In May 2004, I bought my first bamboo needles in a LYS on the island of Maui. I had brought some knitting with me on the cruise but I'd almost finished and I knew that we still had several days before home. So, I decided to find a store and buy some yarn. Ooh... there was this fabulous rainbow-dyed sock yarn. And another with shades of blue. But, sadly, I had no sock needles. So, I splurged and bought the bamboo. That was one of the best buying decisions I ever made.These needles have become my favorite and I knit almost all my socks with them. Then, last night, I was sliding them into the case and I noticed that they were much darker than the new set that I found a couple of months ago. I wondered how many pairs of socks it took to get that patina.
Now, most people would just guess-timate. But, I don't have to. About 5 years ago (long before Ravelry) I started keeping a log of every item I crafted. So, knitting, quilting, hooking, sewing - whatever. I think this was a way of justifying my retirement existence LOL But the habit stuck and I know exactly how many pairs of socks. On these needles I have knit 87 pairs of socks - 16 for kids - and one pair of mittens. Whew!
Now, the challenge is: how many pairs of socks is the life of a bamboo needle good for? I'm glad to have found the other set because I can make 5-needle socks if I want (hardly ever). My venerable set did have 5 needles but it got caught in something and broke. That started my quest for a WIP container so that I wouldn't run the risk of breaking others.
So, with care, I think I could knit on these needles for a long time to come. I think the points will probably give out at some time as they do show signs of use. But the wood is hard and I may have hundreds of socks left in them. Stay tuned.
That is an incredible number. I haven't made 20 pairs yet. I love my wooden needles as well. I find old list from years ago of the number os things I have completed. I should really start a new book and keep them all in one place. The computer list doesn't do it for me, it has to be on paper.
ReplyDeleteI think paper is more immediate, both in writing and for reference. Whenever I have to 'think' in writing I do it with a pencil and paper. I know there are people who keep incredibly detailed logs with samples of materials used and patterns, etc. I'm just a list maker, really. But it works for me.
ReplyDeleteI am a sock demon...that's my default knitting. And probably where I get the most enjoyment.
I can't believe 87 pairs in 5 years & that is just on those needles alone - there are probably other socks & definately other projects that have been done during that time! Maybe someday I'll knit half that fast & I'd be happy.
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