What's Your Point?

 Continuing on with stash diving for small projects to knit. The latest on the needles is Hitchhiker Beyond by Martina Behm. The yarn is a lovely hand-dyed from Hand Maiden -- Sea Silk (70% silk/30% Seacell) in the colorway Autumn. It's been marinating for quite a while, and I'm not even sure the yarn is being produced anymore. It's lovely stuff though, and just perfect for an accessory weight (ie not for warmth) scarf.

One thing that has become apparent from working on these small projects from many different types of yarn is how important (to me) the right needle for the job is. 

I learned to knit at the knee of my Scottish step-granny and she was a straight needle gal who tucked the right-hand needle firmly under her right arm and knit like the wind. So, that's what I learned (except the knitting like the wind part). Many years later, I discovered that circulars lent themselves to knitting while on the go, or in any group setting. Circulars are my preference today, and I have representatives of many different types and brands in the collection. They all have their place, but more and more I find myself reaching for one particular style -- sharp pointed metal with pliable cords. As my eyesight gets less sharp I appreciate that the sharper points mean less fumbling with stitch maneuvers like decreases or knitting in the back of the stitch. And who wants to fight with the needle cord, regardless of your needle type? 

My first sharp-pointed circular purchase was a Signature stiletto point. I hadn't heard of them until attending a fiber festival and seeing long lines at their booth. Not going to lie, I gasped at the price ($40US if I remember correctly). This was for one size, in one cord length. Oh my goodness though -- that stiletto point -- it was love. I bought a few as finances allowed, hoping to eventually get a set in my preferred cord length. And then, Signature smashed my dreams by discontinuing fixed length circulars and going to all interchangeable. Now, there's nothing wrong with interchangeable circulars and I can totally understand why they made that decision, but I have never been able to use screw in interchangeable needles without having them unscrew midway through my project. The tragedy!

And then (cue heavenly beam of light and music) I found ChiaGoo Red Lace circulars. They are made from stainless steel, not the pretty colored aluminum of Signature, but oh those points! 

 In the photo the Signature is on the left, and the ChiaGoo on the right. 

As an added incentive, the price is quite reasonable. It varies by needle size and cord length of course, but as an example: a size 4.00 mm (US6) with a 32" cord can be had for under $12US. 

The cords are not as "bendy" as the Signature, but are easy to use and I have yet to have one kink up on me. 

So, unless (until?) Signature goes back to making fixed length circular needles I think I have found my new best friend needle for "most" of my projects. Isn't it wonderful to have choices?

And here's the completed Miami Cuban Mitts:

So soft, so warm -- cashmere I love you! 

To all of you who celebrate anything at all this holiday season -- peace and joy! And may we all look forward to a bright and better 2021.