The key is to choose a simple pattern so you can finish it relatively quickly and it will seem more substantial. Here are a few suggestions.

Emerald Starling Shawl by Hannah Ingalls. (Photo from Ravelry pattern page).

Falling Leaves Wrap by Dory Brown. (photo from Ravelry pattern page). 

Giovannina Stole by Franklin Habit. (Photo from Ravelry pattern page).

The whole point of having an airplane blanket (or even a shawl or wrap) is to manage the fluctuations of temperature at different locations, in airport waiting areas and in the airplane. Lately, I’ve been in airplanes that have been over air-conditioned. That’s when I learned that a blankie is not enough.

Somehow the air manages to creep up the edges of the blanket and make my lower legs absolutely frigid. All I could think about on our last trip was that I am going to add leg warmers to my carry-on kit. Again, nothing too fancy because I want to knit them up relatively quickly and I’m looking for functionality above all.

Easy Peasy Leg Warmers by IDP designer Megan Grewal. (photo from Ravelry pattern page).

I know these Straight Up! Leg Warmers by Rachel Weber aren’t exactly simple but I love the shaping! (Photo from Ravelry pattern page).

I seem to be throwing my “simple” legwarmers suggestion out the window. But I love these Devant la Cheminee by Mona C. NicLeoid. (Photo from Ravelry pattern page).

How do I pass time in flight? Knitting and/or reading – both of which require the use of my hands. I have become so sensitive to my hands being cold. I wear wristlets or fingerless mitts in the office and when I am at home. So, I have no excuse for not thinking of having handwarmers in my travel survival supplies. Just like with the legwarmers, you can choose from super simple to elaborate. But, handwarmers take even less time to knit so you can go crazy with “fancy” and still finish up a pair quickly.

Super Easy Sock Yarn Mini Warmers by Melissa Hills. (Photo from Ravelry pattern page).

Before you decide to knit the Spatterdash Wristwarmers by IDP designer Dagmar Mora, look at the projects other knitters have made. Wow! This pattern has so many possibilities for variety! And, just look at how cool the buttons look on every single option.(Photo from Ravelry pattern page).

It does seem that top of my hands feel the most cold. So I find the stranding for the Little Gems Mitts by Donna Kay to be appealing. (Photo from Ravelry pattern page).

I’ve certainly set myself up for some Travel Survival Kit knitting. It’s a good thing we aren’t planning any trips until May!