Addi lace needles first release had a finish that tarnished and was more "grippy." They re-did the finish but I find they still do leave a greyed tinge to light colors. It often isn't obvious until you work for a bit on white or a pastel, and you can see the initial portion is a dirtied color. They also have a smell, which fades to some degree after use. Their tips and weight are ideal for lace (and often regular knitting with yarns that aren't too "splitty.") They are typically much cheaper in Europe than the US, as Thomas Selter makes them and distributes them in Europe, but Skacel distributes them for Selter in NA, so the added price along with exchange rate, shipping, market will bear a higher price here, etc. I have used the Kollage needles and they are kind of fun. They do tend to be a softer metal and are a higher price than quality comps. I called Kollage asking if they would make a 00 as I find I get a looser gauge with them, and since I do a lot of fine work, would need the smaller needle. They were considering it, but I personally doubt it, as the metal is "softer" than other needles. I gave up on them as I didn't like the square ridge, which seemed unnatural, but there are many who adore them. They bothered my hands, and fingers, esp., though I don't knit tightly. It is interesting to me that some find they get tighter gauge, unless they are working with a very "springy" yarn, as most yarns would create a circumference that is equal to the outside corners of the square, which is why I felt I got larger gauge. They are well marked, as if I remember correctly, a typical needle gauge doesn't work for them, but memory could have lapsed on that part, and my needles are not accessible now. I really enjoy rosewood needles for lace also, but they don't come in the long lengths. Inox teflon coat are a nice and reasonably priced option, but I don't think the long lengths are very accessible. I used to get boxes of them from Beehive in Canada, which used to have a very reasonable price and when in doubt, they always fit the bill. They are like the old Aero needles, which I search out in the UK regularly, as they originals of decades ago were so well made. Best,Susan Reishus *** I've been working a lace shawl for several months with the Addi Turbo lace needles, and I haven't noticed any color coming off...
I've recently discovered a relatively new needle made by Kollage that have the most flexible cable of any I've tried, and the shaft of the needles is square (the points are still rounded). Their package says, "Yes, they really are easier on your hands! Handcrafted to our exacting standards, Kollage's square knitting needles are designed to be ergonomically suited to your hands..." Clay - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
