May 2, 2012

Yarn Along #11

I'm joining in Ginny's Yarn Along this week.

I tried out my new Knitters Pride Cubics needles this week and thought it would be fun to give a product review today alongside my yarn along post.


When I first saw these needles, I was smitten. Square knitting needles? I put them on my Christmas wish list but when Miranda went to our LYS to get me a pair, they were sold out. Hmmm, I guess they were popular. Miranda, being the thoughtful person she is, remembered and so for my birthday last month went back and picked up a pair of US10. What I found especially sweet is that Miranda asked Bridget for advice about which size to get me and as Bridget knows how much I love worsted weight (Malabrigo, in particular), she said "US 10, definitely!"  Somehow hearing that really warmed my heart -- my LYS knows me that well.

Manos de Uruguay Maxima
I'm working on a new baby cardigan design in Maxima and did a little swatching on these needles. The square surface is really comfortable in my hands and the wood is super smooth. Even Maxima, which is soft but has a slightly rough edge, moves along nicely on these needles. The points are tapered evenly and has enough definition that knitting and purling are easy. I haven't added straight needles to my needles stash in ages but these will definitely replace those old dare-I-say aluminum needles from my younger days.  

The designing is going well -- have I already mentioned how much I'm loving knitting baby stuff? -- and I hope to get my new pattern notes finalized in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned.

In the meantime, my reading has been a bit ... how should I say it, ... non-existent? I think I have knitting-on-the-brain. I'm sure that's a real diagnosis. I am in the midst of reading the new issue of VK International. Does that count?



14 comments:

  1. Heehee "knitting on the brain", do you think it is infectious? I sure do! I'm definitely going to have to keep an eye out for those needles, they are so pretty! Good luck on the designing!

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    1. Oh, it has to be a real diagnosis because I'm suffering dearly these days!

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  2. I've heard that these needles help prevent hand fatigue. Have you noticed that?

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    1. I've read that, too, and can attest that the needles are really comfortable in my hands so that might translate to preventing hand fatigue. I'm switching between projects so I'm not doing enough scientific analysis. ; )

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    2. Thanks! I'll relay that to my MIL - she was interested to know!

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  3. Yes VK international counts. How can you not have knitting on the brain with yarn like that and needles as amazing as those :)

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  4. I"m intrigued by square needles!

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  5. Square needles? I'll definitely have to be on the lookout for those! Intriguing!!

    Absolutely VK International counts! I've been reader The Knitter's Guide to Finishing Techniques!! Totally counts!

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  6. They are so pretty those needles. Do they feel more ergo than round ones? Good for you on designing.

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  7. i haven't tried the square needles yet, but i have heard they are wonderful. need to get that on my wish list!

    I can't wait to see your design. i love baby knitting, too!

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  8. Well, I must admit, I have never seen square needles before! I am glad the wood is working out for you...with my middle aged, tired hands, I need my metal addis to keep the yarn moving smoothly and quickly. I have also, never purchased straight needles! *gasp* :) Someday I am sure I will gave cause to. Your yarn is lovely in the photo, and I am excited to see your patterns. I am always on the lookout for new baby patterns to knit.
    *smiles*

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  9. Interesting! I hadn't heard of square needles before and now I really want to try them. Thanks for sharing!

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  10. Those square needles look amazing! gad that they are working out, and that your new design is coming along.

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  11. Those needles are beautiful! Square needles sound very adventurous. I can't wait to see your cardigan--baby knitting is a favorite of mine. Your wool looks great on those needles!

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