The Knitters Thread

MsChazzer

Swishy_bell wrote: »

Hi just wondering if anyone had any views of bamboo versus aluminium knitting needles. Bamboo seem to be a lot cheaper but I have never used any before so wondering if they are okay. thanks x

I prefer bamboo and wooden needles but find that they are more expensive than metal ones, so depends how many spare pennies I have when I need to buy needles! I like the Addi turbo circular ones though, they are metal and a bit more expensive, but worth it for intricate lace work.

L-train

Swishy_bell wrote: »

Hi just wondering if anyone had any views of bamboo versus aluminium knitting needles. Bamboo seem to be a lot cheaper but I have never used any before so wondering if they are okay. thanks x

It also depends on what you're knitting with them. I used bamboo needles to knit mohair and it was awful! They have more grip than aluminium needles, and the mohair stuck to them a little too much and didn't slide along easily. Bamboo is good if you're knitting something slippery like silk to bamboo yarn, but if you're knitting something made of animal fiber you might find it's too "sticky" on bamboo needles.

blueberrypie

Swishy_bell wrote: »

Hi just wondering if anyone had any views of bamboo versus aluminium knitting needles. Bamboo seem to be a lot cheaper but I have never used any before so wondering if they are okay. thanks x

I much prefer bamboo over metal needles. What's been said about them having more grip is true - but they do smooth out over time, so it becomes less of a problem. They are very nice to work with - lighter and "warmer" than metal needles (but not warm in a sticky way, warm in a nice-to-hold way).

But my favourites now - better than anything else I've ever used - are Quills, which are made of casein. They're incredibly light and are lovely to knit with. The only problem with them is that after knitting with them, using metal needles feels like a real chore! LOL

You can see Quills at http://www.woollyworkshop.co.uk/acatalog/Quills.html (no connection except that that's where I bought mine).

chalky_75

http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u108/chalky75/?action=view&current=IMG_0225.jpg
http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u108/chalky75/?action=view&current=IMG_0226.jpg
Thought you might like to see what has been keeping me out of mischief. If anyone wants a pattern I would gladle point you in the right direction. I was particularly pleased with the knitted carrier bags.



http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u108/chalky75/?action=view&current=PICT0187.jpg
http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u108/chalky75/?action=view&current=IMG_0222.jpg
http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u108/chalky75/?action=view&current=IMG_0218.jpg

mioliere

Blueberrypie (lovely name, by the way!); thanks for posting that great link. I've been using wooden needles for a while now and much prefer them to the metal ones but I will definitely try the quills, especially at such good prices. The Knit Lites (needles with lights at the working ends which I want to get my Mum for Christmas) on there are cheaper than I've seen elsewhere, and there's so much more I want to look at now. Just need to find the money or drop a few hints to DH for Christmas!

Lovely pictures, Chalky - I especially love the carrier bag (is there a pattern available for that?) and the bootees are gorgeous.

janb5

Chalky - well done with all your projects and I love the bag- can you point us in the right direction to get the pattern?

I have just joined a knitting group and I would really love to make socks but am struggling with the heel at the mo- will let you know how I get on!

Kandipandi

Chalky - i love your bag! I have just bought a book to teach me how to knit again, it is such a long time since i knitted anything and i fancy starting again. Where is the best place to buy wool and needles reasonable, there is a wool shop local to me but i imagine they are quite expensive, or are the prices much of a muchness? Any advice will be gratefully received im going to keep a close eye on this thread and aspire to your level . Thanks x

shelovestobuystuff

I have just bought myself a How to Knit book from The Book People so hopefully I will be able to use some of your ideas in the near future.I was so embarassed a few weeks ago when dd(aged 6) asked me to help her knit a scarf and hat she got in a kit,I didnt have a clue where to start(it didnt have any instructions) and had to ask my mum to visit just to start dd knitting.:o

Kandipandi

shelovestobuystuff wrote: »

I have just bought myself a How to Knit book from The Book People so hopefully I will be able to use some of your ideas in the near future.I was so embarassed a few weeks ago when dd(aged 6) asked me to help her knit a scarf and hat she got in a kit,I didnt have a clue where to start(it didnt have any instructions) and had to ask my mum to visit just to start dd knitting.:o

Thats the same book i bought today! My sons have asked me to knit them a phone sock and a monster and the youngest son aged 9 wants me to show him how to knit too. Bless him, i'm gonna sit them down this weekend and get them cracking...:rotfl:

shelovestobuystuff

My book arrived yesterday and I still cant get the hang of it.Its the knots to start off I cannot do,slip knot and casting on, which means I cannot do anything.I dont seem able to get them right from diagrams.Mum tried to show me too but she does it like lightening and I cant really see where everything is going.The slip knot:mad: .Everyone had a hearty laugh at me,even my 6 year old can do it.
I think I would get it if I could watch a video of someone doing the slip knot and casting on,I will worry about casting off later.The actual knitting bit I can manage.Any links to an idiots guide video clip very welcome.:o
My daughter says I must be a genius because only a genius cannot do really easy things:rolleyes: