Implements of Construction: Why?

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!