Gifts for Knitters: The First

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Dear Non-Knitters who need to buy a present for a knitter sometime soon:

I am a knitter. I’ve been a knitter for a long time. I’ve gotten a lot of gifts, knitterly and no, from non-knitters at the holidays, and I thought that I might take a couple of posts this year to help you choose a gift for your knitter that they might really love. I know that misconceptions about knitters abound, and that the ways peculiar to our breed might seem odd to the uninitiated, and that this confusion can lead sensible and loving people to do desperate things when it comes to gift giving. (Desperate things like novelty waffle irons. Just saying.) I’m hoping to providing a little guidance by giving you some ideas for things that your knitter might love to receive this year, and grant you superhuman status, scoring you some knitting street cred (and maybe another pair of socks). A knitters undying love and gratitude is a wonderful thing to have. Remember that although I’m going to make some suggestions about what your knitter might like to have as a gift, one of the things that makes us hard to shop for is that we all have different likes and dislikes. There’s very little I can suggest to you that will be a guaranteed score, although I urge you to remember that a fourth bathrobe is probably not a great solution to that either. To guide you in your shopping, I want you to know that if you find this (or a future post) printed out and left lying about the kitchen (and the living room, and the bathroom, and the bedroom), that this would be a pretty good indicator that your knitter might be trying to tell you something.

Knitting is a craft, and your knitter is a craftsperson. Buying them really, really beautiful tools is like buying a woodworker a really, really excellent saw. Beautiful swifts, ball winders, needles and such are always good. To that end, boy, do I have one for you.

Signatureneedle21208

Signature needles. These needles are, for knitters, like a car person getting a Ferrari, or a cook investing in a set of Henckels knives. A pair made the rounds at Knit-night a while ago and we all boggled. They are so well made that frankly, I’m surprised that they don’t keep knitting by themselves for a while after I put them down. These needles are expensive compared to other needles, but they are extraordinarily well made, hand-crafted, hand polished tools. (They’re made at a machine shop where the president is a knitter.) These needles come custom made, the length your knitter likes, with a cap your knitter likes, and (be still my heart) a tip your knitter likes. (I have a pair with the stiletto point, which is supremely pointy. It’s also likely dangerous, so if you have a knitter who likes to leave socks-in-progress on the couch, you might want to think about your personal safety on that one, and think about getting the “middy” or the “blunt”.)

The dpn’s (double pointed needles) have a microscopically ribbed shaft (get your mind out of the gutter) and while the yarn slides smoothly across them, this provides a tiny bit of traction, keeping the needles from slipping free of the work the way that they do on ordinary metal needles. The straight needles – the ones that I adore more than I can tell you, are slick like an expert car salesman. I won’t kid you. These needles are a luxury item, straight up. They cost a lot more than regular needles, but they act like it. If your knitter is serious about knitting, if they spend a lot of time at it, and if they love metal needles, these are going to thrill them the way that an unlimited text message package flips out a 15 year old girl. There’s just nothing like working with a beautiful tool like this for the serious knitter. The beauty of these needles is that they’re made to reflect the knitter intimately, so if I were going to buy them as a gift, I’d leave the computer open to this page, and let my knitter work out a wishlist. I think they’re too personal (and expensive) to just take a shot. When I’m knitting with these, I feel like I’m taking what I do seriously, and I can’t say enough about the vibe. (I’m sort of hoping Joe reads this, since I’d really love another pair or two of these, and the price tag makes it hard for me to justify buying them for myself, no matter how seriously I take knitting. I think that’s one of the reasons that these would make such a great gift. It’s decadent.)

Note to knitters: I know this reads a bit like an advertisement, and I guess it sort of accidentally is – although if it were a real ad I suppose I would be paid to write it. I was just totally surprised by the love that sprang up unbidden for these needles. I hate finding out that expensive things sometimes really are much better than their cheaper mates. Generally speaking, there’s no point in developing champagne taste if you have a beer pocket, and test driving a Rolls Royce only makes you feel worse about your old clunker, so I usually avoid high end products on the theory that you can’t miss what you don’t know. These broke me. I’m going to keep right on loving my ordinary everyday needles, they’ve served me well and make things just as well as the Signature needles do, just the same way that you can cook a really awesome dinner that tastes great, no matter what your cookware is like… but just like having other beautiful things to work with, these needles are a real pleasure – and I suppose that compared to the price of yarn (and considering that they don’t get used up like yarn) maybe I’ll start a gradual replacement plan.

Not all knitters will like these needles. (It was hard for me to write that.) If your knitter prefers circular needles (the ones that look like two little needles joined by a cable) exclusively, these might not be for them. I think they could make converts out of anyone else though.

Darned nice.

(PS. I gave up and asked Lene to make me a knitting schedule for the holidays. There’s confidence, and then there’s failing to understand the daunting nature of a task.)

(PPS. Thanks to all of you, this blog made it through the first round of voting for Canada’s best blog, and Canada’s best activities blog. Round two has commenced. Thanks so very much for not letting me get my arse kicked. It’s lovely.)

(PPPS: If you’re Canadian, WOW. Can you even believe what’s going on? I’m flipping.)

170 thoughts on “Gifts for Knitters: The First”

  1. I got my hubby the Henckels knives a few years back…there’s no way he can tell me no on these needles. 🙂
    (Yay I’m first!)

  2. It’s not too good for Jim, either – seeing as he works in live news!
    Lots of screaming around the newsroom the last few days.
    I totally agree about the Signature needles – Wannietta let me try hers at the Knitty Yarn tasting.
    I was completly bowled over.

  4. I am getting a kick out of the Commons these days. Canadian politics has suddenly become very interesting. This is not the first time for this sort of thing. Think Arthur Meighan. Too bad there isn’t anyone who buys Christmas gifts for me anymore. I would so be leaving this post lying around.

  6. I’m so excited by the political stuff. When I was running last election I kept getting asked about proportional representation. It makes so much sense.

  7. Okay, now I’m curious… What’s going on in Canada?
    Also, beautiful needles! I’ve seen ads for them in various knitting magazines that have been very tempting.

  8. I haven’t tried them, but I went to the site to window shop a pair and they were gorgeous. I don’t think I could justify buying them for myself (and I’m a circular/dpn gal). My hubby is actually pretty good about the yarny gifts. He knows my hobby is only a little more expensive than his hobby and that mine helps with the Christmas gifts.

  9. Heh, I’m not Canadian, but I’ve been watching the political scene there these last couple days. (What can I say? Our elections over – I need something new to obsess over.) It’s wild, huh?

  10. OMG…I just received my first pair of Signature needles for my 50th birthday (how’s that for an extraspecialfancy gift for a monumental occassion?). THEY’RE AWESOME! And, the cool thing is–they’re handmade in my Wisconsin home town! My mother read about them in the local newspaper and decided a set would be the perfect 50th b’day gift. She was right…once again.

  11. Ok, first, stop with the temptation. Second, as an American who tries to look outside our borders, how can you leave a little tidbit like that last thing and not give us a hint on what we might be looking for? Broaden our horizons, eh? I know, you think you already did that with those needles, but I pretend to be interested in things other than knitting.

  12. Ah, everytime I ask for knitterly stuff for Christmas, I get looks of panic and utter confusion. When I asked my brother for a knitting bag one year, he had to ask around until he finally found out that one of his employee’s grandmother knit and now I have a rather grandmotherly knitting bag (which is funny to anyone who knows me). I will have to check out these needles and see who to send the link and your blog posting to…..lol. And no, I cannot believe what’s going on in Ottawa and it kinda freaks me out a little. Not so much the entire coalition thing so much as the apparent state of mind of some politcians whom shall remain unnamed. That and reading the comments left by online newspaper readers leaves me saddened at the state of mind of some fellow Canadians.

  13. I’m not a fan of metal needles, but you have made me want to try these. I’ve asked for a drum carder for Christmas though, so I guess these needles will have to wait for my birthday.
    I’m glad you asked Lene to make your Christmas schedule. I was worried about what the winds of fate might send your way.
    And I’m not Canadian, but am interested in our northern neighbors. What’s happening? I guess I’ll have to watch CBC news tonight to see what is going on.

  15. Beautiful needles! Do you get to choose colors as well?
    Thanks for the great blog. Dare I mention that I’d like to know what happened to the gansey?

  16. lol…Robby, Lulu, Maureen and Diane. Go to any Canadian newspaper or other Canadian media outlet and you’ll see what’s going on. It’s been top news for about a week now. Try The Toronto Star, The National Post, The Globe And Mail, CBC. And be prepared for some reading as it’s a long and convoluted little tale of politicians refusing to play nicely.

  17. Can’t wait for Rick Mercer tonight. He must think he’s died and gone to political comedy heaven.

  19. I am loving the drama. Just when we thought it couldn’t get crazier than an election every 1.4 years, they did something even better! Woo hoo! I have popcorn.

  21. I got my first pair of Signature needles at MD Sheep & Wool and I LOVE them. They’re so decadent and pointy. It was lovely having them in my knitting bag at work. If only they knew I was carrying “stilettos”. 😉

  23. Aw dang it, why would you show me those?! Now I’m gonna have to spend money and it’ll be all addictive and stuff…
    Also, coups rule. Hard.

  24. I’m not a Canadian, but my Canadian fiance and I just returned to Toronto from visiting my family, and (now that he’s laid out the situation very clearly to me, since it is a little hard for a head raised in a non-parliamentary system to wrap itself around the Canadian government) we’re both flipping out. He in particular.

  27. Something’s going on? Other than Ted Rogers dying? I guess when I finish this paper I’ll have to pull my head out of the sand. Or I’ll wait until Wednesday and let you guys tell me about it.

  28. yes! some mighty heady political times up here! although i’m not getting too caught up in it until we actually see what it boils down to….

  29. I Googled, and I read, and I’m still confused. They’re trying to just up and change your system of government? Am I reading that correctly? And if so, how come it took us 8 years to get rid of Bush?? Didn’t you just have an election?

  30. …a tear trickles down my cheek… sigh, could you email my daughter who for some unknown reason believes I need a new kitchen aide? She’s convinced the one I have is on it’s last leg. I don’t know why. She wants to buy me a gift card at Khol’s towards one. I have emailed her hinting that a few of the new straights at Knitpicks.com in the Harmony would make me, a knitter ever so happy. The suggestion went right over her head! She just doesn’t understand Momma doesn’t want to cook anymore now the kids are big and can cook for themselves. Momma wants to knit and spin!!! (It’s totally your fault for the spinning too! It was some yarn you navajo plied that did it! I now own 2 spinning wheels and a mountain of fiber!)
    Thanks for you

  31. …a tear trickles down my cheek… sigh, could you email my daughter who for some unknown reason believes I need a new kitchen aide? She’s convinced the one I have is on it’s last leg. I don’t know why. She wants to buy me a gift card at Khol’s towards one. I have emailed her hinting that a few of the new straights at Knitpicks.com in the Harmony would make me, a knitter ever so happy. The suggestion went right over her head! She just doesn’t understand Momma doesn’t want to cook anymore now the kids are big and can cook for themselves. Momma wants to knit and spin!!! (It’s totally your fault for the spinning too! It was some yarn you navajo plied that did it! I now own 2 spinning wheels and a mountain of fiber!)
    Thanks for you

  32. I… I’m crushed… the size DPNs I knit socks on don’t come in the 5″ size. I feel like the world is going to come crashing down around me! I was all set to order myself a set of 2.25mm 5″ needles and tell hubby that my gift was taken care of (he loves when I do that).
    But, alas… ’twas not meant to be. I think I might need to go find a bag of chips to console myself in… *snifflesniffle*

  34. Thanks! This will definitely be emailed to the hubby, who graciously bought me the entire set of Harmony wood circulars for my birthday. I love them, but think I need some Signature double points as well… 🙂

  35. {insert sound of needle screeching off record here} Novelty waffle iron?! I didn’t even know such things existed!! Though why I’m ever surprised by what the capitalist market thinks people will buy is beyond me. (PS I’ve been lusting after those needles for awhile now. May your stocking be filled with them.)

  36. I can’t believe what’s going on, either. We wouldn’t allow our children to behave like that, so where do these idiots get off? Every last one of them so badly deserves to be taken over the proverbial knee…

  38. Politics!! Holly crap!!! Even if it doesn’t happen, just because it almost did makes it a wonderous thing. I am GLUED in front of the television, knitting furiously.

  39. And I thought US politics was crazy. So, I’ve I’m understanding this correctly – you Canadians elected one party to hold office and the two runners-up are combining to take over despite the fact that Canadian voters passed them over in the election? Or am I still confused.
    Lovely needles, by the way. And a good post. Can you add one that a gift cert to one’s LYS is appropriate as well? I wish there was an Amazon-like place you could list your yarn needs . . .

  41. It just totally boggles my mind. I am extremely upset that the money that went into the election now seems to be apparently wasted. How many people in need could have been fed and housed and clothed with that? On the other side, I am counting down the hours until RMR is on tonight!
    Allison

  43. Wow, those needles are awesome! And very tempting!
    Regarding the politics, I feel compelled to let confused (justifiably) Americans know that it isn’t a coup, and no one is trying to change our system of government. We have a parliamentary system, under which it is perfectly acceptable for the opposition parties to join together and form a coalition government in the event that they lose confidence in the elected minority government (this wouldn’t happen if the current PM had a majority). Having said that, it doesn’t happen very often and it’s causing quite a kerfuffle!

  44. Shel & Amy…apparently it’s actually constitutional in parlimentary politics for this to occur (although my dad says not since the Bing controversy of 1926 when they made changes to the constitution…but I ask, did those changes remain when they re-did the dang thing under Mulroney or am I off?)
    In essence, in a minority government, if the opposition parties lose confidence in the ruling party, they can vote them down in set confidence votes. Generally this leads to an election, but we just had one 7 weeks ago and I’ve lost count as to how many we’ve had over the last few years. So basically it’s now in the hands of the Govenor General. She can shut down Parliment for a month (there’s a proper term for it that I can’t remember), she can call an election or she can approve the coalition government (which apparently is in shaky Bing crisis grey area)
    It’s not so much a coup as a combination of loss of confidence from the opposition, grandstanding and behaviour that would earn a 5 year old an enforced nap.

  45. Don’t worry Steph, it’s all good. Politicians get bored and this is what happens. A diversion, something for the media. Makes you wonder what they’re really up to.

  46. The Signature needles are very cool but I wish they would hire a decent web designer to revamp their online ordering system. I’ve tried ordering and am flummoxed by a system that REQUIRES me to enter a fax number, my province (hello, not in Canada), and then repeat everything again for billing info (even though it says I shouldn’t have to do that). Just makes me too nervous to provide payment info over their system.
    And of course I always think to try and order my late afternoon when they are closed and no live person is to be found. BTW, can you state you prefer a color? I hate to pay that much money for a pair of needles just to let someone else pick a color for me (and I would hate the yellow ones). Maybe they’ll have a booth at Madrona next year….

  47. Weight, of course, is always my big concern with needles, though I’d only be considering dpn’s. I may have to try to fit a set into my budget for sock and mitten knitting, though.

  48. Ooooh, emailed hubby my 2 most used sizes of needles and the blog post…
    I smile and knit while the pundits go on and on and on and on…but geez, what was he thinking when he created the largest cabinet on record then said he needed to make ‘cuts’ everywhere else…

  49. I love the idea of writing to our gift-buyers! Great idea! I actually just sent a bunch of links out for my family grab bag. With notes like..if you purchase sock yarn..please buy 2 skeins instead of just one.
    As for the Canadian Government…isn’t it amazing how “grown-ups” act at times?

  51. (snif) My husband *loves* the novelty waffle iron I gave him several years ago.
    And I’m immune to the needles, since I’m mostly a wooden or circular gal.
    Good luck on the new government!

  52. could you please explain in regular person talk tomorrow about what on earth is happening in canada? I searched and read but still don’t understand.

  53. I’ve been seeing the ads for those needles in the knitting magazines but haven’t been brave enough to look up the prices.I think I’ll surf on over there when I’m done here…I read a small blurb in our newspaper about what’s going on in your country…I think that’s what should have happened here 7 1/2 years ago…Hopefully January 20th will be here in the blink of an eye and I can really start having pride in this country.

  54. Yes, interesting politics for the first time in YEARS. Finally my knowing about the King/Byng affair comes in handy. Almost time for RMR. Can’t wait for Monday to come. Better than Christmas!

  55. Mary, can you confirm for me what my father told me, that the King/Byng affair changed the role of the GG and therefore she can’t actually allow the coalition government?

  56. Katherine (6:04), I agree completely. Old Confucian curse “May you live in interesting times”. Never thought Canadian politics would be interesting (since Trudeau, that is).
    Maybe I’ll buy myself a Christmas present…running to check credit card balances…

  57. I saw Eunny using those needles in a video and HAD to find them. Took me a while but I did and I have the page bookmarked! Now, do I want to ask for a pair of these or kitchen shears for Christmas????

  61. for the short version of what’s going on in Canada, you can read my blog entry for today. I hope it helps 🙂

  62. Are the Liberals the same ones that Anne of Green Gables referred to as Grits? In the Anne series, L.M. Montgomery mentioned Conservatives and Grits.

  63. Gee, Teri, it’s been LONG tine since Politics 231, but Wikipedia has refreshed my memory – King was ruling with 99 seats to the Conservatives’ 116, relying on the Progressives (a Western alienation party of the time) to prop him up. Fearing to lose a third vote in the house, King asked Byng to dissolve Parliament and call an election, and Byng, saying there was a viable party ready to take over, refused.
    Apparently the change in the GG’s powers came about because King demanded that Byng apply to the Colonial Office for help to make the decision, and Byng refused, saying that it was the decision of the GG not the Crown. After the dust settled, and during the next general election, it was decided to clarify the role of the GG (*was* he a mouthpiece of the Colonial Office, or was he chosen for his expertise and allowed to make decisions on his own?) By the Balfour Declaration of 1926 it was decided that the GG was not required to represent the British Government, and this role was taken up by the British High Commissioner, in all British Colonies.
    I don’t think this change will make any difference in the GG’s ability to make a decision in this case; in fact, it rather cements her power. IMHO.
    Mary

  64. sorry if this is long but for those that asked but don’t want to read my blog, here is Canadian politics in a nutshell:
    The last few days has seen the people of Canada thrown for a loop when it was announced that the Liberal Party and New Democratic Party had signed an agreement to form a coalition government with the support of the Bloc Quebecois. This means the Members of Parliament for those parties will take part in a vote of non confidence against our current minority government led by the Conservative leader and current Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.
    Apparently many people, including many Canadians (who apparently skipped social studies far too often) are confused how this is legal. To make a long story short, Canadians do not elect a government. We do not elect a Prime Minister. We elect Members of Parliament. So when we go to the polls, only the names of candidates that want to be elected as a MP are listed on the ballot.
    The Prime Minister (Stephen Harper) is the leader of the party of which had the majority of Members of Parliament elected. Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition is led by the leader (Stéphane Dion) of the party with the 2nd most amount of MP’s elected. The result of our last election, October 2008, resulted in a minority government. That means that the Conservative Party under Stephen Harper had the most amount of MP’s elected however, not enough were elected to gain a majority of seats.
    On December 8, 2008, there will be a confidence vote. The Liberals and the NDP have decided, with the help of the Bloc Quebecois (who sit in parliament and affect policy and law but have no power outside of Quebec. That’s the simple answer) to defeat the confidence vote and form a coalition government. This is not illegal. This is not a coup d’état. It is up to the elected Members of Parliament to form the government. The majority of MP’s elected have decided to form a new government which has to be approved by the Queen’s representative to Canada; the Governor General.
    Whether right or wrong, justified or not, it is a legal, democratic move according to Canadian law. The only thing Prime Minister Harper can do to save his sorry ass is prorogue (suspend) Parliament. This would also have to be approved by the Governor General (but highly unlikely especially during the current economic crisis). My opinion, this is a terrible option and I hope it’s not even considered.
    The only other option is for the GG to call for the 3rd election in just over 2 years. That would piss Canadians off as it costs oh about $300 million per.

  65. “(PPPS: If you’re Canadian, WOW. Can you even believe what’s going on? I’m flipping.)”
    Heck, I’m not even sure it’s *legal*. I mean, Dion is such a — such a — such a — dipstick, to put it as politely as I can. It’s hard enough to turn our televisions on during an election to find out from Eastern Canada what our next government will be (sigh). This makes it even worse. No rep for the West except one lone fellow….And the GGs an Easterner too. Sigh. Maybe she’ll do the right thing and require another election. That would be far better than a co-alition, IMHO.
    Off the soap box. As for the needles…I may just send this blog link to my son…

  67. “Grits” is actually Canadian – from the “Clear Grits” of Upper Canada c.1857. Tories *are* British-speak for Conservatives. Apparently it was shortened from Tóraidhe, or Irish outlaw.

  68. I laid out the Knit Picks catalogue with many and sundry items circled in bright marker (especially welcomed gifts got a star as well) and then let the chips fall where they may. The Knit Picks box arrived yesterday in the mail and its KILLING me not to go to his “secret” hiding place for my gifts and take a peek.
    Last years helpful hints were as follows “Go to this webpage (Schoolhouse Press). Ok? Ready? Scroll…scroll…order this…and this…scroll..this would be nice…..”. I have all the Zimmerman books now AND the Glossary DVD.
    I’m afraid the Needle advertising fell on deaf ears for this knitter…I’m a wooden and bamboo needle user. Harmony needles rock my little world.;oP
    The whole political shebang is makin’ my head hurt. I don’t like Harper and his ways but upheaval is never good either.
    Your socks look ..umm…ROCKIN’ by the by..hee hee

  69. The dpns are $45! I would cry really really hard if, actually, when, I lose one – were these one of the ones you “lost” in the rental car? I’d hold off on returning the car too.

  70. Thank you Mary! My dad said she couldn’t approve the coalition, but there was not one single report in any Canadian news outlet, right or left wing, that said she couldn’t. So after talking to my dad, I was a little confused as to what she could and could not do.
    (oh, and I just got a request from a friend not 1 minute ago for a hat and the Slither arm warmers from the Knitty Fall 2008 lineup. Please to expand my Christmas knitting time??????)

  71. Dear Santa:
    This is my Christmas wish. Please let Harper resign over this.
    That’s all I want for Christmas.
    Thanks,
    Emily

  72. Amazingly this post DID find it’s way to my kitchen table, hubby’s pillow, under the visor of his car, in his briefcase, and on the coffee table. Go figure.

  73. OMG, the needles are divine. Now I know what to suggest to the SO what to get me. Leaving this on the screen before he checks his e-mail is probably the way to go. 🙂
    Re Canadian politics (And this is exciting me as a politcal junky. CPAC is even taking place of the hockey game tonight. I’ll still be knitting, no matter!): Actually, something like this has happened recently in Canada. In 1985, Ontario elected a minority Tory government. The Liberals and the NDP formed a coalition and then defeated the Tories in a non-confidence vote. They then ruled as a coalition for two years, after which the Liberals won the next election in 1987.
    So there is precedence at a provincial level, in addition to the King/Byng affair.

  74. I love the idea of the unique individuality of the Signature needles, but am a confirmed circular buff and the prices for DPNs are high enough that I’m wary. But I may have to reconsider for at least one pair…..
    As far as the political kerfuffle…. Wow, that puts our US primary races to shame. I always did think that the muliple party system and the ability of call a vote of no confidence was a good thing (you don’t get stuck with a president for 4 years that nobody wants for example), but watching it in action, now I’m not so sure.

  75. I’m a knitter who doesn’t like metal needles. My spouse does well with gift certificates to Lamb’s Ear, a local yarn and fiber shop, but the sight of their precious wood, hand-crafted needles always sets my heart a pounding. There are probably others out there who would love hand- turned wood needles. Custom tools really are a joy to use.

  76. My husband read me the headline from The Globe and Mail last night and we both just can’t believe it. We’re going to be in Toronto soon, and he’s looking forward to picking family brains for info.

  77. I’m not Canadian but I’m watching intently. It’s fascinating. This has been an exceedingly interesting year in world politics.
    Also, even though you adore them and they really are beautiful, I could never return to knitting with straight needles or double points. I hope you won’t think less of me, but … I have to have my Addis and KP Options. Sorry. Let’s still be friends, okay? ^_~

  78. Strangely, all it takes is eleven MPs to cross the floor from the 3 opposition parties and the independents and Harper has his majority. Now that would be the twilight zone! It’s not over yet!

  80. I actually have two pairs of signature needles..the first pair I bought at Stitches West, I didn’t even ask the price.. I just bought them, they were that wonderful. The 2nd pair I bought cause dammit,I wanted them (and I needed that stiletto tip for K3TOG. I will be snagging a pair of the DPNs as soon as I get my quarter end bonus. I love my signature needles, and they are far LESS expensive than a fancyschmancy saw or a lathe.

  81. I googled the Canada political news and came up with the headline “Dion to replace Harper as new PM”
    I flipped out too – you elected CELINE DION????
    Then I read on and calmed down. Don’t you just love politics?

  83. Clever you for letting me at your schedule – was it the way I laughed uncontrollably when you showed me the list of things you’re going to knit and ask – apparently in all seriosuness – if you needed a schedule? Funniest moment of the month (this and last) for me – thanks for the laugh!
    ppps I KNOW! It’s the best!

  85. I am not Canadian, but my dad, grandfather, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and possibly my dog are. So please reveal – what IS going on? Signed, wondering in New Jersey.

  86. I assumed you would be happy that Harper seems to be getting his conservative arse kicked, but you could explain to this dumb American how that is happening? Don’t quite get the parliamentary system.

  89. Last year I got a novelty waffle iron for a Christmas gift.
    Have you tried the “square circle” needles yet?

  90. Kinda reminds me of the Joe Clark years.
    In other news, did you see the Leafs-Kings game last night? I actually managed to be there. Wow, what a great game!

  92. wow, as a canadian, it is very interesting to read what other canadians are thinking and a knitting blog at that! who would have thunk it! It certainly makes for interesting t.v. watching with knitting needles in hand!

  93. Wow, thank you for mentioning Canadian upheaval! I had no idea – I live in the US now and the only news is the new prez and his cabinet. Will be veddy interested to see how things go!

  96. I am not Canadian, I tried to find out online but I am still confused. What is going on?

  98. Not sure how I feel about that dipstick Dion running the show…. Now if the GREEN PARTY were to seize power that would be different.
    And also, is this even legal? Maybe we can get the knitting fates to smite one of them.
    Oy. Think I’ll go back to my knitting.

  99. Steph, I’m Canadian and flipping, but I beg you Dear Harlot, use your incredible communicative power for good and EXPLAIN this, please! As many of today’s comments are making clear, even many of our Canadian Kin are still not understanding what is going on, and that it IS democratic, legal, precedented and correct.
    At this point, it’s not even about what party did what or is trying to do what. I’ve been appalled – not by the call for a coalition, but by the revelation that so few of my fellow Canadians understand our basic government processes, such as who or what we do, and do not, vote for in our elections.
    People, I hope it’s cool to post a link here. This one is outstanding, among dozens of outstanding informative sites about this. http://ping.fm/ZWPQV.

  100. Holy Moly I am shocked by Canada at the moment! Who knew there could be this much political intrigue in two bordering countries in such a short amount of time!
    I am really watching this one close.

  101. Re: Canadian politics.
    Just one small correction of sorts to clarify s0jn4’s excellent outline above. In the third paragraph (s)he starts by saying Harper’s party won the majority of seats; s(he) then says — correctly — that his party didn’t in the October 2008 election.
    Now that I’ve re-read the post, I suspect s0jn4 was saying (correctly) that the PM’s job goes to the leader of the party with the most seats in Parliament, and *usually* the most is a majority. But in the current government’s case, it is a minority. Hopefully I haven’t confused things even more.
    Anyhoo…one additional bit of background: what really kicked this off was the government’s announced plan to cut off federal funding for political parties. This is a big deal, and, in my opinion, a real danger to democracy in Canada.
    As s0jn4 said: this isn’t a coup d’etat. It isn’t illegal. Her Majesty’s loyal opposition has the responsibility to oppose legislation put forward by the government if it feels it is irresponsible or otherwise bad for the country.
    Coalition governments are perfectly legal; if two or more parties agree to work together, there is no legal reason for them, in the context of a non-confidence vote bringing down the government (actually, they could have tried this right after the election, by saying they could together form a majority, but this is not done by custom, rather than because it is unconstitutional) not to petition the Governor General to let them try it.
    A lot of people, particularly here in Western Canada, seem to have a huge problem with the fact that the separatist Bloc Quebecois have agreed to support a coalition of the Liberals and NDP. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest — personally, I like Duceppe (the leader of the Bloq) more than any of the other leaders.
    I’m all for the coalition; after all, the majority of voters chose a party OTHER than the Conservatives in October. 🙂
    What we really need here, I think, is proportional representation.

  103. Those are pretty needles, but I simply could not justify the cost. I suppose if someone were to let me test drive them I’d change my mind, but I like my bamboo. Plus, if I had expensive needles I’d likely want to buy more expensive yarn.
    I’m very interested in how this parliment thing will pan out. It’s not very often we get to see our Governor General in a position of power.

  104. Judging by all the comments I’ve seen left on various newspaper websites, I’m guessing that the majority of Canadians are poorly educated in our own political process. Do you have any idea how many times I’ve seen someone accusing the opposition of making an illegal move in an article that clearly states that this is indeed legal and allowed?
    And Harper is blithely ignoring his own suggestions to the GG not 4 years ago to oust Paul Martin. I think he’s got quite the PR machine going, playing on our own collective ignorance of the parlimentary process and our own political history to try to convince us all that the opposition’s plans are undemocratic.

  105. I agree with you about Canadian politics. I don’t know what all is happening. I am just disgusted with it.

  106. I guess it’s pointless to ask the politicians to get along, but I guess it’s one way to get one’s mind off the economy.
    PS I had the same thought about buying an expensive watch, until I washed enough of them to have paid for a decent (and waterproof) watch. Same goes for sunglasses and now fiber.

  107. Ah, the Signature needles. Made right here in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The company owner is a knitter, her daughter (also a knitter, as is HER daughter) has made it to knit night (one of our regulars is friends with the family), so we heard about the needles when they were just coming out.
    I tried and bought mine at Stitches Midwest last year, they were also at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival this year. You can choose your length (7″, 10″, and 14″), tips, and endcaps, but the color is set for the size needle, otherwise there would be way too much variation. I have a blue 7″ stilletto teardrop 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) pair, and I do love them, I was subliminally coerced into knitting the Noro Silk Garden 1×1 rib scarf in bulky with them. A joy until dropped one in a theater and realized that’s why I like working with circs. I’m in deep dog poo if they start making those.

  108. You are so right – for any kind of craft or making, the right tools – the best tools – can add so much to the pleasure and the ultimate result! I’ve been accused of having a tool fetish and there’s some truth to it. A well-made instrument is a thing of grace and beauty and inspires a person to use it! That said, I’m now srsly lusting after a set of Size 1 stiletto dpns!

  109. as a culinarian, i have to admire your taste in knives. and i wanna try those needles. have ever since i saw them on annie modesitt’s blog. mmmmmmmmm

  111. Well, I don’t know about all these people agreeing with you and “also” being disgusted. Are you disgusted? I am so thrilled I can hardly speak. Getting that pompous windbag and his cohort of like-minded buffoons kicked in the rear is tickling me pink. I can’t wait to see how this shakes down. It sure is livening up Canadian politics for a change.
    But it doesn’t bode well for the Christmas knitting fates.

  112. Hey, and I was scanning the comments here and found one from “Q”, and I thought “Migawd…Jian Ghomeshi reads Stephanie’s blog…”

  113. Signature needles are fantastic! Once you try them you will be hooked. The company is great to work with – if you have a problem just give them a call – you won’t regret it. I’m slowly replacing all my needles and find knitting with my other needles a chore after the pleasure of knitting with my Signature needles.

  115. This has indeed been an interesting week to be a Canadian politico. I’m glad that finally everyone is being a bit more grown-up and acknowledging that the reason why all the opposition knickers are in twists was the withdrawal of their lifeline, and not the more publicly pallitable fact that Harper was moving slow over the economy. I, for one, am happy to have some reasoned thought (not that he and his posse are necessarily the best at this, but still) brought to bear before throwing zillions of our dollars into a hole for our great-grandchildren to fill in. Slow and steady as she goes.
    As my mum would say, just because Julie is jumping off a bridge ….
    I have found myself tuning in the CBC more than usual, to hear the most recent theorist, pundit or seer tell the portents in their own way.
    I’m dismayed at how divisive the dialogue is, that there are people in Alberta feeling like resource-base workers are betrayed, and that there are Quebecers who elected Bloc MPs who are feeling betrayed, and that there are plenty of us who watched our millions be poured into an unneccesary election who are feeling betrayed.
    But mostly? Mostly, I am chuckling a little at the shocked surprise of the Harper Tories that the response to their shameful and astounding hubris has been retaliation instead of capitulation. Not a small part of me wants to see some coalition succeed.

  116. I’m not Canadian but I have studied Canadian political and social history on an academic level for my MA and my (never finished) PhD…all I can say is wow, I didn’t see *that* coming. I won’t give my opinion beyond that, so I don’t tick anyone off…even though I know you (Stephanie) are not above telling it like it is…however, my husband is thrilled, he thinks Jack Layton is the best thing since fries with gravy. (No, I don’t make it for him.)
    But I bet the US press won’t even bother with it. According to Peter Mansbridge, the US ambassador to Canada hasn’t even told our government what’s going on, and actually told CBC he probably wouldn’t, depending on what happened. How silly is that? *hugs her neighbors*

  117. I paid about that much for my last pair of Holz and Stein circs–they had the most perfect tips, they’re lightweight and I love them. I figured I would never be able to buy anything like them again now that they were off the market.
    And then Grafton Fibers in Vermont started handcrafting wooden circs with that same tip and join. Joy!
    If a needle is good enough, it’s not only worth the price, it’s an heirloom. I am so hoping someone brings some Signatures to Stitches West in February so I can check out the stiletto tips. Those look pretty perfect.

  118. What’s going on in Canada? I got seriously behind on news over the long holiday weekend.
    And I knit with circulars only, but thanks anyway for the tip on the needles. You never know when that kind of info might come in handy.

  119. Boy, after skimming some of the comments I can see it will take me longer than usual to catch up on what the world did while I was busy.
    May you live in interesting times.

  120. Can I just point something out from the American point of view?
    How chilling and inspiring and fascinating it was to watch our election covered by almost every country’s media, all over the world – I live in a diverse area of my city, and saw Russian and Chinese newspapers filthy with Obama snapshots. His beaming girls are gossiped over the front pages of my local rag, and during the election I watched crowds going wild in Germany, Jakarta, and even seemingly remote African villages. Now all of this INSANE WILD THRILLING OUTRAGEOUS bruhaha is happening a hop, skip, and a jump from our nation’s capital, and all my newspapers are running the same headlines for a week about Obama’s cabinet picks?
    ….um, WTF? Why did I have to learn a semester’s worth of Canadian history from the comments of a knitting blog and not hear a whisper of this from our own media?

  121. … Not to devalue the knitting blog, mind you. STEPHANIE PEARL-MCPHEE WRITES CANADA’S BEST BLOG EVER! Where would my love of Canada come from if not for the Yarn Harlot?

  122. Looked up the Canadian politics reference and have to say it felt just like home (living in the land of MMP (NZ) and having had an election a fortnight ago). Not that we have quite had this situation happen (yet), but it feels close at times, especially just pre and post election while we are waiting for the dust to settle – sometimes we aren’t sure who the heck we have governing us for quite some time. The amazing thing is everything ticks over nicely – an ironic yay for the bureaucrats who really run the place.
    Those needles look amazing 🙂

  123. Yes, I did go and vote again, because the content and the continuity are always excellent. I just did a stint with 30 post/30 days in November, and I was ready to go to bed at the end of it all. You keep going, and never drop the quality. Best of luck on the contest.

  124. They LOOK Wonderful! Thanks for sharing. How did you choose which ones to start with? They are stunning needles and of course I’d like to have one in every size, shape, and point. That however, is never going to be feasible so how do you decide which ones to start with.

  125. Watch out all users of circs. According to a post I read yesterday on Ravelry (supposedly direct from manufacturer) Signature needles is working on developing and producing circulars, starting in 2009 sometime.
    I have noticed several professionals beside the Yarn Harlot knitting on and reccomending these. Annie Modesitt had them in a class I took. Eunny Jang uses them on TV. I am waiting for the circulars before investing.

  126. Watch out all users of circs. According to a post I read yesterday on Ravelry (information supposedly direct from manufacturer) Signature needles is working on developing and producing circulars, starting in 2009 sometime.
    I have noticed several professionals beside the Yarn Harlot knitting on and reccomending these. Annie Modesitt had them in a class I took. Eunny Jang uses them on TV. I am waiting for the circulars before investing.

  127. Recession be damned. I deserve them. I bought them and I know I’m going to love them. Merry Christmas to me (and I’m going to use them before Christmas to knit myself a pair of silk/merino socks to wear on Christmas.)

  128. ( THUMP… bump.. swish)…
    I had a bit of a falling down. Will now own Signature DPNs in about 3 days.
    My husband will also appreciate the fact that I did also relieve him of the gift buying once again, and ordered a wee gifty for Santa to put under the tree.
    Happy Holidays to all
    Carolyn

  130. Haha- I immediately Googled “What’s going on in Canada?” and got a million funny things. Finally I got the latest news though.
    I am not even going to look at those needles because I will covet them but it is really nice that you are telling people what to buy knitters. It’s hard to shop for a knitter (I’ve heard) and although I usually just say -ask someone in the store- apparently we’re not just hard to buy for but also scary to talk to.
    I tried the advice, pick out something you like the feel of, but that usually ends up with yarn that the person thought would make a great something (scarf, hat, mittens) for themselves and then, its not really a gift.

  131. Wooden needles all the way. Totally agree that premium tools make the best gifts for knitters, and I believe the Signature needles are great, but… cold, hard, clicky metal over beautiful, warm, quiet, elegant wood? Never! How about pimping some Lantern Moon, or Turn of the Century, or Ed Jenkins? Now *those* are amazing needles… and they come in circulars too. (Yeah, I do have a vested interest. But still.)

  133. As long as you’re on the subject of gifts, I recently learned about Heifer International:
    http://www.heifer.org/#
    They work to end world hunger by providing people in developing countries with sustainable sources of food and income. You can buy livestock or shares in livestock as charitable donations.
    The cool thing about it for knitters is that you can buy a sheep (or shares in a sheep) that will help provide a family with a source of wool for clothing and income! They even offer a “knitting basket” option (two sheep and two llamas!).
    Cool, don’t you think?
    I’m considering buying a sheep for Christmas…

  134. Oooooooooooh! I’ve been drooling over those needles for a while now, but was concerned about them being too slick — you’ve eased my concerns about that!!! I must have the Fararri of needles to knit socks. They are so pretty too … I will have to add them to my wish list or just break down and buy a pair after the holidays or for my birthday. Thanks for the unbiased review. 🙂

  135. Those “” so called intelligent adults”” in Ottawa are playing a game with NO winners .I’ve always felt that they ALL just have their OWN interst at the top of the priority list and now they are Proving it in spades! This whole fiasco should go into the “”Believe it or Not”” and as far as the Gov General getting things straightened out hahaha— good luck to her hahaha. Those needles are calling me so off I go. Wonder what the ten year olds in Ottawa will get up to today .

  136. I’m actually pleased to say that despite being American, I did know what was going on (and that it was both possible and legal). I would have thought that after watching the US president unite his own party with his opponents over the fiscal crisis here, it might have occured to Harper that pissing off everyone at once was A Bad Idea. Fascinating to see Canada taking a starring role on the world stage in the 2008 Year of Interesting Politics. (I hope it’s not too bad of me to find the whole thing wildly amusing. It’s been very hard not to find politics entertaining this year.)

  137. Solidly a circular needle girl….although those dpns do look mighty attractive. So excited for the spreadsheet schedule of holiday knitting – if time isn’t too tight maybe you could wack off a few of the gifts I intend to make 😉

  138. For $45, I want 5 dpns, with an optional, low-cost insurance policy for a 6th if needed. That’s my final offer.

  139. Knitting bling! I love it. Do these needles knit Ferrari fast too? They are definitely on my wish list.
    Elly in Nova Scotia

  140. I do so love a work of art, beauty and utility. I want signature needles! But what would I do with them? Now if a simple and useful cable could be placed between…
    (Thanks Lene for providing the schedule).
    If the knit-fates will listen to anyone, it would be a harlot!
    Congratulations on the politics! What fun! Go Canada!

  141. I prefer Wusthof to Henckels. (Are you listening, Mom?) But I would never spring $999 for the whole set. Knowing how I go through DPNs I’d never dare to spring for the Signatures. But they sure are pretty. And it reminds me of how much easier it was to make dinner after I won a set of shiny sharp Santoku knives (kinda cheap ones even) that I now compare to my old dull knives that I got 22 years ago. Hang on a sec, I think I smell my Mickey Mouse shaped waffles burning.

  143. the Signature needles are unbelievable! I have treated myself to 4 pair so far – 7 inch with stiletto points – and they are great for scarves and dishcloths ( although it does seem a bit silly to knit inexpensive dishcloths on such beautiful needles!) but they are a joy to knit with. I hope you get your wish!

  144. Around here in the “outback” of the Netherlands even Addi turbo’s are considered over the top. Someone told me that the owner of our LYS insists that circulars can only be used for knitting turtle-necks. Should I laugh or should I cry?
    Harma

  145. Okay, so a foolish American question:if your opposition can pull the rug out from under you so easily, does this mean you alter your positions to some sort of middle? If so, how can you have any disagreements? How can you develop your thesis/anti- thesis growth? It doesn’t sound like you can govern in any clear- cut sort of way.
    Am I missing something?
    Ari

  146. I leave the country for a few days, and it all goes to hell in a handbasket. Cool. I just wish The St. Petersburg Times (in Florida, not Russia) carried a little more information – I had to go online to find out what the hell is happening!

  147. Ari, I’m not sure what it is you’re asking actually….lol. All I really know is that the Canadian system, for better or for worse, has worked out well since 1867. We’re modeled on the UK system, if that helps you.

  148. Beautiful! This is really helpful and definitely getting sent to non-knitters in my life.
    Here’s my question, and it may be an odd one: What do the needles sound like? Part of the reason I opt for wood needles instead of metal is the slidey sound that some metal needles make. Addis are fine, but some other ones just send chills up my spine. Do I sound nuts?
    Thanks for helping us knitters out!

  149. Sorry, I gotta comment again on some of the political confusion (’bout time Canadian politics got this interesting!)
    Ari asked: “if your opposition can pull the rug out from under you so easily, does this mean you alter your positions to some sort of middle? ”
    Ari, YES, yes, this is exactly what it means, and it works, one way or the other.
    When Canadians vote (and many of us are demonstrating we don’t understand this) we vote for one thing only: we vote for the person in our local geographic division, called a Riding, who will go to Parliament Hill as the elected Member of Parliament representing our region. We do not vote for a Prime Minister and we do not, despite what I heard a respected professor say on CBC, vote for a party, either. We vote for our local MP.
    308 (currently) MPs go to Parliament Hill to sit in the House of Commons. The PM is chosen by the Governor General, and is, by convention only, chosen based on being the leader of the party with the largest number of seats in the house (the largest number of elected MPs). This Prime Minister then chooses the ministers of Cabinet, who form the government.
    When the people of Canada collectively elect a group of representatives from different parties such that no one Party holds 50% +1 of the seats, we have a minority in Parliament. In lay terms, this means that the Government must gain the support of other parties on each and every piece of legislation in order to pass them, because it still requires the approval of 50% +1 of the elected MPs to pass legislation. So, a party forming a government but holding a minority of seats must, indeed, alter its positions to come to some sort of middle. Or they will be voted down by the other, duly and democratically elected, MPs sitting in the house. This is about to happen to Mr. Harper and it is completely correct and democratic and is indeed what he himself orchestrated to happen to Prime Minister Martin a few short years ago (complete with the proposal to the Governor General, though somewhat veiled, that he be allowed to govern in a coalition without an election).

  150. As everyone has noted, the needles are beautiful. Did you look at the kits? They are not badly priced – a pattern, yarn and a set of needles for $60-$80. I think I could justify that…..

  151. 1. Thanks for writing my Christmas list for me again! I’m forwarding the post on to my family as you read this. Ha ha!
    2. Schedules are your friends. I know you know this but I’ve gotta say it because I’ve learned it the hard way. You’re still going to get your knitting done like you knew you would.
    Who gives a flyin’ flip if you’re using a schedule to do it. 🙂 Schedules are your friends…and Lene is a great friend to ensure you and your schedule friends get to stay in contact. (I’m not lecturing here, I’m just jealous that you have someone to help you schedule your holiday knits! Ha ha!)
    3. I’m trying to decide who is hype and who is not. To me, it all looks like bizarre political grandstanding taking media spotlight over a perfectly legal function of our government. It’s the Conservatives that appear to be attempting to get Canadians all angst-y by making it seem like it’s all some kind of crazy coup. With Thailand, India, the US election and everything else that’s going on, quite frankly I’m getting what I call “rage fatigue”. Here’s to a peaceful holiday season filled with knitting!

  152. Quote from Johannab : “we do not, despite what I heard a respected professor say on CBC, vote for a party, either. We vote for our local MP.”
    As I understand the system, which, as someone has said, is like ours in the UK, you can and do vote for a party as well as the person. Presumably several people put themselves forward for election from an area or Riding and I guess some, if not all, people will select candidate and vote according to party, i.e. the party they would like in overall charge.
    Here we call minority government a hung parliament and sometimes that feels like it would be the best thing to do to them!!!!!!!!
    Enough of politics and back to knitting.

  153. Sue:
    “As I understand the system, which, as someone has said, is like ours in the UK, you can and do vote for a party as well as the person. ”
    Sue, the implementation of Westminsterian models is different in its particulars, so I don’t know all specifics of every model, including the Canadian one.
    I DO know that Canadians get one vote, and it is for a person, the person to represent them. Not for a party. Now, in actual practice and this is probably what you refer to, many voters choose that person based on their Party affiliation. But it is not technically correct to say the vote is “for a Party”. It is for a person only, regardless of WHY the voter chose that person, and I fully admit many choices are made in complete ignorance of the person’s specifics and only because they stand with a party whose policies suit the voter.
    However, this does not give the voter any grounds on which to cry “I voted for party A, therefore party B and C are being undemocatic/acting illegally/overturning my vote” by seeking to form the government.
    It is perfectly legal and not unheard of for a given MP to “cross the floor” and change parties at any time during or after election and this does not alter their status, personally, as a candidate or an elected MP. Sometimes they leave parties, and continue to run, or hold office, as an Independent member. Because the election was of a Person, not a party, to represent a riding.
    In an interesting, but really irrelevant at the moment, aside, a Mixed-Member proportional electoral model WOULD allow votes for a party, as each elector would vote for two things – the individual representing their riding, but also the Party they wished to see represented in the house. The Province of Ontario’s voters turned down such an option at a referendum in our last Provincial election, and left us with the same model as our Federal system – we elect individuals only.

  154. Johanna – agree with all your comments and it sounds as though the two parliamentary models are very, very similar – one person, one vote; we have people crossing the floor; having the party whip removed, which effectively throws them out of whatever party they were in; resigning from a party; etc. Think all I was trying to say, and probably not very successfully, was that people do vote for the party alongside the person – however as you said, that does not give them any room to complain. We have also had a lot of talk of proportional representation, but it has not got anywhere yet. Lets hope for a good outcome in Canada, although do not envy the Governor General … but then I guess that she was appointed because she is up to the task. Good luck.
    P.S. If you want a new Prime Minister, we have a very worn, second hand one (who was not elected!) to whom you are very, very welcome. No charge!

  155. I have started a group on Ravelry to discuss Signature needles. Especially since most of us are ordering without getting to hold them in our hands, I thought it would help to be able to discuss our experiences with what we have tried so far. It is called Signature needle lovers, or just search for signature on the group page.

  156. *sigh* Yeah, nothing sucks worse than champagne taste on a soda budget… but I sure will take a look at the dpns, because (although I’m inordinately attached to my addi-turbos) I do like me a nice sock on a dpn sometimes;-)

  157. I have Signature staights and a set of DPS. I love the DPS-they have a very sharp tip which is great especially when used with sock weight yarn.
    The Straights are beautiful but they seem quite heavy and make my hands tired. Used for a short time they are great and their beauty makes knitting even better. Now if they were as light as wood needle it would be perfect.

  158. I have Signature staights and a set of DPS. I love the DPS-they have a very sharp tip which is great especially when used with sock weight yarn.
    The Straights are beautiful but they seem quite heavy and make my hands tired. Used for a short time they are great and their beauty makes knitting even better. Now if they were as light as wood needle it would be perfect.

  160. 1. LOVE the Signature Needles! I may have to put together a replacement schedule myself…all holidays included (labor day, July 4th, etc)
    2. I took a bit of advice from your blog last year and put together my own Christmas schedule since it was my first year actually doing multiple Christmas presents. (I started in August since I’m a VERY slow knitter) I’m proud to say that I finished my list!! Thanks to a hideous traffic jam at Thanksgiving and some extra time spent at home due to weather. (not that I’m complaining) Totally recommend a schedule. Helped to keep me focused.
    Now…about this whole coup thing…too bad we didn’t think of this 4 years ago!

  161. Thank you for the lovely, fair and impartial explanation about what is going on in Canadian politics. I’m American and really hadn’t a clue until now. I bet many of you are on pins and needles like we Americans were over this past election. Reason, common sense and the determination that things had to change in a big way, all prevailed here and I hope you have the same results in Canada.
    The needles look nice but I love circulars. The knitpicks line are really nice for the money and come in a variety of sizes and two points types.

  163. I just want to point out that Signature needles are made in the USA (wisconsin I think) by a family owned business. They pay their workers a living wage. I feel great about supporting such a company in this age of cheap imports made by people in under-developed countries who are payed horribly low wages. I buy that stuff too-but it doesn’t make me feel as good. (getting down off soap box)

  164. I love Signature Needles. I saw Sheri of The Loopy Ewe knitting with them earlier this year and then bought 1 pair for myself. When they arrived, my husband saw them and for Mother’s Day (which was the next day) bought me the set. While they are expensive, they are so worth it. Maybe not for lace knitting, but love them for everything else. 🙂

  165. I have a pair of those needles and love, love, love them.
    Canadian politics is not boring, that’s for sure. I’ve been following the news on iTunes, and it’s hard to believe what’s going on.
    Merry Christmas, a few weeks early!

  166. I have to go read up on the politics before making an intelligent comment about it.
    As for the needles, I’ll be in my bunk.

  167. With all that has happened you must have the gingerbread party. I look forward to it every year. Peace to you and your loved ones.

  168. You make those needles sound heavenly. They are definately not in my budget right now and I think you are right, if I test drive that Rolls Royce, my 7 year old Honda just won’t make me happy anymore. Maybe some day. . .

  169. I was wondering when you would have enough time to do an update on the KWB total. The efforts that you lead have warmed more than one heart during the intervening seasons. At home, new traditions will be made and add to the happy memories you already have. Best of the season to you and yours.

  170. That’s a lovely advert you’ve written. I suggest that you send it to the Signature folks, so that they can pay you retroactively. Also, add a note in your post telling each buyer to mention your blog post. I mean really Steph, you just made them a bundle of money! (I apologzie for calling you Steph, even though we don’t know each other, but it just sounded right.)
    And I, unfortunately, will not get the signature needles because metal needles are not so great for my wrists. I like knitting with them. And straights are my favorites, but my tendons refuse to agree. Alas…..
    Good luck with the xmas knitting!
    (I vowed no xmas knitting this year, but somehow I’ve got a list of 7 items to knit. 2 will definitely get done, because they ARE done, but the others… well, hell, I’m Jewish anyway so what’s up with a xmas knitting list anyway?

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