Who has the best crochet hooks?

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bugradx2

bugradx2

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Ok - I have a friend who is going through chemo and she told me Wednesday that she's learned to crochet and is doing that while sitting through her sessions. Apparently the steroids they give her as part of that process keep her up so she is also doing some crochet work when she can't sleep.

Therefore, I feel I must make her a crochet set. I know many people on here have or do make them. In your opinion what is the best option?

Preferably something I can get at Exotic Blanks as they are "right up the road" and shipping will be quick.

Thanks for the help and advice
 
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The set referenced by the link was the first set offered by Penn State. I've sold several over the years. Many folks buy them for the first-time user. I've had a few experienced crocheter say these hooks have faults in the design. The tips have a taper to them and some folks say this affects the evenness of the stitches. Also, some have said the ends of the tips are too pointed and cause problems
Penn State released s new version where the tips have a straight shape. I'm not sure the ends are much better.
I just bought my first 5 of the new "in-line" version to see if they appeal to the more experienced user
The new version is much more expensive making it tougher to set a sales amount that can make a profit.
 
Exotic Blanks also sells another version I have not made yet. I bought several kits a few months ago from China before the tafiff change to see how well these would work.
 
beck3906 said:
The set referenced by the link was the first set offered by Penn State. I've sold several over the years. Many folks buy them for the first-time user. I've had a few experienced crocheter say these hooks have faults in the design. The tips have a taper to them and some folks say this affects the evenness of the stitches. Also, some have said the ends of the tips are too pointed and cause problems
Penn State released s new version where the tips have a straight shape. I'm not sure the ends are much better.
I just bought my first 5 of the new "in-line" version to see if they appeal to the more experienced user
The new version is much more expensive making it tougher to set a sales amount that can make a profit.
Click to expand...
Thanks very much for the information. I'd be curious to hear what you think after trying the new style.
 
beck3906 said:
Exotic Blanks also sells another version I have not made yet. I bought several kits a few months ago from China before the tafiff change to see how well these would work.
Click to expand...
Are you talking about the set where the hooks can be multi colored? Those are shorter than the PSI hooks according to their write up on Exotic Blanks.

Do people seem to have a preferred handle style or shape? I know next to nothing about crochet other than how to curl up under a blanket.
 
beck3906 said:
I never install the clip on crochet hooks or seam rippers. I did initially and customers said the clips limited use if the item
Click to expand...
I was wondering about that very idea, thanks. I ordered the new case that Exotic Blanks has from PSI also. It has a set of elastic bands to hang on to the handle
 
Ok! So updating this post. I did move forward with ordering a set from Exotic Blanks along with the snazzy new storage case. I didn't love case they came from and will use it for something else.

Our friend liked the set and should be able use them when not napping during chemo. Hopefully these will work as a travel set for her. I was a little surprised at how short they are but they'll work.

I just realized that I forgot to post a photo of the handle stored in the case. The needle does come out of it and stores in one of the sleeves while the handle is held by the elastic bands on the right.

Based on comments above, I did leave the clip off the handle.

The handle is spalted maple, I wanted to go with something simple. Finished with GluBoost and Dr Kirk's polish
 

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Just wondering if you could go to a Hobby Lobby or Michaels and pick up a set of them and then just measure the diameter of each hook, drill a slightly over sized hole in a blank, turn it down to desired shape and then epoxy in the hook?
 
I don't see why you couldn't do that.

In this case I was trying to go with a set that would be easily portable and encompass different sized hooks because I have no idea if she had a preference for a particular size or not.
 
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