I was fortunate enough to receive a set of Harmony Interchangeable Circulars for Christmas this year, after having spent the previous year wishing for a set of my own. This was probably the most exciting knitting-related gift I have ever received.
Basics - Kit contains the following:
- Tips, sizes 4 (3.5mm) through 11 (8.0mm)
- Cables, two each 24" and 32"
- Two cable keys
- Eight end caps
- Plastic, zippered storage pouch
Appearance - There are many appealing aspects of these needles, however the appearance is certainly at the top of my list. The colors of the tips are both bold and plentiful, with shades of fuchsia, yellow, green, blue, and a rich, natural shade of birch swirling in the patterns of the grain. The cables, Knit Picks' signature purple, compliment the tips nicely.
Performance - While I will happily admit to having a preference for wooden needles, these feel nice in the hands. They are not too heavy, however they have a sturdy feeling to them. Easily assembled by screwing the tips to the cables, the cable keys included make them even easier to take apart when finished using. The cables themselves have very little memory, offering a smooth cable for every project. The laminated wood tips offer a very slight grip on the yarn, preventing stitches from falling off easily. My only complaint about this kit is the plastic case included. The pockets meant to house the tips are far too large to keep them securely in place. If I were to design a case, it would be similar to the case designed for Denise needles.
Knit Picks offers additional cables (24"- 60"), as well as tips in sizes ranging from 4 (3.5mm) to 17 (12.0mm). The kit does not include sizes 13, 15, and 17 - they can be purchased separately. In addition to the interchangeable circulars, Knit Picks also offers Harmony Wood straight needles (sets and individuals), fixed circular needles, and double-pointed needles (sets and individuals).
Overall I give this kit a 9.5 out of 10. They are well worth the money, and are a must-have for knitters of all skill levels.
