Currently KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects from Knitting's New Wave By Sabrina Gschwandtner see related

Recently I treated myself to new sets of bamboo crochet hooks and knitting needles from eBay sellers. I wanted to make caddies for them to keep them organized. I did a Google search for directions, and I found some, but I wanted a commercial pattern. So I did a search on eBay and found a terrific pattern for not only the caddies, but cloth organizers and totes, too. The pattern is from 2004: McCall's Crafts M4728.

All of the materials I used were from my stash (fabric, batting, thread, ribbon). I did not think the directions would have been clear to a beginning sewer. Luckily, after over 40 years of sewing, I can usually figure things out.

My straight knitting needles are short ones, only nine inches, so they just came up to the top of the fabric pocket. I put the size 0 and 1 needles together; I doubt I will be using those skinny needles very often. I usually use circular knitting needles for my projects, whether they are knitted flat or in the round. I had a large collection of long vintage aluminum straight knitting needles, and I found that I'm not so fond of metal needles any more. I shipped most of my old straight needles with some yarn and a crochet magazine to a 13-year-old girl I met on Ravelry, who loves to knit and crochet, but her family is not very supportive...even to the point that they would not allow her to spend her own Christmas money on knitting supplies and yarn. She got permission from her parents for donations from those of us who were sympathetic to her plight, and her father allowed packages to be mailed to his office. She was delighted with the goodies I mailed her, and she sent me a nice thank you message. I remember being 13 years old and babysitting for money for materials so I could make things to sell in local boutiques. I could relate to this young girl, who is so passionate about her hobby. I like to "pay it forward" whenever I can.

This is what the caddies look like when they are rolled up and tied. I haven't used the crochet hooks yet, but they are the inline Bates style, which I prefer to the Boye style. Both the hooks and the needles are smooth and nicely sanded. I look forward to using them, especially now that I have them organized by size and in such nice caddies.