Fair and Square: Kollage Needles by Louet

Disclaimer: I was not paid by Louet to write this review, but they did give me some double pointed needles as a gift because they're nice!

I have always loved ergonomic products - my parents had one of those chairs that you kneel on for our computer, back when computers printed on those continuous sheets of paper that had the little holes on either side and had to rip apart... Well, now I feel old! Anything from keyboards to crochet hooks, I love things that keep my body from giving out.

Kollage needles by Louet

That's why when I walked past the Louet booth at TNNA in January, I was super excited to try their square needles! Instead of being round, they're square, making them easier and more comfortable to grip.

Kollage circular needles with Anzula Ava in Saffron

These needles are sharp, but not so sharp that they'll split your yarn accidentally. Louet also has traditional round double pointed needles, which they call "multi-pointed" needles, that are sharper on one end than the other. Since you mostly only knit with one side, you can always knit with either a sharp or less sharp point as you move along your round.

Sharper point on the left, less sharp on the right

How do these square needles compare to round needles? When it comes to gauge, here's what Louet has to say: "Due to the difference in SquareTM needles compared to traditional round needles, we STRONGLY, recommend you knit a swatch to check your gauge. Please Note - most knitters go up one needle size in circulars and DPN's to obtain gauge."

If you like really clicky needles, these might not be the needles for you. I like a medium amount of click, so they're perfect for me.

Sonix multi-pointed needles, Anzula For Better or Worsted in 1 Red Shoe

The circular needles come in either soft or firm cables, and of course in varying lengths. I prefer the soft cable because I don't have to fight the cables much when doing a magic loop. 

At TNNA this past June, my amazing, wonderful, thoughtful coworkers bought me a whole set of Kollage circular needles. I was so surprised and happy, I had to choke back some tears. These needles were a wonderful gift that I would gladly have bought for myself. I highly recommend them because I think you'll enjoy them, too!

Meet the Yarn: Nebula

Hi! Me again.  This time I'm jumping on here to talk about Nebula.  I love talking about yarn in terms of fiber, twist & ply, and what type of project is suitable in each yarn.  That is how I look at every yarn that passes through my studio and fingers.  There is the visual aspect, which is what makes you reach out to grab, touch, feel, consume, a yarn.  The visual is a result of the intrinsic loveliness of the fibers, and sometimes it is the result of the color, sometimes it is the result of the twist and ply, and sometimes, it is the result of some other specialness.

Let us talk specialness of fiber. The specialness in this case is stellina, a flat, shiny, metallic looking nylon filament fiber. Stellina is clear or nearly clear, and very flat.  As it twists and turns, the light shines off it, adding a subtle sparkle. Think paper flat and thinner than you can imagine, but soft.  This filament adds a visual element to the yarn, while also adding some of the properties of nylon.  Nebula is 84% super wash merino, 3-ply.  Each ply appears to have a filament of stellina spun in, but the filament is cut into long staple lengths to work with the merino.  Stellina brings specialness.

Nylon (polyamide) has properties that can add to the overall yarn:  

• exceptional strength, 
• elastic, 
• abrasion resistant, 
• lustrous, 
• resistant to damage from oils and chemicals, 
• resilient, 
• low moisture absorbency.  

Before we get off the specialness aspect of this yarn, let’s take a look at what Nebulas are.  In one description I found they are called the nursery of the Universe.  A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas. Giant, as in light years across, nebulae are fuzzy in appearance—like a fluffy bit of wool in the sky, surrounded by sparkly sky things (planets and stars).  

Crab Nebula

Hubble Mosaic

NGC 248

Spitzer Nebula

Anzula's Nebula is made of super wash merino and stellina and is colorful and a bit shiny.  But shiny in a subtle and elegant way. Get an idea of all the yarn loveliness by looking at a universe of colors!  

Nylon is so perfect for a sock yarn.  I am not a sock knitter, so I have to find other ways to enjoy sock yarns.  Shawls, tops, scarves, and wraps are all perfect projects for sock yarn—especially sock yarn with a sparkle!  So think outside your sock box and explore what else you can do with sock yarn.  Go to Ravelry and see the nearly 1100 projects done in Nebula if you need ideas!

I have done my usual observational swatch.  I used US size 3(3.25mm) Addi lace needles.  You could knit it on a smaller needle, but I don’t want this to be like a sock.  I think you could go up to a US size 6(4mm) or 7(4.5mm) needle for lace.  Always check your gauge.  I am a loose knitter, so you may need to go up a size or two to get the same result.

I currently have two projects I’m doing samples of in this yarn.  One is Ashland, which can be knit as either a small collar or a larger shawlette.  I love to knit this pattern, but these samples were knit by a knitter with a slightly firmer touch on the collar, and looser with more stitches it is a little lighter, in the larger piece.  I love the colors together [Hyacinth and Avocado], and I am not sure I will ever wear them except layered that way.  Finding the right buttons could be a challenge! 

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The other project is in process and I don’t have photos of the sample yet.  It is a lace sleeveless top called Silver Valley.  I do have swatches, at two different gauges.  Both fabrics are lovely, but I wanted a particular fabric.  This stitch pattern is a 12-stich pattern using decreases and eyelets called Razor stitch.  The pattern also uses a 6-stitch Razor for the yoke.  I think it showcases the yarn perfectly.  This color is sweet, but i chose a bolder color, Riot, for the sample.  Too much sweet doesn’t appeal to me.

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Nebula in Riot and Avocado

Have you seen My Swatch Challenge? You can join any time, but there is still time to get in at the beginning.  Each month I post a blog on my website to coincide with this post, that gives you instructions for a stitch pattern that I’ve used to do my swatch. These are related to patterns in my pattern collection.  The Swatch Challenge post discusses Belon in Milky Way (swatch drawing on August 15), and contains the stitch pattern for the Oyster Shell .  The next Swatch Challenge post is for Latin Quarter in Breeze (swatch drawing on September 15), and has the stitch pattern Tilting Ladder.  Next up is be the post for Silver Valley in Nebula (swatch drawing on October 15), with the stitch pattern the 12-stitch Razor.  All these posts have a link to Action Charts.

Book Review: Classic Knit Shawls

Shawls have been in vogue for a number of years now - and what's not to like about them? They're warm, can be worn as kerchiefs or scarves, and can be very quick knits. One of the things I absolutely love about them is the math involved (I know, math nerd over here!).

Photo by Joe Hancock

Interweave has done it again with their book, Classic Knit Shawls. They brought together 20 beautiful, interesting and very different shawls into one wonderful book. Make sure to make it to the end of the post, there's a giveaway at the end! Here are just 5 of our favorite patterns from its pages:

Photo by Joe Hancock

Ennid Laceweight Shawl by Lucinda Guy

I adore the simplicity of this shawl. A garter-stitch triangular shawl, it features a bobble knitted edging that makes this shawl stand out.

Recommended yarns: Breeze, Meridian, Wash My Lace

Photo by Joe Hancock

Diospyros Shawl by Andrea Jurgrau

The leaf motif on this shawl is intriguing and stunning, while the nupps and beading lend both texture and sparkle. Knit top down using short rows, this lovely shawl will not disappoint.

Recommended yarns: Squishy, Luster, Lunaris, Nebula, Haiku

Photo by Joe Hancock

Galax Shawl by Carol Feller

This curvy shawl has a beautiful edging with a zig-zag patterned body. Short rows help to add the body after the edging.

Recommended yarns: For Better or Worsted, It Could Be Worsted

Photo by Joe Hancock

Impasto Shawlette by Susanna IC

Who doesn't love colorwork? This fitted shawl is worked with slip-stitches and reminds me of waves at the beach. You could make your waves any color you like!

Recommended yarn: Cricket

Photo by Joe Hancock

Trillium Shawl by Manda Shah

This gorgeous lace half-circle shawl is knit top down, while the edging is worked perpendicular to the rest of the piece. The lacework is to die for!

Recommended yarn: Squishy, Luster, Lunaris, Nebula, Haiku 

Be sure to get your own copy this book to check out more fantastic shawls! Stop by your LYS to see if they have it in stock or order online here.

Interweave is so generous and has offered a copy to one of our wonderful readers! Tell us your favorite pattern from the book and which Anzula yarn you would use in the comments below. We will choose a random winner on August 10th!

Update: Congratulations to reader Flossie! We'll send your copy of Classic Knit Shawls as soon as we hear back from you with your details. Check your email for a message from us!