Needle Organization

All knitters must come to grips with organizing the growing needle collection. (Remember when we were beginning knitters and we thought that once we had a circular needle and dpn's in every size, we would have enough? Ha. Don't tell the newbies.) About 25 years ago I made this folding pocket organizer. It works fairly well except I don't always get the circular needles in the right places. I have a similar fabric pouch for dpn's. Eventually the needles that are used quite often end up in a basket. Then I periodically sort them and try to wrangle them into a semblance of order.

The pocket holder folds and ties.

I put zipper bags in my basket, labeled with the needle size. All size 5's went in the same zippy. That works sometimes.

The canvas hanging devices for circulars seem like a reasonable and functional option, but just didn't seem to be what I was looking for. I ordered a pocket organizer from Knit Picks but it couldn't begin to hold my needle collection. (I should have known better.)

Then I found this canvas and vinyl pocket file organizer in the office supply section of our local WM. There are 13 pockets with tabs. I labeled the tabs with needle sizes using my handy label maker. The pockets are roomy enough to hold several sets of circulars plus dpn's. A special bonus is that the CD holder in the back is perfect for a needle sizer. I doubled up on a few needle sizes so I would have some pockets for other notions. One pocket holds my magnetic chart holder. I still have one empty pocket that I'm sure will come in handy for holding a pattern, magazine, or stray needles that need to be filed.

I like it that the dps's are right there with the circulars. In case the house catches on fire, I can save all my needles in one fell swoop. I'm kidding, folks.

The 13 pocket folder is about $9.

It fits neatly in my favorite knitting basket, leaving plenty of room for my current Tea Leaves cardigan project and an extra skein of wool or two. I LOVE IT!

Two Pipers and Their Knittin'

This photo was taken by Kevin as we waited to tune for A Grace Family Christmas last week. Heather is starting a pair of mittens for her wee boy. I am about half way finished with a Fisherman's sweater for my youngest son. (Unfortunately I have used more than half the wool! )We have downtime at the performances, between stints of warming up and tuning our pipes.

I frogged the body of the sweater, which was nearly to the armpits. There was about 2 inches extra ease that could be eliminated and since I am cutting it close on yardage, that could make a difference. It only took me 3 days to get back to where I was.

Product review: A few months ago I bought the Knit Picks nickle Plated Options Set. These are sets where you get the needles tips and cords/wires/cables with various lengths. The tips screw into the cables. I wanted to have this set of needles for the occasions when I suddenly need a needle size that I don't commonly use. My usual sizes are #1, #2, #3, and #5. On this sweater I am using #7 so I used the Knit Picks Options for the body of the sweater. The first cable I used had a rough spot in it near where it joined the metal screw piece. On top of that I kept unscrewing the tip as I knit. I used the tiny tool to screw it in but the way I knit must have an effect on the torque, if that is the right word. Stopping quite frequently to screw the tip back in slowed me down considerably. I decided to use the second long cable that came with the kit. After knitting just a few rounds it broke out of the screw end. Sigh. So back to the faulty, rough cable. That one broke last night. My husband used epoxy to glue it in the hole so we will see how that goes. I cannot endorse this product. Apart from needles I bought in Denmark eons ago, Knit Picks are my favorite needles. So while I heartedly recommend their needles, I do not recommend the options sets.

New Harmony Knitting Needles

I've been peering out my door daily for my package from Knit Picks. Today I was rewarded and tore into the package. I had ordered 4 32" circulars in small sizes and the set of Harmony Wood DPN's in sizes 0 through 3.25. I am IN LOVE with all these needles. Although I know it is not a good idea to switch needles in the middle of a project I had to do it once I felt the Harmony needles. My Fiesta Mittens are being knit with bamboo needles from my local yarn shop. What a difference the Harmony needles make! Some of the other needles of this reputable brand felt like the ends of toothpicks. They were sharp and hurt my fingers. The Harmony needles are perfectly named because they do make knitting more harmonious! THANK YOU, Knit Picks! Not only are these the best but they are also very reasonable. As for the Knit Picks circulars, I can already tell I will love them also. The cable is very flexible and the join is very smooth. I am going to work on learning the Magic Loop method for knitting in the round.

Tonight I have my beginning knitters class at church and can't wait to show them these new needles.