a knitting library

What is a knitting library?  When I first saw this concept in an email, I thought I knew what it was all about.  I thought a knitting library was the books that are on the shelf full of techniques, full of patterns and possibilities, and full of stories.  But the more I thought about what a library could include, the more my mind went to all kinds of things.  A library could include not only books and magazines but also needles and hooks and notions, yarn, and videos of patterns and techniques.

 I have a library worth of knitting needles and crochet hooks.  To me, this means straight needles in all lengths and in all sizes, not to mention a wide variety of materials.  Straight needles come in a variety of lengths from 14 inches down to 5 inches.  They also are made from a variety of materials.  Some of the materials used yesteryear are not used today such as ivory and powder coating and Parkesine and bakelite.  Aluminum, plastic, bamboo, and wood are still available.  And don't forget all these choices are available for the double point needles too. They come in sets of 4, 5, or 6 needles in a set.

  Likewise, circular needles have different lengths of needles and different lengths of cables.  To add to their function, there are interchangeable sets with usually just different lengths of cables that can be used as is or joined to create custom lengths.  An ultimate set would have all lengths of needles and all the different lengths of cables.  The manufacturers are continuing to improve these sets.  Who knows what may come in future incarnations.

Crochet hooks also have some fascinating choices these days.  Not only can hooks be found in the same materials as knitting needles but they have different types of handles (something knitting needles can't have) and hook styles.  They come in different lengths and colors and materials.

I think I might have a good start on a library of tools and notions.  But it's the books that get me.  I really want to be able to go through my books and cull books that I know I will never use, keep the stitch books, the technique books (who knew you could have whole books for one technique!), the patterns I will actually use.  But for now, the library is tucked in boxes and boxes and boxes and will remain there until some home improvement things are done in my studio.

Don't get me started on the yarns.  Those are like the throwaway magazines in your public library.  I'm not suggesting you throw away your yarn.  I'm saying it is the part that is used up and no longer available for knitting.  

What does a knitting library entail in your mind?

An FO from yesteryear.