Knitting Needle pictures

Top to bottom:

• 1/4 inch (about size 10 1/2) six inch birch
• 3/16 inch (about size 7) six inch birch
• day-glo red 3/16/inch (c. size 7) six inch birch
• c. size 10 1/2 nine inch cherry
• c. size 10 1/2 nine inch walnut
• c. size 10 1/2 nine inch blonde wood (I don't think it's birch)

All finished with close-to-the-wood finish, either Minwax wood finish or Watco Danish Oil. The finish can't chip and will get smoother and shinier with use. Knobs on the walnut and cherry ones are finished with semigloss Deft lacquer; knobs on the light-colored wood are finished with ebony Minwax wood finish or acrylic paint.

Usual disclaimers -- wood is a natural material, colors will vary from piece to piece, etc.

Logical reasons for knitting with wood

• They're quiet.
• They're lightweight and comfortable to hold.
• They're not so slippery as metal; smooth yarns are less likely to slip off.
• (From what I've read) you can use them on airplanes.

Irrational reasons for knitting with handmade needles

• You always have another craftsperson working with you on your project.
• You love working with beautiful material -- after all, look at the yarn. When you haven't spent the money for luxury yarn, you can still be using luxury wood.
• Your other projects have added to the history of the needles, not just by having been there, but by making them smoother and shinier.
• Gosh darn it, they look good.