PONY Slick Interchangeable Circulars, how slick are they?

Pony, Slick Interchangeable Circular Needle Set Review

My name is Jane and I am a self-confessed knitting needle snob. During my knitting journey I have test driven LOTS of knitting needles. I have learned that I like slick, light weight needles that are not too sharp. Something else you should know, I LOVE interchangeable needles and knit almost exclusively on circular needles.

PONY Slick interchangeable circular needles

So when PONY reached out and asked if I would like to review their Slick Interchangeable Knitting needles set, they had me at slick. I have had these needles for 6 weeks now and have been happily knitting away with them, I feel at this point I have given them a decent test drive.

Let’s take a look at PONY’s blurb and I will give you my honest thoughts. Full disclosure, I have been gifted these needles for review (I have not been paid).

Flex Needles

Flex needles are a cross between straight needles and circular needles, consisting of knitting needles with a flexible cord and stopper so that you can rest your work in your lap. The SLICK set enables you to make your own Flex needles using the beautiful brass knobs. Simply screw the knob onto the end of the cable and the needle turns into a flex needle in an instant.

The needle size is engraved discretely on the needle shank, like exquisite jewellery, and the polished finish assures that the stitches glide smoothly on both needle and cable.”

 

I routinely knit with light weight, hollow stainless steel circular needles. I was pleasantly surprised that although these needles are not hollow (great for those of us who are a little accident prone), they are reasonably light. The needle feels balanced and smooth in the hand. If like me you have hands the size of shovels, you are going to love the length (14 cm /5.5 in) of these tips. I find longer needles so much more comfortable to hold for long periods of time.

The needle tip is rounded, and I can happily use my index finger to push my stitches along without doing myself a mischief. Yet they are not too round, there was no splitting yarn at all whilst using these.

Each size is colour coded (great for not having to find my glasses to check). But they also have the size engraved on the shaft and I have to say they have done a great job of keeping it smooth!

 

 

GLYDON Joint

PONY Slick interchangeable circular needles

“The superior snag-free patented GLYDON joint along with the precision engineered screw mechanism provides a smooth transition onto the gently tapered needles. The PONY Patent Glydon is the unique connection between needle and cable ensures an ultra-smooth and snag-free knitting experience. The patented GLYDON joint gives PONY circulars their special look and makes them outstanding in quality.

The PONY high precision screw thread mechanism connects the shank to the extremely soft cable in one simple clockwise twist to form a tight and smooth joint. You don’t need any extra tools.”

 

The Glydon Joint is possibly my favourite join EVER on interchangeable needles. Simply screw the tip onto the cable and you are done! No tools, no tightening and they stay connected! The join is as smooth as they claim and in my opinion lives up to its name.

The cables themselves are just OK, they do the job, they do not curl up or ping back but they are just a little too stiff for my liking. I have so say that is just my preference. You get 3 sizes in the pack (two of each), which is great for flexibility. You also receive a set of stoppers, so if you need to put a project to one side and use those tips, simply remove the tips and attach the stoppers.

 

 

Smart Box

PONY Slick interchangeable circular needles

“The set comes in a smart compact box so you can store all the components neatly and find your needle size at a glance. It is perfect for travelling and for keeping everything safe and protected whilst not in use – PONY have thought of everything!”

 

The Box is a great concept, but sadly this is where I think the product falls short. I like the clever design, the top of the pack is a needle gauge (great idea). The cables and stoppers are stored just below and it is a bit of squeeze to get the cables back in once they have been used. But I am so disappointed in the packaging, it is plastic and not only that, it feels cheap and brittle. I believe that the original RRP for this set was £99 which I felt was massively overpriced.  A quick google today and I can see that you can now purchase these for around £55 and at that price if you can forgive the packaging, I highly recommend you give these needles a whirl. They are perfect for throwing in your luggage when travelling!

The Set includes

  • 9 pairs of interchangeable circulars in sizes in 3 / 3.5 / 4 / 4.5 / 5 / 5.5 / 6 / 6.5 and 7 mm
  • 6 cables in lengths 60, 80 & 120 cm
  • 2 stoppers for flexible knitting
  • Storage with built-in needle gauge

 

Magical Little Unicorn Knits, how can you resist?

One of the things I have been busy working on has been my new online shop which launched today. In this everchanging digital landscape I think it is important to have as much control over your content as you possibly can.

You will still be able to purchase patterns from my Ravelry store and also a selection through Love Crafts and Deramores, I hope you enjoy the new shop experience, please let me know if you have any difficulties using it.

One of the gems in my shop is my Little Unicorn Sweater. Full of lovely contrasts and magical touches to entertain and amuse. The main pieces are mostly worked in stocking stitch, and are trimmed with neat garter stitch edging at the hem, neckline and cuffs. The bright colours of the rainbow stripes are beautifully contrasted with the background grey and really standout as a result. Then there is the gorgeous unicorn poking his head up above the hem – he’s a delight and kids will adore him.

Designed to fit ages birth to approx 3 years.

little unicorn sweater jane burns knitslittle unicorn sweater jane burns knits

Pattern Information
Needles:
Straight 3.25mm & 4mm
Circulars 3.25mm
DPN’s 3.25mm

Also Needed:
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers
6 (6: 6: 6: 6) clear glitter buttons (code 0848)
Oddment of Black DK yarn (used Scheepjes, Stone Washed, 803 Black Onyx
Small amount toy stuffing (optional)
White sewing thread and needle

Tension:
Yarn used knits as DK to this tension 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10 x 10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles.

Pattern Notes:
There are a lot of applique pieces on this little jumper, be sure to sew them on securely. Use white sewing thread to attach small pieces.

0-6m 6-12m 12-18m 18-24m 2-3y
TO FIT CHEST cm 41 46 51 53 56
in 16 18 20 21 22
ACTUAL CHEST cm 47 51 58 61 63
in 18.5 20 22.75 24 24.75
LENGTH cm 27 29 32 35 37
in 10.75 11.5 12.5 13.75 14.5
SLEEVE LENGTH cm 14.5 18 25 30 32
in 5.75 7 9.75 11.75 12.5
Yarn Scheepjes, Stone Washed (78% Cotton, 22% Acrylic) 130m per 50g
Yarn A 802 Smokey Quartz 2 3 3 4 4
Yarn B 823 Carnelian 1 1 1 1 1
Yarn C 833 Beryl 1 1 1 1 1
Yarn D 824 Turquoise 1 1 1 1 1
Yarn E 811 Deep Amethyst 1 1 1 1 1
Yarn F 816 Coral 1 1 1 1 1
Yarn G 801 Moonstone 1 1 1 1 1
Yarn H 820 Rose Quartz 1 1 1 1 1

Warning: Contains cute babies and snuggly yarn.

scheepjes, after party, jane burns, baby knits,

This gallery contains 9 photos.

Hello, It has been so long! My yarn filled adventures have kept me away from my blog for quite some time. There has been lots of designing, a tv appearance and house move (half way across the country) to keep … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorised

Free Santa Hat Pattern for Oliver Bear

To celebrate the release of my Oliver Teddy Pattern (and the festive season of course) I have a little gift for you, Oliver’s very own Santa Hat.

 

Santa Hat for Oliver Teddy Bear

BEAR PATTERN NOT INCLUDED

Yarn:

Scheepjes, Twinkle, Yarn (A) White 901; one 50g ball; 75% cotton, 25% polyester; 50g / 130m / 142 yds

Scheepjes, Stone Washed, Yarn (B) Red Jasper 807; one 10g ball; 78% cotton, 22% acrylic; 50g / 130m / 142 yds

Needles:

3.25mm (US 3) needles for working in the round

Also Needed:

Stitch markers

Toy stuffing

 Tension:

26 sts x 36 rows = 10cm x 10cm (4in x 4in) using 3.25mm needles and stocking stitch in the round.

Sizing Notes:

To Fit Oliver Teddy Bear

Pattern Notes:

You will need to purchase a copy of Oliver Teddy Pattern separately. If you prefer you can knit the Cuff and Bobble from a fluffy yarn, make sure it knits to the same tension though.

 

Start knitting here

Cuff:

Using Yarn A, cast on 54 sts, join into the round taking care not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round

Round 1: *k1, p1; rep from * to end

Round 2: *p1, k1; rep from * to end

Round 3: as round 1

Round 4: knit

Rounds 5-10: knit

Round 11: (k4, k2tog) nine times. 45 sts

Round 12-15: knit

Round 16: (k3, k2tog) nine times. 36 sts

Rounds 17-21: knit

Round 22: (k2, k2tog) nine times. 27 sts

Rounds 23-26: knit

Round 27: (k1, k2tog) nine times. 18 sts

Rounds 28-33: knit

Round 34: (k2tog) nine times. Nine sts

Round 35: (k2tog) four times, k1. Five sts

Leave a long tail, thread through rem five sts using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close and secure with stitches. Darn in ends.

 

Bobble:

Using Yarn A, cast on six sts.

Row 1: (kfb) six times. 12 sts

Row 2 and every alt row: purl

Row 3: k1, m1, (k2, m1) five times, k1. 18 sts

Row 5: k1, m1, (k3, m1) five times, k2. 24 sts

Rows 6-12: beg with a purl row, work in st st as set

Row 13: k1, k2tog, (k2, k2tog) five times, k1. 18 sts

Row 14: (p1, p2tog) six times. 12 sts

Row 15: (k2tog) six times. Six sts

Leave a long tail, thread through rem six sts using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close and secure with stitches. Sew side seam, stuffing as you go.  Sew to top of Hat.

You can find the pattern for Oliver here on Ravelry here… https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oliver-17

 

 

Posted in Uncategorised

Oliver Teddy Bear Pattern – now available

Many years ago I designed a little bear for Let’s Knit Magazine, Oliver.  I have had so many requests for the pattern to be made available, I decided to give him a makeover and make some changes to the original construction.

 

Oliver 2.0 is knitted using the gorgeous Scheepjes, Stone Washed, with a slightly heathered effect, the yarn hides a multitude of sins. Worked in the round with minimal sewing up, what is not to love? Templates are provided for the felt pieces to take the guess work out.

To knit Oliver you will need to be able to knit in the round, either using DPN’s or magic loop.

 

Knit Kit:

Yarn:

Scheepjes, Stone Washed, Yarn (A) Smokey Quartz 802; one 50g ball; Yarn (B) Moonstone 801; one 10g ball (optional)

Needles:

3.25mm (US 3) needles for working in the round

Also Needed:

Toy stuffing (safety)

Stitch markers

White felt

Grey felt

Oddment of black yarn

Grey sewing thread and needle

Tension:

26sts x 36rows = 10cm x 10cm using 3.25mm needles and stocking stitch in the round.

Sizing Notes:

Sitting height: 18cm

Notes:

If you prefer you can knit the soles of the feet in a contrasting yarn, see optional instruction in pattern.

You can find Oliver’s Santa Hat pattern (available for free) here.

 

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karen whooley drift away socks jane burns

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Close your eyes and ‘Drift Away’ perfectly dreamy socks

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The neat lines of Drift Away are like the grooves in that record you’re listening to, and they flow into entwined cables sitting prettily on the ankles. Worked in Tempo 4ply, a strong merino/nylon mix that makes the twisted stitches … Continue reading

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Hello my lovelies, a gentle ruffle of the hair to my regular readers and a genuine hello to any newbies. I hope you getting plenty of quality time with your needles and that your Summer of Socks is starting to … Continue reading