This Product Lost its Luster

I love a new idea. And I was a big cheerleader when the folks out at La Knitterie Parisienne in LA came out with the Knit Lites. I thought it was incredible that the NY Times wrote about them. I was thrilled for them that they successfully sold the product to Clover. And I went out and bought two pairs.

Well, now that I own them I am wondering whether these were really that bright an idea. Here's my question: If I have just purchased beautiful yarn to make a beautiful project, am I really going to chose Knit Lites over Lantern Moons or Addis or even a nice bamboo just because there is a chance that I may end up knitting in a dark spot?  I don't think so. A plastic needle is a plastic needle is a plastic needle.

Maybe the "point" is to have an auxillary project cast on to these in case of a black-out or if you happen to be working on a late night stake out.  Perhaps the best use for these might be when you need to knit a complicated stitch in black yarn.

I don't mean to "lash out" against innovation, but these novelty sticks just might end up in the bin with the novelty yarn.

Comments

[Estella]

You crack me up! I saw these and thought...that is what stockinette on circulars is for (especially my favorite Addis)! I've knit in movie theaters...haven't done a blackout knitting session yet. Anyway, saw them at the LYS in Stamford and had to laugh that they were even carrying them.

[Jennifer]

Well, you can always use them as faux candles on a birthday cake, or part flashlight, part stabbing weapon in a dark alley.

[Beth]

Tie a pretty ribbon around them and re-gift them. :)

[Christy]

I got these from my Hurricane Sock pal. Actually, if I were desperate enough if the power went out, I'd use them. Oh! Yeah, and when have to sit through around teeny bopper movie with my 12 year old and her friends, it will make a great "poker" to get them to behave. Can't miss that way!

[Diane]

I saw those needles in Michael's craft store, of all places. I thought that they might feel heavy in hand when knitting because of the batteries in the ends. They are cleaver and cute, but I agree with you and would rather use my birch/bamboo/or addis instead.

[Jenni]

Okay...the only time I would use these is on a very long road trip at night.

or maybe in a movie theatre

[Robin]

They are good only as weapons - then you can see who and where you are poking!

Sorry...I just don't like plastic (and, I am kinda embarrassed to say, I don't like Edith Eig either) - I guess I have become a needle snob...

[Heidi]

We saw these at the Stitches Midwest conference and most people had the same negative reaction. A couple people said they gave them a headache. They might be useful in a few, rare occassions, but then you'd have to have a set in a bunch of sizes, too. Not worth it, imho.

[kathy b]

Well, I still like mine, but then a project was chosen to knit on them.

Next black out, Im READY

[Deb]

I love them!!! They are the extra set of needles I take when I go to the Nationals game, Navy football evening game, or a car trip with whomever. They are not the needles I use for a specific project, but when I know I will be in a low light situation, I just switch to them. I bought 2 pairs in my favorite sizes, and use them mostly with simple projects that don't require complicated stitches. I wish I had thought of them first!!

[laurenA]

I love them too!!! I'm knitting a sweater with black yarn, and boy are these Knit Lite needles great..they light up the stitches as I work so I can actually see what I'm doing, and I don't have to rip! Those folks at La Knitterie Parisienne have dont it again! kudos!!!