The first Etsy shop to be featured on my blog is Allstix, a shop that sells handmade knitting needles. They’re crafted from select Maine birch and 10 inches long. They have a sleek protective sealant that ensures durability for years to come and come in lots of funky designs.
I asked Allstix’s owner a couple of questions about her shop…
How did you get started making your knitting needles?
I saw a tutorial on the internet about how to make your own knitting needles out of wooden dowels. I used Swarovski crystals, Australian rhinestones and anything else I could get my hands on to make pretty “tops”. One day I looked at my needles and realized that although the top was beautiful, the rest of the needle was BORING! I immediately started creating an image transfer process and found a great protective sealant and applied this to the shaft of the needle. I quickly realized that I had a great needle, but it needed a better start. I upgraded to unfinished needles made from select Maine birch and finished them myself with the new technique I had developed. Hand painting the tips and tops made them complete.
Tell me three things that most people don’t know about your work.
1. I have to chew gum when I work. I can go through 7 or 8 pieces of gum before a set of needles is finished. I only chew Orbit Bubblemint.
2. The finishing process is done by hand and only by me. I refuse to let anyone else help me with this step.
3. I’m in the process of becoming officially licensed to carry knitting needles with the Virginia Tech logo. Go Hokies!!
Allstix’s work can be found online at www.allstix.com, www.allstix.etsy.com, and www.theurbanknit.com. Go check these out! I’ve personally never seen knitting needles like these, and they make a wonderful gift for the knitter in your life!
I plan to feature a different Etsy shop in my blog about once a week. Please feel free to email me if there’s a shop you’d like to recommend.
Allstix images used with permission.
micheledodge
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