Knitting Needle Storage

SWMBO, who is crafty but wasn’t a knitter,  wandered into a local wool and yarn store in Iceland when we were vacationing there last year….and now she’s got about 20 sets of knitting needles of all different sizes and configurations. She’s definitely getting down the stitch patterns and seems to really enjoy it. But…how do I put this?…she likes to distribute her craft supplies over a vast area all around the work space. I’ve broken at least one knitting needle sitting down on the couch. 

So, this is a two tier, flip top storage box for those buggers. The smaller, internal box/tray is for the bulk of the needles. That lifts out to reveal a second space below for ‘speciality round needles’ (whatever those are) and other stuff. 

Made from Zebrawood. It was a bit of a challenge since I wanted to keep the stock quite thin. A beefy box just doesn’t compliment knitting needles. I used 1/8” brass rod as pivots for the lid and dowel reinforcements on the corners of the interior lift-out box, as well as a functional accent on inner tray. 

The top hinges proved to be a challenge. Not so much in their construction, but because the stock was so thin I just knew eventually the brass rod would blow through the end-grain wall of the upright. So, I masked off the tops of the uprights with vinyl tape and did a small epoxy pour on each to create a cap. This ties the end grain together to create a more solid anchor and gives just a little bit of color. Not perfect, and a bit challenging to shape because they’re so small but it worked pretty well, all things considered!

Standard laser etched decorations. 

Finished with a couple coats of amber shellac, then 4 coats of spray lacquer. Buffed the finish on the Bealle wheels.