Chopsticks

When I knit in public, people stop me and say "You knit with chopsticks like my grandmother". These conversations make me smile. We're all neophytes when it comes to hobbies and professions that we don't practise. These moments are unique and allow us to exchange ideas on the subject. Often, these people remember their aunts, their mother and their grandmother... and sometimes even a grandfather who used to knit. A smile appears on their face. The memory box opens quietly and their eyes widen. The flood of colours, knits and stories of having worn a sweater with their initial or a tea-warmer come back to them. Only to realize that somewhere in a box they have those famous chopsticks that grandma used to use! "I should start [knitting] when I retire."

🧶 Let's go back to this tool that is so precious to us. Our tool that creates our stitches, chopsticks, those knitting needles.

This tool comes in many types, shapes and materials. Modernity has encountered this, our, world of stitches. I think it's for the better. Giving us avid knitters more options.

🧶 How many knitting needles do you have? Do you know your inventory?

I've been fascinated by tools ever since I started knitting. Even more so with my visit to the Knit City event in Montreal this spring. Where I acquired my first square needles.

🧶 Just talking about this tool is almost like reading a novel you're the hero of!

The style

Precisely our first chapter could be "The style". At your local yarn store (LYS), you are in front of the display of needles, your project suggests you knit back and forth. What needles will you choose? Straight needles are the classic. They are available in different lengths. You may have some in one of your drawers, so if you choose these, it's connected with the past, and sometimes your project will be created with your grandmother's needles. You'll be adding history with your stitches. There are these intriguing double points. Like a pencil sharpened at both ends (my children!). When the stitches are on top... Your eyes go "Noooo" because they've escaped from the other end. Your hands are running to catch up! Then there are the fixed or interchangeable circulars. I imagine in our story that we arrive at a 'T' path with this sign indicating these two choices. They are also available in different lengths. As we handle these, the question arises, "But how do you knit with these needle points that are attached by a cable? Anyway, that's just the beginning of a conversation on the subject of "our tool, these needles", because what follows is highly colourful.

The materials

Our second chapter could be the adventure of materials. Some knitters prefer natural fibres with synthetic needles, and synthetic fibres with needles made of natural materials. Bamboo, rosewood (and others), nickel-plated, aluminium, plastic, acrylic and stainless steel are all available on the market.

The shapes

Finally, the selection of the shape you are comfortable with could be discussed under the third chapter. Have you explored this aspect, the shapes? Those who have tried it find that non-round needles can knit for the same amount of time as before, with less hand fatigue.

In short, discussing our tool, needles, is an adventure in words, in practice... and bouncing with intrigue. What do you say we give it a try? I'm trying out square needles with fingering weight yarn.. An adventure to follow.

Have a great time with your stitches.

Caroline