Your local Harlot leaves today for the land of milk and honey. I will spend two days in Massachusetts on business, then…be still my heart. I will be at Rhinebeck. I’m so excited I can scarcely breathe. It’s not just the festival either, this is the first time I’ve been away by myself…ever. I’ve never been on a plane alone, I’ve never stayed in a hotel alone…the possibilities boggle the mind. Half of the time I’m thrilled to death and the rest of the time I’m terrified. (Sorry, the math on that is wrong. There’s a couple of hours a day in there for beating myself up for being terrified because what kind of a grown woman is nervous about going away by herself?)
Questions that need answers.
10. Between them, Joe and the girls have 74 years of life experience. Will this be enough to see them through 4 days without me? When I arrive home Sunday night, will their quiet enthusiasm for all that I do for them and their grateful hearts welcome me warmly back into my home, or will they set upon me like a pack of wolves deprived of a fresh kill the minute that I walk through the door?
9. Assuming they survive, what is the estimated condition of my house upon my arrival Sunday night?
8. What are the chances, should I call home from Massachusetts or New York that they will not ask me if I am having a good time, or if the first time I am away from home by myself in 18 years is fun, but instead use up all of my long distance minutes saying things like:
-Where are my green tights?
-Tell Amanda that she has to lend me her hairclips.
-What was the phone number for the guy with the thing?
7. What is the rate of exchange? (I am obsessed with this. It’s like a disease. I keep trying to calculate the best moment to go to the bank.)
6. Would packing a swift and ballwinder be considered “overkill”?
5. What do I have in my house that I could sell on the sidewalk out front before 2:00 this afternoon to get more money for buying things?
4. What kind of knitting needles will I be allowed to take on the plane? I’ve flown all over Canada with any needles I wanted, but the rules are different flying into New York. The airline claims that this matter is at the discretion of the security agent I meet at the airport. This means that it will be a surprise. I have three kinds of needles, I am prepared for any answer accept “none”.
(I swear that while I would never, ever say this to a security person…If they want to take away my bamboo 2mm sock needles, deep down inside I will be strangling the urge to take all the other passengers pencils away. Wait… maybe I could knit with pencils?)
3. How will my friend “Mr. Washie” cope without me? We’ve never been apart this long. Perhaps I could ask someone to visit him…
2. What do all the people I know from the blogosphere really look like? Who will I meet? What will they say? Will I remember their names? (Wait..I know the answer to that one. No. I won’t. For the love of Wool don’t take it personally.) What will they be wearing? (Wait until you see what Laurie is wearing (yes, That Laurie). Stunning.
1. Finally…will I be wearing Rhinebeck? No way to know. It’s down to the wire on this one.
I’ll blog if I can, otherwise I’ll see you Monday with a full report. Wish me luck.
Yarn Harlot
Barring a last minute wild hair (which is not entirely out of the question), I won’t get to meet the Harlot at this particular Rhinebeck. *frowns* Have a good time — and enjoy the solo vacation!
This is an excerpt from an email on the Boston SNB list:
> For those that wonder if they can carry on or >check knitting needles(and crochet hooks) on a >flight the answer is yes and yes to both. >Acccording to the Transportation Security >Administration’s list of accepted items
(http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_8_23_2004.pdf)
You should be fine, and the bamboo shouldn’t even really show up on a bag scanner. I’d bring a copy of the list with you to show as proof too.
Anyway, good luck with the RS and hope you have fun in MA while you’re here!
I generally try to stick to circular needles on planes. You’re probably okay with anything that isn’t metal, though. Yes, packing a swift and ballwinder would be overkill. And have fun! It’s definitely stressful to have to deal with everything yourself, but at least you don’t have to be responsible for other people.
Yay! Have much fun at the Rheinbeck. And remember when you come back not to tell stories that start with, “this one time…at Rhinebeck…” 😉
10. No, 74 years will not be enough for them to survive. The optimal minimum is 75 years, considering your skills and devotion.
9. Due to their lack of experience, the estimated condition of your house is that it will be between �struck by lightning� and �condemned by the city�.
8. The chances for your family to ask if you are having a good time are somewhat less than zero and somewhat more than �1.
7. The rate of exchange is what is known as a �reciproversexluson� � a number which is anything but what it is.
6. Packing a swift and a ballwinder would be consider minimal equipment needed for attending a sheep and wool show.
5. Nothing.
4. Check with the airlines every 5 minutes, because that is how often the rules change.
3. I can�t help with this issue, since I don�t know who �Mr. Washie� is.
2. Both worse and better than you imagined.
1. Good luck with RS. Apparently, you�ll need it.
What is this you speak of…going somewhere “alone”? Serioulsy-have loads of fun (no, I am not trying to make you feel guilty about leaving Mr. Washie behind), and do not yield your needles as weapons no matter how upset security may make you. I would not want to see a photo of a big haired women on the five o’clock news with the alias of Yarn Harlot. I pray that your house will still be standing when you return-and if not I hear New York is a really nice place to live.
Have fun!!
I get a better exchange from my bank. The economy is always higher. Invest in the travlers checks. Visa is also a choice. 🙂 I live in Italy, 45 min north east of Venice. The Euro is growing with leaps and bounds. Good luck on your trip and enjoy your self. The house can be cleaned. It is beautiful out there. Keep the camera and the bamboo handy. I just flew from Venice to Texas with a ton of knitting sock stuff. Even a yarn cutter. I had no problems. Any way they are giving knives out in 1st class now. It has calmed down. MY 4 year old is the only one getting surched these days. LOL really! Overalls, shews GM bought that light up were the most fun!! ENJOY!!
Good luck with your travels, Stephanie! I was just in New York in the summer and I loved it. I especially loved the knitting shops there. I had my own experience with the needles, too, that I thought I’d share. While I had no problem getting into New York with my knitting needles, I did have an issue getting on a plane to come back from New York. The very pleasant man behind the desk put it best when he said: “It’s not that we think you’ll use them against anyone but we don’t want to take the chance that someone will use them as a weapon against you or the other passengers.” How could I argue?
Have a super fantastic time!
A few answers from a women who leaves her husband (aka the big kid) at home while she goes on occasional business trips:
10. They will eat Twinkies and other processed foods while you are gone. Have vegetables in your purse for quick administration upon your return.
5. Your soul
4. Get confirmation from the ticket agent when you check in – show them your needles and smile nicely, not menacingly. If they won’t allow you to take them on, you’ll still have time to put them in your luggage before it disappears on a conveyor belt.
My first business trip was to Toronto – I was scared to pieces, even though I had been to TO many times as a child. You’ll probably surprise yourself at your ability to cope in the big bad world all by yourself.
Have a great time! Take that lucky loonie with you!
Hey Harlot-
A friend of mine flys and knits frequently. She says to check with tsb.gov (.org? .com?)for details about what is allowed on the plane. She tells me that even underwire bras can set off the new security equipment – can you believe it?
Have a great trip-
I went the the Bahamas on a cruise in May and left my husband and 2 sons home. It worked out fine. As long as you know the house will be trashed when you get home and all sorts of crises will have occurred, but don’t worry they probably won’t tell you about them until you get home.
I have traveled with Bamboo straights and plastic circulars with no problems in NY airports but I have always avoided bringing double points because people seem to perceive them as threatening.
Perhaps I will run into you at Rhinebeck, we’re driving up for the day on Saturday.
Have a blast!
Hey I knit two scarfs on a ball point pen and a hair thingy (a stick that goes in a piece of leather) after forgetting my bamboo circular bought for the trip — it can be done. Later when I sized them I found they were two different sizes — imagine
Have fun
Jasmine
I’ll second the suggestion that you print out the list of “allowable items” for your flight. I’ve read a number of stories recently about allowable things being confiscated bacause not all US security agents are on the same page. Best to help out, especially when you’re helping yourself at the same time:-)
Have a great trip.
Harlot, I’ve been hand-searched a number of times and have never had a problem with CIRCULAR bamboo needles. We know how you feel about circs, but one TSA guy *measured* the needle, and apparently it was short enough not to be a weapon. Since the hard part of circs is only about six inches, vs the 12″ to 15″ a straight needle would measure, I wonder if that’s going to be a problem.
Use credit cards whenever possible — that’s the best rate you’ll get, as I understand it.
HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!
Though even things that are on the approved list can be nixed by the security checker, I have flown all over the US with metal circulars and bamboo straights without them even looking inside my bag after seeing the X-Ray. Your best bet on the exchange rate thing is not to go to the bank. Just bring your ATM card and withdraw or charge anything you need. That gives you the best possible exchange rate every single time in any country.
To be super-safe, you can bring a padded envelope with you in your carry-on. That way, any needles you cannot carry on you can mail home to yourself (without the ridiculous $10 airport fee). I flew in and out of LaGuardia this summer and didn’t have any problem with double-pointed sock needles. Have a fabulous time! And yes, you can knit with pencils if you must. Sharpen them and then break the lead so it doesn’t get all over your yarn.
Last month on a flight from Dallas to San Francisco the flight attendant was knitting a fluffy scarf on huge honkin’ METAL needles. I’m sure security didn’t over-scrutinize her because she was, well, a flight attendant, but they were definitely “weapons”. I was suprised that even she got them on the plane! I have flown with plastic circs without incident. I was too worried to take my bamboos and risk losing them though. I also printed the allowable list and was prepared to stand and defend my plastics, just in case. Bon voyage and have a blast!!! Good luck with the RS!
Have a safe trip! I’m sure you’ll have an excellent time.
Also, I’ve never had any trouble bringing knitting needles on to a plane. Sometimes the stewardess will ask me to put them away during take-off/landing, since they’re a “sharp object”, but that’s it.
You could always stuff an extra set of dpns in your sock, too, if you’re concerned about them getting picked up at the x-ray.
Have fun at Rhinebeck. Re: Currency Exchange. Right now, the rate is around 1.25 (every US dollar costs about $1.25 Cdn). It’s the best rate in 10 years, so really, any time is a good time to go to the bank. I doubt there’d be any significant shifts in this over the next few days.
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!
I just got back from a trip to San Deigo. I flew with #2 bamboo sock needles and even knitted in the waiting area and on the plane. No problems of any kind. BTW, in a pinch, some of the bamboo skewers that you get for grilling, in sacks of 50 or so, are exactly size 2. One end is already sharpened. Just sand them down with an emery board to make them smooth and taper the other end. I used one of these at a friend’s house when I forgot my 5th needle. Worked just fine.
Have great fun in New York. I hope that your house is still in one piece when you get back.
Have a wonderful time at Rhinebeck! I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’ll be like a cork out of a bottle. As for the needles on the plane, I’m sad to say that the Canadians are more difficult about it than the Americans. So, you may get grief on the way down but not on the way back. If you’re travelling Air Canada, they’re quite particular about it. Frustrating.
Anyway, have a fabulous time!
Trust me…your house will never be the same.
You go girl…it’s great you are going away on your own. The only problem is you may want to do it more often!! Have a fabulous time! 🙂
Harlot, don’t bother with the winder, etc. I’ll bring you to my LYS for winding. Don’t bother phoning home. Let one of us locals phone your family to say that you are well, that you are having a such a blast that we’re phoning on your behalf. I’ll see you there, my dear!
Oh, forget the exchange thing. It’s like me worrying about the US dollar to the Euro whilst in Italy — pointless! Unfortunately, it’s not in your favor, but hey, what can you do?
Have a wonderful time in MA, and best of luck with the recalcitrant sweater. Don’t worry, the house and family will still be there when you get back, there will just be an exponential amount of housework waiting for you. 🙂
Random travel advice:
If you can find them in an airport store, get some of the “EarPlanes” earplugs. They help with the ear-popping thing (they are lifesavers if you have trouble with this). Gum and water are also good.
TSA info here: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1252.xml
For quickest passage through security, I recommend wearing as little metal as possible and having shoes you can slip on and off easily.
I’ve had no problems taking bamboo sock needles through, and I’ve done it several times over the last year and a half.
Yes, just use your ATM/credit card instead of bothering with a bank for exchanging money. The rates are better and it’s much more convenient. (But bring some sort of back-up; I had a moment of panic when an ATM in Australia tried to eat my card — luckily I got it back, but whew!). And if one bank’s ATM doesn’t work, try another; I had to do that in Spain a few times. But I can’t imagine you’ll have any trouble here.
Watch out for the hotel mini-bar if there is one. They will charge you a gazillion dollars if you even touch anything; it’s better to find a grocery store and stock up on snacks there.
Ditto long-distance phone calls. Using 800 toll-free numbers helps, but they will still charge you about $1-2 to connect you. One option is for Joe and the girls to call _you_ instead; but then you have to plan to be in the hotel when they call. *wink*
Don’t drive in Boston if you can help it.
Remember, if you can’t fit the yarn/fleece in your luggage, you can always mail it home!
Most importantly: have a blast! I am so full of envy here!
By the time you are heading home on Sunday, you will have had so much fun and not given a second’s thought to Mr. Washie, that you’ll be planning your next “work-related” trip away alone. Be sure to do this before you arrive and see the house. If it was messy before, it will still be messy, nobody ever died from clutter or laundry. (That may not be true, and I’m sure we could think of examples, BUT WE WON”T).
Have a greeat time with all the sheep and wool and knitters, and have a toast to those of us who can’t be there! We’ll sure be thinking about the rest of you. Enjoy.
You can print out the latest airline regulations that let you take knitting needles onto an airplane here.
http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_11_18_2003.pdf
If you highlight the section on knitting and crochet needles, you shouldn’t have a problem, otherwise, who knows?
Also, your bamboo needles won’t show up on a X-ray. Put them in your purse in something that, even if they take the metal ones, you can still have and knit with.
Not that I fly frequently or anything.
Bippy
10. No & pack of wolves
9. Does Hiroshima mean anything to you?
8. 137%
7. No one really knows. Just smile and nod.
6. Definitely not.
5. Joe’s pretty cute.
4. Again, no one knows. Offer to knit the guards socks to proove your QOTWness.
3. He’ll miss you far more than Joe or the kids.
2. Long,dark red hair and a fiber-high expression (well, not all of them, just me)
1. We have not yet lost faith.
Well, it’s been said but the advice is good. Print out a copy of the items allowed on board. Don’t bother getting money ahead of time. Just use your credit card. The house will be a mess when you get home, but everyone will be fine, even after they eat non-stop junk. Take heart! Traveling by yourself can be very liberating. Think how wicked you will feel when you order a glass of wine in the airport and enjoy it. You will have a great trip. Betsy in Sacramento, where it is supposed to be fall, but the forecast for today is 95 deg. Not exactly sweater weather !
I’ve never had any problems “ever” taking knitting needles on a plane. Have a fabulous time; those of us in the West have to live vicariously through you and the other pilgrims to Rhinebeck.
I was at a conference the other week, and called home one evening. My son said “Mom, I got my paycheck yesterday, and now I can’t find it.”
I thought a moment then said “Look on the top shelf of the shelves near the back door. That’s where your father would put it if he ran across it last night.” And I was right — there it was.
Think about it: I wasn’t even HOME when the check was picked up; I had never SEEN the check! Yet when my son lost it he knew that I would know where it was…..and I did.
And, no, he did not ask me if I was having a good time!
You’re going to have a blast! I’ve successfully (if nervously) taken knitting through La Guarida to Paris, and on several trips within Florida.
1) Everyone here is right about the value of a printed list with the TSA logo.
2) Sometimes a plastic ziplock can protect the Item Being Knitted from being handled in a way that causes stitches to be dropped off the needles.
3) Doubtless my knitting supplies are nothing compared with those of the Harlot–but I like traveling with my Denise kit because it all goes through the x-ray okay and leaves me lots of options.
I can’t believe “What will The Treat from Claudia Be?” wasn’t on your list!!
I’ve been flying out of the NY area for about a year now with no trouble with needles (though I did have trouble taking wooden needles into a court room recently. I was so mad at the guard. I wish I’d thought of pencils!!) 🙂
Have a great time in Rhinebeck. I’m jealous.
As a mom who took her first trip away from the family after three kids and 16 yrs of marriage I can honestly say that yes you are terrified and nervous and that you will still manage to have the time of your life. Do not expect anyone to ask you if you are having a good time, I kept hearing “Mom will you quit calling us, we’re ok”. I came home to as little chaos as can be expected with three boys and DH who only knows how to order pizza.
Have a great time Stephanie!
I found the Canadian list:
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.htm
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
It says knitting needles are allowed in carry-on baggage. I, too, would print this list for the trip down.
Judith
You should be able to get away with bamboo circs, Harlot. I travel more than a body should (I use to travel 15 days out of each month, even after 9/11) and only one time I was asked to check the bamboos. However, being a clever kind of gal, I had packed two pairs of those disposable chopsticks in my carry-on, with the sleeves still on them.
I knit on the plane and while waiting for my connections – they measured between a 7US and a 8US. Every time I boarded the plane, I put the sticks back in their wrapper and the knitting on waste yarn and just picked it up once I was on the plane.
This was 1 1/2 years ago and from what I understand, they’re relaxing a bit more, so you should be fine. I’ve not had anything I would have time to work on lately, so I’ve not had recent experience with needles and security.
Remember, when in doubt, disposable chopsticks in your purse =)
You’re coming to Massachusetts?? I live in Massachusetts!!! I wish I had known, I would have found a way to get to meet you. =)
Just returned from a flight to Seattle–green light on bamboo circulars both in the waiting area and on the plane. Can’t wait to hear if the sweater will be completed. (BTW, did you ever officially name it or has it become “Rhinebeck Sweater” de facto?)Have a blast on your trip! I recently started being away from my family for a few hours at a time and I LOOOOVE every minute. It’s rejuvenating.
HAVE FUN!!! Don’t call home and enjoy all the fibers you will get to see, take tons of pics and do bring swift and yarn winder. You will want to start playing with your new yarn asap! 😉
Hope you have a blast!!! 🙂
Perhaps I will see you among other knitting blog celebs at Rhinebeck.
P.S. Check out my blog, there’s not much there yet but it will someday be cool, i swear!
Travel without the family – what a luxury!!! When I first started traveling for business years ago it was a bit nerve wracking the first time or two going solo – but once you get used to it it is wonderful!!! You can soak in the tub without the family parading in and out of the bathroom. You can sleep in the middle of the bed and hog all the pillows and blankets.
My husband at one point thought I was getting to like it a bit too much however and when I came home from a trip I found all the toilet paper in the house folded into little points… He thought he’d give me a bit of hotel at home – lol!
The house will be waiting for you to hose it down, melted icecream will be dripping off the table, the kids will not be able to get dressed in the morning, dad will be standing around scratching himself wondering what to do next, the mail will be in a heap in the mail box, and you will be greeted with,”oh, you’re home? Great. What did you bring me?”….oh wait…that was my house house 15 years ago..you have a husband who adores you and children with goals, plans and wear shawls…I’ll bet you’ll be greated with flowers and I missed yous…have a blast! you’ll be just fine on your own – I promise! But somehow I’m guessing you won’t be alone when you meet up with other knitters…It’ll be a big old pj party for knitters…*sigh*…I’m in Los Angeles, still cleaning up the melted icecream from 15 years ago…enjoy for us who won’t be there.
Dear Harlot – remember to bring every freakin’ piece of ID you have with you in case the security overkill that rules this nation tries to arrest you, disappear you, or otherwise detain you. as for your knitting needles, print out both the TSA regulations about them (from their website here:
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=090005198006c36a
as well as the regulations for the airline you are flying on – print them out from their website in a way that clearly shows it’s from their website.
Also, bring a self addressed stamped envelope with you to mail your needles back to yourself if they try to confiscate them. I second the motion for bamboo circs. i also had some small bamboo sock needles on a plane many times that weren’t an issue. Have wonderful time!! Don’t be surprised if someone begs you to adopt them and take them back to canada with you (no, I won’t be there, but if i were i would)
I’ve flown all over the US with my needles … no problem. The only thing I’ve ever gotten stopped for is the cat-nail-clipper I use to cut yarn, because it LOOKS like scissors, but SO isn’t! (and they let me take those after they’ve seen them)
I do recommend taking that TSA list, jsut in case. If nothing else, it’s a DAMN funny read! (chinese stars – ok in checked baggage, NOT ok on carry on. You can take your AX if you check it, but you cannot bring it on the plane)
It’s your first time alone on a plane or in a hotel? “She’s only just begun . . . to live . . .” 🙂 No problem, you can use my ball winder and swift. Lookin’ forward to meeting the crazy Harlot!
Have a wonderful time. The weekend will fly by and you will be exhausted and happy by the time you get back to what’s left of your house. Don’t worry about a thing and take lots of pictures to post for us to see.
I wish you the best time at Reinbeck. 2 of the people I tought to knit will be there but I can’t make it this year so have fun for me 2
Have a great time at Rhinebeck! I always bring a sock with me to knit on as tiny dpns dont seem to freak anyone out.
I love travelling alone. “Down to Gehenna or up to the throne, he travels the fastest who travels alone.” Well, that’s an imprecise quote but I say it to myself every time I travel somewhere.
No blog until Monday? I will die.
Looking forward to seeing a pic of you at Rhinebeck wearing the RS!
You *should* be able to take bamboo needles on the plane. Hell, I’ve taken my spinning kit with me – bamboo needles, two mini high-whorl spindles, and as much fiber as I can jam into a lunchbox. I’ve gotten some raised eyebrows, but not much more. I wouldn’t bring anything that can cut in a carry-on – not even nail clippers, even though it’s technically allowed now.
I sort of enjoy travelling by myself. Don’t get to do it much anymore, so it’s a rare treat. Have fun! The house will probably be standing when you get home 😉 Enjoy Rheinbeck!
Have a blast. I can’t wait to hear about it.
How can you not have shared exact progress on the sweater? It’s been d a y s! I can’t stand the torture — I want to know what’s happening — will you complete the amazing miracle sweater? I have a good feeling, but still. This lack of exact status is cruel.
I’ve flown all sorts of places in the past few years (across country (SF to NYC), between states and internationally) and not had any problems wiht knitting needles at all, though I usually take bamboo/circular (or both).
Have a wonderful, wonderful trip!
Have Fun! You know they will probably party with Mr. Washie and feed him all kinds of funny coloured clothes mixed together… at least you have girls that might be wearing pink undies.. then again.. Joe might get some too…
I brought my plastic needles onto the plane to Switzerland last month, and had no problems at all. I’m sure that the needles you’re planning to take belong to a purlplish sweater?… I’m also guessing that you’re going to work on it right up to the gates of Rhinebeck?
I keep my fingers crossed and will drag my feet through the Creative Sewing and Needlework Festival here in TO, while pretending that I will actually see some interesting yarns… (grin)…
TTFN
Go now for the exchange rate!! It’s the lowest it’s been in years, about 1.25 American for every Canadian dollar – I’m an American student at McGill, and all over campus right now all the Americans are hoarding US money until the rate gets better! Have fun in Massachusetts – I was back home in Maine last weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving, and the trees were unbelievable.
Steph, love, do not print out the regulations with the idea of proving to the particular security person who questions you that needles are permitted.
Those rules may exist but be assured that security folks at airports are permitted whatever discretion they see fit.
I had a rotten time at Charles De Gaulle with a garce who decided she was not “comfortable” with my having BAMBOO needles.
Do not bother to argue.
Take the needles on board.
If no one cares, you’re golden.
If they do, give up.
Darlin girl, QueerJoe, Marilyn Roberts, Selma the Axe-murderer, the Yenta and I hope to meet up with you at the ticket booth at 10:00 on Saturday.
Or/and Sunday.
Have a great time Stephanie! You’re going to have so much fun with all that fibre. I bet if you get a window seat the view with the autumn colours will be gorgeous.
take care, Joe and the girls will be fine.
liz 🙂
I remember my first trip in your circumstances. Plus for me, huge guilt. Then I remembered:
the time he was in Africa and the doctors were trying to decide whether to amputate the oldest child’s leg (they didn’t)
the time he was on the shores of Rankin Inlet and the teacher was threatening to have the youngest expelled (they didn’t)
the time he was in New Mexico and the hot water tank burst at the same time the sewer backed up into the basement.
The guilt disappeared.
Then when I got home to a house that looked like the latest war had been fought there, I remembered my Pop saying, “the house can wait, but the kids grow up and go away”. I ignored it, and hugged them all, then crawled in a hot bath. When I got out, they’d cleaned the place up.
Don’t phone home. You will be asked “where’s the other ruffly thingy that goes around the bed” (what happened to the one that was there?) “where’s the receipts for the moving expenses?” (why does he need them?)
Have fun. Indulge yourself. For yourself, and all of us who are enjoying it vicariously.
Barb
Hi Stephanie – thanks for all the laughs and lovely knitting. Regarding needles on airplanes – I travel frequently on two major US airlines. I’ve never had a problem with my circular needles (bamboo or other). I also advise taking a padded envelope so can mail your needles back to yourself if necessary. You could also return to baggage check-in and ask for a small box and check them as luggage!! If a security person objects to your needles, showing them the regs probably not help – the final decision rests with that person. Have lots of fun at Rhinebeck and enjoy your “alone” time.
just put your hair in a bun and stick two knitting needles through like accesories. that’s what my dad always tells me to do, and although i’ve never had the nerve to try it, i think it would suit your hair–and be pretty funny. have a great time!
Have a Wonderful time ! Remember to fondle , fondle fondle all those beautiful fibers ! Remember , it is just a house – who cares !
Live it up girl ! Looking forward to when you get home .
Happy Knitting,
Kim O
As a former TSA person, look here for the list. When I left the TSA, knitting needles were allowed. It’s helpful to bring a copy of the prohibited items list with you showing that they’re allowed. http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=183&content=09000519800720a4
If the link doesn’t work, go to http://www.tsa.gov and click the ‘must read for anyone travelling by air’ thingie. There’s a link on that page to the .pdf list of items. If you have trouble, ask politely to speak with the supervisor; they should (hopefully) be able to help you. Whatever you do, don’t throw a fit (not that you would, but I’ve seen it done) because you will either be escorted out by the police, or possibly arrested, or at least not allowed to board your flight.
This is how we did it at San Francisco, so I hope the rules apply in New York (they should, it’s nationalized now).
Have a great time at the Rhinebeck festival for all of those who are too far away to come!
Dearest harlot,
You’ve left me. After all the years, my recent pump surgery, and my unending patience in digesting clogs, you’ve left me alone. The people you left to watch over me don’t even know I exist, except in a vauge existential state of mind. What if they use dish soap instead of my favorite detergent? What if they throw woolens into hot water? What if they put bright red socks into a load of underwear?
Worse yet, I fear they will ignore me completely. I will remain celibate, uncaressed, uncared for.
I’d like to leave, but….we have so much history together. We share a special, symbiotic relationship. You give me fulfillment…I give you fulled clogs. I yearn for you to return with tasty woolen treats. I will be here. I will be waiting. And when you arrive, I know you will be spending much of your time with me. Ah bliss.
Your immortal beloved,
Washie
P.S. Don’t even think of looking at any front loaders while you are in that heathen country.
They are all flash and no substance.
I have flown with bamboo circs. The security is very tight in Halifax. I chose not to ask about if I could take my needles with me and not to declare them at security either. They didn’t even notice them. I don’t knit in departure areas just to be safe. It doesn’t seem to matter if you have a printed out list that knitting needles are allowed, it seems to depend more on the individual security person. As for going away and leaving the kids and husband, it is both scary and exciting. Once you get on that plane, the excitement takes over:) After going away once in 18 years and 5 kids, I went away 3 times last year and the husband and the kids survived just fine including my 7 year old who didn’t want me to go at all. Have a great time.
I thought I’d add my 2 cents. I just returned to Germany from a trip to the States. I never had a problem or even a question about my knitting needles. I had both metal and plastic ones in my bag. I also had a pair of nail clippers and no one said anything. I had to go through customs and change planes in Washington/Dulles on my way to and from Denver. I was wanded and felt up (underwire bra)in Frankfurt before I ever left but not a word about my needles. My best friend is a flight attendant and she and her coworkers knit and crochet during the down time on the plane.
I find that I get the best exchange rate if I either use my credit card for purchases or take euro out of the ATM from a German bank, rather than getting my money exchanged at the bank on post.
Have a great trip. Enjoy you’re time to yourself.
I’ve never had a problem with plastic or bamboo needles on a plane in the states. I’ve never tried aluminum though. I just figure if they are plastic or bamboo the security guard is less likely to find them in the first place!
Have fun on your trip!!
Hey, some of us would have been nutso about “making up” a cable pattern (good grief… that’s way beyond scarves and dishclothes, you know?!) let alone with a made-up saddle shoulder with connected sleve cable.
When we do something NEW it’s scary.
I too have traveled with tons of needles and never been stopped for those. They did seem concerned about my underwired bra and folding scissors, however… (I mailed those home). Now I take a little pastic letter opener that has a cutting surface… it works great to cut yarn.
If hubby and kids DON’T ask “the right question” while you are away, or when you return, just let it be a heads up to train them before you take your next adventure. They’ll survive. They may have rough patches depending on how dependent they were on you without realizing it.
Anybody can live on pizza, dirty undersear or without the green tights for a week. I’ve seen it done! And if they leave it all a mess for you on Sunday, have a snit, get out your great new yarn and tell them you’ll get up when they’ve straightened everything to the condition is was when you left!!
Have a wonderful time.
Hey, maybe we can all go to one of those Orkney/Shetland knitting festivals in IRELAND sometime!
Massachusetts? You’re going to be in Massachusetts? When/where? Don’t you need someone to show you exciting yarn stores?
I hope you got your sweater finished on time…….I will be on the look out for that lovely purple sweater!!
Happy Shopping in Rhinebeck….you are in for a treat!!!
i thought it’d be polite to tell you i’m reading your site, maybe it’s uncalled for. i dunno.
i’m not involved in knitting, and and am a college student so we probably don’t have much in common, but i really enjoy your site. i love the insight i get into motherhood, and your humor. I’m inspired to learn knitting as well. 🙂
i found your site while searching for fiber artist for my fibers class i am taking at SMSU in springfield, Missouri. I choose to do my paper on Katharine Cobey. My class is mainly fosuses on fabric surface design.
i bought a kalvin cline sp? sweater this weekend that reminded me of the blue sweater you were wearing, i mean making, i mean knitting. I love the pattern! It looks like something a scotish country lassy would wear, though i wouldn’t know.
wow, soo many comments!
cheers!
Just saw a commercial on TV that reminded me of what yarnharlot’s home could be like while she is away and/or what she is coming back to.
It was a commercial about the week-long sale at Walmart. The lady of the piece is occasionally shown pushing a cart down the aisle of a Walmart, while at home the washing machine is spewing soap suds, hubby and kids are sprawled on the sofa eating fast food, etc. etc.
I’m CERTAIN she’s having a good time.
We sure aren’t giving Mr. yarnharlot (or her children) much credit are we?
The website for the Transportation Security Admin w/info on Transporting Knitting Needles is:
(http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1252.xml)
Have a great time!! I love traveling alone now. I took me awhile, but I went to Eygpt and India alone. I drive all over the pass alone. I sail alone. (Is this sounding sad or what??? It’s not.) Don’t keep important stuff in your purse, buy a waist money belt. Have fun!!
Kim
Welcome to the USA!!! We DO allow knitting needles & crochet hooks on airplanes, if we didn’t, I would never have finished my fiance’s sock (not single not plural, one year sock) Hope you have an awesome time and your family realizes all those things they take for granted. Love your site. Regards, Gayle FYRKRKR
Harlot sighting at the Sheep & Wool Festival! Imagine my surprise when I get out of my car and she is parked right next to me! Can’t wait to hear all of her details!
Another Harlot sighting at the fair! We were going to meet up on Friday, but lost phone numbers and the sheer size of NY Sheep and Wool interfered. I had heard it was large, but really — sensory overload of a fiber persuasion! And, frankly, while wandering around, I found myself paying more attention to fiber than to the surrounding crowd!! By about 2.30 I figured it was just too big so I would never see her. Then someone tapped me on the shoulder and there she was. I give nothing away, but I will say that by the end of Friday, Stephanie was not carrying anywhere NEAR as much as I was. Of course, I had only one day, and she was coming back Sunday after reconnoitering!
michelle and i were thinking of you this weekend…hope you had fun at the wooly festival and that everything else was good too! (i have never travelled alone either…)
Hmm… needles taken away, knitting not available, the AntiBuddhist? Wondering if you packed those chopsticks like I told you? I can’t wait until your next entry, Harlot…
Yep, the natives are getting restless out here…(“HarLOT! HarLOT! HarLOT!”) Better post, princess, at least Part I.
There’s a picture of our Stephanie at Rhinebeck wearing Rhinebeck over at Joe’s! queerjoe.blogspot.com
(Hope that’s not spoiling the surprise!)
We sure do miss you! Hope you had fun.
I’ve recently become a self taught knitting enthusiast. I’m obsessed by the craft that my sister led me to. In my search for airline regulations on knitting needles I stumbled across your website. I’ve enjoyed reading all the comments. My husband and I will travel to his home country of Lebanon in a few weeks. I was concerned about taking my #2 & #3 sized needles in my carry on. While doing a manicure the other day it occured to me that I may be able to get away with using my orange sticks (cuticle pusher). I measured them and they are the same size as a #3 needle. If someone wants to confiscate them no biggy. I’m out a couple of pennies each.