- When I showed you the tools that have helped me conquer this first lace project I left out a very important one: the needle.
That is a 40" US#4 Signature circular needle, and it is the finest circ I have ever used. Bar none. The points (medium; you can specify middy (above) or stiletto) are perfect, the joins are smooth and strong, and the cable is as flexible as certain politicians' stance on the issues.
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Flexible, man, flexible!
- The needle was $40 plus $8 shipping, which is a lot to pay for a knitting needle. I keep reminding myself that, 1, I spend a lot of hours with this tool in my hands, and B, part of the reason it was expensive is that it was made in the US by US employees, subject to FICA and Medicare and FUTA and who knows what else, and probably union members to boot; not Chinese slave labor.
- I find myself reciting the pattern as I knit it — "Yarnover, knit 2 together, knit 5, slip, slip, knit, yarnover…" This helps me keep track of where I am and ensures that I am Paying Attention.
- It amuses me greatly to shout in my head, Threeway! whenever I have to do a double decrease.
- Don't judge me.
- I also forgot to praise the yarn, Dream in Color Baby. Some yarns (Malabrigo, I'm looking at you) are wonderful to touch, like buttah through the fingers. This is not one of those, but it is nicely woolly. The main thing is that It Does Nothing Wrong. It doesn't split, doesn't tangle, doesn't break, has no knots, no vegetable matter. It just does what it is supposed to do and does it perfectly. In all my [actually minor] struggles with this lace, none have been with the yarn.
- I was knitting away on the lace today and realized that I was also watching the news and chatting with my husband (!) Quite a change from when I started and could only work on it fully caffeinated, alone, no distractions, no interruptions. I told my husband I Was Da Bomb. We will not speak of those three (3!) yarnovers I missed; that kind of thing also happened under the previously described optimum conditions.
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This is how we learned of #2 Son's engagement. Hurrah for electronic communications! That photo was taken in the parking lot of the [something] Cowboy steak house in Custer, WY.
kmkat & her kneedles 
I agree on your yarn descriptions-though I’ve not used lace weight dream in color-the worsted was idyllic. Not butter but good. Might have to check into those needles. Sometimes my lace chanting has a little head bob to it-especiall if it’s a sk2togpsso. I need the head bob to get the psso. I’ll likely try “threeway!” 🙂
I have not yet invested in The Needles. But I am thinking about it. I’d have to be sure about the project and size – because I can’t justify buying the whole range … or can I (?) hmmmmm
I let Dude read my pattern stitches out loud … and that is what I repeat in my head. I don’t correct him and he’s becoming inventive in his transcriptions.
Wow! I bought Addi’s a few years ago; needed a 40″ circular; paid $20; almost choked when I read the price. But I know what you mean – ya gotta have the right tool for the job! Can’t wait to see the project when it’s done. I love knitting lace, even though I need to be locked in a room to concentrate! Congrats to son and fiance on the engagement! Have a great weekend, kat!
And now you know.
I suppose this means I’ll have to get my laceon again, too. I’ve been exposed to a few patterns lately. The incubation period must be nearly up.
Better than him phoning you at 12:40 am, eh? Those needles look fabulous!
Signature needles are amazing. Don’t own any, but had a chance to test drive some a couple of years ago.
And Yay! for triumphing with the lace.
The needles are really important to the process but that yarn sounds positively……dreamy. And good points as to the price. Pretty cheap all around, when you think about it.
Smartphones. How would we get our news without them? At least as quickly.
The needles are an investment. Hopefully, you’ll never need to buy that size again and will get years of faithful service from them.
I don’t judge. I love!
What did we do before smart phones? *L*
xo
Awwwwww! For #2 son!
And YAY for lace success! I found my early struggles were related to needles and distractions/pattern-reading-difficulties too. But I was amazed at how much easier it was with the right needles.