What happens when you pair a leading medical instruments manufacturer with a request for everything lace and sock knitters want and need? addi Lace Needles!

When I read the early reviews of addi's Lace Needles, I thought they sounded too good to be true. Then our shipment arrived: I now know from my own experience that all the rave reviews pale before the reality that is addi Lace Needles. Wow! My only question is where to begin to tell you about them.

First, they are beautiful to look at. The golden, brass tips are delectably joined by a wonderfully flexible cord that is one of the purest, loveliest translucent reds I've ever seen. You could hang these needles on your wall as art.

Then, there's the joy of casting on and knitting: the points are simply perfect. Somehow, addi managed to achieve a point that, though not sharp enough to prick your fingers, actually works with your yarn as thought it were sharper. I still haven't figured out how they did that, but they did.

In addition, the tips are beautifully engineered, with a precision and thoughtful design that well reflects the manufacturing quality from which they sprang. The tips are lightweight hollow bronze, coated with a fine resin that allows your yarn to rest securely on the needle without an undue drag on your knitting. Anyone who has ever set their knitting down in a hurry, only to return to find a dozen or more stitches that have slid off the needle knows how important this is.

And the cable/tip join is smooth - I mean really SMOOTH. addi has once again set the industry standard. There is no hint of a hiccup as stitches glide over the imperceptible places where the cord and the business end of the needles meet. As a quick test, grasp the cord between your thumb and forefinger, close your eyes and run your hand back and forth over the cord and tip. What you'll realize is that the only way you know when you've changed from cord to tip is because the cord is warmer than the bronze tip. You won't be able to feel the actual join itself.

In other words, addi Lace Needles offer pure knitting bliss. You'll see that for yourself when you try them.