The No Needles Knitter is your go-to destination for unique, handcrafted creations made with a range of non-traditional knitting techniques. I work with tools like the Knitting Nancy, knitting looms, finger knitting, the lucet fork, mechanised spool knitters, and mechanised circular knitting machines to craft pieces that are both practical and distinctive. But beyond the techniques, what truly sets my work apart is my commitment to using eco-friendly, natural yarns. My journey with non-traditional knitting began with a simple realisation: I just couldn't knit. Despite numerous attempts, traditional knitting with needles never clicked for me. The frustration of dropped stitches and uneven tension left me disheartened, but my desire to create never faded. Then, during a particularly challenging time when my husband was deployed, I found myself wandering through a local charity shop, looking for something to occupy my hands and mind. That’s when I came across a Knitting Nancy, the same kind I'd used as a child. I bought it on a whim, more out of nostalgia and curiousity than anything else. Back home, I picked it up and started looping yarn around it. The repetitive motion was soothing, and before I knew it, I had a small, neat cord in my hands. It was simple, but the process was satisfying in a way that traditional knitting had never been for me. It was as if I'd rediscovered an old friend. This small success encouraged me to explore other non-traditional knitting techniques. I experimented with knitting looms, which opened up new possibilities for larger projects. Finger knitting allowed for a more tactile and direct connection with the yarn. I even tried my hand at the lucet fork, learning to create sturdy, functional cords. As I delved deeper, I discovered mechanised spool knitters and mechanised circular knitting machines. These tools allowed me to take my creations to the next level, combining the personal touch of handcrafting with the efficiency of modern techniques. With each new method I tried, I found myself more invested in the process and I realised there was something here worth sharing. That’s how Tangles & Ties came to be a way to share my journey with others, offering pieces that are unique, functional, made with care and with love for the planet. From the beginning, I knew I wanted my work to reflect not just creativity but also responsibility. That's why I chose to use natural, eco-friendly yarns. Natural yarns, made from materials like linen, organic cotton, and bamboo, are far better for the environment than synthetic alternatives. Unlike synthetic yarns, which are made from petrochemicals and can take hundreds of years to decompose, natural yarns are biodegradable and renewable. They require less energy to produce, avoid the use of harmful chemicals, and have a smaller carbon footprint overall. By using natural yarns, I'm not only creating beautiful, functional pieces but also contributing to a healthier planet. The yarns I choose are gentle on the environment and offer the added benefit of being durable, breathable, and often more comfortable against the skin. This commitment to sustainability is as important to me as the techniques I use. It's about making something that’s not only good for the person who wears or uses it but also good for the world we all share. Each item in Tangles & Ties represents my journey, my struggle with traditional knitting, my discovery of non-traditional techniques, and my dedication to using materials that make a positive impact. Tangles & Ties isn't just about knitting differently; it's about thinking differently, too. It's about finding new ways to create, choosing materials that are kind to the earth, and sharing that journey with others through every piece I make. Every piece is a testament to the idea that there's more than one way to knit. Tangles & Ties isn't about perfection or tradition; it's about finding what works for you and creating something meaningful in the process. And for me, that’s what keeps it interesting—there’s always a new technique to try, a new challenge to tackle, and a new way to turn yarn into something special, without traditional knitting needles.