Remember the Oyster Bay Shawl? Well not only is it finished, it’s upstairs all pinned out and drying.
You see, I figured out why I was so unhappy with it. It was the needles! I was using metal needles and for some reason they were hurting my hands. I have no idea why all of a sudden my hands decided they don’t like metal needles over a certain size. They’re fine with size 1US needles, just not with the 5US needle I was using.
So I quickly changed to my plastic Denise needles. The only problem was that the cable was a bit too thick for the laceweight yarn. Megan suggested I try out new Zephyr needles from Knit Picks. I went ahead and ordered some, but by the time they arrived I had already finished the shawl. Figures, huh?
Still, these needles are so nifty I decided to use them on my Herbivore.
I can see why Zonda has the love for these needles. The points are so nice and sharp! They make those purl through back loops so much easier. The needles themselves are nice and slick. They’re almost as slick as metal, which I like.
I cannot tell you how tempted I am to cast on for a lace shawl with actual decreases in it. But I’m knitting another shawl besides the Herbivore. So no. Not yet.
The fact that they’re clear doesn’t bother me at all. I thought it might be a problem, but so far so good.
All in all, I think these needles were worth the astronomical shipping cost that Knit Picks likes to charge Hawaii residents.
I’m also thinking of spinning up the other bobbin of this.
My wheels are getting rusty doncherknow!
Sammy wants to know what you’re up to!
It’s Monday folks. I hope you’re getting through it all right.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Yay for finishing up the Oyster Bay! I can’t wait to see it in all it’s blocked glory!
So glad you are liking the needles. Our Zonda sure is handy to have around. ;-)
You can report to Sammy that I am petting some new Malabrigo. He should be jealous!
November 9th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Yay! I’m looking forward to seeing your Oyster Bay and the rest of that fluff spun up.
Tell Sammy to stop being nosey or I’ll get him to start vacuuming next. ;^)
xo
November 9th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Herbivore is knitting up beautifully.
I might have to try out a pair of those needles next time I need to get some. My go-to favorites are the KP Harmony needles. Especially DPN’s.
That bobbin looks awesome.
As for me, I just got new yarn. :)
November 9th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Oooh, I’ve been wanting to get some of the Zephyrs. Glad to hear you like them.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Herbivore is looking lovely, as is your handspun. I have the same problem with metal after a certain size–I much prefer cheap bamboo needles. If they break, well, it’s a buck. But actually, I’ve never broken one. I broke a ton of KP wooden needles before I wised up and switched to bamboo.
November 9th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
By “other shawl” you mean Lyra, right? Wrong? lol.
How cool that is was your needles and easily fixed!!!!! Woot!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Hooray for finished shawls!
What have I been up to? Coughing. Chasing a puppy. Working. Watching football. How bout them Cowboys! That’s about it.
Cody says I need a life.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Glad you like the needles :) Herbivore is looking good too! Pretty singles! After last nite, Our Megan is good to have around too, she iz my spinning guru!
November 9th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Oooh spinning. Nice bobbin of singles … um … have you seen my spinning mojo?
November 9th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Looking good. Sammy actually looks civil. Did he just have a treat?
November 10th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Opal you are super duper talented! Have you ever tried knitting wire? Or making knitted jewelry pieces?
November 10th, 2009 at 5:46 am
Man, I’m glad Monday’s over. Thanks for the review of the needles, I’ve been wondering about those things…
November 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
I’ve been wondering about those needles, I think I want to try some!
November 10th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Neat! I had wondered about those needles. I love to experiment with different types.
That is a lovely bobbin, and certainly deserves another.
Wait! Another shawl? Hrm? I’m so distractable.
xoxo
November 11th, 2009 at 6:01 am
I’ve never seen needles like those. Interesting. Can’t wait to see the finished shawl. And I always love your posts when they include a pic of Sammy!
November 12th, 2009 at 5:14 am
I really want to try those Knit Picks needles.