A few weeks ago, I bought my first pair of bamboo needles. After knitting for a while with some bulky yarn, I’ve decided that they have a nice feel, but they aren’t quite smooth enough for me. I’d want another coat of varnish on for the yarn to slide smoothly over the needles. But other than that, very nice, light feel – fully functional and good use of my money.
I checked out the Secret Pal 11, which Chelle told me that they are accepting pals for already. I read through it all, and as much as I would love to do another knitting swap, I think I’m going to hold out for Knit One, Tea Too. As a student, I don’t reeeeally have a lot of money so it’s difficult to spend money buy yarn that I don’t get to knit up. But, I know that I get a nice package, as well as sending off something nice too. And I am a Potter fan… but not a die-hard fan (anyone doing a LOTR knitting swap?!).
While I was at my LYS on Tuesday, I found this 100% cotton Blue Sky Alpaca that I really want now! I’m definitely moving towards more natural fibers. The Lorna’s Laces I saw and the Indigo Moon sock-weight yarn… Yuuummm…. so soft!!! If only my wallet could handle it! I wonder if they’re hiring… I’d get a staff discount right?
I’m gonna bring my knitting out to camp tomorrow and hopefully we’ll get a bit of relax time.
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July 13, 2007 at 10:29 am
I agree about bamboo needles. I would like them “slicker” also. Plus, some of the brands have poor connections in circulars. I like Lantern Moon needles but they can be a bit pricey…however, by purchasing them you are supporting artisans who would not have work otherwise. They make DPN, circs, and straight. The finishes are smooth and high quality, as well as beautiful.
July 13, 2007 at 6:28 pm
I just LOVE Blue Sky – it’s amazing. And I’ll look forward to ‘seeing you’ in the K1 T2 swap! :)
Totally with you on bamboo, also. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m a metal needle girl – and 95% of that on circs, no less.
July 13, 2007 at 8:33 pm
I just surfed across your website from Jane’s. I will be thinking about you as you guard for the camp, as I too am a lifeguard. And I just watched Labyrinth, too.
July 26, 2007 at 8:34 am
I love Blue Sky’s cotton yarn! It’s a bit on the pricey side but very, very soft; however so it will be soft it is plied loosely so expect so pilling due to this.
As for secret palling on a budget Livejournal has a secret pal in progress that is min. $30.00 for 3 months. You do have to have an LJ, but getting an LJ is free. My first secret pal swap was SPLJ 3 and my downstream partner is a student on a budget so I spoiled her rotten because I remember those poor student days! I’m not sure when the next one starts, but it’s always a thought for the future if you want to join the fun.
As for the cheaper bamboo needles they are a bit on the non-slick side and watch out of slivers of bamboo. I love Clover’s bamboo needles, they are on the pricey side but very, very smooth. To save money on needles there is always interchangeables they seem like a huge cost at first but after realizing how much I’ve saved by not having to buy so many needles — straight, dpns, circs — it has saved loads of money. Now I only really buy really small size circs now and dpns for socks), good interchangable needle kits are the KnitPicks ones (metal) and Denise (plastic, if you can stand plastic these are great!), plus it’s a good thing to hint to parents for a gift for Christmas or such!