Sticky needle help

[Girlymomwithsons]

I got myself a few pairs of (cheap) bamboo needles the other day. I have some other bamboos that I LOVE, they don't slip, and they don't aggravate my tendonitis like the metal and plastic ones do. But these new (cheap) ones are "sticky" and I have been knitting a yarn that is also pretty sticky, and they are driving me crazy. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get them to slide a bit more? I was thinking of ski wax, but I can't find ours. My friend put vaseline on hers, but I am worried about staining the needles, and I don't like vaseline anyway.

[monkaha]

Don't wash your hair for a few days. Then run the needles thru your hair repeatedly. No, really. (Of course, it has been noted that my hair is especially oily some days of the month. Maybe this wouldn't work for normal people. )

[Girlymomwithsons]

Monkaha: I read to the part that says run through your hair repeatedly, and I thought, Really? Then you answered me. So funny. So, that will work, hey? It is so dry where we live that my hair doesn't tend to get oily very quickly. Do you think my neighbours would object if I just ran them through thier hair instead?

[Beth-TX]

I stick my bamboo needles behind my ears sometimes when I'm not using them. Or I stick them in my ponytail. Over time, the oil from your hands will help the get smoother. Maybe your first project with these needles should be with a more slippery yarn? Then, by the time you're ready to use the "sticky" yarn, they'll be nice and oily.

I've also had luck with rubbing bamboo needles with a bit of wax paper. Could be worth a try...

peace, Beth

[mamadaisy]

What about wax paper? I've never tried this but it seems logical.

[Girlymomwithsons]

The wax paper idea seems like a good place to start, then the oils can build up from my hands and hair. I do tend to stick my needles through my ponytail when I need to get them away from little hands. Thanks everyone!

[cristeen]

I'd start with a fine grit sandpaper. A lot of cheaper bamboo needles really need a good sanding.

Once you've given it a good solid sanding, wax paper or even just a beeswax candle should do nicely... just don't overdo it, you want to condition the wood, not put a layer of wax on it.