Comments | who_knits: Intro and question about needles

gorengal in who_knits

Intro and question about needles

Aug 24, 2009 17:24

Hi ( Read more... )

Comments 24

hhertzof August 24 2009, 22:54:44 UTC

I don't see anything about metal needles being a problem here. Am I missing something?

I've never had a problem, but I tend to use wood or bamboo needles almost exclusively.

gorengal August 24 2009, 23:14:57 UTC

I swear that's not what it said a couple days ago! I found this summary on Daily Knitter: http://www.dailyknitter.com/article2.html. That's what the TSA site said when I read it.

Thanks for the new link, though. :D

hhertzof August 24 2009, 23:27:29 UTC

I am relieved myself. I'm currently knitting a shawl on a very long circular needle and am off to DragonCon in less than two weeks. I may transfer it off to a smaller circular before I leave, just to be safe.

In doing a further search, I found this amusing post on the TSA blog

gorengal August 25 2009, 04:36:03 UTC

Heh, that's funny.

Have a good trip!

Thread 7

darthfox August 24 2009, 23:03:30 UTC

I've never had a single problem, but apparently if you're going to have issues they'll be ameliorated by using circular needles instead of straights. (No, I have no idea why. But as I'm a fan of metal circs, even for back-and-forth work, that works out well for me. :-) )

gorengal August 25 2009, 04:41:54 UTC

I have to admit, circular needles and DPNs confuse me. I taught myself to knit waaaaaaaaay back in grade school from an old book my mom had....I really need to take a class or something. :D

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cyber_istari August 25 2009, 01:16:23 UTC

They do on their straights too - I had one used as a magic wand once. ;) I love Brittany anyway, and KP's Harmony.

gorengal August 25 2009, 04:42:39 UTC

Thanks for the tip. I do have a dog that likes to chew on wooden objects. o_O

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rob_t_firefly August 25 2009, 00:24:20 UTC

Plastic kids' scissors, even the kind with metal rims on the blades, can be tossed into your carry-on without causing problems. And in case they ever suddenly do for some reason, you've only lost a cheap pair of scissors rather than your good pinking shears.

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gorengal August 25 2009, 04:48:06 UTC

We took a trip in 2004, and I packed lots of crafts for my young daughter in her carry-on. I included a pair of blunt plastic scissors, no metal at all. They pulled it out of the x-ray machine for further screening by TSA. Lemme tell ya, those people are VERY serious. The screener addressed all of her questions to my 7-year-old, because it was her bag. Daughter was freaking out, thinking she'd be hauled off to jail. I started to reach for the pocket the scissors were in (I purposely packed them in a front pocket all alone), and the screener nearly took my hand off. "DON'T TOUCH THE BAG!!!" So now I pack anything scissors-like in my checked luggage. :/

Thread 5

rob_t_firefly August 25 2009, 00:27:10 UTC

Plastic vs wood vs metal knitting needles is mostly a matter of personal preference. As a new knitter I'd suggest you buy or borrow a pair of each and try them out anyway, travel concerns aside; you might suddenly realize they work better for you than even metal.

gorengal August 25 2009, 04:51:04 UTC

Thanks for the advice...I've read that bamboo is easier on the hands for some people. The metal needles make my fingers ache, which might be why I rarely finish larger projects.

messicat August 25 2009, 21:27:24 UTC

If you are having problems with the needles, then definitely try different ones. My first attempt was with metal and it nearly stopped me from becoming a knitter! I swapped over to casein needles, and now also use bamboo & wood (KnitPicks Harmony), I do have metal needles, but they are for the smaller needle sizes because I'm nervous about snapping really fine wooden ones! Every knitter is different with needle preference, there is no right or wrong, only what works for you! Hopefully you'll have happier hands with different needles =)