Picking Up Speed

Immediately after finishing my Simplicity Socks (read here and here), I started these:

And promptly didn't knit for a week!  However, things are moving along at a much better pace now. This pair of socks is again from Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes.  The pattern is Tuscany; the yarn is KnitPicks Stroll Tonal in Kindling; and the needles are KnitPicks Options Nickel Plated Size 1 (2.25mm) 40" fixed circulars.

Why are things moving more rapidly?  The needles!!  I was using a different brand with thicker cables on the Simplicity socks.  The KnitPicks cables are thinner and much more flexible.  This means much less time is spent rearranging the stitches and the cables bend when and where you want them to bend.  KnitPicks also offers these in Harmony Wood and Sunstruck Wood.  I enjoy using those as well, depending upon the yarn.

In the next post, I'll share another picture of my progress as well as information about some of the sock yarns I have tried.

P.S.  I have not received any compensation for endorsing KnitPicks products.  Having tried other brands (you should see my needle collection!) they are simply my favorites.

Needle "issues"

I am wondering if other knitters have found themselves having issues with their knitting needles, or more accurately, their choice of knitting needles.  I first started knitting when I was a preteen, learning from my grandmother (more on that in a future post).  Back then (way back then) the only needles I knew about were metal.  I had no trouble learning to knit, but what I did have trouble with was my death grip and tight stitches that resulted because of the slippery needles.  In fact, I didn't knit regularly for years because my tight stitches frustrated me so!  When I did give knitting an honest try again about 8 years ago, bamboo needles became my tools of choice.  In fact, I made it clear to anyone who was interested that I despised metal needles and would only knit with bamboo.  Imagine my surprise in the past few months when I find myself preferring metal needles!!!  For circulars I am mostly using addi Turbos, but for my straights I love the Susan Bates.  I guess I am just surprised at the change.  Is it because knitting is much easier for me now because I am knitting more?  Am I just more relaxed in my knitting (because my stitches are definitely not as tight)?  Or, as I mentioned to my knitterly friends, am I becoming a needle snob and can only knit with certain needles?