The other day I went through my inventory of needles -- yes, I have them all organized in one place, separated into DPNs, circulars, and straights -- and I happily discovered that over the years, I've developed a healthy collection from size 3 to 13. Why I don't have US1 or US2 is likely because I haven't really done much lace knitting. I was so impressed with myself, even patting myself on the back for having a size 13. And then I saw this:
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| from Loopy Mango, NYC |
I haven't made it down to Loopy Mango yet, but I think I really have to now. The shop specializes in oversized projects, and every time I check out their latest news, I'm always amazed at what they're working on.
These are US50 (uh huh, you read that right!), and I can hardly imagine what they're like to knit with. Somehow the knitter doesn't look like it's too difficult, but I'm not even sure I'd have the room in my house for the yarn, let alone where I would store those needles.
So do I dare try these? Would you?
The first thing that comes to my mind when I see this photo: tennis elbow!
ReplyDeleteYou should check this out: http://wildflowerknits.com/blog/blog/2011/05/28/big-knits/
ReplyDeleteIt's my local yarn shop blog, one of the ladies made a very massive sweater!
As for you, you should just try it, once, and see if you like it! I would probably not attempt it, yet, because I can't afford the supplies, but it does look very fun and different.
Thanks for the link -- amazing! I'm really tempted to try these but seriously, where would I keep those needles!?
DeleteAs a spinner, the idea of knitting with roving like that is kind of frightening. But it would be such an interesting texture wouldn't it? Thanks for sharing, my mind is sufficiently blown now!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't even thought about what this would mean for a spinner! :O
DeleteI've never tried 50s, but I have a size of 35s. They're plastic, not wood, which I think makes them easier to use. I bought them probably seven years ago but only used them once. They just didn't make a whole lot of things that I wanted to wear.
ReplyDeleteI should probably inventory my needles. Maybe I'll do that on my day off today!
I'd love to see you blog about the project you knitted with US35s -- I'm impressed!
DeleteI used 50s to make a throw for my bed using three strands of Lion Brand Homespun. I never put a photo up and now, since it is much loved by Tuesday the cat, it isn't fit for proper company.
ReplyDeleteIt did take getting used handling such a large needle, but the project flew and I like the fabric it created. Never be afraid to try something new, that's my motto.
My favorite needle sizes are 8'sor 9's.
I just picked up an Addi's Clicks size 8, in love!!!
BTW, I wish you had joined our Blog Hub swap group, I've never had such fun getting a pile of gifts together! I can't wait for my partner to get her box of goodies!
i double dog dare you!!! (and then please post when you get them\start a project!) i also am a sz 7's gal!
ReplyDeleteI saw size 50 needles once and decided I HAD TO HAVE THEM. Even if I'll never use them.
ReplyDeleteOh I so dare you, they are cool looking, am not sure what you'd actually knit on them but they sure would be great to have a set of. I like you have a certain size I like to knit with and it to sneaks in most places.
ReplyDeleteI'm obsessed with stuff like this but feel like it would kill my hands to make anything worthwhile. It'd be great to do a rug this way...would go up so fast! Maybe I should grab a couple baseball bats and have at 'er.
ReplyDelete(Cara --recklessglue)
There's a designer, Wenlan Chia (http://www.ravelry.com/designers/wenlan-chia) who specialises in bulky yarn. She even has her own line of yarn - Twinkle. It's still nothing like the humongous knitting that you've shown though. It would be so heavy! That's what I'm thinking...
ReplyDeleteThe biggest I've used are 17s. I can't knit as fast on them but I love bulky yarn. As for those vampire stakes, I'd probably just own a pair for the heck of it.
ReplyDeleteWenlan Chia like WS stated is a cool designer. I haven't knitted anything of hers yet but I scored a used book of hers and the chunky knits are awesome as her Twinkle yarn.
Here I'm thinking the Size 8 and tens I had to use are big.
ReplyDeleteNothing comparable to those size 50s
0s, 1s and 2s are my usuals.
hugs
Gerry
I love bulky knits but those are extra large, indeed. what fun it would be to try those 50s!
ReplyDeleteOh my! I don't know if those would even fit in my hand! Good luck if you get brave enough to try them.
ReplyDelete*smiles*
Wow, those are some big needles.
ReplyDeleteYou could make the most amazing throw, but I bet it would cost a fortune in yarn! I'm not sure it would be easy to manhandle though!
ReplyDeleteLove the blue yarn in your previous post, what an amazing colour, I look forward to seeing what you make with it!
Being one who does not like to knit with a size bigger than 7s those needles will give me nightmares. ;)
ReplyDeleteThen again I am not Evelyn, who fears nothing and can knit anything! Dare!
Absolutely go for it!! I love huge needles. Most of my recent designs have been on US 13s and above. My current favorite is US 15, and I've gone all the way up to US 19 too! I own a pair of US 35s I think. LOL! Go bulky! It's awesome!
ReplyDelete