Sweet Dreamz are made of this

I think I may have a problem. I have this compulsion….a compulsion to try out different brands of knitting needles when I find a name that’s  new to me. When one of my local yarn stores started selling Chiaogoo needles, I had to have a pair. Why? Because they’re mainly bamboo, and you never know when you’re going to need a set of non-metal needles. While I’ve never had any kind of problems with travel, why tempt fate? If I need to get on a plane, I’d like to be able to bring my knitting. If the needles are predominantly wood and plastic, I can’t really see there being a problem. Particularly going through the scanners.

Now, the Chiaogoo needles are nice, but I found the cable a little stiff. Plus, the cable is made of twisted metal wrapped in a plastic sheath. I’m sure I’m not the only person wh

o figure they would make a really convenient garrotte, depending on whether or not the joins held.  Not that I would actually have use for such a thing, you understand.

We were recently in the vicinity of Pudding Yarn downtown, and I noticed they had a brand of wooden circulars that was new to me….Dreamz by Knitter’s Pride. These babies are laminated birch, and apparently each size is stained a different colour to make for easy identification. The website claims that my 2.5mm needles are “burgundy rose”.

I’ve cast on with them, and I have to say that I’m enjoying the heck out of them. They’re warm, smooth, and comfortable in the hands. The joins are just as smooth as my Addi Turbos, so any catching that’s going on is due to my gauge rather than any snags. The cable is flexible and doesn’t twist uncomfortably for Magic Loop. The needle size is also printed near the base of one needle, and the US sizing is etched into one of the metal joins just in case the needle size wears off.

I like these. I could be tempted to buy more of them and use them more regularly. I like my Turbos, but these are great for those yarns that like to slip off the needles and need just a little more friction. They were also pretty darned cheap reasonable, coming in under $10 per set. About the only feedback I really have is that it would have been nice for the size in millimetres to have been etched on the join, not just the US sizing. Also, the needle isn’t as long as my Turbos, but they do the trick nicely. I haven’t noticed any crowding issues as of yet.

The verdict? You’ll want to give ’em a try, particularly if you’re in the market for wooden needles. I love my Addi Turbos, and for me, they’re the standard, but if you’re looking for something just as good but less expensive with a good feel in the hands – these just might be what you’re looking for.

And y’know, if you’re looking for gifts for knitters? These might just be a good idea. I’m just sayin’….most of us won’t say no to new yarn, but we can always use new needles too. Particularly needles that don’t suck. Believe it or not, I’ve managed to wear out a couple of sets of needles, and getting new ones as possible replacements are always nice.