Why I’m a Spoiled Brat #13

One of the many perks of my freelance life is that I get to spend days swatching for upcoming projects. I’m currently under contract for a top-secret book project and for a top-secret sock project. I spent the better part of the last two days swatching colorwork patterns for the book project. Today, I turned my attention to the sock.

As I’ve swatched different stitch patterns, I’ve been contemplating the pleasures of a fine set of needles. For the past couple of years, I’ve collected Signature needles as my budget allows and I am now the happy owner of four sets for sock knitting: size 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, and 3 mm. I like to knit tight and the sharp points on these needles makes easy work of even twisted and traveling stitches. In addition to being made of lightweight but strong metal, the brilliant people at Signature Needle Arts chose to make each size a different color. I wish you could see me grin as I type this—not only are they the coolest colors, it is impossible to confuse the needles!

If owning a broad range of sizes of double-point Signature needles doesn’t qualify me for spoildness, the surprise that arrived in my mailbox last week certainly will. About a year ago I sent an autographed copy of Getting Started Knitting Socks to Cathy Bothe, owner of Signature Needle Arts. In return, she sent me one of the new circular needles—this one is a 40” size U.S. 3 (3.25 mm). I can use it with the the magic loop method for my next pair of socks!