Sunday, March 15, 2009

REVIEW: The Knit Kit

The Knit Kit
Where To Find:
The Knit Kit

KnitKit

When I first heard about The Knit Kit, I was very intrigued and just had to check it out. After all, what knitter (or crocheter) wouldn't want an all-in-one, Swiss Army-like kit? Something that you can grab on the go, as you're headed out to your kids' soccer game, family picnic or a day at the race track. We've all had those moments of quickly grabbing a WIP while running out the door, only to discover when we get there, happily knitting away, that we forgot something... stitch markers, scissors or a tape measure usually. I've been caught red-handed digging around in my honey's tool box at a go-kart race looking for something to cut or measure with.

KnitKitC

The Knit Kit, which retails for $19.95, includes a row counter, tape measure, thread cutter, mini crochet hook, scissors, stitch markers and point protectors - all in a 4.75" x 3.5" x 5/8" little plastic kit that is TSA approved.

What's missing? This list could be almost anything depending on who you ask, but I personally think the most important thing they forgot is a cable needle (though it is possible to use the crochet hook in a pinch). A needle sizer would also prove helpful, especially for sock knitters who love using DPNs. ETA: And, of course, a yarn needle! I had noted that as a huge missing piece and then forgot to mention it (thanks Mom).

What's the deal and real-world use of The Knit Kit? The construction leaves a lot to be desired. Think of a typical mass-produced plastic item... Made in China. I can already see the flimsy crochet hook breaking (I was worried about snapping it the first time I removed it from the side). The folding scissors are typical of the ones we all used in the 80's... good in a pinch, but if you should happen to run into the aiport security worker who's having a bad day, you won't be disappointed if she forces you to leave the folding scissors behind (everything says they are TSA approved, but we all know its ultimately up to that person checking your bag).

KnitKitB

For $19.95 I would haved liked to see The Knit Kit constructed a little better - something sturdier. I would not spend $20 on this item, but I'd be willing to spend $29.95 for something that I didn't think would crack if I dropped my knitting bag, something more Swiss-Army like - and something not made in China.

The Knit Kit certainly serves a huge purpose in the knitting world and only time will tell how well this ingenious gadget will hold up to every day use of knitters on the go. I'm sure they will be flying off the shelves of your LYS this month, and hopefully after initial sales, the makers will consider taking it a step further to a more upscale version in the coming months. While The Knit Kit won't replace my gadget box that I often take on the go, I will use it as much as called for, especially when traveling by plane. I would recommend one to anyone who does a lot of airplane traveling - and doesn't have the time or want to put together their own kit - to add one to their knitting bag for sure.

11 comments:

GoldenTracks said...

Ooo!Glad you did this review. I was so excited when I first heard about the KnitKit that I marked my iCal to remind me when it went on the market. Fortunately, I hadn't ordered it yet. You just saved me $20! If it is at all flimsy, I don't want it. Thanks!




ps
just so ya know, I took my blog down, but I'm still here.

gypsyknits said...

Thanks Nichole for your review. I wondered about the plastic construction and I appreciate your honesty.
Think I'll hold off on the purchase for a while. Not planning to fly anytime soon.

grammieb46 said...

maybe they should put in a yarn needle

SissySees said...

Thanks for the review. I think I'll stick with the little kit a swap pal made me years ago...

Cat said...

I am glad I ordered mine wholesale thanks to a friend who ordered a slew for friends using her retailer status...

Rosie said...

I wish I had read your review before buying it. I agree with you -- it's very flimsy and very cheaply made and not worth $10 nevermind the $19.95 plus postage that I paid for it. *sigh* In fact I doubt I would have paid more than $5.00 if I'd have seen it in person. From now on I HAVE to remember to see something before buying it. I'm sure this will remind me!

Anonymous said...

You were right about the crochet hook. The first time i took it out, I noticed the pink plastic had turned white near the hook...like cheap plastic does when it's about to snap (like folding a credit card). I put it back in and it snapped right off Definitely not worth 20 bucks :( Maybe the store I got it in will refund me?

Rosie said...

I actually emailed the company and they were very, very nice. I told them how I, and apparently other people, felt. She said if it was really crappy to sent it back to the store for a full refund.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the review. I can't be bothered wasting $20 (plus shipping) anymore. The concept is cool, but I guess I'll wait til version 2 comes out.
I use a vinyl zip up pencil bag to hold all my goodies. I have various hooks (I'm a crocheter), a ciba yarn needle, tape measure, stitch markers (colored safety pins), full size scissors, pen, bandaids (lol), asprin and my little ipod.

Michele Somogy said...

Thanks for the review. I agree with the comments. I was so excited but I have found it lacking. The first one I bought wouldn't lock the counter- a really key item. I exchanged it with the store I had purchased from and the second one does not lock either. To make things worse- the counter is pretty useless. When I click it the counter advances by 10's instead of ones making it useless for reliable counting. Oh well. I've always dreamed of designing something for the knitter that is swiss army like-- I guess maybe I'll try to come up with my own version!-- Michele

Anonymous said...

I bought one and I'm very happy with it. I put in a tapestry/yarn needle in the kit myself where the scissor storage is. I love it because I can just grab it and go. I did have a little trouble with the counter but after I used it a few times, it worked fine. It came out in black and I can't wait to get it. I don't like carrying a lot of things I'm not going to use and I was doing that when I had a zip bag kit. I thought $20 was a little much, however considering all the things it has in it $20 isn't bad. I like the click counters which run about $8-10. If you add everything up, it comes in pretty close.

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