I've been thinking about needles recently, after reading a recent thread on Rav.
When I first started knitting, I used whatever was at hand, which was those *lovely* metal needles (Susan Bates?) that everyone has lying around. Once I got more serious, I was in college. Therefore, I had not much money, but a great want of a large selection. I bought from eBay several collections, all bamboo- circs, DPNs, and straights. They were adequate, but really horrible needles.
As I progressed, I started buying Addis in the sizes I needed for current projects. Then Addi Lace.
Gratuitous photo of Gino
I read on a blog about Holz and Stein needles, and bought some in the sizes I usually use for stranded knitting. They are absolutely LOVELY, and rather spoiled me... but the price is a bit high, so I'm slowly growing my collection.
In the meantime, I bought some HiyaHiyas, and quickly realized that I prefer them to Addis. Not only are they less expensive, but I find them more pleasant to use.
In terms of straights vs. circs vs. DPNs, again I started with what I believe is most common- straights. At some point I began using circs, even for knitting flat. I think I have one pair of straights in my apartment now... a pair that came with a kit. They are lovely wooden needles, but after finishing the sweater they came with, I'll probably give them to my younger sister- I'm just not a straight fan.
Both Babies! Such excitement outside the window-- perhaps a bug?
However, I do prefer DPNs to magic loop or two circs... usually. I recently knit a stranded mitten, and realized that for stranding small circumferences, I much prefer magic loop. Fewer chances of a ladder, and easier to spread out the stitches for even floats.
And last week... Oh, last week I discovered 4" DPNs!! (Well, I've known of their existence, but last week I used them for the first time.) AMAZING! It makes doing the short fingers on my sister's fingerless gloves so much easier- less excess needle waving about, causing problems. Life is good.
In summary, brandwise my favorites are Holz and Stein, but for reasons of practicality I usually use my second favorite brand, HiyaHiyas. I use circular needles for most everything, but DPNs for small-circumference knitting (unless it is stranded- then I like magic loop.)
Pen in one of her new favorite spots
Such useless ramblings... but I've been thinking about it, and wanted to get my thoughts down.
(Photos of kitties added to enliven the post. Since, you know, needles are so super exciting and different... also, I don't have any photos of them handy, and the light isn't great, being as it's night.)
