If I cannot change my mind, I am the problem.

Wait, keep reading, this isn’t about politics
by Christine Weiss

So there is a grand debate at the knit shop about what needles to use when one gets into projects that are too small for any standard circular needles. If you know me, you know I prefer DPNs or double pointed needles. However, I have lifted my resistance and tried the two-needle method and the magic loop and I even bought a teeny tiny US1 9inch circular. I have come to understand why people choose each of these. I can now utilize each of these and I have made at least one project, ok only one, with each. 

There are places where I may reach for the other options. The two needle method seems a good idea to me for sleeves. I am not entirely sure why, but having less rigid needles with points on them near a sweater makes things go smoother and less snagging when turning your project. The magic loop is still my least favorite, but it is more straightforward with less loose stuff hanging around as with the two needles and it requires less equipment. I found these most useful for the toes of socks. The 9inch circulars are a challenge, but great for an airplane when you are not wanting to drop stuff, and have less room around you. I think people with smaller, younger, and agile hands could use these more than I do.  

The DPNs sort of tick all the boxes for me and I am just comfortable using them. I learned to knit on DPNs with campfire socks (cuff down) and I have great memories of that. My grandmother used DPNs because circulars did not  exist. I suspect, if she had had a choice, she would have adopted another method if it made her life easier and better.  I have noticed with our customers that your needle choice seems to depend on who taught you to knit as much as the way you knit does (continental or english style, or something in between). So DPNs work for me, I will keep those front and center, recognizing in the end I did not actually change my mind, I expanded my mind. I have a better appreciation and understanding that the method people choose for knitting their projects is personal, has backstory and is valid. Oops, maybe I am talking politics.