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Jenn Sal
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My dd has started knitting. She is interested in bamboo needles. They seem pricey! Any suggestions on where to buy? Do you have a favorite brand?
She is also interested in circular bamboo needles. HELP!
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Jennifer, Texas
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Betsy
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My favorite needles are from Knit Picks.
However, I would NOT recommend investing a ton of money into straight needles. I did when I first started out. And, I did use them quite a bit at first, but now I exclusivly used my Knit Picks Interchangable Needles.
Now, I wouldn't necessarily jump into getting interchangeables for a child that is just learning, BUT you would be surprised at how much you will spend if you just buy the needles needed for each project.  If she shows a great interest in knitting I would strongly consider these. Not to mention I see used sets sell quickly on Ravelry....if you buy them and she looses interest. You can also buy the set individually---so you don't have to make a huge investment up front.
And, I do think that using quality tools and yarn helps make the experience much more enjoyable. I have quite a few Clovers circular needles that I used when I was teaching myself how to knit. While they "worked" I didn't like how blunt the tip was and how inflexible the cord was. In a few instances I scraped a project that looking back was due the needles!
The Clover straight needles are better. They still have the blunt tips, but that isn't as critical for what you would be knitting on the straights.
Jennifer, does this make sense????? Let me know if you have any other questions.
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Jenn Sal
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Betsy, I just laughed when you mentioned Knit Picks. Cora was wanting to buy those, but I was thinking it was probably because they are really pretty! All multi-colored! So, now she is really happy that you suggested them. 
I agree about using quality materials. I know knitting can be frustrating. But, if the materials could help lesson that, even a little, I think it's worth it. 
Thank you for the info.
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JennGM
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Betsy is the expert, but I'll put in my experience.
If she's just started knitting, I'd only invest in one or two sizes of another type of needle so she can get the feel of them. I have a few bamboo, but some yarns don't slide very well, and like Betsy said, the Clover blunt tips are harder for some yarns.
I have a variety. I will say I never bought but a few straights. I inherited some from my mother, then took a class and went straight to circulars.
For Christmas I got the metal KnitPicks Interchangeables (as recommended by Betsy). I'm pleased, because they are a sharper tip and good for lace knitting, which I'm doing, and I don't need to buy too many more needles.
Don't go for cheaper needles if you're buying, but you don't need to go super expensive. I had an "emergency" situation when I was out of town and tried Boye needles (interchangeable) and the cord was so inflexible.
If you have relatives or friends (especially older), ask around if they used to knit and they could share some needles. Also look at yard sales and antique shops for some supplies.
I really like Addi Turbo (which are metal), and I'd like to try the Chiaogoo brand, which has nice bamboo, too.
Kids Knitting: Projects for Kids of all Ages even has directions on making your own needles from dowels and caps. Do a search on that and find loads of links!
Not sure what kind of projects she is starting. That would also help to see what kind of needles would work. I've found over the years that I'm a fiber snob. If you're using acrylic yarn, you might not enjoy the journey in learning to knit than some scrumptious yarn. I tend to like non-animal natural fibers because of allergies, and generally these are smaller in gauge (thinner yarns). But how these yarns slide across needles or the ply gets split because the needle is too sharp...those idiosyncrasies can only be discovered on her own. Needles are a personal thing, but it takes a while to figure out what works for you.
After years of crocheting, especially white thread crochet, I'm switching out my hooks to have a better grip in my old age. But that's after 32 years of crocheting.
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Of course, having a nice needle set or case on your wish list for birthdays or Christmas is always nice.
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Betsy
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BTW...this is the book that I always recommend for kids who are learning how to knit. There are some really good, doable projects!
And, I am always willing to loan it out to people who live close. 
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I usually put this disclaimer on my knit needle recomendation that while I LOVE my needles there have many more great companies that have designed their own set since I purchased mine.
One set that I have seen get really good reviews is: Dreamz Knitting Needles
I have also purcased and love my Hiya-Hiya Stainless Steel Circular Needles for socks.
Oh, I also wouldn't recommend metal needles for starting out. They are very slippery and can be really frustrating when you are learning. However, your projects can really fly when you are more skilled. I like the slipperiness of the laminated wood. It's not as sticky as bamboo but not as slippery as metal....however, it's all personal preference.
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I started out with the Knit Picks multi-colored wood ones, and have since tried metal, and have the acrylic as part of the variety pack, circular set from Knit Picks. I truly think my favorites are still the wood ones from Knit Picks, not only because they are so fun and pretty( which they are!0 I love the feel of them. HTH! Oh, and I just started knitting last winter, teaching myself and dd. It is fun. One of my favorite books so far has been 12 Easy Knitting Projects, as it has a quite easy, to me, pattern for mittens that I have adapted myself for larger or smaller mittens so far.
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Kristie 4
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I would go to the second hand store or Zellers and just get the regular needles when she is learning. Then she can grow into what she finds more comfortable as it is very much personal taste. I can't stand the interchangables, like bamboo, but not bamboo rounds, love the addi-turbos etc.! Kind of a personal preference thing!
Oh, and the bamboo ones are dirt cheap from China (look on E-bay).
There are nice hardwood ones that I buy that are made down there in the US that are so lovely and warm....
Off to knit a hat now and watch DA! 
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Knitting, did someone mention knitting??? That would be on my top five things to discuss and do.....I have nothing else to add except ditto and more dittos to everything these fine ladies have already said. Good needles, good yarn= amazing, productive fun. 
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Jenn Sal
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Ladies, I sure knew where to go for advice! 
May I switch now to yarns? Name brand suggestions? She,s more into cotton than wool and doesn't like the feel of acrylic.
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Jenn Sal
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| Posted: Jan 23 2013 at 7:26am | IP Logged
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Betsy wrote:
BTW...this is the book that I always recommend for kids who are learning how to knit. There are some really good, doable projects!
And, I am always willing to loan it out to people who live close. |
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Thank you! since I have at least two others who are seeming interested, I'm going to take the plunge and purchase it.
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Oh, my absolute favorite topic when discussing hobbies, KNITTING!
Just to point out, I have Hiya Hiya interchangeables in both the larger sizes and the smaller sizes. I tried a lot of different ones but since I knit very tight I need things to help me slide the yarn along.
BTW I also have Addi turbos for when knitting lace because of their pointy tips. 
Now YARN:
First of all the different weights of yarns is important. The larger ply (amount of threads in the yarn) the larger needle size is recommended. On EVERY skien of yarn is the suggested needle size so when picking yarn look at the suggested needle size and make sure you have that needle.
Acrylic has its place but I too do not like the feel of it on my skin or in my knitting basket. I would suggest you get blends. There are amazing superwash yarns out there that feel great and knit up really well. I will warn you, good quality yarn is expensive. You can get great sales at Joanns and Micheals and online at Knitpicks.com and other stores BUT>>>>>>
If at all possible go to your local yarn store. Research any yarn stores anywhere close to you, PLEASE! Have her touch the yarn, and ask a ton of questions about weight and material. My absolute favorite cotton yarn is Cascade Sierra. Beautiful and comes in every color imaginable! Most every yarn has at least some wool blend for elasticity purposes.
Oh and help her set up a Ravelry account. This is THE knitting resource for pattern ideas and yarn suggestions and she can get a TON of free patterns. Betsy and I are on and I'll be happy to help you just PM me and I'll give you my name on there.
Good luck and as you can see, you opened a can of worms here
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I always recommend "Kid's Knitting" too. Good investment!
Betsy and I had a conversation about cotton yarns lately. If she is knitting things like dishcloths or things that don't require the item to hold shape, 100% cotton is good. There are a lot of options for dishcloth or Kitchen cotton, which can be so soft. If you have a Hobby Lobby, their "I Love This Cotton" is awesome! Not expensive and super soft. I tried it out recently and just love it.
I'm big into cotton, but it doesn't have the elasticity or memory like wool or other fibers. It's heavy, too. So if I'm doing a bigger project, like a baby blanket or shawl, you need a blend for return to the shape. I have to put a cover on this book because I hate the front photo, but No Sheep for You really is good explaining the non-animal fibers. (This would be further down the road for your daughter.) Blending with silk, bamboo, rayon can make wonderful yarns!
I have skin sensitivity and allergies to the animal fibers, so I've only done a few things in wool or cashmere. I made a scarf for my husband which is so comfy, but I had a rash whereever I touched the yarn. So it's a must reason for me to usually choose non-animal. But the choices in wool and other animal fibers are amazing, the colors so rich, and such a variety!
If she likes soft, the Superwash wools are terrific! Not all wools are the same, and here too there can be blends which are super luxurious!
I love Cascade Yarns. I'm knitting this with the Ultra Pima (in a deep red) right now and it's so luxurious. Tahki Yarns has 3 kinds of beautiful mercerized cottons. I used Cotton Classics in gray to make a "knight's helmet of chain mail" and it's withstood the test of time and boys.
I'm seconding Mimi. If you have a "local yarn shop" (LYS), visit them! Touch, ask, talk! These local owners know and love knitting and good supplies and they can help. Yes, their stuff is generally more expensive, but it's better quality.
Getting to know my local shop is really how I got my knitting really established. Before each project I was considering I'd go with a pattern, discuss yarn and needle options. If I got stuck, they would help me with the trickiness (I didn't have friends or family who knit).
Now I like to visit shops when I'm traveling, because each shop has a different flavor. Even down in the Outer Banks there is a TERRIFIC shop.
Once you recognize some of the brands you like or want to try, you can buy some online, sometimes on sale. I don't have much of a yarn stash. I usually buy my yarn for each project in mind.
Yes, I'm enjoying Ravelry. I just told my sister to sign up so she can pick a pattern for me in an Infinity Scarf to make for her birthday. She has the same issues of fiber as me, so I'd like to oblige.
Mimi, do you have patterns on Ravelry, too?
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Mimip
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JennGM wrote:
Mimi, do you have patterns on Ravelry, too? |
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Nope, I don't write patterns, just knit.
I was thinking too that the yarn depends on the project like Jenn was saying (or writing ) I am knitting this shirt with Madeline Tosh Dk that is AMAZING! Not normally in my price range as this shirt will cost me $80 but the yarn, oh the yarn is just so soft and beautiful and I got it as a Christmas gift.
Also there are wonderful projects like hats, scarves and small shawls that let you purchase one skien of something and then after knitting that project make a decision about using it again. I have found that I can't knit with Alpaca unless I am in a very cold room because my hands sweat when I'm knitting with it. That is a problem since I knit outside with the kids playing and since its warm 90% of the time here, a cold room is not ideal.
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Betsy
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Jenn, I can tell you locally where to go it you want to hit a yarn shop....and the closest coffee shop to the yarn shop. PM if you are interested.
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Christine
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For a basic cotton yarn, we like Lily Sugar 'n Cream yarn. It's available at Michaels, JoAnns, and other craft stores.
In addition to Kid's Knitting, I also recommend The Knitter's Companion for beginners. We have an earlier version of this book without the DVDs.
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Knitting in Plain English, Updated Edition by Maggie Righetti is my go-to companion, recommended by my LYS owner.
Speaking of DVDs, I've found that demonstration by seeing (visual learning) is better for me in knitting. When I look over a pattern to see what stitches are used, if there is something I'm not familiar with or I need refreshing, there are loads of YouTube videos that give great information. Knitting Help is one site I use frequently, and they have a free app. There are loads of free apps for knitting.
But I've also discovered DVDs. These are more advanced, but so delightful. If she loves knitting for a while, she has to find out about Elizabeth Zimmermann. I'm on an EZ kick, and without knowing it, Mary Gildersleeve is, too. I've been watching her Knitting Workshop DVDs which are the companion to the book, but there are a few other DVDs which I want to watch now that I've had a taste of her. So delightful!
I had recently bought this book Knitted Lace of Estonia with DVD: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions by Nancy Bush, and the DVD is very helpful.
Oh, I also taught myself how to do Short Rows by a free class on Craftsy. This might be another way to get a class and help build skills. There are always sales, so don't pay full price. I'm taking the lace shawls one right now.
So while I seem to getting ahead of myself, I'm just saying that videos are very helpful, for refreshing and learning. Check your library for books and DVDs, and search on YouTube for demonstration videos.
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Tami
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I so excited that this thread has started!
I just started knitting 2 weeks ago! All I'm doing right now are cotton dish clothes, and oh, my can they be challenging.
I started out with metal needles , then purchased a pair of bamboo circulars last weekend. What a difference!
I'm seriously eyeing the Harmony Wood ones that Betsy linked. (I've been spending a lot of time at Knit Picks LOL) The local knit shop has the kit, but no straights for me to try out, so I bought the bamboo ones.
Resources are slim here - so I'm left to online or the local shop which is limited and $$ pricey$$. But the women there are very helpful. 
I was able to pick up some Peaches and Creme cotton last week, 3 hours away while we were traveling. And I scored a copy of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears (1971 copyright) at a thrift store for $2.00.
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Betsy
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Tami wrote:
I so excited that this thread has started!
I just started knitting 2 weeks ago! All I'm doing right now are cotton dish clothes, and oh, my can they be challenging. |
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Yes they can, but they are great to learn how to knit with. They are cheap and relatively small projects! I can guarantee that they will get easier.
Tami wrote:
I started out with metal needles , then purchased a pair of bamboo circulars last weekend. What a difference!
I'm seriously eyeing the Harmony Wood ones that Betsy linked. (I've been spending a lot of time at Knit Picks LOL) The local knit shop has the kit, but no straights for me to try out, so I bought the bamboo ones. |
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I do like bamboo straights fairly well. Most of knitting is really personal preference so it IS good to try a bunch of different types of yarn and needles to figure out what you like.
Tami wrote:
| Resources are slim here - so I'm left to online or the local shop which is limited and $$ pricey$$. But the women there are very helpful. |
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It's great that you have a helpful local yarn shop! But, yes the prices will be higher. Don't feel guilty for having to work on a budget or buy on line...we all do. I do try to shop at my local shops, but not for everything, not all the time!
Tami wrote:
I was able to pick up some Peaches and Creme cotton last week, 3 hours away while we were traveling. And I scored a copy of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears (1971 copyright) at a thrift store for $2.00. |
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What a great find! 
Oh, and feel free to ask as many questions as you need. One of the hardest things in encountered when I was teaching myself to knit was a lack of a person to ask questions.
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Bamboo knitting needles (& knitting info)
