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October 27, 2005
Needle Question
It's amazing that when I actually dedicate some time to a project how quickly it progresses. I've been working on Ronnie a little bit every day - it is now my exclusive commuting knitting, which translates to about 2 1/2 hours of knitting a day (including lunch knitting). I'm almost to the armhole shaping, which means the end of the front is in sight. So, the result of all this knitting is that I'm not stressed about finishing Ronnie by Christmas.
The Ombre Blanket is another matter. I've been working on it at home every night this week and I like the yarn and the pattern is quite simple, but genius. The needles, however, are causing me problems. I have an addi turbo that I used for a baby blanket awhile ago, it's the only size 11 needle I have and despite the extremely blunt tip, I thought it would work just fine with the 2 strands of sportweight alpaca. I. thought. wrong. This is not the needle for this project. The stitches do not slide on the needle. The stitches aren't tight (at all), but it really seems like they are. I don't know what to try. I've considered Bryspun, but the longest they're available in is 29". That's a little short for this project. I'm currently considering a Boye - long length and pointy tip and maybe the material is different enough to make a difference. I've never used a Boye circular, but Grumperina likes them so they must be good. I had the local yarn store order me one and I'm hoping it comes tomorrow, but Monday is more likely. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I think once I get the needle thing figured out, this will be a project easily finished by Christmas.
Be careful of Wendy, she seems all nice and helpful, but she's dealing crack on the side. Have you seen her mittens? Crack. Seriously. Or maybe it's just that I'm weak, but I had to order a mitten kit. At those prices I just couldn't resist. I'm telling myself it will be practice before I start on Butterfly, but I could just be crazy. I guess only time will tell.
Have a great day.
Comments
Glad to hear that Ronnie is going well for you!
I've never tried Boye circs so I don't know. I have tried the Denise Interchangeables and I liked the pointy tip. However, I'm not sure that they are slippery enough -- metal might be better. I took a look at those mittens...Wow, you are brave! I'm sure you'll master the technique very quickly.
Posted by: caitlyn at October 27, 2005 10:22 AM
Well you cand efinitely use mittens where you live. I'm not a fan of Boye, I'm really surprised the yarn isn't sliding well on the Addi's they are my needle of choice for slipperiness, are they naturals? or the metal ones?
If they are the metal ones, maybe they need a cleaning? I'm just guessing here.
I don't like Boye because of how the metal feels, but I know others like them, and it can't hurt to try.
Posted by: Rebekah at October 27, 2005 10:46 AM
Maybe try bamboo ones, like the Addi Natura. Sometimes I feel like my hands are teh things sticking to my Addis, not neccesarily the yarn. I don't have sweatty or clammy hands, but maybe just the natural heat frommy hands does something. So I feel like the yarn just doesn't slide because my hands are making the needles warm or I don't know. I have no idea if that made ANY sense to you. But usually I'll switch over to bamboo and if feels better.
Nordic mittens! I love them. Perfect thing to try fair isle/two color knitting on.
Posted by: Angela at October 27, 2005 11:14 AM
Mwha ha ha! Resistence is futile! You WILL knit mittens!
Posted by: Wendy at October 27, 2005 12:25 PM
Good luck figuring out that needle issue! I feel for you.
Posted by: Purly Whites at October 27, 2005 12:33 PM
If you don't like the metal, try Aero's. I like the Susan Bates Quicksilver for lots of things.
Posted by: Judy at October 27, 2005 12:36 PM
I lost my comment! I don't know how I do it but I do it. Okay, Wendy flat out scares me. She makes everything look easy and fast. I think she is trying to lure us in and then we will go crazy trying to do things fast and beautiful like her and then after we go to the funny farm all the yarn will be hers! With that said, I cannot wait to buy her book. I'm surprised the addi's are not working for you. That's my favorite kind for blankets and shawls. I use bamboo on most everything else - so far!
Posted by: Stephanie at October 27, 2005 12:48 PM
I love the Boye needle and tip, but the cord is very inflexible. For big projects, like a blanket or something, it doesn't matter because you've got all those stitches to weigh the project down. But if you're knitting something small, you may find yourself fighting with the cord. Good luck with chosing your needles!
Posted by: grumperina at October 27, 2005 1:24 PM
yeah, I have needle issues. I love addis, they are my favourite, but the tip bothers me. I think I need to design some needles for knitters who knit.
Posted by: Carolyn at October 27, 2005 8:29 PM
I say go with the Boye needle. After seeing those in various yarn stores, I think that they have a nice tip :) Good luck! Oh, and, you are so lucky to live in this fabulous state... I want to move here now :) We didn't get to KNit on Purls, but I am heading to the yarn store here in Bozeman in the morning :) We'll have to chat more about this trip later.
Posted by: Dani at October 27, 2005 8:36 PM
thanks for stopping by to visit my blog and for the wonderful note!! i will be sure to stop back for your notes on the magic loop when i get to that part on my 2nd sock. what a great job!!
Posted by: laurie at October 28, 2005 5:37 AM
lol... I ordered a mitten kit too! It's true - resistance is futile. Which one did you get?
Posted by: Kathy at October 28, 2005 10:56 AM
