Oh, Friday – how the heck are you! And, why did it take you so long to get here!
Yeah, it was one of those weeks that seemed to go on forever.
On the knitting front – Cuff One of Sock One is done. Cuff Two of Sock Two might get started and finished on Sunday. I just love how these yarns are playing together. They are not the most vivid contrasting colors, but I am liking the way they are knitting up.
Way back in December, I was asked if I would review some Knitter’s Pride Needles – I said yes and this lovely set of needles arrived just before the end of the year. Knowing that Kirsten Kapur’s Sock MKAL would be starting in February, I waited to use the needles in this project to tell you all what I think. My go-to needles for sock knitting are Knitter’s Pride Karbonz – they are so fantastic, except when you are knitting with dark sock yarn, then even the brightest of light is not always enough to see the stitches clearly. So, when these 6″ Royales arrived I was happy to see they were very different. The US size range in the set is nice also; 0, 1, 1.5 (which I am using for the MKAL socks), 2, 2.5, and 3. The needle size is marked on each needle but the markings look like that of the Karbonz which has rubbed off with use. And while I am not certain I would ever use the size 0 needles, the other sizes will absolutely get good use. The Royales are not as stiff as the Karbonz so I am not sure how they will hold up in comparison, but if you found the Karbonz were too stiff and hurt your hands, these would be a very good option. The join of the metal tip to the wood is smooth and is completely unnoticeable, and the point on the Royale needle is identical to the Karbonz. This made me very happy and I have had no issues with the tips splitting my yarn at all in knitting. The wood of the needle is very smooth and the stitches slide easily along as I knit. There is no tugging and the wood is beautifully polished. I do not think these needles will snag your knitting at all. It is also great that they come in a nice storage pouch! If you are looking for a set of needles – I would highly recommend these.
Thank you to Stitch Craft Marketing for sending the needles and asking me to review them!
Now, how about some links?
- First up this week, Romi begins a new year in her 7 Shawls series – 7 reSizable Shawls This time however, her concept is very interesting – you can get the pattern book and you can get the work book. Both are available at a reduced price until February 27. And the first project will be released during Stitches West later this month.
- You knew this was coming… World War G{loves}
- Bargello knitting, wow.
- Loulou
- Finally, a couple of freebies! Squircle and Ice Maiden
That is all I have for this week, have a slow and relaxing weekend and I will see you back here on Monday!!
I just recently tried Karbonz circs, and while I like them, I find that they have a bit too much drag and thus I spend more time than I’d like moving stitches up the needle. I do like the look of these. Do you know if they’re making circulars as well as DPNs?
Your sock looks great, so far! I’m using stash yarn, and what I chose is DIC Smooshy in Scorched Lime(?) and something else that I forgot. I might get mine started tonight or this weekend. 🙂 Do you normally knit socks on dpns? I have been using circs for a L-O-N-G time, but did start with dpns years ago. Mostly because I lose things, like dpns. It’s much harder for me to lose a pair of circular needles. 😉
Always, loving the links!
These needles do sound promising. I like Karbonz, except for the color like you note, and a snaggy join on one of mine. I’ve been using Hiya Hiya Sharps lately, but am still undecided whether they’re too sharp. Thanks for the review; I’ll have to give these a try. Happy Weekend!
I love your sock! Looks wonderful in your color picks. They’re on my list to start soon.
Your sock is looking great – nice color combination. So far I’m sticking with my KnitPicks DP needles. I had some Knitters Pride interchangeable circulars and the joins were awful!
Those needles are so pretty! I’m glad you are enjoying them and lucky you to get them for free for writing a review. I like those World War gloves a lot, thanks for the link!
I love the look of those socks! And thank-you for the review. I go back and forth between dpn and circus for socks but those tips make me think I should give them a shot. Have a nice weekend and Go Pats!
Those needles are pretty, but I love my Karbonz … and I just don’t knit dark yarn! (also, swatched for Loulou last night and I’ll be casting on today!!)
That combo for your socks is gorgeous!
beautiful knitting needles and how lucky to review them 🙂 Here’s hoping your Monday morning is a wonderful one!
I took a weekend off from my computer (pretty much) – so missed your post last Friday. I love your sock colors! Just a lovely combination. I’m also ALL OVER that LouLou sweater pattern! Just trying to decide what yarn to use. . .