Open Road

Open Road Modular Case (Outside) Photo by Joe Coca. View Larger Image	Open Road Modular Case (Inside) Photo by Joe Coca. View Larger Image
Open Road Circular Case (Outside). Photo by Joe Coca. View Larger Image	Open Road Circular Case (Inside). Photo by Joe Coca. View Larger Image

Barbara Avery, herself an avid knitter, designs these cases to be as beautiful as they are useful. Rich tapestry fabrics, heavy-duty nylon, sturdy construction, and high-quality zippers are hallmarks of her work. Barbara makes everything from knitting bags to circular needle cases; a unique offering is her modular-style knitting needle cases, which open like a book and have "add-on" pages available in a variety of configurations. Carefully machine stitched, with long-wearing handles and components, these cases are a knitter's dream.

Her needle cases come in two forms: standard and modular. Standard cases have a fixed capacity; modular cases have inserts available to expand their capacity. All cases are available in a variety of colorful tapestry fabrics.

We have included descriptions and photos of only two of the many models available; for information on the full range of Barbara's creations, please contact Open Road Designs.

The standard cases come in different versions, for circular, double-pointed, and straight needles. The circular case has ten nylon mesh pockets in a book-style case with a Velcro closing. Closed, it measures about 8" x 43/4"; open, it is 17" long, with a 4" closure flap. Each pocket is 6" deep by 31/2 wide, and each can accommodate several circulars at once.

Her modular case, the VèJege, is a model of practicality and design; the base (outer case) is priced from $75-95. Closed, it is 10" wide, 11" long, and about 2" deep. There is a pocket (37/8" wide by 55/8" deep) on the cover, both front and back; the pockets are lined with a coordinating fabric and double-sewn.

All edges of the case are bound with heavy grograin fabric, and the corners are carefully mitered for longest wear. The handles are sturdy, well-sewn, and made of woven fabric that will not stretch nor tear.

The case opens to double-width, much like a book. The center "spine" is covered with Velcro loop fabric to which more "pages" can be attached as desired. One inside cover has 2 nylon mesh pockets with zippered closures; the zippers have split-ring metal "pull-rings" to which can be attached tags or other useful items. Each pocket is 41/2" x 91/4". The other inside cover has 16 mesh slots sized for double-pointed needles and shorter straight needles, with the slots arranged in two rows of eight each.

There are four different inserts you can purchase to fill your "needlebook":

• Insert A is a large, two-page insert, where each page is 2-sided. The pages have the same arrangement as the inside covers: 2 zippered pockets on one side, and two rows of eight needle slots. This insert also has Velcro down the center "spine" to accommodate more pages in a variety of arrangements. The total added with this insert: 4 pockets, 32 needle slots. ($55)
  
• Insert B is a single-page insert, two-sided, with 2 zippered pockets on each side. Total added with this insert: 4 zippered pockets. ($28)
  
• Insert C is also a single page, two-sided. This one has 2 zippered pockets on one side, and one large zippered pocket (83/4" x 83/4") on the other. Total added: 3 pockets. ($22)
  
• Insert D is a single page, two-sided, with needle slots on both sides. Total added: 32 slots. ($24).

The base "needlebook" can easily accommodate a total of 6 single pages within the double insert--in other words, eight pages plus the inside covers. The case is so well-designed that it may be possible to add a few more single pages, for a total of perhaps ten pages plus covers. This means that you can have a mind-boggling arrangement of pages with different configurations, enough organized storage for dozens of needles in all shapes and sizes.