Monica Knits

Gold CollarThis gold, crochet collar takes a plain turtleneck sweater from day to evening (shown with dark brown sweater), although it was created to embellish a dark velvet evening gown, having a jewel neckline. The design is versatile; the stitch pattern allows for variation in length and width. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

The needles I select, depend on the type of garment or project I am working on. See also: "Knitting with Circular Needles" and "Knitting Needle Size Cross-Reference Chart."

Socks. When Knitting socks I usually use 2 different needle sizes, although sometimes I also use a straight needle for casting on. For fingering weight yarn I use the following needles:
2-3/4 mm straight (1) needle for casting on (optional)
2.5 mm circular needles (2 pair 24" long) for sock body & instep
2.25 or 2.5 mm DPNs for cuff ribbing (4 needles)

Knitting socks with 4 double pointed needles was neither fast enough for me, nor conveniently portable. During transport in my project bag, stitches would slip off the metal needles I use. When a dog, sitting on my lap, nudged my knitting (aka neck scratching) hand, a needle occasionally slipped along with one or more stitches. Some new tools and techniques solved this problem. Read on.