It's been over a week, my thoughts on my Co-Pilot, FJN, Cork Kindle Pouch and CQPCs

[dorayme]

I adore this order. I think it was my most fun. The reason being is I had specific (and in my mind creative) plans for each of these and it added an element of mystery as to whether or not they would actually work out as well as they would in my mind.

Each one worked out better!

First let me start with my Co-Pilot. I feel so lucky to have scored a Steel/UV one. It's so cute. It's like a little mini brief/baggage. So far I've only had the opportunity to carry it once. To church. I packed into it a TON and could have fit more!

I removed the metal zipper pulls and installed the included corded ones. I love the look of the bag with the corded pulls.

My packing list:
Right Front my oversized not yet replaced sunglasses case
Center Front small Stuff Sack with single skein crochet WIP
Left Front my slimline bible and 3 pens
In the Rear:
original iPad in Apple Case
2 letter sized folders, one poly plastic, one moleskin paperboard, each containing approximately 7 sheets of paper
thin activity book of tear out bible puzzles
FJN and Kindle Keyboard in Kindle Sleeve in rear pocket.

I chose to not use my Absolute Strap. It wasn't needed and I wouldn't have carried it cross body or over my shoulder with what I was wearing. Depending on how long I am carrying or what it is loaded with, I can see the AS being a great accessory for the Co-Pilot.

I agree with other's comments that the Co-Pilot is like a little messenger version of the Synapse. I'm looking forward to my first opportunity to use it as an overnight bag. And also my first opportunity to use it as an overnight bag with my UV Synapse! I will be taking a car trip this weekend and I think I will be carrying my Co-Pilot as my "car bag" to house reading material, knitting and refreshments.

The FJN is a piece that I've fantasized over for a few months, but finally decided I had reached a point of organization that it would actually be useful to me. I am using it as a mobile mom office complete with planner/organizer pages and also as a sketch/idea book for notes and simplistic doodles. I tried to accomplish this with my iPhone (which works great with alarms and reminders), but I couldn't figure out a way use my lists electronically. Paper works better for me for lists, and my day planning is done with lists. I wish I had the artistic skills of some of the other forum members, but I don't. But I feel like I am really doing something when I doodle in my FJN.

I chose to remove the strap currently as I like to nest my FJN inside of my other TB bags. It's significantly smaller than I was originally thinking. I like it like that. I was envisioning huge binders like my Franklin Covey systems had been and wondering how useful this could actually be to lug around. My FJN fits inside of all of my other TB bags (except my Side Effect). I have even carried it inside of my MCB! I like how it's completely encased with the splash proof zippers because even if it takes a dump or some other scary fate, my important papers are safe.

Zuri (my 4 year old daughter) LOVES my FJN. Whenever I have it out, she comes over and asks to doodle on the paper. She has left me so many presents therein. When I look back at my pages, I will be reminded of her innocence and cuteness of the stage she is now in.

I love how I can fit in so many different writing and drawing instruments. With trying to develop my drawing and sketching I carry a small assortment of pens. (I haven't added in watercolor pencils, or drawing pencils but I plan to once I find some I like)

I love how the Kindle Pouch keeps my Kindle scratch free and conveniently available. It slips perfectly into the rear slip pocket on my FJN. The widened top aids in retrieving the Kindle from the vertically oriented pouch. Once again, a great design. I love the Cork fabric. Each piece I own, I treasure. The natural variations in the fabric, depth, texture and tones work together to make such a soothing piece that begs to be held and caressed. I can see this pouch being useful long after my poor Kindle has died.

And finally, my Clear Quarter Packing Cubes. One (UV) hasn't been used yet. It's in my Western Flyer awaiting it's maiden voyage on this weekend's trip. The other (Steel) has become my mobile knitting kit. I LOVE THIS KIT!!!

I keep in the front side:
Hiya Hiya Stainless Steel Small and Large Interchangeable needles in Hiya Hiya Wallet
HIya Hiya Bamboo Small Interchangeable needles in Hiya Hiya Wallet
Kinki Amibari Exchangeable Needle Sets in sizes 1-15 in KA Wallet
mini Cork OP with 9" cable needleswith Deborah's Garden Needle Gauge on the clip
Karat Stix Bamboo Crafter's Rule

In the back I keep:
a 120" dritz measuring tape
4 chibi
small OP with crochet hooks steel and bamboo
small OP with 4 sets of 5" dpns
small OP with stitch markers and Puppy Snips on the clip
mini OP with Cabling needles and fix-a-stitch tools as well as Hiya Hiya mini crochet hook
mini OP with needle holders
mini OP with tiny hair clips for seaming
3 way Stadetler writing tool
finger light

and there is room to spare. My Nostepinde fits, but I only take it when I travel as I use my mechanical ball winder at home.

I keep this in my Plum/Black Swift (knitting bag) so that when I'm out and about I can work on any stage of a project, (swatching, transition, starting a new section, changing colors, finishing, etc.) It's so compact though, it will work nicely when I travel as well. For all that it holds, it's an extremely compact package.

I think that TB's theoretical design for a crafter's case to hold various tools could easily transition from the CQPC and the set up I describe above.

The design would be complete with adding mini versions of the Freudian Slip that fit into the footprint of the cube (I think a fitting name would be the Palette). Each Palette would need slots and pockets on front and back like the Freudian Slip or my needle wallets of varying widths, sizes and depths and graduations. There could even be Palette (1,red,a), Palette(2,blue,b), etc. to allow for more variations. Each one could have a different color trim/binding to differentiate it and set it apart. This way, crochet hooks, interchangeable tips, double pointed needles, pencils, markers, pens, paint brushes, makeup brushes, and other small cylindrical tools could be fitted into sleeves that in turn fit into the cube. Each crafter/artist would purchase the sleeves and pouches to make their perfect kit. The system would be modular and infinitely customizable as TB bags and accessories are. It's application could carry over to a handbag organizer, but the small size would allow it to be useful inside of even some of the really small TB bags like the SCB, PCSB, FJN, Co-Pilot and Little Swift!

I know I got a bit rambly here, but I get excited about this because my little CQPC worked out so much better than I imagined it would and setting up my kit was fun because two of my favorite things, fiber arts and TB worked together WELL in the same bag!

[ncb4]

Your "rambliness" is precisely what I love about this post, dorayme. You give such detailed, specific info about how you're using your new TB bags, and that's so helpful to me. (Plus I just love reading about the stuff that other people carry.)

I've got a Cardinal Co-Pilot, and I'm finding that it has gradually taken over the function that I used to use my Indigo/Plum Imago for. Isn't it amazing that you can fit both a Kindle and an iPad in there? I've actually gotten my 11-inch Macbook Air in there, too. Like you, I have an Absolute Strap for it, but I find it's rarely necessary. I ordered my Co-Pilot strapless last summer, because I've got a bunch of straps floating around the house. The one I have ended up using all the time is one that I think came with my Brain Cell several years ago—the very first TB item I ever bought, and the one that got me hooked. I'm not positive it came with the BC, but I think so. Maybe Katy or Darcy or moriond could step in here, but I think of the strap as my mini-Absolute. The webbing is narrower, and there is a smaller padded section at the top of the strap that rests just as comfortably on my shoulder as does the Absolute. But because it's narrower, it sits on my shoulder better, so it's perfect for the Co-Pilot.

I don't have either an FJN or an CQPC yet, but your description of how the latter works for you as a knitting kit is making me think I should order one now. (This even though I've got a TB order on the truck for delivery tomorrow! My Plum Side Effect and a padded organizer for my new camera are arriving.) If you have time to take photos of your knitting kit, or of any of your other new bags, I'd love to see them. I can't believe you're able to carry your nostepinne around with you! As for your kit, I'm not sure, but it sounds like you may use smaller needles than I do. Are you a sock knitter? I tend to knit with bulky and even superbulky yarns (besides Tom Bihn, I'm also addicted to Malabrigo Rasta yarn), so my needles are huge, sizes 15 to 19!

Though my current obsession is knitting Half-Linen stitch scarves with four to five colors of silk; that takes a size 6 needle. That's about as small as I've gotten though.

Have a great trip this weekend, and take pictures!

~Nancy

[WhiteStar]

Though my current obsession is knitting Half-Linen stitch scarves with four to five colors of silk; that takes a size 6 needle. That's about as small as I've gotten though.

I want to see!!! Rav link?

[dorayme]

Thank you Nancy, I get all excited sharing because I am fascinated by how everything works together so well.
Here's the Knitting Kit:


and here it is all closed up from the side to show the thickness:



I do prefer smaller needles. I adore Rasta though. zomg, Malabrigo makes some nummy yarn! I haven't knit with Rasta, but I've pet it before. My hands didn't want to stop.
If you are using interchangeable needles or cable needles they would still work in the kit. You may not be able to fit as many in due to the needle thickness though. This is where a Palette would come in so handy. The varying slots would allow you to have a custom case for your phat needles, and my skinny needles would also have a secure TB home!

[TavaPeak]

dorayme, love your idea of a "Palette". I ended up (quite reluctantly) returning my Freudian slip. I loved the organization idea, especially the tight folder pockets to keep papers nice. But the pockets weren't quite the right size for me. The padding, while great, was too bulky to "justify it's existence", to quote a friend.

I'm not a knitter; I'm a writer. But I bring a lot of different notepads and pens and doodads with me when I travel, including mini art supplies. Would love something that had that "mobile office" feel in a much smaller size.

[marbenais]

The one I have ended up using all the time is one that I think came with my Brain Cell several years ago—the very first TB item I ever bought, and the one that got me hooked. I'm not positive it came with the BC, but I think so. Maybe Katy or Darcy or moriond could step in here, but I think of the strap as my mini-Absolute. The webbing is narrower, and there is a smaller padded section at the top of the strap that rests just as comfortably on my shoulder as does the Absolute. But because it's narrower, it sits on my shoulder better, so it's perfect for the Co-Pilot.

I think I have that one, too. My favorite strap is the Standard strap, the one on the Imago & Co-Pilot, because I can slide the bag around me without having the padded part of the strap move. I actually prefer it to the Absolute strap, because that one gets stuck on my shoulder and I can't move the bag as well.

[dorayme]

I would love to get my hands on the Terra grip strap. I had read about them, but recently, I can't remember where, I saw one in a picture and it looked like it would be a great strap for me. It had a sheath on it and it was thin at the ends and had a larger padded section where it would contact your shoulder. Unfortunately, it's no longer available.

[moriond]

I ordered my Co-Pilot strapless last summer, because I've got a bunch of straps floating around the house. The one I have ended up using all the time is one that I think came with my Brain Cell several years ago—the very first TB item I ever bought, and the one that got me hooked. I'm not positive it came with the BC, but I think so. Maybe Katy or Darcy or moriond could step in here, but I think of the strap as my mini-Absolute. The webbing is narrower, and there is a smaller padded section at the top of the strap that rests just as comfortably on my shoulder as does the Absolute. But because it's narrower, it sits on my shoulder better, so it's perfect for the Co-Pilot.

Nancy, I'll have to dig up that strap that I pulled off my second Imago when I replaced it with the Q-AM strap back at the end of 2007. It was also used with the original ID bag, but I found that it didn't work as well for that larger bag, when there was a heavier load. You can read my comments and the response by eristick in the Carry-on Traveller's bag thread from 2005, that led to the final Aeronaut design. Then, in spring 2007, we found out there was an Adapter that would let us use the Absolute Strap on our classic ID bags. (By then the ID bag had been re-designed to offer the Absolute Strap as an alternative choice.) This strap would probably work well for the Co-Pilot.

moriond

[backpack]

Originally Posted by ncb4
Though my current obsession is knitting Half-Linen stitch scarves with four to five colors of silk; that takes a size 6 needle. That's about as small as I've gotten though.

White Star said
"I want to see!!! Rav link?"

I am adding: Please post some pictures there.

Dorayme is right, I should go on Ravelry.

This post is really lovely! Full of Dorayme wonderful heartfelt experience.

[DQBunny]

Ravelry is awesome. I'm on there as well.

I gushed over Dorayme's kit when it was originally posted on the Tom Bihn blog, and I found some small organizer pouches I wasn't using and began reorganizing my stuff right away. I also found the Karat Stix's crafter's rule and got one a couple weeks ago. That thing is AMAZING. I actually have it clipped onto the small organizer pouch holding my odds-and-ends needed for knitting. A second small organizer pouch is holding my crochet hooks. I need to switch out my knitting needles as well. When I get my interchangeables, I'll probably splurge on a CQPC as well because it will go perfectly in the Swift. I love this idea so much!

[dorayme]

I've got my Co-Pilot loaded up for my weekender. It's packed with:
Box of Icebreakers gum (I recently stopped my candy vice and now I chew gum in it's place. . .), P-n-S Sony camera in Ultrasuede pocket and Over-sized Sunglasses case in left front pocket.
Cuisinart stainless thermos in center compartment. (I'm amazed that it fit. It doesn't seem possible, but it does)
Pashmina and gloves in Right front pocket.
In main/rear compartment:
Original iPad in Apple Sleeve, FJN, Kindle Keyboard in Cork Kindle Pouch
in interior pockets:
mini Azalea pouch with iPad/iPhone charger and cable
small cork pouch with mifi, and charger

My Western Flyer packing list amazes me more though. I never knew I could fit inside of it so much organization.
In the rear I have an empty Large Clear UV pouch for excess conference papers with Handle loop as well as an empty UV Synapse!
PCBP with pair of Pajamas
pair of knit leggings and knit gaucho pants
knit dress
3/4 length T-shirt
handknit sweater


In the front compartment I unzipped the divider and have:
a 2nd pair of shoes in my PCSB
my slimline bible
large Stuff Sack with sock yarn minis just in case I get ambitious and decide to start a blankie
CQPC knitting kit
CQPC with 3 changes of undies on one side and slippers/hair accessories and socks on the other side

My 3D toiletry cube is in the front access, large zippered pocket.
my small Shop Bag is in the Water Bottle pocket.

I'm using the backpack straps.

For this trip I'm carrying my Haiku Jaunt for my PLO. I'm so very sad that there isn't a BLACK LS. It would be a better choice for the occasion. I know there are choices for Black in the SCB and Side Effect, but they aren't really feminine and that's the look I'm going for this weekend.

[Tlacltme]

I second- or is it third or fourth?!- the love of your posts, dorayme. Love your ramblings and excitement, which I often share but don't get the chance to sit down and write. I need to sit down some night and play around with how to post photos because my husband surprised me with a hemp LS for Valentine's Day and I LOVE it! But that's a separate post, what I wanted to ask was, dorayme, where are you headed?

What a creative bunch of folks to be found at the TB Forum! Wow! Artists and photographers and writers and knitters and dog show-ers and on and on. It's most impressive company to keep and I feel quite humble to be a part of you all. Keep up the beautiful work, everyone!

[ncb4]

I want to see!!! Rav link?

I've only knitted about an inch-and-a-half of it (it's done lengthwise, after casting on 450 stitches!), so right now the only photos I have up on Ravelry are one of the five silks I'm using, and another of the first little bit of the scarf, still on the needles. Here's the link anyway; when I get a bit more width, hopefully over the weekend, I'll put up that photo on Ravelry. But I'm really excited about the way it's turning out!

Ravelry: chiralangel's Betcha Can't Knit Just One Scarf

Come friend me on Ravelry, all you knitters (my profile picture is the same even if my username is different). There's even a Tom Bihn group.

[ncb4]

dorayme, you are inspiring me. I use both fixed and interchangeable circulars, depending on the project; with a handcrafted case from Etsy that holds my entire interchangeable kit from KnitPicks. It's fairly thick; not sure it would fit in the CQPC. But I keep my fixed circulars in some slimmer zip pouches, which might fit very well. I need to do a head count of all my small and mini OPs to see if I need to order more in order to make this work. Oooh, you've got me all excited now. (I even fired off an email Katy to ask if she might be able to find me an Azalea OP to go with my Azalea LS.)

Thank you so much for the photos! And where did you get your finger light? That intrigues me as well.

Enjoy your conference!

[Lani]

Here's the Knitting Kit...

Dorayme -- LOVE your knitting kit!

I'm trying to learn how to crochet, and I hope you don't mind but I think I might use your system to keep things organized.

Quick question: What size organizer pouch are you using for the needles? I'm assuming they are a medium? But maybe you can fit them in a small (see what a newbie I am at this stuff?).

Any additional tips you could provide for your crochet kit would be most appreciated!