Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Knit Picks Harmony Straight Needles

I was lucky to be asked, if I wanted to give the new Knit Picks Harmony straight needles a try. Of course I did! Those needles are not just beautiful, but good to work with too. They make me happy just looking at them. Needles can be boring, or they can be fun like these colorful ones. I do realize it's just tools, but the better the tools, the better the work will be.
I was surprised how sharp the tips are, but not painfully so. I do have a pair of rosewood needles, but I always felt, yarn never glides well on them, especially with cotton. So I tested these Harmony needles with mercerized cotton, and they work fine. The yarn slips quite easily along.
Even my son was impressed on how they looked. He's so used to seeing all kinds of knitting material all over the place, that it must stand out for him to remark on any of it.
Now, don't feel left out. Angela, of Knit Picks, also asked me, if I would like to get some needles for giveaway. I was in a good and generous mood, so I said, yes, of course! That's why three lucky people are now getting a new pair of Knit Picks Harmony straight needles from me. All you have to do is leave a comment, letting me know which size you would prefer, if you are a winner. I have two pairs of US 6 (4mm) and one pair of US 8 (5mm) to give away. To be considered, you can leave a comment until Monday moring, when I'll announce the winners some time on Monday, September 22nd.
Now, I'd like to thank you all for your lovely comments on my Three Sisters Scarves. And also thanks for all your tips, and empathy for Sam, it's greatly appreciated.
I'm going to respond here, not individually this time. Some of you might already know those things about Sam. He's had knee surgery three times, surgery on both his elbows, he was neutered, which usually is no big deal, but with him it was. One of his testicles did not drop, so they had to cut him open and look for it, so he would not get cancer later on. Once he almost severed one of his toes, while playing, which resulted in a deformed nail (after surgery). He was born with weird front legs, they were never straight, but he always stood like a ballet dancer. It was clear from the beginning, that his front legs would give him trouble down the road, which is now, I guess.
As a puppy he fell into the pool twice, and now is deathly afraid of water. He wont even step into a puddle after the rain, if he can help it. The only way he likes water is to drink from a bowl, or when it's really, really hot, he bites the water coming out of the hose. So swimming is out of the question for him. We tried to get him into the pool, but it's just cruel, the way he acts when in it. So therapy with water is not likely going to happen.
And he's about 96lbs, he's a big dog. You just can't lug him around under your arms, like a toy dog. If he can't get in and out of the house on his own, we are in big trouble. If the problems where in his hind legs, we could see about some kind of wheels for him, but it's the front leg(s) right now.
I don't think surgery, like Biko had on her back, would help his elbows, if at all possible. I'm thinking we just have to find the right pain killer, to make him comfortable, paired with glucosamine supplements, green lipped mussel extract and what else I can find. In any case, the medication he's getting now, is not doing much for him.
Tomorrow he'll get his 4th injection for his joints, and we'll see how his anal gland is doing. He doesn't seem to be bothered much by it right now, which is good.
O.K. enough of that. I wish you all good luck! I'm going to finish my mosaic swatch now.


81 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hallo Monika,

sonst eher stille Leserin und Bewunderin deiner Arbeiten, kann ich mich jetzt nicht bremsen einen Versuch zu wagen, die Nadeln zu ergattern....*gg*.

Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland
Sabine

momsue84 said...

Thanks for the giveaway, Monika. I'd love a pair of US6. I, too, love the Harmony Straights. As always, Milo and I are thinking of Sam.

Angelika said...

Me, me, me. I missed out on the test run on those needles. They were all given away already. Of course, who wouldn't want to own a pair of these beauties. Even as a test knitter for KP I'd have to buy them for myself.

tigergirl said...

That's so beautiful

Rooie said...

Oooh, I'd love to throw my hat in the ring, too. I treated myself to some of those needles in size 2 circulars, but in that size you really don't get to see the pretty.

And 6's or 8's...either one is fine, though I guess I'd prefer the 6's just because I have so many 8's.

Best wishes to/for Sam...our first cat had arthritis so badly but at least I could easily lift him and carry him.

lexa said...

I use 4mm needles a lot, so that's the size I'd chose.

Poor Sam! I didn't realize he's been through so much. I hope you find the right combination of medications quickly to help ease his pain.

Jewel isn't all that crazy over water. She'll swim, but it takes me awhile to get her in far enough to swim. She doesn't like it when she can't feel the earth under her feet, I guess. Once she gets going she's okay, but she won't stay in too long. Next summer we're trying to get into a different campground that has a lake. I'm hoping to get her into swimming more.

Anonymous said...

What beautiful needles. I hope to win and either size would be fine. Thanks for the opportunity!

Cecie said...

meine liebe, das mit den perlen ist so banal, dass ich schon die nächsten perligen projekte plane. im wog sind auch nur ein paar wenige perlen, aber der effekt ist unglaublich! ran da!

picperfic said...

oh poor Sam...sounds like it's tough on all of you....

I'd like some 5mm needles to try please...! Well if I'm lucky enough that is xx

Anonymous said...

Oh man, I feel for the poor dog, and I can just imagine how you feel. I really hope you find a course of treatment for him that gives him (and you!) some relief.

I have been comtemplating those very needles so, should you draw my entry, size 6 please.

And thank you very much for the lovely scarf patterns - they will be a delight to work up someday when I'm a little more comfortable working lace :)

Anonymous said...

Hallo Monika,
hier ist noch eine stille Leserin ;-)
Auch ich bin von den Harmony Woods begeistert, habe Rundnadeln und div. Nadelspiele. Nur die "großen" fehlen mir noch :o)
Liebe Grüße aus Niederbayern,
Ute

Anonymous said...

I purchased my set of harmony needles 2 weeks ago and they are not only pretty, but they are smoother than any of my (overused and overloved) needles.

It was a very worthwhile investment. Enjoy your new needles!

By the way, how old is Sam?

Marissa said...

Oh that poor dog! He sounds like a trooper, though, with all he has going on.
I, too, absolutely love the look of those needles, and wondered about the smoothness. I have a really really old pair of brittany birch that are sort of...sticky. Those sure are purdy, and if I had a choice for myself, It would be the size 6's!

Dreams of Yarn said...

So sorry about Sam's health difficulties :( You have been so diligent with taking care of him, and trying to find therapy options for him.

I'll toss my name in for a chance at the size 8!

Anonymous said...

I would love to win the size 6's to try on my Shetland Triangle shawl. Maybe they would help me get going and finish the darn thing so I can wear it!

Love your blog - you are a remarkable spinner!

Anonymous said...

Hallo Monika,
auch ich bin begeistert von den Harmony Woods. Habe Rundnadeln und div. Nadelspiele. Nur die "großen" fehlen noch ... ;-)

Liebe Grüße aus Niederbayern,
Ute

Anonymous said...

Whatever size you have is fine. I love the circular Harmony needles. They are wonderfulF
-Catherine

Anonymous said...

I love the Harmony circulars. I've not tried the straights yet but a size 6 would be great!

Brendaknits said...

Pass me the #4s please. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Empathy abounds for your family and Sam.
I'd love to check out the new needles. US6s would be lovely.
Jo-Anne A.

DAWN said...

I like the size 6. I have coveted those needles for a long time and have yet to purchase any of my own. Maybe I will get luck;)

mali said...

Oh, yes please! I'm all about the size 6's, although I'm sure I'd find a use for the 8's :=) I've been dying to try these.

Anonymous said...

I've been dying to try these out - I'd love the 8's!

Also, thanks for the update on Sam - and bless you for taking such good care of him. I have a big, older dog (110 lbs and eight years old) that I'm anticipating arthritis trouble with. We already are giving him glucosamine supplements, trying to head off what I fear is inevitable. I'll keep Sam in my thoughts!

Rachel

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

It's just not fair that Sam should have all these struggeles. I hope that somehow the right combination of therapy/meds will give him relief.

The needles are lovely - if I could choose it would be size 6.

Anonymous said...

Knit Picks Harmony needles are awesome! I have the sock set and a few circulars (for sock knitting) but I would love the US 8 straights!

I hope that Sam can find some relief soon.

taelixev said...

Hi, I'd love to try out the harmony straights. I most likely would find more use for the US 8, but any size would work when they're the harmony needles. So fun to look at.

Sharon said...

I would be happy with either size...I've been eyeing them since they came out...

best wishes for Sam. It is never easy when our pets have difficulties....it sure sounds like you are doing everything you can for Sam.

Sharon

Viktoria said...

Wow! I would love to try out the 4mm needles. They do look very lovely....

Anonymous said...

Give Sam hugs for me, and love him love him! I had to put my elder dog down (15yrs) hip displacia. It hurts............

The needles are beautiful size 6 would be great! Kim D.

Craftyfox said...

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.I love my KP harmony cables. I'd like to try a US 6. I wonder why they don't do smaller straight sizes? I'll just go and ask them!

Found your blog looking for mini socks, this year my Christmas tree will be decorated with them and just kept on reading.

CelticCastOn said...

Sam's had a rough ole go of it! Poor thing!
Lucky you getting to try out the needles, they are so cool just to look at. I'd love to try out the 6's, think i'd get more use out of them.

Anonymous said...

I'd love a pair of the size 6 needles. I am a recent reader of your blog and have LOVED the beautiful scarves you create.

Cloudberry said...

How fun with a giveaway :)
I'd love the 4mm if I win ;)

Anonymous said...

I've been wondering how those needles are to work with. Thanks for your review! If I happen to win a pair, I'd like the US 8s, since my daughter currently has mine.

Sending my hugs to Sam, and to his wonderful family.

Kelley said...

I've been oogling the Harmony needles since they came out, they are just so pretty. And while I admit I don't often use straights they would be perfect for some projects. I think I'd get the most use out of the US8...thanks for the chance to win!

Anonymous said...

I would also like to be in the pot and any size would do, if I got lucky :-)

lookinout said...

I'd love a pair of the needles. 4mm would be great. What is the future of the mosaic square. I like the colours.
Gillian

Eliza said...

Oh, me! I want to play! I would honestly really love either size, as I knit with 6s, 7s, and 8s more than anything and can always use another pair :) I have the Harmony interchangables, but I am looking forward to trying the straights some time soon.

Good luck with Sam. I've been reading and lurking for a while, and I really feel for you guys with that.

Rhonda said...

Count me in. I love the Harmonys. I have them in dpns, but not in straights. 4mm would be lovely but 5mm are ok too.

Anonymous said...

Poor pup! :(

But those needles are absolutely gorgeous! How nice to have beautiful, useful things! I would love size 8.

Megan said...

Hi Monika,

I found your blog a little while ago and was totally smitten by your spinning. It had made me want to spin everything in my stash! I'd love to try a pair of those Harmony needles! I've been drooling over them since they were released. I love the harmony options I have...

I hope that Sam may find relief.
Megan

SNOWBIRD said...

Please throw my name in the hat for the size 8 or 6 needles.
OH POOR SAM! It hurts me to know that an animal is in pain. I know you are trying to keep him comfortable. If I hear of any good treatments, I will be sure and drop you a note. HUGS AND PATS FOR SAM!

Bonni said...

I have never seen such cool looking needles! I have GOT to find a LYS...in some other town!

I'd love the 8s as I am more drawn to the instant gratification something that knits up quickly. I'm still such a newbie knitter, though I probably don't really know what I like yet.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Sam. Be well. Poor puppy. Hopefully the meds will work!

That mosaic swatch is really pretty! The needles sound great, they never seem to be pointy enough but don't put me in the contest, I don't use straight needles much.

sharon said...

Hi Monika - oh please please I would love to t the Harmony needles. I am partial to the 5.0 mm, but would take either.
by the way - I need to remember to send you a link to my completed grasshopper scarf with matchin head wrap. I loved the pattern.

Anonymous said...

Hi Monika,

Those needles are just gorgeous. I'd be thrilled if I were to win either size! Hugs to Sam

Anonymous said...

Uh Awesome!!! I would love a pair of the 6 or the 7us I love the straights as well as the interchangables!!!

Shermanim said...

Those are lovely needles. I've always wanted to try them but never had a chance. They don't sell them here and they don't send to Israel as far as I know. If I were to win I would love the 4mm, but either would be a blessing.

susannasplace said...

Ich mach jetzt keinen Versuch die Nadeln zu ergattern :). Ich stelle nur gerade fest, dass ich mich bei den Knitpicks Nadeln wahrscheinlich wieder an starre Nadeln gewöhnen könnte. Denn die sind - in jeglicher Form - wirklich klasse. Ich hab das Circular Set und die Double Pointed in 3 Grössen und bin hin und weg.

LG und einen extra Streichler für die Hunde
Susi

Rikke said...

They are so beautiful! I would looove a pair of 4mm, but 5 mm would be great as well.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to have the US6 for knitting dishcloths.

While that is awful to hear about Sam it does sound like you are doing everything you can for him. You obviously care for him well and love him a lot.

Heddy said...

hi ... Lexa sent me your way - I love the Harmony needles, so pretty!

If I won, I'd love either size, but if I have to pick one, I guess the 5 mm. But I really would find a use for either.

Thanks for doing this cool contest!

Unknown said...

I prefer 4mm. I feel sorry for Sam, but I'm happy he has you to care for him. Thanks for blogging--

sweetpea said...

I'd like to have the US6. I hope your dog feels better.

Anonymous said...

Those are really nice looking needles. I would love to try them.

Susie Hewer said...

What beautiful needles and I love your swatch. I would be very pleased to win either size. Thank you for the giveaway.

Mary said...

The needles are gorgeous, and I'd love another set of size 8s :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Monika,
Thank you for your generosity. If I win I would love the US8. I came accross your site by accident. I knit mainly scarf to donate and for winter gifts. I just love all your wonderful colored yarns and patterns.
Thanks again, Norma
pinkdragonflyladies@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Poor puppy - they can break our hearts with just a look.

I would love a set of needles and would let you pick - 6 or 8 would be great!

Sandy in NJ
Pecsan114@optonline.net

She Knits Socks said...

Poor Sam. It's hard when your pet is suffering. I hope you find something to help him feel better.

If I'm chosen I'd like size 6. I haven't tried any of the Knit Picks straights, although I do have some of the nickel plated circs. Thanks for the give-away.

Ann said...

Thanks for the review of the Harmony needles. I have been thinking of getting them too as I love my Harmony dpns & interchangeables.

Anonymous said...

Who wouldn't want a beautiful pair of knitting needles. US 6 would be perfect!! New to your site and I am having a wonderful time reading past blogs. Your designs are just gorgeous! Thanks for all the beautiful work and sharing of your talent. pat

Tracy Sadtler said...

I love the Harmonies, also. I would choose a size 6 if I am a winner! thanks for the contest - and a great blog!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Please enter me in your contest... I've always wanted to try those needles and I'm not picky on size!
Thank you

Anonymous said...

Hi Monika,

Just testing this so I dont have to sign as anonymous any more. Hugs to you, Biko and Sam!

Knatolee said...

I was thrilled to see Harmony straights in the latest Knitpicks. I'd been frustrated that they were only available in rounds and double-points. I hate knitting in the round, and I already have a full complement of dp needles. Time to leave out hints about what I'd like for Christmas this year!!

And I'd love a pair of 5mm needles. :)

Thinking good thoughts for your lovely Sam.

shannon said...

6 is my favorite number. :)

never used harmonys...they are the coolest looking needles, though!!

give the pups a snuggle.

(oh and feeling much better...in-laws left yesterday [not that that is the reason i am feeling better, but it kind of helps to have my house back])

Dandy said...

what a great give a way... I haven't tried the harmony straights yet.. I do have the options and love them!!
if you pick my name I'd like the 5mm please

TracyKM said...

I'd love either size of needles! I have been trying since early summer to just get a KnitPicks CATALOG! They say they mailed (another) one Aug 26, but haven't seen it either. I'm usually so blah about needles---can I get it local and is it the right size and price are my concerns. But sometimes it would be really nice to liven up the tools a bit more than the Boye coloured needles!

hakucho said...

I love that mosaic square. I am always amazed at your projects and now I'm wondering what you are up to. The square reminds me of your mosaic blanket,which was so awesome! Those certainly are handsome needles and very unusual looking. You were so lucky to get to try them out :)

Poor Sam. Sure hope things improve for him soon :)

happy knitting :)

ikkinlala said...

I'd love to try the 4mm needles.

Rhonda said...

Hi Monika
Thanks for the give away chance - I will give them to my god daughter who is learning how to knit. Mostly just wanted to say I really like your mosaic swatch - will you make anything out of it?
Cheers Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Ooh! Those are pretty needles!
Thanks for your blog and wishing
Sam painfree moments. Poor guy!

Anonymous said...

Needles are so beautiful. I have been procrastinating starting a sweater project thinking I might not be up for it but with a set of needles I would certainly not hesitate to start jsut so I could enjoy them. Size 6 or 8 would work for me ! Thanks for the opportunity !

Anonymous said...

Love to try the size 8!

Anonymous said...

I've been drooling over the harmony needles and would love to win some!! Great blog. Take care. Pam pam@realwomenquilt.com

Tonni said...

Wow! Free needles? Who can resist?! I'd love a pair of size 6.

Penny said...

I'd love to try the new Harmony straights too! I'm not picky on the size :)

Knitted Zebra said...

Poor Sam!! He is in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs from my Samson, Sweetie and Sasha!

Keep us posted on Sam.

The Harmony needles look beautiful! My first choice would be size 8, but I would also be happy with size 6.

Anonymous said...

wow, a little giveaway and look what happens! All those comments!!

I have told you before but I say it again: I feel for Sam. I keep hoping on you all finding the right medicine for him.

The needles look so pretty. We can buy them here in The Netherlands and I only hear good stories from the people who have them. I haven't bought them yet but maybe I will someday.

Of course I would like to get a pair of needles from you! Either size is fine for me.

kerri said...

I was jumping up and down when I saw that Harmony Straights had finally come out, I love the dpns so much for socks and hats. I'd love to try the size 6.