You might remember a series of posts I did a while back on interchangeable circular needles. I pointed out the pros and cons of some of the most popular circular needles on the market. One of my main critiques was that a lot of the companies seemed to be missing one major thing in their kits. Of course they all had the basics, which were needles, cables, and connectors. But then one would be missing different materials in their needles, and another had limited sizes, and so on. I kept looking for one company to put it all together – give me everything in one kit!
Well, nobody has done that yet, possibly because they’ve already marketed their kits and can’t recall them, but Addi is trying to improve their kit bit by bit. While I was at the VKL Seattle, I discovered one of the ways they’re fixing a little oversight in their interchangeable kits – the SOS Lifeline Cordpacks.
If you recall, one of my critiques of the Addi system, was that they didn’t allow for a lifeline. My first thought was that they could have drilled a hole through each needle to allow for you to thread a lifeline when knitting lace or anything else requiring a lifeline. Again, since they can’t recall all their needles, and since not everybody uses lifelines, they came up with an even better solution. They created the Lifeline cords and you simply have to get these cords in the lengths you desire.
In the end of each cord there is a slit that opens up when you apply a little pressure on the ends of it. I have to admit that I had to get Mr. Addi himself to show me how to use it, but it’s quite ingenious. Once it’s open, simply thread your yarn through the hole, and knit away. Your lifeline will get carried along your work and will be in place when your row is finished! When not in use it clamps shut like a zip lock bag and is ready for regular knitting.
I have to admit that I prefer this method of creating a lifeline friendly interchangeable circular knitting needle. It doesn’t jeopardize the integrity of the needle, reduces the cost of manufacturing drastically, and allows you to use a lifeline whenever you want! Way to go Addi – top marks on this. The SOS Lifeline cords are sold in packs in lengths of 24″, 32″, and 40″ at your LYS. I’ve also talked to Addi about a multi-pack interchangeable needle case and they said they were working on it! Yeah!
Hugzzzz 😎