All too often I find myself distracted by the pretty colors, interesting textures, and varying hand of the materials we use in our crafts and trades.
 |
| So many tools, no little time. |
It wasn’t until recently that I truly realized the importance of the tools needed to execute these crafts. Last year, when I packed up my household and headed west, I carried with me only the most basic tools of the trade. I brought a complete set of interchangeable knitting needles, two sets of five (yes, just two) of double-pointed needles in the socks I was working, and a small notion bag with a hand full of other items I might need for crafting in the short term. I had a small pair of scissors, darning needle, a crochet hook, and stitch markers. Granted, I did pack ALL of my spinning wheels and spindles, but only to make sure they were transported safely.
Now, I anticipated being in a temporary living situation for 6 weeks or so. Six weeks turned into 6 months. All the while, the entirety of my craft room was in storage. I came into a handful of situations where I had to improvise where I had once had the exact right tool for the job at my disposal. It didn’t take me very long to realize I had been taking my tools for granted. It was a sheer pleasure to once again have access to the little joys such as a darning egg and yarn swift.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful cotton print fabric, a tweed yarn, and exotic spinning fibers as much as the next girl. However, I want to share my renewed appreciation for the tools of our trade with you. I plan to share more than you ever thought you wanted to know about these tools. If nothing else, I hope to present a unique take on the “Implements of Construction”
(TM) we know and love.
First up: Knitting needles!