Signature Needle Arts

You can hear us talk about Knitting Needles by Signature Needle Arts in episode 26, but if you would like to read our review rather than listen, I will post our comments here.

We speak specifically about a set of US1(2.25mm) double point needles, and sizes US1(2.25mm) and US6(4.0mm) circulars.

Upon opening the package, the first thing that strikes you is that the needles are beautiful to look at. Upon initial inspection, they appear to be a well-crafted, quality product. The dpns were shipped in a little gift bag. The US1(2.25mm) double point needles felt slightly flexible to Sharlene, similar in the way that bamboo double point needles are slightly flexible. The needles feel cold to the touch.

Knitting with the double points feels very slippery. We both experienced needles slipping out of our stitches. The tips are very sharp. I think the set we have has the stiletto points. There are instructions included for shipping the needles which warn how to keep tips sharp, so some caution may be needed to store them properly. The slip and the sharp tips may benefit different types of knitting or knitters. For example: fast knitters will probably like the slippery feel and the stiletto tips may be a benefit for lace knitting. Overall we both agree that the metal feels different from other metal needles we have used. The Signature Needles feel silky and possess a matte finish compared to other metal needles.

Gayle LOVES the circulars, especially the smooth needle tips. Again, I think the needles we are testing are the pointier stiletto tips. The cables are very flexible which Gayle also loves. She has experienced other needle brands becoming kinked when stored, and these cables haven't kinked. Sharlene is most impressed with how smooth the joins are at the needle to cable transition area. This cable also feels secure, and she isn't worried about the cable breaking, or pulling loose from the needle, which has been a recurring problem for her with other needle brands. Gayle didn't have to stop to readjust her fabric or twist the needles inside the stitches because of the fluidity of the cable.

Different size needles are manufactured in different colors. You can easily visually identify your needles if you know the color of each size.

Prices vary depending on size, tip, and cable length or needle style. Customers can purchase single needles in case of loss. We both agree that these needles are in the high-end range of knitting needle pricing. How to justify the cost? Whether or not the needle is worth it to an individual knitter is obviously a personal decision. It may be difficult to invest in a pair sight unseen. Perhaps invest in the size of needle that you use most often. We both think if you have a chance to try out these needles it is definitely worth a test drive.

Our thanks to Signature Needle Arts for spreading the Signature Needle love and enabling us to share your wonderful product with our listeners.

Episode 26 - The Last Ep for 2012!

What are we wearing?
Cityscape by Laura Chau
Aidez by Cirilia Rose
Gayle's Stripey Scarf

What are we stalking?
Imperial Yarn Pencil Roving
Cora by Andrea Black

What are we knitting?
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
Poppy hat by Justine Turner
Aurora Australis by Melinda Vermeer
Miette by Andi Sutterland

What have we finished?
Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat by Keri McKiernan
Malabrigo Sock yarn
The Traveling Sweater by A. Karen Alfke
Gayle's Stripey Scarf

Product Review
Signature Needle Arts needles
Thanks to Signature Needle Arts for providing needles for us to test drive!

Favorite Projects of 2012
Gayle's Emilien sweater
Madelinetosh DK Twist
Sharlene's Owls sweater
Gayle's Laar sweater
Sharlene's Fuse sweater
Gayle's Jenica Hoodie sweater

The Self-Indulgent KAL thread

Thank-you SO much to all our listeners who have made our rookie year of podcasting such a joy and a pleasure. We wish you Happy Holidays and all the best for 2013!

Episode 25

What are we wearing?
Cassis by Thea Colman
Sharlene's Cassis
Cowl Neck Vest by Cecily Glowick MacDonald
Gayle's Cowl Neck Vest
Madelinetosh Erin Heritage Wool
Imperial Yarn Erin

What are we stalking?
Trefoil Cardigan by Gudrun Johnston
Chickadee by Ysolda Teague
Eyelet Yoke Sweater by Courtney Spainhower
Samovar by Laura Chau
Aurora Australis by Melinda VerMeer

What are we knitting?
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
The Traveling Sweater by A. Karen Alfke
Miette by Andi Satterlund
Gayle's Stripey Scarf

What have we finished?
Sharlene's Felted pot holders 
Sharlene's Sea Anemone kitchen scrubbie
Sharlene's Gift Beanie
Gayle's Hermione Hearts Ron
Gayle's Tulipe hat
Gayle's Lingon hat
Gayle's Garter Stitch Mitts
Gayle's Swap Mitts
Gayle's Daphne and Delilah
Gayle's Commuter Mitts

Our knitting "oops" - Project "ughs" and projects we've made but don't wear
Opposite Pole by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Ribbon Shells
Gayle's Amande vest
Sharlene's Wrap Front Pullover
Gayle's Aynia shrug

Towards the end, the (gasoline) gardeners arrive next door and you can hear their loud equipment in the background. Once that happens, we wrap it up pretty quick!

Episode 24

In which we talk about holiday gifting, and how the upcoming holidays affect our project choices, and knitting lessons we have learned this year.

What are we wearing?
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Dragonflies
Discontinued Merino Stretch yarn
Warriston by Kate Davies
Gayle's Warriston

What are we stalking?
Women's Hand/Wrist Warmers by Joelle Hoverson
Garter Stitch Mitts by Ysolda Teague
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
Burrard by Glenna C
Lemongrass by Joji Locatelli
February Fitted Pullover by Amy Herzog

What are we knitting? 
Gayle's Stripey Scarf
Opposite Pole by Joji Locatelli 
Wooly Wormhead Mystery KAL pattern

What have we finished?
Sharlene's first Snowball Hat
Sharlene's second Snowball Hat
Garter Stitch Mitts 1, 2, 3, and 4
For Good Hat by Megan Williams

2012 Knitting Lessons learned projects
Kauni Wool 8/2 Effektgarn
Sharlene's failed Boneyard Shawl
Gayle's failed Taygete

Somewhere around the 44 minute mark the neighbor's gasoline gardeners arrive and you will hear leaf blowers and mowers and other assorted gasoline-powered garden appliances. (So loud and smelly!) It isn't that bad, and I may be the only one who notices. :)

If you are considering knitting something for yourself for the Self-Indulgent KAL, please come over to our Ravelry group and discuss! Knit something for yourself and kick off the new year with a new knitting project. I am now declaring that I will be knitting the Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang. Join us!

Episode 23

 What are we wearing?
 Owls by Kate Davies
Sharlene's Owls sweater
 Aidez by Cirilia Rose
Gayle's Aidez sweater

What are we stalking?
Walpole by Hannah Fettig
Meridien by Joji Locatelli
Francis Revisited by Beth Silverstein
Sharlene's Ingenue
Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang
Snowball Hat by Katie Himmelberg
Lemongrass by Joji Locatelli

What are we knitting?
Opposite Pole by Joji Locatelli
Ruth's Tee by Rachel Ivy Clark
Malabrigo Sock yarn
Gayle's Stripey scarf
Rayures by Amy Miller
  
What have we finished?
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Sharlene's Dragonflies
Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang
Commuter by Stephanie Sun
Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer

A book review
Shades of Winter, Knitting with Natural Wool by Ingalill Johansson and Ewa K. Andinsson

Links for Gayle's adventure weekend!
VJ Foster - Gayle's Uncle

The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

LA Times Review

La Brea Tar Pits

Grauman's Chinese Theater

Griffith Observatory

A book review: Shades of Winter

In episode 23 we review Shades of Winter: Knitting with Natural Wool by Ingalill Johansson published by Interweave Press. I am posting my written review here. 

- Sharlene

First Impressions

This is a beautifully photographed, cohesive collection. The collection was photographed at Icehotel, Sweden. The images of the hotel and grounds in the photographs made we want to see and learn more about the hotel.

All the yarns used in the designs in the book are "Ecological Wool" described as being "natural colors of sheep's wool." The patterns use two yarn weights. The Swedish Yarns used are:
Marks & Kattens Eco Baby Wool (#2 fine)
Marks & Kattens Eco Wool (#4 worsted)

The patterns and book are divided into three color categories:

• Natural White
• Gray
• Beige 

There are twenty-five patterns, with 5 patterns actually being sets of matching accessories, such as cap, cowl, wrist warmers, and socks.

Natural White
The Ribbed Cap and Wrist Warmers are great basics, good beginner projects and great for learning to knit in the round. The Lace Sweater is a beautiful tunic. The Texture Knit Cardigan is definitely something I would wear. There is also a vest version that I like as well. The Stockinette Dress is 60s-inspired and photographed quite nicely with white boots that give it an updated feel.

Gray
I love the Cabled Cap, Cowl, and Wrist Warmers. Also the Lace Shawl with crocheted edging.

Beige
The Short-Sleeved Vest is a great layering piece. The Garter Stitch Shawl looks cozy and warm.

Patterns
I like the fact that Interweave uses Craft Yarn Council standards for yarn weights in the patterns. It is nice that patterns are offered in ranges from approximately 30" to 50" for the garments. There is a range of accessories and garments.  Knitters who don't like to follow charts should be aware that is the only option in this book. There are no accompanying written out instructions for sections that are charted. Many of the garments are styled and designed for more youthful figures, though a few sweaters may appeal to a wider age audience. The accessories may appeal to a wider age range as well.

It has been difficult as of this writing to find photographs of any of the designs in the book. There are few entries for this title on Ravelry. Given this difficulty, this will be a book you may need to seek out in person rather than ordering sight unseen.

Episode 22

We open this episode with a bout of the giggles, having made three attempts to get the episode number correct. :) Fortunately for our listeners things get better. We chat about Sharlene's new kitten, hear a little bit about knitting for Halloween, and our usual segments. We finish off with a book review of the publication November Knits from Interweave Press. You can find the written review below. Enjoy!

What are we wearing?
Wicked by Rachel Bishop
Sharlene's Wicked
Amande Vest by Hilary Smith Callis
Gayle's Amande Vest

What are we stalking?
Pull Me Over by Andrea Black
Lemongrass by Joji Locatelli
Opposite Pole by Joji Locatelli
Aurora Australis by Melinda Vermeer
Golden Hour by Suvi Simola

What are we knitting?
Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer
A-Line Hoodie by Diane Soucy
Dragonflies Jumper by Joji Locatelli
Daphne and Delilah by Rebecca Danger
Taygete by Rosemary Hill

What have we finished?
Preemie Hat 
Patsy Hat
XOXO Headband by Amy O'Neill Houck
Gayle's XOXO
86-10 Headband
Gayle's 86-10
Gayle's Pinkbow Scarf
Amande Vest by Hilary Smith Callis
Gayle's Amande
Gyre cowl by Elizabeth Elliott
Gayle's Gyre

Also mentioned:
Carewear.org
Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Patsy (YouTube link)