Tools/Accessories Accessory Review: Knitting Needle/Stitch Gauge
| Accessory Review: Knitting Needle/Stitch Gauge |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look The Elegant Knitter Knitting Needle/Stitch Gauge is in the outline shape of a fluffy merino sheep. On first glance, it looks a bit like an ornament, but it’s a very cleverly designed multi-purpose tool that you won’t want to do without. The sheep gauge is designed and made by a jeweler who is also a knitter. This tells you just about all you need to know about the gauge: it has style, high quality and was designed by someone who understands what knitters need. Measuring only about 3.25” by 3.75”, the gauge is small enough to fit into you accessory kit. The curly outer edge, evoking a merino fleece, disguises a needle gauge for 18 needle sizes, labeled in US and metric sizes. The sheep’s feet serve as a handy measuring tool. Use the space between the feet as a precise 1-inch measurement guide. Inside the outline, there is a measuring tool that allows you to measure a 2 x 2” swatch of knitting. The design and measurements are clearly stamped in black on beautiful brass.
The Feel / Applications
This solid brass sheep gauge is a real quality product, and well designed to boot. It has lacquered finish to protect it from tarnish, and maintain the beautiful inked design. Beyond beauty, solid brass means precision in measuring.
This tool is exceptionally well designed and useful. Rarely will you find a needle gauge that ranges from US sizes 0000 to 15 (metric 1.25 mm to 10 mm), but you can measure all sizes with the Elegant Knitter Gauge. Use the hooves on the feet as a handy 1-inch measurement guide or the inside ruler to measure 2 X 2-inch gauge swatch.
Color Range The black imprint on the gauge is attractive and legible. It is not smudged or smeared, and is remarkably legible even in small print on the edge of the fleece.
Usage Knitters who appreciate the quality of fine yarns also appreciate fine tools. This gauge meets the definition of an “elegant” design solution: exceptionally effective and simple. Easy to read and use, this gauge fills its purpose and is beautiful, too. What I’d Like to Use it For Needle and gauge tools are an indispensible part of any knitter’s toolkit. Every time you use this tool, you’ll appreciate its beauty, functionality and fine craftsmanship.
Knitting Outside the Box Tie a red ribbon around the gauge and hang it from a bough on your Christmas tree, Christmas wreath, or other holiday decorations.
Care No guidance is given about care, but common sense suggests you protect the gauge from scratches. I found one of those plastic name badge holders (open at the top) fits the gauge almost perfectly. I clipped it to the top of my circular needle holder to have at the ready.
Durability Although this gauge will cost more than others, the solid brass construction and finish project long life for this tool. The sheep’s feet are the only part of the gauge at risk of bending or breaking; otherwise there is nothing to damage on this gauge. Don’t be tempted to use the hooves as a yarn cutter – I tried to slice a strand of worsted wool and succeeded only in bending the foot. Fortunately, it went back into shape with no permanent damage, but I learned a lesson: the feet are not intended as a cutting tool. Overall Recommendation Indulge yourself or put this tool on your wish list; it is a quality product of beauty and utility. If you are looking for a gift for someone who knits, the Elegant Knitter Gauge will be a surefire hit with the knitter and show them that you “get it” when it comes to their knitting. I rate this tool as#10.
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