The Beekeeper's Quilt is one heckofa project. I suppose that's what drew me to it in the first place. But it's also what will relegate it to the pile of half-finished projects in the back of my closet if I'm not careful.
Before my Beekeeper's bites the dust though, I decided to do what any smart crafter who takes on an uber time-consuming and somewhat tedious project does, I outsourced it. That's right. I sent it overseas. Or at least overland. To my mom, the reining queen of tedious knitting projects. (This woman knits socks for goodness sake. Which I will NEVER do.)
Since my mom was generous enough to offer to help, I knew I wanted the yarn to arrive in a way that would inspire enthusiasm for the upcoming pursuit. Basically I was afraid she didn't know what she was in for and I wanted to distract her with something pretty.
I had collected quite the nest of sock yarn and needed to share a little of each skein with her. I began by winding up small balls of each yarn. (This took WAY longer than I thought it would and probably took years off my wrists' life.)Â 
The little yarn eggs were so cute, they gave me an idea---why not actually send them in an egg carton? I could recycle something I already had and ensure the yarn didn't tangle along the journey. Two thumbs up.
Don't these little balls look perfectly at home in an egg carton? I don't know why all yarn doesn't come like this. Or even better why all egg cartons aren't filled with yarn.
I think this carton-o-yarn is a perfect way to transform some of your yarn stash into great little gift for the knitters in your life (or perhaps your favorite cat). Who do you know that would love to receive a yarntastic care package in the mail?
Read more about The Beekeeper's Quilt:
Why I Fell In Love
The Yarns I'm Using
How I Tricked My Mom Into Helping Me
The Template I Created To Sew My Beekeeper's Quilt Together
Using a Whip Stitch Instead of Tying
Sharon says
The egg carton also looks like it would work for knitting /crocheting with multiple colors without them getting tangled. Just rubber band with old hair ties (I use them for all sorts of things instead of rubber bands) feed the yarn through and begin. Also looks like it could be easily put in a carry on or suitcase to prevent tangeling during travel. I will have to try it the next time I am using multi colors. I takes mine projects to everywhere. I have even been found sitting in the ambulance on a stand by crocheting.
Jan says
I am just learning how to knit. I crochet like crazy but just learning how to knit. What is the pattern for knitting a Hexagon. I am sure it is simple but I haven't learned how to increase or decrease yet. So if you would please let me see some instructions on the process.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Jan,
Good for you for learning a new yarn-y skill! 🙂 This particular pattern is not mine, but it's made by an amazing designer Tiny Owl Knits. I loved the pattern!
JJ says
What a wonderful idea! I'm ready to embark on the Beekeeper madness as well:)
CraftyGryphon says
This is just BRILLIANT. I think I know what all my beekeeper-inclined friends will be getting for their birthdays this year...!
Make and Do Girl says
Awesome! I think this would make a great b-day present. Hope someone makes one for you too!
Happy beekeeping!
j