Interchangeable Knitting Needles
Once again I jumped the gun a little bit. I went over to Michaels craft store with my 40% coupon in hand. I was determined to buy myself some knitting needles, because you KNOW you can’t start knitting without some needles! When I got into the store I realized that there were about 100 different styles, sizes, etc. of needles and I didn’t have any idea which ones I should buy since I haven’t even picked a project to start on yet. I talked to a clerk to ask her opinion and she saved the day.
The clerk led me to the Boye Needlemaster Kit 200 and I was immediately in love. I’ve always loved little sets and these interchangeable knitting needles seemed amazing to me. Here are the product features:
* Can make circular needles, flexible straight needles and stitch holders
* Includes interchangeable aluminum needles of sizes 2 – 15
* Separate cables in lengths of 20”,24”,29” & 36”
* Includes stitch markers and a black zippered case to hold needles
I figured if I got this kit I wouldn’t have to buy new needles for each project I work on. The set was regularly $45 but I had a 40% off coupon so I figured I did pretty well. However, when I got home and called my mom, she told me that for my first projects I would have a much easier time using some very large, straight needles. How sad. My new kit is an easy knitting failure. But I am going to borrow the large needles from my mom tomorrow. I’ll post about them when I get them!
Tags: Easy Knitting, Interchangeable knitting needles
August 17th, 2008 at 3:10 am
I have always found straight needles somewhat difficult to deal with, so I think you will soon be happy with your kit.
August 17th, 2008 at 3:12 am
Hmmmm
Maybe I deleted my comment. I have always liked circular needles. I find the weight of the yarn on a straight needle annoying so I expect you will soon make use of your kit.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:27 am
Yes, your very first project may be easier on some big, bulky straights, but I wouldn’t return the needle kit yet. Circular needles can easily be used for straight knitting just as easily. Just think of them as two straight needles connected together so you never lose them.
I absolutely love using circulars for flat projects, especially since I often knit on the bus to and from school. I never have to worry about accidentally dropping a needle (yes, I’m a but clumsy) and chasing after it on a crowded bus. It also ensures that you’ll never forget one at home or lose it in your bag. (Done that too.)
I say keep ‘em until you’ve knit a few rows on each. You may find that circulars just feel too weird, or that long straights are too bulky, or that metal needles aren’t your thing. Experiment. Knitting needles are nothing more than two mostly-cylindrical objects that are similarly sized that have at least one tapered end to work with. Chopsticks, pencils, toothpicks, straws, and fingers all work and have been used with much success, so don’t worry too much if you and your mom don’t use the same tools. You’ll still be doing the same stitches.
Oh, and StumbleUpon likes you. The was the first page I stumbled to after opening Firefox.
August 17th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I starting knitting because my mother in law said it was too hard for me….
My mom did Crochet, but I never caught on to it. Prob because all I saw were shell like squares or ripples in her work..I didnt want all my clothes to look like that.
So, I showed her up, and taught myself. I overpass her by far today..and even showed my daughter and my son. You will too someday. Its good for small kids for eye and hand cordination..
Anyway – I will check into this blog, and see how your doing
Good luck!
ps – I also bought the ki when I started on ebay, 90 bucks and 2 mos it took to get it (and there were even peices missing when it arrived..) Its a VERY handy kit..youll see when you are ready for hats.
Have fun!
Gia
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
That kit looks pretty darn nice to me. You might get some good use out of it yet. Needles can get really pricey when you have to keep buying different sizes for projects.
I am a loom knitter and boy to I have a lot of looms!
August 29th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I’m definitely going to keep the needle set! It seems like every pattern calls for a different size of needles so that could get very expensive.
Marianne, I’ve never done loom knitting, is that similar to the nifty knitter? I’ve made some little hats on that and it was pretty fun!
November 21st, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I’m kind of weird. I love double pointed needles. I usually make my own wooden needles. I tried circular needles and they felt constraining.
February 12th, 2009 at 7:31 am
I have that exact set and find it really convenient. Just be sure to screw the cords on really tight using the paperclip like tool. It is a minor disaster if it comes apart in the middle of a project.