0000 DPN’s or itty bitty knitty kitty

by Cheryl

In addition to my “regular” knitting this weekend (more FT clogs and a hat), I tried something a little adventurous. I ordered some needles a while ago that were on backorder from Knit Picks. Friday, they arrived…0000 double pointed needles. WHY? Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. I first got the idea while looking at the MaryElla pattern at knitty. Wouldn’t that be fun to try? Oooh, wouldn’t it be fun to make a tiny sock (see, I knit socks; doesn’t it follow that I should want to knit a tiny sock?)? Up to that point, I don’t even think I knew needles that small existed.

I didn’t order the Los Lobe Hose pattern. I mean, I know how to knit a sock so can’t I just do the same with tiny needles and thread like yarn? Turns out, I can (sock shown with quarter and US 8 denise needle for reference). I used Knit Picks Shimmer in “Happy Dance”. It’s a variegated lace weight yarn made from alpaca and silk…very soft. If I were the kind of person who always had cold feet, I’d definitely use this yarn to make some bed socks. For tiny socks, the stripe pattern in this yarn works very well.

I would call the experience fun, but knitting tiny little things with tiny little needles is challenging. Especially if you happen to be someone with shaky hands…although I imagine it is at least a little challenging even with steady, surgeon-like hands. However, it is a project to shake up your knitting. Although it’s good old knit stitch the size definitely keeps you paying attention. You should try joining stitches into a round thse size of your pinky!

What about the kitty part? Well, it rhymed and here they are (truly siamese, huh?): I’ll throw in a picture of my wacky pup Loki, too (apparently he has decided that the top of the patio table is a great place to hang out):

9 comments

1 Meredith { 12.19.05 at 3:28 pm }: Oh my! I don’t think I could do such tiny needles. I dislike dpns anyway. Good job on the sock!:cheer:
2 kat { 12.19.05 at 4:56 pm }: There is a guy who knits with my group who reqularly knits on needles this small & does lace work…crazy!
3 Michelle { 12.19.05 at 7:40 pm }: those 0000 are very sharp too! I have some but have been looking for a simple sock earring pattern or something to use them and I have strang beads to. Good Luck with Maryella.. Looks challenging but nice. Enjoy!
4 Beth { 12.20.05 at 9:04 am }: Even after all the socks I’ve knit, I’ve still never ventured smaller than plain old US single zero needles. Amazing how the stripes ended up close to what regular sock yarn does in adult size socks.
5 Jenifer { 12.20.05 at 11:28 am }: I have two friends who have made Mary Ellas and they love them! I’m working on a g*dd&mn beaded purse for my mom for Xmas on 0000 … not so loving it. But Mary Ella, a small project, is definitely next up!
6 Carol { 12.20.05 at 11:52 am }: om goodness - LOVE the photo of your Loki! *we just had to put down our 13 year old husky/german shepard and she had the same coloring*

thanks for the photos!

-Carol-
7 sedie { 12.20.05 at 2:29 pm }: that teeny tiny sock is so cute.:jump:
8 Lucia { 01.03.06 at 10:20 pm }: Hey, Chinni is still the cutest cat!
Happy New Year.
9 Jean { 06.28.06 at 8:23 pm }: I am new to the sock fade and working on my second pair. were could I find the pattern for that tiny sock. i would like to make one for every pair I finish as a momento for socks completed and one for a key chain or magnet for the person who gets the socks i make.
thanks
Jean