Too many knitting needles
I’m not really sure what to do about this problem. I have too many–far too many–knitting needles. And I love them all. I’m willing to give some of them up, but how? I have short, long, straight, fixed-tip circular, interchangeable circular, and double pointed American, Canadian, and metric numbered needles. There must be hundreds of them. Pictured are the needles I’m prepared to part with (and a few crochet hooks, too)–and there are still plenty more that I’m keeping for my greedy self.
I’ve thought about making needle rolls and selling them with a few pairs of needles as a little starter kit. I need to make myself a couple needle rolls anyway, so making a few extras should be no big deal, right? Some of them are damaged or rusting, so they’ll just make a short trip to the garbage. Others are missing their mates, and some are sticky with tape from the thrift store from whence they came (an easy fix that I simply haven’t taken the time for). Some double pointed sets only have two or three needles, or are crooked. For the most part, though, there’s nothing wrong with them. I just don’t need five sets of number 7s, all the same length. (I may need three sets, but not five.) I’ve thought about trading them away for things I need, but I can’t think of anything at all that I "need" besides a good lesson in organization and clutter-proofing. I’ve even thought about just flat out giving them away, but I have this mental block about that. (It’s the same with all that fabric I have that I know I’ll never use… there’s nothing wrong with it, so I can’t get rid of it.) For now I’m keeping these segregated from my "keeper" needles and hooks while I figure out exactly what to do with them. I know it shouldn’t be so hard, but we’re talking about a borderline hoarder here, so bear with me. If you have any ideas, or if you want some, leave me a comment and we can probably work something out.
*22 May update!
The needles have found a new home with Cosy, who teaches people to knit in her community! How cool is that? She also makes and sells some really delicious knit goods over at her shop, Cosy Knits Literally. You should all go check her out, as she is saving me from my stash and increasing the knitting population at the same time. Yay!
hey, no pressure, but i’d totally take some of those off of your hands. trade or pay, either works for me. and we could even work it through etsy. the reason is because i use sizes 7 US on up to teach knitting and so mine of those sizes are constantly disappearing. food for thought… xxoo cosy
p.s. i can’t really pass them up if i find a nice pair at the thrift store either. the only difference in between you and me is i have an outlet to get rid of them that makes me happy
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Is there a shelter for abused women in your area? They might appreciate the needles and a bit of yarn. I know some shelters have women come in and teach the women there to knit.
Dearie, you dont need less needles, you need more projects! Alas though, now they’ve gone to a new home and will be well used Im sure.
–J.C.
What a great sight! You can tell that you really put alot of thought and work in your blog. Question, I am desperatly looking for a raglan pattern for a hoddie ( I think that is how you spell the one piece pull over that has a hood on the back) for an adult. I found a lady who makes the childrens size , but lost the pattern, do you know where I could look for an adult size or how to alter for an adult? I have tried everyone that I can think of to no avail. HELP!!!!!!!!!
Thank you
(loved the article on sewing machine maintanence)