Well, since Alison is sending a whole bunch of knitters over my way today, I'm thinking it might be a good day to ask a knitting question... and maybe some knitters will be kind enough to answer. :)
Recently I've been learning to knit. I'm thinking of buying some circular needles. I've noticed that a single pair of circulars (are they called a pair, even though it's one item?) costs in the range of $10-$20, with most around $15. Then there are interchangeable sets that are around $50. Right now there are two different sizes of circulars I'd like to get... that's $30 there. Am I better off biting the bullet and shelling out for a set? Or should I play with different ones first, to see what kind I prefer?
Another question... why is it that I can buy straights for less than $5, but add a cord, and they jump by more than $10 in price? And then when you take into account how many different sizes there are, both in diameter and in cable length... is this some evil ploy?
10 comments:
what size are you looking for in circular? I might have a extra one
cara
earth mother
I'd like to get a size 4 for Weasley... I find that having the sweater hanging off the far end of the needle aggrivates my carpal tunnel... I have no idea what length I should get, but I don't think it matters too much, since I'll be knitting straight.
I'd also like to knit a Sophie bag, and it says to use a 16" 10.5 circular. I have no idea if I'd get gauge with a 10.5 (Weasley actually calls for a 6, but I had to use a 4), but since I'll be felting it, it shouldn't matter much.
I'd recommend trying a couple different types of circulars out before you commit to anything. I am a huge fan of the addi turbos and am willing to spend the money because they last a super long time and add to my knitting enjoyment. It's a hefty monetary commitment, but I've spread it out, only buying needles I need when I need them. I've noticed that the needles knitters choose tends to be very personal and subjective, so listen to others, but ultimately, you'll have to experiment. Check out Grumperina's website, http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/ sometime in the last month she reviewed Bryspun circulars. It's an interesting read.
I love the addi turbos, but you should always try a few pairs. I've not heard great things about the interchangeables, but can't remember the details. If you decide you like Addi's there is a guy on ebay, his store is your wonderland, he sells for about 1/2 of retail and shipping is reasonable. Happy Knitting! Gina
Thanks for all the great advice everyone! :)
dang, I just sent all of my bamboos to my new-knitting-pal, or I think I would have had a set of clover bamboos for you if you wanted them!
that said, I really love my turbos. I don't bother buying straight needles because (while more expensive) the circulars can do both.
I know a lot of people that swear by their Denise needles, but other people don't like that they're not quite as slippery as the turbos. The Boye interchangables are apparently really awful and come apart a lot.
Poke around the forums/reviews on knitter's review; I know Clara has some reviews of needles up.
[I like bamboo for dpns, but I go for turbo circs... I think I worry too much about dropping stitches with dpns.]
I ramble.
I was just thinking the same thing, one of the reasons I was scared to take up knitting was in case I got obsessed and had to have something of everything. I keep reading about the Denise modular set you plug the ends in and people seem to love them.
I agree that it is a good idea to try/use different types of circular needles. Many people like different brands of needles for different types of projects. Personally, I tend to really like the cheap Susan Bates circulars. But I also really like my Boye interchangeables. You need to screw the pieces together really tightly, but then they don't come apart.
Emily
First thing..."evil ploy"...the answer is yes.
My suggestion is to get a 40% off coupon to Michaels and buy the Boye Interchangeable set. It should cost you about $35-40. I have a set and I like them. While the color on the tips wears away like any other aluminium, I have every size and length. I will say that I don't like to use the size 2's for socks though. The join becomes a problem when I constantly slide the yarn. I would only invest in Addis,Inox, etc. if there is a particular size you will use alot. You'll go into debt trying to get every size and length
I'd definitely try different sets. For me, it depends on what I'm knitting. If it's wool, I'll use anything, but with cotton, I kind of prefer bamboo, or plastic, so it's not as slippery to work with. To me, since my projects are spaced out, I will just buy as needed. But for my birthday, my parents are buying me Denise Interchangeables...I want them just to always have a set of every size around when I need it.
Personally though, I love the Inox needles the most as well.
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