Another pair of stirrup socks

2nd pair of stirrup socks

A friend saw the original gray pair of stirrup socks and remarked how nice they were. And so I am now making another pair of stirrup socks for her. When I have completed this I will be knitting a vest for another friend. Recently I find that I am knitting things for people I know, though I have been not been disinclined to knit things as gifts as I find that a lot people do not seem to understand the amount of work and design that goes into making something. I especially will not make something for someone who is of the the opinion “just go and buy it”. I do not expect eternal gratitude or a thank you card, just as long as they use it and like it. Do you make things for friends and family or just for yourself?

As I have already completed a pair previously, this pair is taking a very long time to complete. Once I complete the first piece of the project, the knitting slows down because it has all become routine! I have the gauge and pattern figured out, the excitement is gone and it become something I have to complete. I usually complete most of my projects, but it may take some time because I am no longer furiously inspired and want to see what happens next. This I call the Leonardo Da Vinci Syndrome. You know, once I have the project figured out in my head or on paper, the project is done, but still incomplete and I want to move on to something new. An incomplete project is just an incomplete project and cannot be used. So I try my hardest to complete projects. To inspire myself to finish my projects sooner, I browse through knitting magazines that I have – it does help! I tell myself if I want to start a new project I have to complete the ones I already started.

This project will take another 2 weeks to complete. In all it will have taken about 4 months to make. I admit it would have finished sooner if it was a more complicated pattern or if I was more inspired. It doesn’t bother me how long it takes as long as it is completed at some point in time. As it is a gift, I feel guilty that it has taken so long to knit.

This pair of socks is made with sock yarn from Spoglight Singapore. The yarn is 100% wool. The project is small and very portable. For larger projects like tops and cardigans, I just take the piece that I am knitting with me when I am out and about. I notice most people fiddling with their smartphones, I like to whip out my knitting do a few rows. I suppose its not feasible to knit on the train during peak hours as one is not able to get a seat. I can’t imagine knitting while trying to keep your balance and holding on to the handrail on a very crowded train!

The stripes are really cute on this pair of socks. Read on to find out how to get the stripes to be the same on both socks.

How to align the stripes
To ensure that the stripes on both pairs of socks are the same, you have to start both socks at the same colored section of the yarn. To do this, divide the yarn into 2 equal balls of yarn. Line up the yarn from the 2 balls together matching the coloured sections. Then cut off the extra yarn from the strand of yarn that is longer. This way both balls start at the exact same section. The stripes on your socks will more or less line up. It is far easier to do it this way, instead of knitting one sock and figure out later on how to get the stripes to align on the second pair, because you might have to cast on and do the rib section a few times to get right.

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Knitting and crochet items from Daiso

Knitting and crochet items from Daiso

I am sure like me, you have spent many hours wondering along the aisles at Daiso, marveling at the many wonderful things that can be had for only S$2.00. And then taking them home and forgetting all about them. I now try to control myself, I only buy items that I need immediately, but it is oh so tempting to fill the basket with loads of things as they all only S$2.00 each.

Here are some wondrous items for knitting and crochet from Daiso that won’t break the bank or leave you feeling guilty.

  • Knitting needles
  • Crochet hooks
  • Accessories
  • Yarn
  • Books
  • Accessory bags
  • Bags
  • Mesh bags

Knitting needles
There is quite a good selection of knitting needles at Daiso. Both bamboo and hollow plastic ones. So if you are looking for cheap in expensive spare set, so that you can experiment with, consider the hollow plasitc ones, they are inexpensive and light, not the best, but very serviceable.

Single and double pointed knitted bamboo needles
The bamboo knitting needles are of acceptable quality for $2.00. They are quite smooth, but of course not silky smooth like the expensive ones that are coated with laminate. This time round there was only a small selection, 3 different sizes and some very long double pointed knitting ones. These are in Japanese sizes, in my opinion not so convenient, but for S$2.00, I am not going to complain and just use the sizing chart.

Single pointed & double pointed bamboo knitting needles

Straight hollow single pointed knitting needles
The hollow plastic ones in candy colours are great. Top marks for the hollow plastic knitting needles larger than 4.5mm. They are smooth, light and knit quite well. The point of these needles could be slightly more convex (slimmer) with a sharper tip which would make them easier to knit with (yes you get these nice tips with the newer top of the line knitting needles), but these will do quite nicely. I like very much that they are very light, recommended for extra large sizes. These are available in metric sizes – which I find the most convenient.

Hollow single pointed plastic knitting needles

Circular bamboo knitting needles
They also had a small selection of 40cm circular bamboo knitting needles, also in metric sizing. These look to be serviceable. I have not tried any of these Daiso circular knitting needles, I will not be commenting on the joint or feel of these knitting needles.

Crochet hooks
There are 2 ranges of crochet hooks available at Daiso, a gold range and a multicolour range. The gold range in Japanese sizing and the multicoloured ones are metric. I’ve not used any of these myself, but if you’re a knitter, but looking for a crochet hook to make corrections, adjustments and sewing up, then these would be good value at $2.00. At this price it is also good as to try these out if you beginning to crochet, without having a huge out lay in crochet hooks, it gives you a bunch of sizes to experiment with. However you might want to consider crochet hooks with larger more comfortable plastic handles for serious crocheting.

Crochet hooks from Daiso

Accesories
The selection accessories was rather small this time. They had cable needles, stitch holders, and stitch marker rings. I think these are all super value for money and would definitely buy these at Daiso. I find it far better to purchase the inexpensive accessories as they tend to get lost very often. I however am not fond of this style of stitch holder as you will have to slide the stitches from the needle holder to a knitting needle before you can knit the stitches.

Knitting and crochet accessories

Yarn
There is a small selection of yarn which appear mostly of the acrylic variety, as they are quite in expensive. It is unlikely that you will get top notch virgin wool at this price. Great for practice and trying out swatches, making small projects and other things. Very good for novices or if you do not wish to splurge on yarn.

Selection of Yarn from Daiso

Books
I have seen books on knitting, crochet and other crafts at Daiso, but the day that I visited Daiso, they did not have them. The books are in full colour and in Japanese. As with most Japanese knitting books, the instructions are clearly depicted in diagrams, and are easy to follow even if you do not read Japanese. At $2.00, these are such a steal!

Accessories bags
They have a selection of cosmetic bags that will be suitable for storing accessories. They come in a wide range of colours and styles. I find it pointless to buy very nice and expensive accessories bags and bags for knitting. These from Daiso will do! I scrimp on these and spend on nice exquisite luxury yarn!

Bags
I buy these to put my projects in. They don’t need to be very strong, they just need to be the right size. Again very good value for money.

Mesh bags
These come in a large variety of sizes at Daiso and are highly recommended for washing knitted and crocheted items in washing machines. Please see Storage and care of hand knitted and crocheted items Part 2 for more information on mesh bags.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of things that are really good value for money at Daiso for knitters. Sometimes they run out of things very quickly and you need to buy it when you see it. Sometimes they restock their shelves, but it may take months before you see the same thing again. Also they do not always have the full range in stock, you might have to try your luck over several months or check the other stores to get what you want. Overall it is very good value for what you are paying.

Hope you have fun at Daiso!

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Storage and care of hand knitted and crocheted items Part 2

We continue with how to care for hand knitted and crocheted items. I have only had one sweater that I knitted destroyed in a washing machine many years ago. Since I have no wish to relive the experience again and hope that you too do not go through this, lets discuss how to wash and iron hand knitted and crocheted items.

When is it safe to machine wash an item?
When it specifically says on the yarn label that the yarn is machine washable. As a general rule, the sturdier wool fibres are machine washable, as are cotton fibres.

Front loading washing machines are equipped with many washing cycles. Select the one that is on the yarn label or gentle wash at 30 degrees celcius. Top loading machines usually have simpler cycles, and may not have wool cycle or temperature control, as these are designed for warm climates. Set the machine to gentle cycle.

Not all dyes are color fast. Wash colours separately setting the washing machine to for a small load.

A mesh bag is something you must have! Using one will prevent each piece from being entangled with other items and prevents them from being stretched in the washing machine. Mesh bags come in different sizes. Choose the appropriate one or you can place more than one item in the mesh bag if necessary.

What detergent to use for handwashing

  • Lux flakes
  • Woolite
  • Ecover delicate wash

All these will work well with delicate knit and silk items and are designed specifically for hand washing. They lather less and are designed to gentle.

How to hand wash items
Follow the instructions for the detergent. Immerse hand knitted items into the soapy water. Agitate it and the water gently. Wring and repeat a few times. Rinse with clean water 3 times. Try to wring it so that most of water out, so that it will dry faster, but without causing it to become out of shape. I find that sticking it in the washing machine with a mesh bag for a quick spin does the job really nicely.

Do not soak items.

How to lay them out to dry
It is best to lay items flat and away from direct sunlight. Place a towel on the table. Place the item on top of the towel, making sure that the item is laid out flat in the right shape. Doing this will negate the need for ironing. Leave it to dry naturally.

How to press your item
Once the item is dry, it is time to press the item. Though it is not necessary unless the item is out of shape. Set the iron to the wool setting. Then place a piece of clean cotton material over the it and only iron over it.

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The care and storage of hand knitted / crocheted items Part 1

After completing your project, storing and washing your item will help keep them in in good condition. The key to keeping hand knitted items especially the wool and special natural fibres (alpaca, cashmere, mohair etc) is knowing when and how to wash them. If you live in a hot climate, the natural inclination is to wash a garment after you have worn it once. Its hot and humid, and clothes need to be washed after they are worn. For knitted garments, this will wear them out. Read more to find out how to care for them.

Storage
The best way to store knitted sweaters that are out of season or not in use is to put them into ziplock bags or vacuum bags, preferably after they have been washed. This keeps them clean and ready to wear when you are want to use them. It also keeps silver fish, moths and other insects away from your items. This is especially crucial for wool and other natural fibers. For things that are in season or used very often like light cardigans, fold them up and storing in the wadrobe. Hanging them up on a hanger seems to stretch them, which in some cases is not reversible.

When to clean your knitted items?
The best answer to this is when they get soiled! Basically try not get it soiled so that it will not need to be cleaned. Garments made from natural fibres tend to quite resilient can be worn many times before they need to be washed. No they will not smell if they are made with natural fibres. If they do smell of cigarette smoke or food, simply air them after they have been worn, ie place it on a chair and leave to sit in a smoke free clean place away from direct sunlight. Too much washing wears out the fibres. Rotate your pieces and wash them once sometime in April when you no longer need them and store them for the year.

Yarn labels
Make sure you keep one of the yarn labels in a safe place. These very very important information on how to wash and dry your items. Generally, the type of fibre and how the the fibre was spun determines cleaning method, which are:

  • dry clean
  • hand wash
  • machine wash

Most natural fibres are best handwashed. Some specially spun wool yarn and man made fibres are machine washable, but it would be best if you don’t just stick it in the washing machine and hope for the best. All fibres can be dry cleaned, but should you?

Please see washing symbols for more information.

To dry clean or not
Most fibres used in hand knitting and crochet can be dry cleaned. The rule of thumb is that it is actually gentler to hand wash the item, rather than to dry clean it. I would only recommend dry cleaning if you are not able to hand wash them yourself, although it is much much easier to take it to the dry cleaners than do it yourself!

In Part 2, we will discuss how to hand wash and machine wash, dry and iron knitted and crocheted.

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2) Metal Knitting Needles

This article is the second article in our new series of articles on the types of materials knitting needles are made from. It will cover how they feel and work, as well as the pros and cons are of each type. Hopefully this will give you an idea of what kind of knitting needles would work best for you, but as always the best way is figure out this for yourself is to knit with different types to find out how you like them.

Different finishes and types of metal knitting needle. From left to right: unpainted hollow, grey matt dipped with solid core and grey glossy dipped with solid core.

Metal knitting needles
This is probably the most ubiquitous type of knitting knitting needle out there. You probably have a few of these aluminium needles with light grey coat of enamel paint either in matt, gloss finish, or uncoated. They also are available in a variety of styles, straight, double pointed, circular or interchangeable – this will be discussed in another blog post.

Metal knitting needles are usually the choice of most serious knitters. The main reason is that they allow you knit faster other types of knitting needle because they are smoother. They are are firm and and hold their form, ie do not bend out of shape or warp. The only time I’ve seen metal needles warp was when I stopped knitting a sweater for long time, and they sat in the bag for a long time. This made the needle sag slightly in the middle as it was a rather large piece that was sitting on the needle. It is also nearly impossible to break or snap metal needles – which means they will last a long long time.

For the above reasons, consider getting metal needles for the smaller sizes up to 4mm, even if you are a big fan of bamboo, wood or plastic knitting needles. I have broken a number of bamboo knitting needles in the smaller sizes, but this will not happen with metal needles.

The benefits of metal knitting needles:
- smooth
- knit faster
- lighter if they have a hollow core
- stronger not likely to break even in smaller sizes
- keep their point
- does not warp bend or sag
- do not need maintenance

Solid coated knitting needles
My first pair of knitting needles is a pair of 35mm aluminium knitting needles dipped in grey. I presume this protects the needles, but it does chip and looks very sad after a while. These come in matt or glossy finish. I found that the ones with glossy finish are slightly smoother and hence faster to knit with. Generally this type of knitting needles is made with aluminium, which does not tarnish or rust. The core is solid which makes the needle heavier.

Most knitting needles of this type are made of aluminium which does not rust. It is light and strong enough that it does not bend easily. Other metals used in knitting needles are brass coated nickel. These are nice and shiny and generally not coated. However in hot tropical places, keep these needles unexposed to the elements as brass will tarnish.

Hollow metal knitting needles
The newer metal knitting needles tend to come with a hollow core. This makes them lighter especially in the larger sizes, in other words they are more comfortable to knit with. These are quite strong, but not as strong as solid metal needles. They do not break, but they will get a dent if you knock it around or bend at an angle only if too much force is used. I’ve only ever seen this once on a smaller needle!

Conclusion
My favourite material for knitting needles are the uncoated glossy hollow metal ones with lace tips – meaning they are slightly sharper at the tips which makes them more agile and faster to knit with.

Why? Because they are

  • smooth
  • fast
  • light
  • strong enough
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First pair of knitting needles

First pair of knitting needles

These are the first pair of knitting needles that I have ever owned. With this pair of knitting needles, my adventures (and misadventures!) began. After begging my mother for a pair, she finally gave in and bought me these and some yarn. Back in those days I only made very easy swatches. I just didn’t have the focus to sit down and knit something complicated.

My first pair of knitting needles is a pair of Pony straight knitting needles in size 6 – that is US size which is equivilent to size 4mm in metric. For knitting needle conversion chart, please see conversion chart. The length is 35cm, and the look to be solid aluminium coated with the ubiquitous beigy grey color. I often wonder why this very boring color is so popular. The tips have worn off a bit and the aluminium shows through. It is also missing one of the decorative rings on the plastic knob at the end of the needle.

Now I keep this in my kit, though I don’t use it anymore. I find that I have become sentimental and would loathe to lose this pair of needles as it was my first ever and I learnt to knit with it. I’m generally not sentimental and have actually given away the first sweater I ever made.

What is the first knitting needle you have owned? Do you still have it? Are you sentimental about it?

Now with what I know here’s what I would get as a first pair of knitting needles as an absolute beginner – a pair of really cheap of straight bamboo knitting needles 35cm and 4mm or bigger.

Why Bamboo?
Bamboo is great for beginners because it grips the stitches as it is not silky smooth. The stitches do not slip off the needle which is big heart stopping moment for beginners.

Why cheap?
The cheap ones are even less slippery than the expensive ones!

Why straight knitting needles and not circular?
Less confusing as to what is going on as a beginner.

Why 35cm long?
Though these are long and will stick out of your bag, they are the most versatile length because you can make very tiny and very large projects with them. The shorter needles though they are more convenient are not long enough to make sweaters.

Why 4mm?
This is the most common size for knitting needles. Its not too small that its difficult to knit and the resulting fabric is not too think. Needles larger than 4mm are great too, makes it easier to see what you are doing.

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1) Bamboo knitting needles

This article is part of our new series of articles on the types of materials knitting needles are made of. It will cover how they feel and work, as well as the pros and cons are of each type. Hopefully this will give you an idea of what kind of knitting needles would work best for you, but as always the best way is to knit with it and see how you like it. We are starting this discussion on needles with Bamboo knitting needles…

Bamboo knitting needles
These are warm to the touch, light, vary from not slippery to smooth (still not as slick as metal knitting needles!) and can range from budget conscious to expensive! When new they tend to be a lighter colour and through use and age, they gradually become a golden yellow. This can also depend on the varnish that is used to coat them.

The inexpensive budget bamboo knitting needles are superb for beginners. They aren’t very slick so the stitches stick to the knitting needles, so they don’t fall off the needles. These aren’t as well made as the expensive ones, and you can feel the grain of the bamboo when you slide your fingers against the needle.

The expensive ones are buffed till they are smooth. They are then coated with lacquer, varnish or laminate. This makes them slick and protects the needle. This coating makes the needle smooth than if it was uncoated, however they are not as smooth as metal knitting needles.

Sometimes bamboo knitting needles ‘splinter’, the wood grain splints from the main needle, or the tip gets a little worn. To fix this, use a emery board and file the knitting needle until smooth. Try not to buff too much as this may remove the coating.

The major draw back to bamboo knitting needles is that the smaller sizes tend to be quite delicate and may break if you use force or are not gentle with them, ie sizes 3.75mm and below. I have broken 2 pairs of bamboo circular knitting needles in the smaller sizes.

The thing that bothers me the most is that when you knit with deeply coloured yarn on bamboo knitting needles, the bamboo needles may become stained with the colour of the yarn. This I really do not like. I tried to wash my needles with dishwashing liquid, which helped a little, but I was unable to completely remove the stain. This also affected the coating on the knitting needles, which means that they are not as smooth as when they were new. These were the expensive very nice bamboo knitting needles, not the cheap ones. No biggie, I will just replace them when I feel like it.

Over time, these bamboo knitting needles also tend to warp, especially in the smaller to medium sizes with larger projects. The knitting needle will not be straight. This does not effect knitting per say, just that doesn’t look new anymore.

Summary:
- warm to the touch
- light
- stitches stick to the needles
- fragile in smaller sizes

Bamboo knitting Needles

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Accessories kit

A staple in every serious knitter’s bag, the accessories kit, is collection of little items that make knitting easier and more enjoyable. In this article we look at the different types of knitting accessories.

Accessories in the photo:
1 Tape measure
2 Needle gauge
3 Marking safety pins
4 Pins for blocking
5 Darning needle
6 Row counter
7 Scissors
8 Cable needle
9 Crochet hook
10 Double open stitch holders

1 Tape measure
The one displayed in the photo is an inexpensive one I bought at a night market, the basic in expensive one will do, although a retractable one in a cute plastic case is nice. A tape measure that displays both metric and imperial measures is ideal. This allows more flexibility when working with patterns from all over the world and vintage patterns.

2 Needle gauge
A needle gauge becomes very important when you start collecting knitting needles! Use it to find out what size your needles are. Some knitting needles do not have the size etched onto them. This is also really good for figuring out what size your needles are if they are in a different sizing system (ie, US, English, metric or Japanese) than what you are used to.

3 Marking safety pins
These are very versatile and useful. They can be used as stitch markers or row markers. They have the added advantage of being easy to removed as and when you want to, unlike the ring stitch markers – you have to knit to where the ring sits to remove them.

I also find these very useful as stitch markers when you are casting on a lot of stitches. I place a marking safety pin at intervals of 20 stitches. This helps me keep track of how many stitches I have casted on and makes it easier to count the stitches.

4 Pins for Blocking
These are larger than normal pins that are not very sharp for blocking. Blocking pieces before you sew up gives a really professional finish when you sew up your project.

These pins are also very good for pinning pieces together before you sew the seam.

5 Darning needle
These are used mainly for sewing up knitted items and also for joining yarn. They are very similar to larger cross stitch needles with blunt tips. The nicest most efficient darning needle is the Clover gold darning need with the kink at the tip. The kink makes it more efficient when you sew up using mattress stitch.

6 Row counter
Very useful for more complicated patterns. It helps you keep track of the which row you are at. Also good for counting rows, so that you can make pieces with the same length and rows – like the back and front of tops.

7 Scissors
Normal in expensive craft scissors will do. Even the inexpensive ones from the night market or thrift stores will do. Embroidery scissors are really sharp and are not required for knitting. The scissors just has to be sharp enough to cut yarn.

8 Cable needle
These come in a variety of styles. Straight, hook and v shaped. They all work equally well, but have different feel. Try them all and see which one you prefer. I like the straight ones.

9 Crochet hook
Crochet hook is used for correcting stitches, picking up stitches and for crocheting borders. Its something that you will using only for a few minutes, so a normal inexpensive crochet hook will do. Choose a medium sized hook for more versatility.

10 Stitch holder
These come in two varieties – the ones that look like giant safety pins and the long pins with plastic guard over them. The latter from Clover are much more efficient as they open both ways – which means you have access to both ends of the work without having to slide the stitches back onto the knitting needle. They also double up as cable needles if you like straight cable needles.

Other accessories
Other accessories to include in your accessories case are:
- Needle stoppers
- Post it note
- Notebook and pen

Needle stoppers are very useful particularly for projects using finer needles. With finer yarn and needles, the stitches are so small, its so tedious to back them on the needle if they slip off. These needle stoppers really save time and reduce emotional stress!

Post it notes are very useful for follow patterns with many rows. Stick these under the row you are working on. Makes it easier to keep track of the row you are on.

Notebook and pencil for making notes, ideas and designs. You never know when inspiration might strike you!

Storing the little helpers
Almost every knitter I know has a kit. Most knitters I know store their accessories in a soft cosmetic bag. No need for a special bag unless you want it to match. I like the inexpensive ones from Daiso. I also noticed a few store their accessories in plastic pill boxes that are available at Daiso (Japanese $2.00 store).

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Socks with stirrups II

I finally completed one stirrup sock. I still have the other side to knit. I very rarely make the same design more than once as I get bored and like to try new designs. However, I will be making 2 pairs of these stirrup socks – the second pair for a friend.

The pattern looks superficially easy to follow. It really is not a difficult pattern. However it is not very clear. There seem to be a lot of knitting patterns that are floating around on the internet that aren’t written well, especially the free ones. I did not expect one of this standard from an established source! You really know if it is clear and well written when you make the actual item. Are patterns not stress tested? Or am I just being OCD about this?

So here is my version of the pattern:

Cast on 65 stitches. Join in round knitting the first and last stitch together – this stitch counts as the first stitch of the new row.

Work in rib *k2, p2 for 1.5in.

Main body
Change to body pattern and work for 14in. Ending with row 3.

Stirrup
On the next row, k2, pm, *p2, k2 for 20 stitches, p2 and place marker. Continue in body pattern to end of round. Work as established for 1/2in.

Cast off on the patterned round (on row 3), k2, p2 bind off 20 st, p1, continue working to the end of the round in the established body pattern st. Work remaining 44 stitches in body pattern in normal knitting (not circular knitting) for 2.5in, ending with a WS row.

On the next round, work in rib P1, *K2, P2, rep from * till end of row. Turn to the other side and cast on 13 st over the cast off stitches (56st). Purl the first and last stitch together to join in a round. Work in rib following patt as set up for 2 in. Bind off loosely. Work in lose ends.

Stirrup sock

Links:
Original pattern: http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/tilli_tomas_twist_stirrup_boot_sock.aspx
Socks with Stirrup I

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Knitting and suitable husbands

Inca style hat for bachelors

This hat is made in the traditional Inca style which is only worn by bachelors seeking wives. It is made in wool and looks to be hand dyed with natural dyes. Wool was introduced in Peru, by the Spanish during the 16th century. Alpaca is the tradition fiber used for weaving. Knitting was also most likely introduced by the Spanish. It is likely the tradition behind this hat, developed after the Spanish arrived on their shores.

I bought this hat for US$25.00. The amount of work that went into is amazing. It is knitted in isles style with very fine needles and sometimes with just wire as knitting needles are not always available. There is a plethora of these available in many of the souvenir shops, in bright modern colors.

Traditionally these are made by young men seeking wives. It is supposed to show that that they possess qualities that make them suitable husbands. What are these qualities? Creativity, perseverance, seeing a project to completion and planing.

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