I'm hooked on interchangeable needles. A while ago, prebaby, I made a massive wall hanging organizational system for all my knitting needles. And there are A LOT. But here is the thing... so often, I find myself still lacking that 'specific' needle I need for a project. Maybe I have the right size, but in straight needles. Or the right circular, but not in the right length. So I started buying interchangeable needles and it all became so much easier! I typically knit even flat pieces on interchangeable's, and since learning the magic loop, I hardly ever even use DPN's. A good set of interchangeable's doesn't take up much space in my knitting bag and I always have what I need! It's pure awesomeness! As I tried out different needles it became clear which were my favorites. Knitter's Pride! They make good, affordable interchangeable needles (and fixed needles for that matter). I reached out to the company and they sent me two sets of interchangeable needles to review and give away to you! Here are my thoughts...
From the manufacturer: Special Tips are designed to produce circulars in 16'' (40cm) length. Each tip measures 4'' (10cm) and is to be used with cords provided in the set
Set includes: Tips in sizes 4, 5, 6,7,8, 9, 10. Two cords to make 16" length. 4 end caps. 1 Set of size markers. 2 cord keys. A zippered carrying case.
Pros:
- You have size 16 needles for most hat-knitting occasions! The kit includes sizes 4-10, and how nice is it to have them all on hand? (Pretty darn nice.)
- The wood tips are so lovely, and, unlike many other wood needles I've used, still have a very nice point!
- Easy to change sizes mid-project for things like ribbing or colorwork.
- Pretty colors!
Cons:
- It's unlikely that you're going to use the tips or cables with other sets of interchangeable's, as they're rather short. (Which is why I'd prefer a full set of 16" fixed circular needles. So far as I can tell, these don't come in sets with all sizes, yet.)
- If your working yarn is similar in color to your tips, it can be hard to see your stitches.
Recommendation: If you switch sizes mid-hat often, or just adore interchangeable's, these could be a good choice for you. If not, then a set of 16" fixed needles might be more your style.
From the manufacturer: A revolutionary product!! New - age needles made from High-Tech carbon fiber with tips in nickel plated brass! Combination of two versatile materials – light bodied carbon fiber & sharp brass tips – is guaranteed to provide an unparalleled knitting experience!! No other knitting needle comes closer to this!!
Set includes: Tips in sizes 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Two cords to make lengths 24" and 32". 4 end caps. 1 Set of size markers. 2 cord keys. A zippered carrying case.
Pros:
- The tips are so nice! They really are a unique tip. Though I've met many people who have mistaken these tips for wood, they are actually "high-tech carbon fiber." The carbon fiber combined with the metal tips means they are versatile for may types of fibers. (Ie. Have you ever tried linen on metal needles? Not fun. But these work quite well)
- The material means these tips will last a while, and likely not wear down over time as quickly as, say, a wooden tip. (The only reason I own the Karbonz over a set of Dreamz!)
- As in the Dreamz, these tips have a lovely, sharp point.
- Another reason I've come to love Knitter's Pride needles is because their cords don't kink! My pet peave with circular needles is a cord that continues to roll up into a circle or kink as you're working. I don't have that issue with these cords.
- As long as I use the cord key for tightening, I've never had a tip fall off while knitting.
Cons:
- Very occasionally I've come across a tip that doesn't want to screw onto the cord quite right. With a little patience it usually goes on smoothly, though even more rarely (once I think) I came across a tip that didn't fit snugly onto the cord, and had a little lip where stitches got stuck as I was working.
- Again with the color issue. If you have a dark colored yarn, it can be hard to see your stitches.
Recommendation: I love these needles and recommend them wholeheartedly! (I own a set!)
And now for the fun part- giveaway time! There are four ways to win a Dreamz Special OR a Karbonz Starter Set:
- Follow Thread & Ladle on Instagram, and share the giveaway photo, being sure to tag me!
- Follow Thread & Ladle on Facebook
- Join the Thread & Ladle Ravelry Group
- Follow the Thread & Ladle blog in your blog feed.
Leave a comment here letting me know you did so. (Leave a new comment for each mode of entry.) Winners will be chosen by random number generator on March 7th. Good Luck!