My new cable kneedle

Hey Kate!

I've been eyeing the Harmony Cable Kneedles for some time, but now I'm taking them off my pretend Wish List (since Knit Picks doesn't have a real one) because I found the perfect ones in my crafting tool kit: crochet hooks.

Ok, there are probably thousands of knitters who have already figured this out, but I'm always late to the party. The problem with an extra DPN is that it is very susceptible to Emme's patented Grab and Run technique, leaving my stitches without a kneedle to hold on to. It's also really easy to have stitches slide off of it. My crochet hook/cable kneedle, however, has that thumb area that can keep stitches inbetween it and the hook. The hook part stops (or at least slows down) the Grab and Run. And it is very handy to have it nearby for drop stitch retrieval.

So, yay this will save me money right? Except that most of my crochet hooks are ugly. Way ugly. And this is just another excuse to replace them all with pretty ones. Some day.

Oh yeah, and Fetching is coming along slowly as you can see.

Later!

Robin

Presenting: The Apprentice Beanie

Hey Kate!

I'm done! It looks better in person than it does in the pics. I'm much happier with the results than I thought I would be. Though it is technically reversible, the blue side looks much better than the white/natural side -- mostly due to some mistakes I made.

The design needs some work because as it stands, there is one faulty star due to the design. The rest of the problems are all knitter error. Well, that and the fact that stars don't come out all that great knitted.

The hat took most of one hank each of the Cadena in Tide and Natural. I used 16" size 10 bamboo circular kneedles until the end when I used size 10.5 DPNs. I will write up the pattern soonly, but I have to catch up to my other writing first.

It is meant to be worn as a beanie, but also can be worn as an actual apprentice hat if the mood should strike you thusly.


Later!

Robin

Kneedles!

Hey Kate!

I got my birthday goodness today: Knit Picks Options Harmony Interchangeable Kneedles set. I haven't had a chance to play with them yet because Emme thinks they are pretty too, so they get played with after she goes to bed. Here are my impressions so far:

Cons

• The case sucks. The case they used to provide with their nickel plated kneedles is much better, though I notice that they now use the same case for all.
• There are no 16" cables. Probably because they don't work so great on interchangeable kneedles. I know the smaller cords are rather stiff and yucky on the Boye set.
• It only goes from size 4 to 11. But the interchangeable kneedles definitely don't work below size 4 and I'm covered on the sizes I need above, so really this is a non issue.
• They aren't interchangeable with the Boye kneedles. I didn't expect them to be. I just had a teeny hope.
• I didn't get them sooner. Ok, that's not really a problem with the kneedles. I know this.

Pros

• They are beautiful -- much more beautiful in person.
• They feel deliciously smooth which just a teeny bit of a resistance.
• They are pointy.
• The cables are nice and flexible.
• They are mine! MINE! Muhahahaha!

I'll enthuse more when I've actually been able to use them. The Apprentice Beanie is still going, by the way. I'll finish it some day soon. I promise.

Later!

Robin

Double the fun!

Hey Kate!

I'm a weirdo. Ok, this isn't news. But I have to say, I love double knitting. Granted, I haven't gotten that far, but I'm having a great time.

Here is the beginning of the Apprentice Beanie, as demonstrated by Emme. I'm using Cadena in Tide and Natural. The Tide is prettier in person. I think what I find fun is the fact that I'm throwing the main color and picking the contrast color. I'll be keeping you up to date on this project.


Later!

Robin

The evil Knit Picks catalog

Hey Kate!

As you know, those jerks at Knit Picks sent me a catalog in the mail today. I know, I know. I signed up for it. But I shouldn't be held responsible for actions I made while under yarn buying induced euphoria.

If you want to be tortured like me, you can sign up for postal evilness in the My Account section under Privacy.

Bulletpointed rantings to follow:

• I like the container for the Options nickel plate set better than the one for the Harmony set. Ah well. I must have those wooden interchangeable kneedles!
• Oh look! You can buy the bags separately.
  
• They have a very nice sock kneedle set which is going on my dream list.
• They are evil about the toys too. have you seen their teleidoscope? They call it a design tool. How dare they turn a toy I can resist to a "design tool" that I need?
• They have a section about the proper use of stripes for flattery. A very nice section. That makes me want to make a stupid fair isle sweater. They have it on a model in the catalog so you can see how comfortable and flattering it looks.
• They put that on a model too. It looks SO awesome on. So now Big Girl Knits is on my wish list.
• The black stripes on this are so flattering on the model. It's too sporty for me... but can you see it with like a celtic knot color pattern on the sleeves instead
• They also show some things which i might have thought were cute but that on the model just don't work, which is good.
• They have a whole section for EZ.
• And a book section.
• And stupid cable kneedles that are harmony ones and look like lovely toys i must have. They are even an evilly great price.
• And what do you think of this? Look at the note on the bottom. It's obvious the people who work there knit.
• This is cool too.
• And the colors in their print catalog? Truer than their online one. For the yarn. Much truer.
• The back cover was partially ripped from the mailbox and Emme completed the tear. She probably wants me to make the cute colorwork sweaters on the back for her. Well tough! I'm not doing it! I will not be coerced!

You may now return to your regularly scheduled blog reading.

Later,
Robin