Any craftsman will tell you that there is the right tool for every job. The proper instrument can make any job easier, and that's certainly the case for a knitter's needle case. Having the right needle for the project at hand can make a big difference in how much you enjoy that project.
Here is an example. We recently got in stock the spankin' new Amerian B.R.A.N.D yarn, which is a completely USA sourced yarn. It has a different hand than most other wool/nylon sock yarns, and it could be because it's Rambouillet wool and not merino, or it could be that the superwash process happens in the US instead of China or elsewhere, so perhaps their process is slightly different. Whatever the reason, the feel is slightly "stickier". It's a good feeling- soft yet hearty, and I can tell that it would be the kind of yarn that would "stick" more to a bamboo needle, which would make knitting it slower than usual. If a nickel plated needle was used, the stitches would more easily slip off the tip, which is what I like. On the flip side, using a 100% silk or 100% tencel yarn might require a bamboo needle, because both those fibers are very slick when knitting, and a bamboo needle would keep you from losing stitches when they accidentally fall off the tip too quickly. To fully enjoy your knitting experience, you need to have the right tool for the job.
I have the unique luxury of having nearly anything I need right in front of me every day. If I want to try out the newest trend in needles, I can grab my Karbonz (oh, how I adore them). If need a pointy tip needle that's metal, but brass coated so the stitches don't slip off, I pick out some Addi Lace circs. And now, if I want to have a super smooth knitting experience with square needles, I can go with the new Nova Cubics from Knitter's Pride. And guess what? They aren't going to break the bank, so I can go with the Sock Set and have everything I need on hand for whenever I need it. I'm a fan of square needles because the shape allows me to grip less tightly, and the shape also gives more even stitches in the finished fabric.
Check out SSYC's ever-expanding needle section, and you just might find something new to take your knitting to the next level.
I'm a big fan of the square needles also. How do these compare to the Kollage DPN's for weight & finish? They are the only metal DPNs I've ever enjoyed knitting with - because they are so light weight & the finish is less slick than metal needles generally are. I got a Patternworks catalog a few days age (a real surprise considering I hadn't ordered from them in about 15 years) & they now have an exclusive to them line if PINK Kollage needles - very tempting because I LOVE pink. But silly to buy needles I don't NEED.
Posted by: Donna | September 16, 2013 at 01:32 PM