This is a small sampling of my collection of wooden and bamboo knitting needles.
I love knitting with bamboo and wooden needles. They simply feel good in my hands and I enjoy their organic texture, warmth, and smoothness particularly when I'm using natural fibers and yarns.
Wooden and bamboo needles have their pros and their cons. In the "pro" list they are wonderful for those who suffer from arthritis and hand-cramping because they're naturally warmer than metal needles and hold the warmth from your hands longer.
They also tend to conform to the user's hand because of their light flexibility. Bamboo and wood truly become yours as they slightly flex with use to your own hands and fingers.
Square and round wooden needles may be found in yarn shops and fabric stores that also sell knitting supplies. They're easily found on-line in greater variety, as well.
Vintage wooden needles may sometimes be found in antique stores and at flea markets. Rosewood is a luxurious traditional and modern favorite. Many are made of hardwoods.
Square wooden needles with their four-sided shafts are reputed to produce more consistent stitches. They're also good for arthritis suffers as they're less slippery, reducing the need to grip them as tightly...and as with bamboo, slightly conform to your hand and grip.
In the "con" column is that bamboo and wooden needles are generally more expensive. And, they're not as consistently sized as metal needles. Also they may break when yarn tension is tight or hasn't any flex to it.
Wooden and bamboo needles are best with man-made, natural, and organic fibers that have some give, or a bit of stretch. Knitting with fibers that aren't flexible, especially with narrow, smaller-sized needles may cause them to break...not a problem with metal needles.
The tips of both bamboo and wooden needles are prone to dulling and damage if not protected. The best way to store them is in a protective sleeve (save and use the one they came in) where tips will be protected from abrasion and dulling by bumping into to harder objects.
Wooden and bamboo needles require additional care, as well. While they will pick up some natural oils from your hands or from knitting with organic wool, they should be moisturized at least once a year, especially if not used regularly. They're more susceptible to breakage if allowed to dry out due to either irregular use or long periods of disuse.
To clean and moisturize my needles, I use a homemade lavender-scented wax/balm.
It's not necessary - usually - to wash knitting needles. However, they should never be soaked or subjected to harsh scrubbers or chemical cleaners. All that's normally required is a gentle application of wax and buffing the excess away with a clean cotton cloth before storing them. Do this once a year, at least. Twice a year is recommended, although I claim to do it only once a year myself.
I wax mine in late Spring or early Summer as I tend to knit less frequently during hot weather. This way they're ready for when I pick them up for Fall and Winter projects.
I've heard that needles may be rubbed with waxed paper or beeswax, as well. My preferred method is the recipe that follows:
Knitting Needle Wax:
3 TBS olive oil
2 TBS melted beeswax pellets (or grated beeswax)
10 - 15 drops lavender essential oil (cedar or rosemary essential oils are nice, too.)
In a small pan gently heat the olive oil. Add the beeswax and stir with a bamboo skewer until melted. Allow the mixture to cool until it just begins to turn opaque. Stir in the lavender essential oil completely and pour into a lidded tin. Allow to cool and harden. Add a label (this needle wax makes a nice stocking stuffer for your knitting friends). Tins may be purchased online, where essential oils are sold - often at health food stores - or may be recycled and cleaned for use from other products you may have on hand.
For an anti-bacterial wax, substitute the lavender oil for tea tree oil.
You may also use rose oil, lemon, or any other essential oil or a combination of oils that you like to add a pleasant scent.
Herbal and floral essential oils, or your own herb-infused oilds- with healing properties may be substituted to make a lip balm for chapped lips using this same recipe. The balm may soften or liquefy on hot days or if carried in a pocket.
This same recipe may be used as a healing salve for scrapes and scratches, rashes, or mild irritations, as well. Simply add 1 TBS fresh or dried calendula petals as you heat the olive oil. This makes an infused oil. Allow the petals to steep in the cooling oil for at least four hours - longer is fine, even up to a couple of weeks - then strain out the petals discarding them. You can substitute plantain leaf, comfrey leaf, chickweed, or chamomile flowers, or lavender buds to infuse the oil, all of which will add their healing and soothing properties to the salve.
If you don't have beeswax you may use melted coconut oil in a one part olive oil to one part coconut oil mixture, then add your selected essential oil/s. This olive oil and coconut oil combination may also be used as a gentle, underarm deodorant. Go light on adding essential oils as some may be irritating to sensitive skin areas. Lavender and chamomile essential oils are generally safe choices. Don't use eucalyptus oil as it is irritating in any quantity, (but great for use in homemade cleaning products for toilets and basins).
P.S. Knitting is good for you! It's not only relaxing, it can decrease heart rate and blood pressure, and is therapeutic for mental and emotional issues. Knitting reduces stress. It's also fun and you'll end up with something great to wear or to give away.
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