I took my daughter to her Kumon session today. It lasts about an hour, and I usually try to take something to do while I’m waiting. In the past I have brought along a scarf and shawl on circular needles, but today was the first time I brought a project using double pointed needles, fingerless mitts.

On a side-note, I recently started using project bags. What a simple, yet brilliant idea. I already have several bags with my in-progress projects. It makes it so easy to multitask as everything needed for a particular project is in one bag.

Enough about project bags … moving on.

As I was saying, I brought along a project on double pointed needles. Traveling with one of these is actually a bit tricky. The needles are poking everywhere and half the time the stitches are sliding off. Admittedly one solution is to use point protectors, but that means you have 6, if not 8, to cover all your needles.

Curiously enough, Lion Brand sent out their Weekly Stitch newsletter the other day that announced a new product that addresses this very thing – Head-to-Toe Knitting Needles. They are essentially double pointed needles in a ‘V’ shape to be more compact and better hold the stitches for travel. I could certainly see using these and plan on picking up a pair to try out.

In the meantime, 1 mitt down, its pair in-progress. I’m pretty excited about these fingerless mitts. They fit perfectly and the yarn is extra soft and warm – I’m using Rowan’s Pure Wool Superwash Worsted. The pattern is Maize from Tin Can Knits.