This post is a continuation of last week's - 6 Essential Knitting & Crochet Tools. Read on to discover more essential tools that will make your next project a breeze! Ok, I can't promise you that, but I can promise that all of these items help a lot and are not just frivolous gadgets you'll never use. Without further ado, read on to discover some new-to-you must haves and click on the links and pictures to support some small businesses too!
Embroidery Needles: These needles are a must! They come in rage of sizes and are necessary for weaving in ends, among other things. You can find them made of plastic or metal, straight or curved. I usually use the straight metal variety, but the curved needles are great for guiding into awkward areas. You can find them on Amazon and Michael's, but you can certainly find them at your local yarn store (LYS) too!
Cable Hooks: If cables are your thing, then you know how useful these are. Cable needles are also very handy to hold a fallen stitch when you're on the go! You can find these on Amazon or Michael's, but I'm always an advocate for supporting small businesses, so check your LYS!
Stitch Holders: Stitch holders come in several sizes and are used to secure stitches that aren't ready to be worked. These aren't essential per say, but I much prefer using them to hold stitches in transit than a scrap piece of yarn. Again, these holders are available on Amazon and Michaels but, same as above, check your LYS first.
Blocking Pins and Sock Blockers: I could do a whole post on just blocking...actually I just might soon! Blocking is an essential process if you want showcase your garment at its best because it makes the yarn bloom (plump up) and the stitches smooth out to create a more uniform appearance. When shopping for these items, try checking your LYS, but you can also find some beautiful artisanal sock blockers on line, like this one by 4Moustiques from Saint-Césaire, Quebec, Canada.
Needle Stoppers: I used to think needle stoppers were a little frivolous...but it turns out I just didn't know any better. These accessories aren't just cute, they are essential to making sure all your stitches stay on the needles so you don't come back to a mess of dropped stitches. You can find stoppers all over the place, but I personally love these whimsical characters by Fox and Pine Stitches that I found at Wool Tyme online.
Notion Tin: Ok, so maybe this one isn't essential but it has become for me. These metal notion tins by Firefly Notes that I discovered at my local yarn store (LYS) Wabi-Sabi are just so cute and über functional. These slider tins are hand crafted in small batches in BC with a deluxe non toxic hand-poured resin, and because it comes with a magnet you can stick at the bottom of the tin, all your metal notions stay in place so you can easily find what you're looking for. I use mine all the time and I highly recommend!
Project Bag: Project bags are fun because, not only are they functional, they are a great way to show your individuality. Personally, I love the bags by Dolphina Collective and I bring mine where ever I go. These high quality hand made bags are designed by shop owner and sewist Sophie Deschamps in Kingston, Ontario, and come in a wide variety of sizes and patterns. Check her out @dolphincacollective on Instagram, you're guaranteed to find something that inspires you!
Bonus:
Ball Winder and Yarn Swift: These last two items are just a must if you're an avid indie yarn collector and user. Do yourself a favour, don't attempt to wind your skeins by hand. Get a ball winder and Yarn Swift and save yourself the headache! I have a manual one but if you're winding yarn like it's your day job, you can also find some mechanical ones like The Caker by Romarin, a tool manufacturing company for yarn professionals and enthusiasts based in Montreal.
So, what's your favourite fibre gadget?! Comment below!
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