For today’s “Things I Like Thursday I have one word… Chiaogoo! I was lucky enough to receive a set if Chiaogoo interchangeable knitting needles for Christmas from the lovely Kate and Charles (friends of the iMake podcast). I received the set pictured above and I can honestly say I now know what all the fuss is about. They are heavenly to knit with.
I’ve been knitting with wooden/bamboo knitting needles for years and I love them. They are light and comfortable. For knitting in the round, I have been using Knit Pro Symphonie Wood Interchangeables. They are great, but I had a tendency to snap them (!) and also the join between the needle and the cable was’t always totally smooth. Very occasionally the tips of the needles become a little rough.
This isn’t an issue with stainless steel interchangeables.
Here are the things I like about my Chiaogoos…
- The case is lovely, it has lots of little pockets and the slots where you store the needles show the needle size so you can stay really organised. There is room for more needles in the case for when I increase my collection.
- The kit also included some nice stitch markers, end caps, keys to tighten the needles and a needle gauge.
- The cables are sturdy and don’t curl up.
- The needles are light and sharp – ideal for lace knitting.
- The needle size is etched on the tip so it does rub off (this tends to happen with the Knit Pro needles).
- I have the ‘small’ knit, but there is a good selection of needle sizes, starting with a size 2/2.75mm going up to size 7/5mm.
- They are just lovely to knit with…!
This is a lovely set of knitting needles. Kate and Charles purchased my gift set at Loop in London, where Kate works, but you can also check out the main Chiaogoo website here: Chiaogoo.
And just in case you were wondering what Chiaogoo means and how to pronounce it…
Chiao (chau) – crafty
Goo (gu) – lady
Nice eh?
So pleased that you love them! I adore mine – I love the sensation/noise when the tips rub together as you knit. I know that is a very peculiar thing to like, but then I am a little peculiar!
x
I am definitely peculiar too then as I love that!! x
You lucky thing. I love the Chiagoo Lace needles and when the interchangeable set came out I decided to try one needle before shelling out for the whole set. I love my 4mm so much that I am itching to get my hands on the big set. I have to wait until I can afford them because I really want to get the FULL set which is WAY more expensive. I think they will be worth waiting for though.
I think they will be worth the wait too!
Mine are on order thru my LYS, A Stitch in Time in Jacksonville Fl. I have and love the fixed circs that I have and can’t wait. It’s good to hear another glowing review.
Oooh you will be SO chuffed!
I totally agree. I treated myself to 4 circulars last year and I’m using the 3.75s at the moment. What a dream once I got used to the really pointy points!
Yes you are right about the points Chrissie – you have to take care not to stab yourself or split the yarn. They are so fab.
I love my Hiya Hiya interchangeables (no tool needed to tighten) but I have heard great things about the Chiaogoo needles too. Hopefully I will get a chance to check them out at VKL this weekend.
Oh yes, do. They are great. I have not heard of Hiya Hiya before. Great name!
Glad to hear that you love your Chiaogoo needles. I’ve been thinking about getting a set. Happy Knitting!
Ohh do – you won’t regret it!
Congratulations Martine! I have nominated iMake for the One Lovely Blog/Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Have a look at the rules on my site if you would like to accept. Cheers KnitNell
KnitNell that is really sweet of you. Thank you. Your blog is lovely, by the way. I’ll hop over and read about the award
It was a pleasure – cheers KnitNell
Those are great needles. I’ve heard about them on Ravelry.
I use Hiya Hiya Steel Sharps. I have the large and small set. They came in a lovely silk brocade case. My HH’s have a swivel cable which I love and I the size is printed on the needles/cables. The tips is pointy and the taper is a bit longer than my Knit Picks Options (nickel plate). I’m unsure what method was used with the printing on the needles/cable but I know the print hasn’t rubbed of yet and my needles get a lot of use.
Eventually I’ll purchase one of the Signature needles (fixed circular) to see how I like them.
Thanks for your comment! There are so many possibilities with knitting needles aren’t there? A few people have mentioned the HH’s to me and they sound really good. I must admit though, I am a complete Chiaogoo convert. I am just popping over to your blog – it looks fab! Martine