My knitting is boring...

Not the knitting itself...that's good. But where are the intricate stitches and patterns? I suppose those will come with time. Maybe that's why so many envision gray-haired little women knitting.
I think I figured out the 'key' to the knit-picks options needles' key -- it just provides some extra leverage so that you can really twist it on tightly. Holding the needle with one hand, you turn the key the opposite way and this tightens everything enough to keep it from unscrewing while you knit. At least, that's what has worked for me!

I've co a sweater sampler from the book The Sweater Workshop. My cable was longer than the recommended 16" so I had to cast on many more stitches. But it's been really good to see how the stitches work out in circular knitting. I really like circular knitting. I keep thinking -- there must be a way to do this everywhere, and never go back to straight needles again! I may have to try some dpn's to make a mini-sweater. My 5-yr old son has a bear that he says needs a sweater. I'll see what I can do.