Tools to Practice ~

When I started knitting hats, I kept finding new yarn and new patterns to try. I couldn't knit those hats fast enough, so I started getting more Size 9 16 inch circular needles. As I look in my Bass Pro Extreme Worm Binder, I laugh each time I see how many Size 9 16 inch circular needles I have....what was I thinking back then? How long would it have taken to finish one hat before starting another one? (I see you nodding your head...right?) Well, a similar phenomenon is happening as I learn to spin. As I look at the silk I am spinning, and how much more there is to spin, I'm antsy to try to spin something else too....sort of like startitis of spinning, perhaps....

So I found these spindles on eBay (plus the squarish yarn gauge) however they do not have a notch on them....and that surprised me, as I've only spun with notched spindles. They make it easier for me to stop and start...... so I started to spin this black alpaca with silk.....ooooooooooooh, so soft.....

also started to spin this 50/50 merino and tencel (Rain City Fiber Arts) that I just purchased at our favorite local yarn shop, Serial Knitters.....this fiber is ooooooooooh, so soft as well...

.......do you detect a softness pattern here? Hey, did someone say, "pattern" - Is it a shawl???

Qiviuk and tea ~

This scarf is so beautiful. I'm happy to be working on it again. This qiviuk yarn is so fine that I'm thinking about getting some pointier size 5 needles for it - I'll check my Bass Pro Extreme Worm Binder for some Addi Lace needles...although I'm loving these rosewood needles too, but they just aren't pointy enough for the lace... The yarn is so fine and soft, it is like knitting a cloud....

Extreme Knitting Friend ~

I read about this on Knitters Review and thought this was a very clever way to organize all my knitting needles. I have to say that her pictures were better than mine, but the love is there!!! Little did I know how I would grow to love my Bass Pro Extreme Worm Binder... I even love to say it......(try saying it... you'll love saying it too...no nick names for this, you have to say the entire name..... I love it....) I'm not the only one to love it... all the gals in my knitting group bought one too, plus extra pockets....oh, but I'm getting ahead.... Here's the tour....

Step one: I just love the name... (plus, if you order on line, you get on their mailing list for weekly mailings about fishing oil and lures and some pretty funny "must have" products - just ask Marion....) also, guys love it when they hear you talking about the Bass Pro Extreme Worm Binder ~ trust me.

Step two: fill the outer pockets with your pattern notes, notions, crochet hooks and sticky notes, plus in the back pocket you can put your strait needles.

Step three: Number your pockets from #1 to #13 (or whatever needle sizes you have) and start organizing your needles into the correct pockets.

Step three and one half (for the very anal): make index cards that work like old fashioned library cards for your needles, so that when you take them out to cast on a project, you can write on the index card where they are... and leave the index card in the correct pocket (genius, eh? or just anal....)

Step 4: Marvel at how many lovely needles you have, knowing that if you decide to cast on a new project at 3:00 am, you will probably have the correct needles...

I do love my Bass Pro Extreme Worm Binder!!!!