I'm a process kind of girl.
I like road trips, not plane rides. I like to read and study and learn, but have little use for the papers and percentages that show what I know. I like to write these posts, but frequently find myself staring at the keyboard and thinking. The words always sound so much better in my head.
And I like wood knitting needles.
Plastic is good for the tight knitter, who needs the needles to be flexible and a little slick. Metal is for the speed-knitter, with sleek designs and sharp points.
But to me, there is just something so perfect about a beautifully created wood needle. It's like a slow drive on a winding road through the woods in fall. Or a walk in a field of wildflowers in the spring. Or curled up under a blanket by a fire on the beach.
If I have any favorites at the shop, one would be the needles I have found. The first come from Oregon, from a company I stumbled across one day while doing research. Laurel Hill has fantastic tools, but my particular favorite is the coconut needles which are apparently a closeout item. They have been my best seller so far, so I do hope they continue to offer them for some time! I have some in my knitting bag, 10" size 13. (That happens to be what I use to teach beginners.) They just make me happy!
The second set of needles I would call my favorites are DPN's.....Darn Pretty Needles. These are from Vermont, from Tom and Linda Diak of Grafton Fibers. They. Are. Stunning. I have eyed these needles in magazines, but now that I have seen them in person I cannot wait to have some for my very own!
My last favorite is my latest addiction, which I can also attribute to Grafton Fibers. As promised, I tried my hand at needle felting during the Fall Festival last weekend. I started with a hot pad, which I had knit out of Tahki Yarns' Montana and felted in the washing machine. I then used a pen-style needle felting tool, some cookie cutters, and a mini batt from Grafton in perfect fall colors. Further embelishment with some stash yarn, and I was finished with a fantastic leaf and pumpkin hot pad!
I wish I could show you pictures. I finished it Saturday morning, and sold it Saturday afternoon! I can, however, show you the matching coasters which are a work in progress. (Click on the picture in the sidebar. The project is the current table display at the shop. As soon as the flu has finished with us, I will be in to finish them!) I would be more than happy to work with anyone intersted in experimenting with this craft, as I find it equally as addictive as knitting. And that's saying something!
If you stop by the shop to check out the wood and wool for yourself, but want something in a different size or color, please give me a call and I will see what I can do for you.
In the meantime, please keep the following sage wisdom in mind: do not knit in the car if you are prone to carsickness, and never...EVER...knit while driving. Even on road trips.
