I want to make a shawl that will be 24-27 inches wide and have only been able to find straight needles that are 14 inches long. Instead of using circular needles, can I just use the straight needles and scrunch the work up on the needles as I knit? Will that affect the quality/appearance of my knitting? I bought a pair of circular needles, but the nylon between the needles is coiled very tightly and the needles, which are bamboo, are catching on my thread. I've read that they will get smoother as they are used, but I'm not sure I have the patience or skill to work with this!

KB