Needled

Remember the sock I cast on?



Look at it now. Something's different.



Yep, different needles. I started the sock on a size 1, 9 inch Hiya Hiya needle. I love that little needle! My short fingers can easily handle it. I knit on them for about a day and a half--no trouble. Then I cast on for the sweater. Size 5 needle, 24 inches. Huge by comparison!

I worked on the sweater for a while and then went back to the sock. And I couldn't handle the little needle anymore! I tried a couple of rounds and it was torture. Not only did my fingers cramp, they had also forgotten how to even hold the needle. I took an overnight break from knitting the sweater to see if my touch for the Hiya Hiya needle returned. It didn't.

So I transferred the sock over to double points--size 0. I like to go down to 0 for the sock body--the fabric is firmer. A tight knit sock won't wear out as quickly as one that's knit looser.

So as much as I complained about dpns and swore I would never, ever use them again--there I was happily and quickly knitting on them! When using them, there's a feeling of substance.

I thought about two needles and magic loop--but I just wasn't in the mood for them. And, besides, I really like using the needle tube!

Monogamy Part 2

It isn't about the sharp points, smooth join or strong cable.



Another view: (That's a 24" Addi circling the sock.)



It's the size.

I've knit socks on dpns, two circulars and magic loop. Never really felt totally comfortable with any of them. Knitting with dpns is like wrestling with a porcupine. Two circs--hated the dangly ends. Magic loop--I never was one for Mickey Mouse ears.

That's a size 1/9" Hiya Hiya needle. Cast on 68 stitches--on that one needle-- and away we go! Not having to shift and adjust needles, the knitting is so fast.

And that teeny, tiny needle is just so darn cute!

So far, so good. Surprisingly, my hands aren't cramping. And I feel like such a speed-demon!

Monogamy

I'm sorry. I tried to be monogamous to my Summer Lake Shawl. It lasted for a while. And it was good.

But then Gail at Knitty City whispered about something I might be interested in. Something fun and different.

To quiet my thoughts, I brought something new to my relationship with the Summer Lake Shawl.

That worked for a few days. But every time I greeted a friend or answered the phone, I'd hear the name of my infatuation.

Friday afternoon, Knitty City suddenly appeared in front of me and I was weak.

By Friday evening, my new love and I were in a full-blown relationship.