:51 AM
I have a small-zippered pouch--a lot like those pencil pouches we had for school--that has snaps at each corner to connect to the inside of my project tote.
It sounds practical and useful, but frankly, it is too much space for little notions and things...I'm always having to dig around and dump all of the things out to find something small, like a needle or stitch markers. I just have too much in together.
This tin you reviewed would be much better for us disorganized knitters. ;-)
Posted by: Lara H | June 30, 2011 at 08:52 AM
I keep my tools in a jewelry travel case I bought at a garage sale, but it's a much bigger bag than this tin. The little tin would be great for grabbing when I go to knitting group!
Posted by: Turtleknits | June 30, 2011 at 08:53 AM
This looks like it would be very handy. I use an old bandage container box (the ones that were made out of metal) to hold my markers and small needles. It works great
Posted by: Gerri Moore | June 30, 2011 at 08:53 AM
...another one guilty of the zip lock bag ;)
would love to win the cute tin or the stitch markers
Posted by: Gina | June 30, 2011 at 08:53 AM
The tool tin would be so handy. Zip-Loc bags work, until they develop a hole, and the piece I need is at the very bottom of the bag or hidden from view entirely.
Posted by: Kay | June 30, 2011 at 08:54 AM
Hi! I'm a teen knitter, and i love love love the stitch markers and the tool box! They are the most adorable, cute and fun things ever! I am extremely disorganized, (i partly blame it to being a teenager) I try hard to make it fun for myself to be organized. Right now i have all my tools thrown into a bag, and that bag inside and even bigger bag (not my smartest idea). I think these tools would make it easier, and even fun to be organized for me.
Posted by: deanna | June 30, 2011 at 08:54 AM
I have a shocking pink, clear zipper pouch, that works so well....it's highly visible so I can find it, not too big, can see what's inside...and I've had it forever! seems to do the trick.
But this needles, gadgets, stitch markers little tin with my own picture on it? this is to die for!!!!!!
Posted by: Christine | June 30, 2011 at 08:57 AM
I need a kit like this especially with the magnetic strip since I am always misplacing needles.
Posted by: Lennette Daniels | June 30, 2011 at 09:00 AM
I have a bag (which I bought 20 years ago and still going strong)that I keep my current project in. It has a small zippered pocket on the inside and I (try to) put everything I need into there.
Posted by: Mandy McNeely | June 30, 2011 at 09:05 AM
Very impressed with products and how much it will hold! Much better organization than my multiple ziplocs! Pick me! Pick me!
Posted by: jodi pericak | June 30, 2011 at 09:06 AM
I have several little bags, ranging from a plastic baggie to a Coach cosmetics pouch, that I fill with whatever I might need while working on a project and then just toss them in the project tote. But I still always find myself digging for something or other. I could LOVE to win this....it could only help me since I always have so many projects going at once. The magnetic strip idea for needles is a great idea.
And I love, love, love the stitch markers!
Posted by: Barbara Robertson | June 30, 2011 at 09:08 AM
OMG - that is so great! I have tried everything to keep my knitting tools organized. It never fails that the particular thing I need is in a different bag from the ones I have with me on a trip. And where do all my stitch markers go????? I keep buying them and they keep disappearing! Are there knitting elves in my house that keep stealing them?
Posted by: TrailerTrash | June 30, 2011 at 09:11 AM
I keep most of my tools in a small zip bag. I usually also keep my pom pom maker in there because I often make baby hats as my small "to do" project and that way I have everything I need. I bought a cute small bag at the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art and carry that with the small projects. It looks kind of classy!
Posted by: Libby Van de Putte | June 30, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Very cool. Much better than the ziploc bag I use right now.
Posted by: Elaine Johnston | June 30, 2011 at 09:17 AM
I don't, that's why this tin would be perfect!
Posted by: Suzy Williams | June 30, 2011 at 09:18 AM
I have a miniature version of one of those plastic storage bins that snaps shut that people keep in their garages. I use it for stitch markers, row counters and sewing needles but it doesn't fit everything that this one does. I never have enough stitch markers - especially when I'm doing more than one Sweaterbabe project at a time. Love these. Donna Anderson
Posted by: Donna Anderson | June 30, 2011 at 09:18 AM
To hold my small items, I use empty pill bottles, good for sewing needles, circle type markers between stitches. Would love to win the stars since they are my favorite fabric and pattern symbol.
Posted by: Barb. | June 30, 2011 at 09:20 AM
I have a really lovely gallon size zip-lock bag I keep my tools in - would be SO much nicer in a tin!
Posted by: Sue Falcone | June 30, 2011 at 09:22 AM
I keep my tools in a small sandwich bag too, but they usually end up somewhere at the bottom of my bag or entangled in my knitting. I love the stitch markers because they help me keep my place, it never fails as soon as I am fully concentrated in my pattern my dog needs to go outside and then my cat pounces on the knitting. It is a conspiracy I tell you!
Posted by: Deanna Concidine | June 30, 2011 at 09:22 AM
What a great and cute way to have everything handy and not bulky like the ziplock bags that I have been using forever! Love it!
Posted by: Davia | June 30, 2011 at 09:22 AM
Heh. I keep my tools in little tins, too--only mine are old Altoids containers. I'd be happy to change over--these are a LOT prettier!
Posted by: Louise Cotulla | June 30, 2011 at 09:24 AM
i keep all my tools spread out on a table next to the couch where i knit most of the time. don't have any organized way to travel with them. i love the little kits.
Posted by: Barbara | June 30, 2011 at 09:26 AM
Cute I have a little clear plastic box with built-in dividers that I bought at Joann's. Almost everything fits--sewing & yarn needles, stitch markers, mini crochet hook for repairs, tiny scissors. I used to use a fabric zippered pouch but I had a bad habit of putting yarn scraps in there and then I couldn't find anything anymore!
Posted by: Cindy Ames | June 30, 2011 at 09:28 AM
I have a huge plastic tube for all of my stitch markers and some needles. I also have a sheepy bag and a large lunch bucket like tin to keep everything in. And some things are just floating in my closet...lol
Posted by: Kari | June 30, 2011 at 09:29 AM
I´d love to win the cute kit. :-)
Posted by: Ann-Kristin Skoglund | June 30, 2011 at 09:30 AM
I have multiple bags and boxes. I love collecting notions containers!
Posted by: Mary Ellen Reimers | June 30, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Too cute!
Posted by: Kate | June 30, 2011 at 09:44 AM
These are darling. I'm the queen of ziplock bags to organize things since my knitting bag isn't very large.
Posted by: Michelle Tischler | June 30, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Good thinking, and unlike plastic bags, needles can't poke through!
Posted by: Deb Van Iderstine | June 30, 2011 at 10:02 AM
I absolutely love Sarahs design, I myself use a few different items to put my items in such as fun little zipper bags. some clear so thats nice I can see what I have.
Posted by: Lori Bernards | June 30, 2011 at 10:21 AM
I use old gum and Altoid tins all the time - I love the sprucing up of them and the stitch markers are adorable!
Posted by: RichelleCK | June 30, 2011 at 10:23 AM
I love her tins - just wish they would also be offered to crochet people as well! I love the amount of stuff you get and the cuteness of the styles. those stitch markers are cute. Now I'm going to do my 40% of coupon! Cool giveaway!
Posted by: Deborah Armstrong | June 30, 2011 at 10:51 AM
at last a container to stop you losing all the little things that are essential to a knitter
Posted by: helenlsmith | June 30, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Right now they're in a ziploc bag. It doesn't work that well, but it's easier than using a fabric bag because I can see where things are.
Posted by: ikkinlala | June 30, 2011 at 10:54 AM
This is a GREAT kit! It's very cleverly put together. I use diaper pins to hold my stitch markers and a festive basket for other essentials!
Posted by: Jewelry Jane | June 30, 2011 at 10:57 AM
I use Altoid tins. They are perfect for small items. Thanks for the giveaway. Debbie
Posted by: Debbie H | June 30, 2011 at 11:00 AM
What a neat idea! The stitch markers are so cute as well as the knitting tin!
Posted by: Susan Havens | June 30, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I use pencil cases to keep all my bits and bobs in for my projects. I have one that has stitch holders, a set of tapestry and sewing needles, tape measure, scissors and a second one for the circular needles that I need for a particular project and crochet hooks of the same size as the knitting needles in case of dropped stitches. Both do up with a zip and are see through. They are always in my bag that I have my projects in.
Posted by: Ellen Cottis | June 30, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Love the tools! The magnetic container is terrific!
Posted by: Eire Stewart | June 30, 2011 at 11:55 AM
I use Hello Kitty snack size zip bags, but I love the idea of the tins since I am always looking for another excuse to collect more tins :D
Posted by: Pete Futa | June 30, 2011 at 12:02 PM
hmmm maybe we need to do a tutorial of our various methods later. It will be great for those who don't win this.
Posted by: Beverly | June 30, 2011 at 12:11 PM