needle tatters wish list

[Liyarra]

I am curious about needle tatting now I have been reading these topics.
Like shuttle tatters do you get MUST HAVES for your collection?
Do you have to have excessive amounts of needles like I tend to end up with for shuttle tatting or can you get by with a few?
What accessories go along with needle tatting?
Are there any "brilliant" nifty items that make life easier when tatting?
Does it become obssessional?? (I know with shuttle tatting ANY new shuttle out there or handy hook or other item is a MUST HAVE)
What are the things most collected by needle tatters?
Can any pattern be adapted to needle tatting?

Ok come on and convince me that I need to swap allegiances!!!!!

[Judy]

Where would Ying be without Yang? Come over to the light side. We have white bark.

Yep, I've been able to do Almost everything... even some of those funny things with picots on both sides or with the needle in my left hand.:shock: We won't discuss my failings... like making my posts too long.

But to answer the questions, I think I've gotten as obsessive and acquisitive as any shuttle tatter. True, we don't wax eloquent over the feel and design of our needles or put them on display, but we do collect them. They stay with all the UFO's with the thread still in them, just in case we ever decide to finish the thing and need to know what size needle we had been using. Now about those books... nearly all written for shuttle tatters. Aren't we cool that we tat in two worlds. Reading the instructions is like watching American Sign when you really need braille.

[summeralyssa]

Hi Liyarra:) I'm a needle tatter because I love chunky threads and yarns. You can make scarves and larger projects with needle tatting that you can't with shuttle tatting.

Like Judy, I do collect needles, both because /I like to leave needles attached to UFOs and because you can use two needles on one project to replicate shuttle tatting with two different color threads. (Usually, though, you only need one needle even if the pattern calls for two shuttles.)

There are only two items (besides thread and needle) that I think of as essential. Believe it or not, the bigger the thread, the more handy a needle threader becomes! Trying to shove a multi-strand piece of yarn in-tact through a big eyed needle is actually pretty hard! I also love my picot gauges (usually cut from scrap cardboard). They make work for me so much easier, especially because I'm a beginner and I just can't eyeball it:)

So far, the only problems I've had adopting patterns are the tediousness of doing split ring chains, and adopting patterns that have specific front/back sides.

Hope that helps! :) Summer

[Kersti]

So far I've noticed that patterns where there seems to be a short distance between a picot and a join on the same chain (ie dimpled rings) are difficult, but then I haven't been needle tatting long.

I've got three sets of needles, but the big thing I've noticed is that the thread world has opened up like you wouldn't believe, so many gorgeous new things to try!

[mamajotats]

When you have those short distances between a picot and a join, a tiny crochet hook is the thing to have. You just pull up the thread in the picot as long as you need it to go back over the needle, then ...tada... you have joined that tiny space. So a 13/14 steel crochet hook is essential to needle tatting. There's only one way to not need so many needles in your supplies.....Only tat with one size thread and you will use the same size needle for all projects.... and you can just un-thread and re-thread for the new project.....But who tats in only one size? I love both needle and shuttle tatting. I think needle tatting goes a lot faster and it is easier to tat over the ends, which I have finally mastered with shuttle tatting. Keep trying and you will also love it.

[Ridgewoman]

Where would Ying be without Yang? Come over to the light side. We have white bark.

Yep, I've been able to do Almost everything... even some of those funny things with picots on both sides or with the needle in my left hand.:shock: We won't discuss my failings... like making my posts too long.

But to answer the questions, I think I've gotten as obsessive and acquisitive as any shuttle tatter. True, we don't wax eloquent over the feel and design of our needles or put them on display, but we do collect them. They stay with all the UFO's with the thread still in them, just in case we ever decide to finish the thing and need to know what size needle we had been using. Now about those books... nearly all written for shuttle tatters. Aren't we cool that we tat in two worlds. Reading the instructions is like watching American Sign when you really need braille.


I think most shuttle enthusiasts share their shuttle collections in photos because the other shuttle tatters want to see the different colors, designs and such. I'd hate to have folks get the idea that we show photos just to "show off" !~ for instance, on one of my tatting photos I was asked what kind of shuttles I used.

I think, perhaps, as you grow in your needle tatting you won't find it as hard to translate shuttle patterns into needle patterns. At least that is what my needle tatting friends have said...

B.

[ldr103]

I haven't found myself collecting needles--I have two sets of regular sizes so I can work on multiple projects at the same time and one set of yarn needles. I have yet to find the shuttle pattern I can't do (in fact, most techniques are easier with a needle than a shuttle), you don't have to waste time winding shuttles, you can use a longer continuous thread (because you're not limited by what your shuttle can hold), and you can use all sorts of thread and yarn. I'd also like to point out that you can't tat wire with a shuttle, but you can with a needle. I recommend 26g if you decide to go down that rabbit hole.

[mathbook28]

Tatting with wire!! What did you make? Do you recommend it? Sounds interesting!!

[mathbook28]

I am a needle only tatter, but I will confess that I love the look of shuttles and wish that I could justify having a few of them :) But this way, I can spend more $$ on thread!!

[BahmaTerri]

I can do both but I find that needle tatting is so much faster. There are a few things I haven't tried yet but I am working on expanding my skills. I agree that a needle threader is an absolute must have.

The other thing that I can't do without is a needle puller. It's a small, round very flexible rubbery disc that you use to grab hold of your needle and pull. My fingers get tired and sore after pulling the needle through a zillion times and I find that this reduces the irritation to my fingers so that I can tat into the wee hours of the morning without getting big dents in my fingers!
:thmbup:

This is what I use:

http://dritz.com/brands/dritzquilting/products/dq3052_l.jpg

[BahmaTerri]

I haven't found myself collecting needles--I have two sets of regular sizes so I can work on multiple projects at the same time and one set of yarn needles. I have yet to find the shuttle pattern I can't do (in fact, most techniques are easier with a needle than a shuttle), you don't have to waste time winding shuttles, you can use a longer continuous thread (because you're not limited by what your shuttle can hold), and you can use all sorts of thread and yarn. I'd also like to point out that you can't tat wire with a shuttle, but you can with a needle. I recommend 26g if you decide to go down that rabbit hole.

Now I'm curious about this. How do you do it? Is the wire tatted right along with your thread? Is it easy to handle both together?

Hmmmm...I will have to try this technique soon. I think it would be great on snowflakes!

Thank you!

[carolivy]

I am a needle tatter. I have had to buy another set of needles, so now I have 2 complete sets (plus one of the finest ones) and I just got another friend to buy her first set. :innocent: I take mine around SO much that I am having to have my OH make a case to carry all my needles in as the case they come in is cracked in so many places I'm affraid I will loose one of the needles one of these days. (even though I usually have so many projects going at the same time the only needle usually in there is the largest one as I don't use that one very often. :blush:)

[TotusMel]

I have a ridiculous number of needles...because I'm always misplacing them, buying more, then rediscovering them. I also have an indispensable set of steel crochet hooks. Nope, needle aren't pretty like shuttles, but I love them anyway.

So far, I've not run against a pattern that I can't turn into a needle pattern & though I've tried tatting with wire...I found it a bit painful on my fingers & i love sting anyway.

[Ridgewoman]

I haven't found myself collecting needles--I have two sets of regular sizes so I can work on multiple projects at the same time and one set of yarn needles. I have yet to find the shuttle pattern I can't do (in fact, most techniques are easier with a needle than a shuttle), you don't have to waste time winding shuttles, you can use a longer continuous thread (because you're not limited by what your shuttle can hold), and you can use all sorts of thread and yarn. I'd also like to point out that you can't tat wire with a shuttle, but you can with a needle. I recommend 26g if you decide to go down that rabbit hole.

"you can't tat wire with a shuttle" Correction! YES, one can tat with wire on a shuttle. It would come as a great surprise to TatMan (who does beautiful wirework with a shuttle) and those in the advanced T.A.T group as tatting with wire (with a shuttle) is one of the things one must do to be a Master tatter. It can be done by 'encapsulation'; as one example.
Thought it a good idea not to deter any shuttle tatters who might want to try going down "that rabbit hole." LOL Bev

[Liyarra]

Thanks for your replies. I have tatted with wire of various gauges several times with shuttles and had no problem with it. It is a bit fiddly but I would think it would be with a needle too.

[Judy]

This is to follow the thread (hoo hoo) of a case to carry needles in. Just as I stepped on the last of the plastic cases... a friend returned from travel in Greece with a sample bottle of ouzo for me. The cardboard cylinder was PERFECT. Just the right length, big enough for the needle threaders and a picot gauge or 2 and some paper clips. Most important? Too big to step on accidentally.

[patrice]

I have more needles than anyone would ever need...because I often work on many projects at once-and I want to keep the needle with the work.I enjoy tatting with larger threads,but it doesn't happen often.So,when I have a pattern I suddenly want to test out-I need a spare needle.Since I use very fine threads-I am always needing super fine needles.
For the person who thought you needed two needles to tat in two colors-tie the threads together,then just change which ones you use for knots.
Although I am a needle tatter,I love to collect shuttles,I have more than fifty-go figure.
Lastly-my kids are grown,but a childrens soft pencil box is wonderfull for keeping needles in-and all manner of little extras.

[Liyarra]

ok two more questions......how long are tatting needles and do you use a crochet hook to make joins?


Just curious - can the person who rated this as a bad comment please PM me and tell me why so I can rectify the situation?

[dbrn]

I don't have a ruler handy, but they look to be 5, maybe 6 inches, long. I don't generally find that I need to use a crochet hook for joins, but that's really dependent on the size of the joining picot. I do have one for those times that I need it, especially for tiny joining picots.

[TotusMel]

I just measured, mine are 5 inches for the smaller sizes & 6 inches for the yarn sized ones. I do use the crochet hooks for joins but generally only when the join is at the end of a motif that joins into a circle so I don't have to pull the stitches off the needle to join with the needle point...if that makes any sense at all.

[Kersti]

What does everyone use to hold needles not in use? Mine came in little plastic bags, but that's not really a viable long-term solution

[Ridgewoman]

What does everyone use to hold needles not in use? Mine came in little plastic bags, but that's not really a viable long-term solution

How about a Pringles Potato Chip cylinder? :cool:

[carolivy]

Mine came in a plastic tube with a cap on it. The tube has been cracked numerous times, but I put one large piece of clear tape all the way around it and it is still going strong. lol

[TotusMel]

I'm using the tube same as carolivy, though I saw a lovely wood holder on etsy that I'm thinking of getting.

[dbrn]

I use the same plastic cylinder as the others. I have also used one of the hard eyeglass cases, one of those that snaps shut, to hold my needles, threader, and scissors.

[nlotzer]

Needle Holder - I use a cheapie BIC pen with the ink tube removed. Just wiggle it out with some wire cutters. For a cap I currently use a small wad of Blu-Tac.

I mainly work in polymer clay and these pens are covered with clay and then the ink tube is re-inserted for a very pretty pen. I usually don't make a cap for the pens but I think that I've figured out how to make that happen. If I ever put down my needle tatting projects I really need to make myself a pretty needle holder with a matching cap.

I use a snap type glasses case to hold the above needle holder, thread on card bobbins, my thread cutter, hook, threader and small copies of patterns. Everything fits and it is easy to travel with.

[PattyD]

I really have to speak up about tatting with wire! Since I am mostly a shuttle tatter, I have found that really fine wire (like hair!) in multiple plies tats almost as easily as thread. I have the great advantage of having a 5 pound spool of the stuff. The hardest part is getting it all wound in 4 or 5 plies.

[Suztats]

I've never heard of needle pullers, but I think they'd be so useful. I usually use the opening on the scissors 'screw', set the needle in there and push up through the thread when I can't get a good grip.

[BlueDode]

After crushing the original tatting needle tubes into shatters such that the lids wouldn't stay screwed on, I purchased a couple "Tatting Needle Holder" plastic containers from www.lacis.com (http://www.lacis.com). Use the online shopping option and the description in quotes to see a picture. These have held up well for me -- I also use one for my beading needles, and keep thread tatting needles in one and yarn tatting needles in another.

Not sure if you can get these outside the US...

[Judy]

I've got a couple of new needle holders. I've found a metal flat case that once held chocolate. Its the exact length I need for the regular thread needles. I still have my small liquor bottle cardboard case. My other case for this n that is a big old metal Altoids container about 9 or 10 inches long and maybe 7/8 of an inch high. So, I guess I'm obsessive about interesting cases to hold the needles, especially if there was food or drink involved with the original purpose of the container.:tongue:

[rain]

I had 2 of the needle tubes that the needles came in ... one got broke and the other vanished with a needle still in it!!! :mad: I think its with my missing teal sew mate shuttle....:ermm:.. So when I went and actually bought the HH How to needle tat book it came with another set of needles in a flat plastic case. .... I usually put them in there..... ok honestly.... I only have the ones I rarely use (size 3 and 5) in the case (I have 7 needles 2 of each sizes 5,7 & 8 and one 3 the other size 3 ummm well thats the one thats in the missing tube.)... so anyways... the other needles are attached to a project and a ball.:blush: Well at least I know where they are ....most of the time.... one of the size 7s has also just came up missing.... the ball is still there and so is the project....... ...... ...... ...... ...... ........ ....... ......:huh:

[Marty]

I bought a "how to needle tat" kit once that came with a needle holder. It's still sealed. I've either got to get it out and learn or give it away!

[Suztats]

Well, I am away Friday on holiday for a week, staying in a city instead of living out in the country, and I'll be searching for some needle holders while I'm there. Wish me luck!

[lalou]

i do have a needle holder but i usually keep my needles on a magnetic strip (which is on a peg board on the wall, next to my computer and threads and books LOL) in my craft room. i have to have things organized are i LOSE everything, including my head!

[rain]

Im one of the most DIS-organized---- organized crafter I know lol... I think as long as I know where everything is its ok..... till I lose needles...and then get in trouble by my DH who always ends up finding them the hard way:lol: But to add to my wish list... I wish I had more needles (somehow I can never have enough) and another of those needle threader set (its a double sided needle threader) I had one but it ran off the the missing needle and shuttle......Also since I have the learn to needle tat book I want the Needle tatting with style book 1... and of course one can NEVER EVER have enough patterns :biggrin:

[xstchntat]

I have an old needle holder made of metal that I inherited from my grandma, though I haven't used them much since learning to shuttle tat.

[rain]

I go back and forth. If I want to do it quickly I pull out my needles. I like knowing both and dont want to forget how to do one or the other.

[patrice]

I am a shuttle AND needle tatter-I WAY prefer needle tatting-there is so much you can do.I have so many needles-because I've been tatting for nearly twenty years-I always have more than one project going at once.It is way easier to keep the needle with the piece.And yet,I am a collector of tatting shuttles...I have more than sixty shuttles from all over the world-I love them all.
I confess...I don't always need more needles-but I do always need new and unique tatting shuttles...I am so addicted.

[Liyarra]

Not sure if they are available all over the world - probably are though. M&M's put out special fundraiser plastic containers that are flip top and a really good length for storing needles or even shuttles in. The ones I have are about 1.5 times the length of the "normal" M&M tubes.

[Sewicked]

Some of the M&Ms minis tubes are the right size & length. I also some candies at a Cracker Barrel (US restaurant/gift shop) in a long, squared-off tube container.

[Green Gal]

I am still using my M&M tube (courtesy of Liyarra thanks again). But I am going to have to cover it as everytime I look at it I think 'Oh Goody Chocolate'. Then I am shattered that its empty. Well empty of chocolates.

[crazytatter]

I tried needle tatting recently, I find that it is easier to rectify mistakes then shuttle. With needle, just push the stitches up toward the tip, the stitches will come off and the wrong part would come apart to do over while with shuttle, it takes longer to take it apart. I purchased my needles that comes in various sizes in a tube, I am still trying to figure out what size I am using as they are not labeled when I receive them. The way I pick the needles to use is whether the thread will pass through the eye.

[xstchntat]

You are right about it being easier to fix a mistake with the needle. When I needle tat(I also shuttle tat) I use the smallest needle that I can get into the eye of the needle. I never really worry what size the needle is because most of my needles came from grandma and were not labeled either.

[Judy]

The choice of thread for a needle is mostly determined by the size of the eye. Sometimes you have to take extra measures to thread the very small needles. Barbara Foster recommends using the smallest needle that doesn't "shred" the thread as it goes through the eye.
There's a different "soft" feel when the needle is larger than it needs to be, and rings and chains can look "crumpled", or uneven, because you have a tendency to pull them tighter than necessary as you close the ring or chain; the stitches start to slightly overlap. There was a couple, drawing a blank on their name right now, who put out their own books, needles and technique. The essence of what they recommended, and what I've done sometimes, is to double the thread on the needle and make sure that what ends up in the core of the ring and chain is actually doubled! It makes for larger knots when you do the turn and tie, or tie and turn or turn/tie. What it does well is compensate for having a slightly too large needle since it puts more bulk in the core. I've wondered if the tie is actually essential; I think the core threads would get pulled in opposite directions by stress on the joins. The counterpart for shuttle tatting doesn't exist, as you tighten your stitches onto the core thread based directly on the size of the core=shuttle thread. I've also wondered if there could be some way of exploiting this by using three threads, two in the core and one for the ds's using three different colors.

[RandaGray]

For those of you still looking for a needle case, I saw (last week) at Hobby Lobby that they have some metal pencil cases painted with all kinds of disney characters, moons & stars, & things like that. they're with the school supplies kind of things, & they're long & about 2 inches deep. If I wasn't already getting 2 tatting containers, I'd have bought one or two to carry my own stuff in. They'd be great for needles or shuttles, either to carry or use as a stash container :) They also had some small metal lunchboxes that would be great for an on the go shuttle box.....

[xstchntat]

I've wondered if the tie is actually essential;
I do true rings with my tatting so that it is essentially the same as shuttle tatting when looked at. With one color CTM start your thread with the knots being made with the thread on your fingers going to the eye of the needle and the ball thread at the first stitch. When you close the ring the thread will already be in the right place for the chain when you rw. With 2 colors it is even easier to start since you start with a true ring and then do the chain with the second color. With both the needle thread is the core for both chains and rings just as it is in shuttle tatting and the colors follow just as in shuttle tatting. There are pictures of my two color needle tatting in my Photobucket album here: http://s991.photobucket.com/albums/af39/xstchntat/Tatting/2%20color%20needle%20tatting/
The only time I do a SLT is if a pattern that specifically calls for it.

[feroluce]

The Dritz needle pullers are wonderful! I bought some years ago to help with bookbinding.
Another thing, if you can't find them or would rather use that money for another ball of thread (!), is to use un-inflated balloon. Just cut the long part off and voila - you don't have to slip it over your thumb but you can if you like.

I'm so happy to be here. I began needle tatting on September 5th, using Barbara Foster's excellent how-to book. I am currently using a 5/0 needle and a set of non-tatting needles (weaving needle and some doll needles short and long) that i modified for needle tatting by snipping the points off with wire cutters and sanding/filing them smooth and flat. I have ordered some stuff from Handy Hands and am eagerly awaiting their shipment. This is SO COOL.

[feroluce]

If there's a bead store in your neighborhood, you might want to take your longest tatting needle and see if it fits into those clear capped plastic tubes that some kinds of seed beads are sold in. Often the store will sell empty tubes, and the prices are very reasonable - probably can get half a dozen for $1.50 or so.
Also - a clear or light-colored toothbrush holder might work, if you plug the punched end with a wad of cotton. Hmmm - might try actually gluing the cotton wads at both ends with Tacky Glue. That would cradle the needles very nicely.
I had another idea for keeping the sizes separate - try putting in different bead tubes and just put a sticky label on each tube with the needle size. I don't know if it's possible to actually buy sizing things for these needles in the way you can get sizing things for knitting needles or crochet hooks.

Those metal pencil boxes sound very attractive and portable. Ya know, this gave me an idea - for keeping sizes separate, what about gently pushing the needles through strips of different colored felt? If you don't want to chance bending a needle, try punching the felt first with a 1/16 or 1/8 inch hole punch? Just thinking aloud. I don't have any needles in front of me to try this, I'm only visualizing it.

[feroluce]

Hello Judy,
You just gave me an idea!!
A metal tin of the proper size could hold needles in tubes, small balls of thread AND scissors, tiny crochet hook, etc. all together. Or maybe a plastic pencil box or cigar box? Hmmm...

[Judy]

Welcome to In Tatters, Glad you found us. Since I posted that thread I've had a few more thoughts on cases. A glass tube, which I loved, broke:cry: into a smithereen of pieces:shock:. I've now moved to metal cases. A supersize altoids tin about 5 by 7 or 8 inches, and a couple of fancy metal cases that chocolate came in, about twice as long as a "normal" altoids tin, is just long enough for the needles. They don't hold the ball though. I keep the 5's separate from the 7's and 8's. Those two I can tell apart by their stiffness. The 8's bend pretty easily, the 7's resist. I have a couple of non-standard needles and hand-me-downs and they sort of go inbetween. Back to the standard of what the eye will hold.
Also, although I'm a confirmed needle tatter, I've recently been learning shuttle basics. It makes it easier to convert patterns, especially those that use strange techniques like single shuttle split rings, the infamous SSSR and some lock joins. We all get along fine here whether needle or shuttle.

[feroluce]

Hello Judy!
I have seen all kinds of pretty enameled tins (solid pastel colors and holiday reds and greens, if I remember correctly) at Jo-Ann and Michael's for just a couple of bucks. Although I think it's pretty cool to just re-purpose something already at home or passed on by a friend or co-worker.
I'm thinking of those embossed tea (?) tins and shortbread tins for the Danish cookies - I wonder if small balls of threads would fit into a Danish cookie tin? Each could be put into a paper cupcake cup so they'll stay put and the loose threads won't mingle ;-)...hmmm...now I'm wondering something - if a rectangular space were set apart straight across the middle of the tin, then cupcakes of thread on both sides, needles in tubes or folded papers in the center, little thread cutter and picot gauge...hmmm..so many ideas, and lunchtime is about over!!!
How is the shuttle tatting going? One of the things I love about needle tatting is that I (a lefty) can do it right-handed with no problems. Although I have noticed that I am THINKING left-handed even though my right hand is holding the needle, and that led to a bit of weirdness before I watched a couple of helpful videos to get things straightened out...
I learned split ring and JK last night to make a beautiful necklace design by TotusMel. SSSR hasn't shown up in my airspace yet...!

[sonsery]

Yes! There is a needle guage for our tatting needles. Handy Hands sells it and it also doubles for a picot guage too. :) I've been thinking about getting one. You can see it at: http://www.hhtatting.com/Results.cfm Lacis also sells them. http://lacis.com/catalog/

I've been a member for a long time, but haven't visited very often. I've enjoyed reading this thread. I'm a needle tatter but I do know the very basics of shuttle tatting. So far I prefer needle tatting because, to me, it's just so much easier than the shuttle. I've had a needle in my hand for one thing or another since I was a kid. . I learned from Barbara Foster's book. I have two sets of needles at this time. And a set of large needles for yarns. I was looking on the Lacis site and they actually have needles made out of wood! I bend my needles when I work so I think I'd break the wooden ones. LOL But it would be fun to have for my small collection. One thing I'd love to see is for the needles to come in different colors. Now, wouldn't that be cool. Can you imagine working with a purple needle? or maybe even a tourquoise or red one? I can see where shuttle tatting can be addicting too. I've enjoyed learning how to do it too.

Barb :)

[landofgilli]

It's not as pretty, but I use an old pill bottle for my needles. I bored a hole in the top with scissors and threaded a string through it with a bead on either side of the cap so as not to pull through. I left a loop at the top of the string to attach it to my tatting key chain- a circular pendant with 5 small key rings that can be removed and re-arranged. On the small rings I have my needle (and bead) case, scissors, shuttle, and a spare ring that I want to put my small crochet hook on somehow, haha.

[feroluce]

I hope I'm posting this information in the proper thread; if not, moderators please advise and I will move it!
What a wild ride in a fast machine - I began needle tatting last Sunday 09/05 and it's totally AMAZING how quickly things are adding up.
Here is a report on repurposed tools/accessories - hope this info is useful for someone.

1. For very long chaings/things, I read in one of the threads here that someone was using mattress needles. Most excellent suggestion! Found a pack of 4, different thicknesses and lengths (longest over a foot long) on Thursday. Took home, snipped and filled tip smooth and flat. Bingo, perfect for the Celtic projects.
2. To carry these loooong needles - a trip to Dai-so (Asian "dollar" type store with MUCH better merch than usual dollar store; everything is $1.50) - found set for calligraphy - tall brush holder (ingenious screw-tight closure) with little ink bottle and spigots, only $1.50.
3. Tubes to hold repurposed weaving needles - I took apart a couple of American Crafts Ultimate Gel Pens that had died after only a few uses (waste of money, that - but for some reason I was keeping them!) - pulled bottom plug out very gently with pliers, pushed inside out, replaced plug, bingo - a nice little holder about 6.5 inches long that holds a couple of needles.
4. Do not buy the floss holder things (don't remember brand name - it looks like a crochet hook roll and you buy these long beige plastic gizmos to pop the floss on unwound and store) - waste of money, you cannot tat directly off them. It's easier, much cheaper and much quicker to just buy plastic floss bobbins and wind up yourself. Very meditative, as well. I wasted $16 on this one, but I will find a friend who embroiders and maybe trade it for something.
5. Lap cloths - I bought 2 cloth napkins, each about 18 inches square, at Bed Bath and Beyond. Solid colors, black and a beige-ish ecru (stark white is a problem for my eyes). Bingo, wonderful - and now I can see everything I'm doing. Portable, too. And washable. And cheap, at $3 apiece. And they'll outlive me ;-0)
6. Embroidery bobbins, loaded with floss - the boxes are big and clunky and I don't carry hard containers with me - I found a little cloth zipp up pencil pouch at dai-so for $1.50. It's just the right size to file the bobbins in, standing straight up. I got around 15 of them into this container.
7. Winding #3 or #10 crochet thread off those biiiig clunky balls...I found these yarn bobbins made by Bryson, called EZ Bobs. Eight in a package for $4.50. I use them for knitting. They come in 3 sizes. The large size is pretty big and would probably hold most of a Cro-Sheen ball of #3. The design is ingenious and you can see into them. Very good product, very well made and good price.
8. Since I've only been NT'ing for 7 days, I'm doing a lot with worsted dishcloth cotton, fingering or DK weight cotton/acrylic/mercerized cotton, and #3 crochet thread - I found that the motifs I'm practicing with worsted cotton and the repurposed weavers needle are just the right size to be coasters!! Maybe for a mug or a glass-topped table?? The cotton is of course super-absorbent, but the projects are - ahem - hole-y...!
Hope this info is useful - the adventure continues - what a fabulous wild ride in a fast machine!!

[Judy]

I'm going to report feroluce to Waste Management for taking things out of dumpsters before they can take them to the landfill! Congratulations. I've been working on repurposing water as my parents did 70 years ago, along with the cloth bags my mom used for shopping. I like best #3.

[Liyarra]

GreenGal - been on the lookout for something to put your needles in so you can reduce your chocolate cravings but no luck. Perhaps on the way home.......
Maybe in the meantime you can find some rice paper and cover it like I did with my Pavlova Magic container?????? works well.

[rsmre]

I always thought that tatting needles were only made of metal. I was pleasantly surprised when I found Rosewood Tatting Needles at Lacis. They are a birthday gift from my husband, so I'll have to waite a few weeks before I can use them. Meanwhile, I'll keep an eye out for the Dritz Needle Pullers.

[Judy]

Do let us know how they work out. I would think they would be great for yarns.

[perlnaofee]

Hi there, to keep my tatting needles I use a small glass tube. It fits perfect to the needles. Originally I found it in the spice rack in the supermarket filled with original vanilla. the tube is closed with a plastic head, small and wunderful to carry. May be you can find it in wintertime now to make christmas cockies. I leave always a piece of thread in the needle when I cut of the ends, better to pick on out of the others.

[Joy]

Hi Lyarra,
Firstly hope that you are getting well treated by our Danish friends..but looking at the birthday cake your doing well...and deserve a bit of pampering.
I learnt needle tatting when I was teaching so that if anyone couldnt get the flip this would be an alternative...I have just gone back to it for curiositys sake and am quite enjoying trying something new...you can buy separate needles and depending on the size of the thread pick the size needle that you fancy...you need a needle threader for sure......you really should try it it is fascinating to me at the present
Love and Hugs
Joy

[Kernelval]

I actually found a metal case designed to use for carrying tampons in! It is just right for needles, threader snips, and small crochet hooks for joining. I have a small zippered makeup bag that holds my case, lizbeth thread ball, copies of patterns, and pencil for notes.

[patrice]

O.K. Am I the only needle tatter who collects both shuttles and needles?I prefer finer needles-but they are not created equally.My favorite needle is years old.It is a very fine size-I believe 8.Anywho..it has a large eye(easy to thread)a very sharp point-bad for me-good for hiding threads,and it is slightly thinner than ALL my other 8 needles.The result is IT'S BENT-HORRIBLY BENT.I still use it all the time-it is just a bit wacky.Then there is my obsession with collecting shuttles...about fifty right now.I would like to know that I'm not alone....Am I?

[carolivy]

Not now Patrice. I am new to shuttle tatting and my collection isn't as large as yours, but for only having tatted with the shuttle for about 1 month, I now have (or have ordered) a total of about 20 shuttles...lol

[crazytatter]

Carolivy you definitely caught the shuttle fever.:w00t:

[celticflame99]

When I used to shuttle tat, I had an eyeglass case that I glued a magnet onto the inside of, it held my shuttles, and the project went into a small fabric baggy with snap close flap in the case, that I also glued to the side. It was very nice, as nothing ever tangled no matter how much it got jostled around in my purse. I think the same would work for needle tatting. Or if you don't use metal shuttles, you could glue or sew elastic in, to hold your shuttles or needles or hooks etc. still. This would also work with a roll up type setup, fabric, with 2 strips of elastic, one for top and bottom of needles, hooks, shuttles, maybe a couple of pouches etc, and a ribbon to tie it on the outside. You could even do a couple "pages" somewhere for smaller traditional needles. A roll up tatting keeper and needle book all in one.

[Judy]

I like that magnet idea. I have cluttered up my refrigerator door with the things. This I can do.

[Darla]

Hi I been needle tatting now for over 15 years lol I carry my needles i have 6 sets because when I teach classes I have to usally let the students use one of mine to start with till they can get there own I find a small pair of scissors my needles and a size 12 crochet hook and thread is all i need and i can do just about any thing any where I go I carry my stuff in a portable tooth brush holder and it works great.

There are more shuttle patterns made then needle but I find if i want to make a pattern I can just do it Darla from Indiana

[perlnaofee]

Hi, magnets are very usefull, I agree too. I once found a magnet glued into a wooden thing, with a pin below.( O how difficult to discribe without the right word in a foreign language) in any way I found it at a bobinlace-makers booth, making these wonderfull wooden bobins. I have a magnet now, which I can put into my armchair, placing needles and safety pins on it easiliy and remove easily. And... my armchair won't "eat" them any longer:wink:.

I love the idea with the eyeglas case... will see if it works for needle tatting, but where to put my reading glasses then :whistle:I would be able to tat, but can't see anthing more lol

[perlnaofee]

I think all these tiny boxes are quite good ideas to carry needles.

But what about the thread balls. I sometimes find it more difficult to carry a large ball with started work hanging on it with me. Needle goes into its bed, but ball doesn't fit into my millions of wonderful metal boxes I love to carry with me. I sew some fabric bags to put it in, but not save carry for the done work hanging on it, This is an advantage shuttle tatters have, thread is sitting on the shuttles, shuttle is realive small.

[IcePrincess]

The thread balls were a constant problem for me as shuttle tatter as well - sometime you will have to refill your shuttle and when you're not working with bobbin shuttles to have some pre-would bobbins with you - the problem's the same.
For me the solution came via the Thread Exchange - I realized that the plastic bobbins are perfect to hold the thread for one or two shuttle refills and you can pack those into small boxes.
That should work for needle-tatting as well. At present I'm toying with Elodet and since I only have one ball of the black thread I want to make the pattern in, I wrapped a generous portion off to a plastic bobbin - as yet it looks like it's enough.

[Joy]

I thought that you would like to see a Crochet or Tatting needle holder that my mother had for many years...now it is mine and I love it ...it is sterling silver...dont know the date it was made...none of my family tat so dont know who I will leave it to in my will LOL
HUgs
Joy
74157416

[perlnaofee]

O my gooness, joy, this is geourgous!!! I love it too!

[perlnaofee]

:whistling:Yes those palstic cards may be great to have.

[carolivy]

That is gorgeous Joy!

[Joy]

Thanks all...I thought that you would like it....wish I could find out more about it
Huggles
Joy

[carolivy]

Thanks all...I thought that you would like it....wish I could find out more about it
Huggles
Joy

You might find this interesting then: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/sewing/needle-cases

[Joy]

Hi Carol,
I have put a photo of the Crochet Needle Case in the Collectors Weeky to see if I can find anything out about it..Thanks for your help
Hugs
Joy

[carolivy]

Glad I could help. I hope you find out more information about it.

[sonsery]

Oh Joy! It is just beautiful! What a wonderful treasure to have. :)

[Bespoke Orchid]

There are only two items (besides thread and needle) that I think of as essential. Believe it or not, the bigger the thread, the more handy a needle threader becomes! Trying to shove a multi-strand piece of yarn in-tact through a big eyed needle is actually pretty hard! I also love my picot gauges (usually cut from scrap cardboard). They make work for me so much easier, especially because I'm a beginner and I just can't eyeball it:)




For threading, a trick I learned in cross stitching (gros point) is to take a 1" piece of paper, fold it in half, cut it so that the width is slightly smaller than the eye. You then fold the paper over the yarn, and thread it through. The beauty of this threader is that the thread goes through single thickness, and I find it easier than hauling on a traditional threader.

[carolivy]

For threading, a trick I learned in cross stitching (gros point) is to take a 1" piece of paper, fold it in half, cut it so that the width is slightly smaller than the eye. You then fold the paper over the yarn, and thread it through. The beauty of this threader is that the thread goes through single thickness, and I find it easier than hauling on a traditional threader.

I also learned this technique when I used to do a lot of plastic canvas work.

[Cherb]

I know its been awhile since anyone posted here, but I truely would love to see some finished pieces. Before when I saw items I was not that critical, but now doing my own tatting, questions come up and it would be good to now look at items already produced and see how they accomplished the task.

[PeonyRose]

I have been Needle Tatting since December last year, the amount of thread, all colours of the rainbow i have collected in that shirt time is unbelievable, i touch it and squish it like i do my fibre stash, it's beautiful to look at and admire.:smile::smile::smile:
Needles, well we can never have enough needles, can we? To-date i have a modest 7 needles, ranging from size 5 to 8 and then very fine, i am on the look out for more and more though.
The thing i really would love is my name engraved on the needles, just like those beautiful Tatting Shuttles have on them, you cannot really engrave a needle , can you?
To keep my projects in, it's the slim needle tins and baskets i find are most collectable, now that's a whole new topic in itself! I have a dainty little fabric lined basket with handles that i try to keep most of my things in, but it is overspilling so fast, i need to bring into play my other tins and baskets.:smile:
And patterns, don't even get me started on how many i have printed off and stored in folders? (mmmmm need to find a cheaper source of inks)!:blush:
Hugs Pammi

[Judy]

I know its been awhile since anyone posted here, but I truely would love to see some finished pieces. Before when I saw items I was not that critical, but now doing my own tatting, questions come up and it would be good to now look at items already produced and see how they accomplished the task.

If you have some things you've done... used a pattern that has a definite name or designer... then I would start with a search for that in the standard search box. Unfortunately, the search feature doesn't extend to the photo albums. But , you could put out a thread asking for others who have completed such and such a pattern and that have a photo of it in their album. You're always free to meander through the albums of members.

[carolivy]

My albums are set up so that my shuttle tatting is in a separate album. The other tatting albums are stuff done with the needle. If you look you will find the Tatted Christmas Tree done in both needle and shuttle tatting.

[Bespoke Orchid]

The thing i really would love is my name engraved on the needles, just like those beautiful Tatting Shuttles have on them, you cannot really engrave a needle , can you?
To keep my projects in, it's the slim needle tins and baskets i find are most collectable, now that's a whole new topic in itself! I have a dainty little fabric lined basket with handles that i try to keep most of my things in, but it is overspilling so fast, i need to bring into play my other tins and baskets.

Technically, you can engrave the lord's prayer on the head of a pin. It is possible, but rather expensive and you would need a magnifier glass to see it. Very specialized work; not something that the local key shop could do.

I don't like the tins because you need to unload the whole thing to find the right size. I'm far too impatient for any of that. I sewed a case for my needles, so that I could have them all marked and in order. Open the case and take out the needle. I intend to tat some frilly stuff to beautify it, but haven't seemed to get around to it.

I have double of some needles, which was only because I needed to purchase combo packs which had some of the same, and some new needle sizes. For such a large city, Toronto is not with it. Now I want at least two of all of them - ever since britinpa (http://www.intatters.com/member.php?2326-britinpa) posted about throwing rings off. :)

[Judy]

I have this large size altoids tin, which conveniently holds the 'lil plastic tubes the needles came in. I added large labels to the outside of each for the size.

[Joy]

For those folks who have trouble pulling the cotton through the eye of the needle a pair of small vein/(or larger) artery forceps are wonderful...I use mine to undo rings when needed....I am a shuttle tatter but have tried Needle tatting too...I get my forceps from a medical supplier and they dont cost much either
Hug
Joy

[PeonyRose]

Hi Bespoke Orchid. Mt tin is lined with felt, i put a magnetic strip at the bottom end to hold the needles apart and keep them in place. I am toying with the idea of painting it with roses and sticking some tatted lace to it to jazz it up? But i am too busy tatting to do it just now.
I heard about the engraving of the lords prayer on a pin head too, awesome.
Like Toronto, my city doesn't even have a yarn shop let alone a craft shop who most certainly has never ever heard of Needle Tatting?

[Bespoke Orchid]

@Pammi
Ohhhh. Magnets are a superb Idea. I am going to make an addition to my case.

The funny thing is, Toronto is nearly 4million people.
Knitting and crochet abound, so that's where I get my thread & yarn.. Other specialty craft stores are readily available. Shuttle tatting is largely unknown, and needle tatting is... well, they think I'm crazy.

[Cherb]

Oh! I think I just melted out of my seat....sigh...Ah Oh..where am I? So very nice.. Thank you for sharing the photos of your tatting case. From a time when people cared about tatting.

[PeonyRose]

Hi Bespoke Orchid. Mt tin is lined with felt, i put a magnetic strip at the bottom end to hold the needles apart and keep them in place. I am toying with the idea of painting it with roses and sticking some tatted lace to it to jazz it up? But i am too busy tatting to do it just now.
I heard about the engraving of the lords prayer on a pin head too, awesome.
Like Toronto, my city doesn't even have a yarn shop let alone a craft shop who most certainly has never ever heard of Needle Tatting?

Glad to have inspired you, i got that little tip from another tatting friend on another forum, it works a treat.

[louine]

I started with one set of needles (5 sizes)....and cheap thread.....I quickly decided to buy better thread but I am still using my first set of needles though I did purchase an extra set (as yet un opened) just in case I needed them. I learned to tat with two colors from the instructions on this site and I have only had to use a second needle when I had to through a ring. (I used a 6 for the basic and a 5 for the ring I "threw"). I don't have a picot gauge because I have a good eye when it comes to measurement and you can see them better (at least I think so ) when your are needle tatting.....I do have a needle threader but only use it once in a while.
Lots of people say they have several needles to work with several different projects but I was a knitter in another life and I just got carried away with starting project and putting the needle with the project and buying another needle of the same size (I'm retired now and money is a little tighter, too).....I am trying to limit myself to one project at the time but that doesn't always work. I worry about getting stuck with a needle so I don't put a project away with a needle......I just put it in a zip lock bag and put a note as to what size needle I am using. Long way around to say that I only have:
a set of needle, pair of scissors, needle threader, tiny cochet hook, and lots of thread.....and I have just fallen in love with hand dyed thread......

[Judy]

Better to add to stash than to add to needle collections. I bought a bunch for loaners when teaching a class, now I have more than I need. Now needle cases... that's a subject I would discuss. I haven't found the perfect solution yet.

[louine]

Better to add to stash than to add to needle collections. I bought a bunch for loaners when teaching a class, now I have more than I need. Now needle cases... that's a subject I would discuss. I haven't found the perfect solution yet.

About needle cases.....I mentioned that I have a fear of getting stuck by accident so I couldn't find anything I was happy with so I improvised.....I bought a travel tooth brush holder and since it had a small air hole, I folded a piece of felt so that I stick the needles through the felt and the needles don't roll around and stay secure.

[SHL72]

I like using an eye-glass case that has a snap hinge that does not open to easily.

[Judy]

Those are good ideas, but where does the ball fit? Have to move thread onto something flatter? PS. My snap lid eyeglass case now holds my digital camera and extra memory chips.

[SHL72]

I leave the thread out the side and put the whole works in my craft bag that my dd made me.

[RandaGray]

I'm not a needle tatter, but I did try it... And I kept my stuff in a crochet hook case I got at hobby lobby. It's just like a travel toothbrush holder, but bigger. The size of an eyeglass case, but with a slide on top. No hole at the top or bottom & it's big enough to hold needles, a wound bobbin of thread or two, scissors, even a pattern or two folded. I haven't tried it with my shuttles but now I'm thinking about it. It only cost around $3 or so. At the time I was learning, so I put all of my needles in there.

[Cherb]

I don't have any official tatting needles or felting needles for that matter..I will be looking through. Anyone recommend a certain size for 1.5mm thread? I love collecting needles and always when I saw unusual needles on sale or in bins, I take them home to add to my collection. That is how I ended up with fishnet needles and some for couching. I enjoy and marvel at the various sizes and shapes. If anyone knows of links for needle suppliers.

[RandaGray]

I don't know the sizes Cherb, but hhtatting.com, be-stitched.com, & hobbylobby.com all sell needles. i'm sure joanne's & micheal's would too, but i don't have one of those around here so... :)

[Judy]

OOh Randa, you may be right about JoAnn and Michael's in your part of the world, but around here we're lucky if they stock any size 20 thread.

[carolivy]

If you don't have a JoAnn's near you, you should be able to order it online at JoAnns (http://www.joann.com/joann/home/home.jsp). I have used this quite a bit and they have great service.

[JeannieBug]

I have a Namaste needle case. It is like a double-thick, snap-closure eyeglass case. When you open it up, there is a divider in the middle, completely separating the top and bottom sections. Top and bottom sections are magnetized. I keep my "working" needles in the top and my extra needles under the divider, in the bottom section. It works great! I also keep small metal scissors and a small metal crochet hook in there, and they stick, too! The divider has a little loop, like a pencil holder and I use it to hold my cable needle (orange-stick) for knitting and I keep stitch markers and things in there too. It's quite the handy little case!

[Judy]

I've seen the cases, but my budget didn't extend to purchasing one at the time.

[JeannieBug]

I've seen the cases, but my budget didn't extend to purchasing one at the time.

Well if you can, they are well worth the price. :)

[Bespoke Orchid]

If you don't have a JoAnn's near you, you should be able to order it online at JoAnns (http://www.joann.com/joann/home/home.jsp). I have used this quite a bit and they have great service.

I tried ordering last year, and they don't ship outside the continental US :(

[BlueDode]

Hey, Bespoke Orchid:

I've heard on InTatters that Handy Hands (www.hhtatting.com (http://www.hhtatting.com)) will ship international;
I believe Lacis (www.lacis.com (http://www.lacis.com)) still ships international, too.
Both have tatting needles. I've ordered from both companies and have been very satisfied with service, though I live in US.

If you can't find a tatting needle, see if you can find a "weaving needle" -- these are typically thicker than tatting needles, so Speed Cro Sheen crochet thread or yarn works with them. Alternatively, if you know someone who can work safely with metals, consider "blunting" the point off of a "doll" needle with a belt sander (eye protection required, please) -- or, any specialty needle that is long and the end with the "eye" is not expanded -- an InTatter from Australia was successful blunting a needle this way a few years ago.

[tyzy]

Last year I saw some rosewood needles, I still regret I didn't bought them... For the needles I have, I made a felt case: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AIxZFhPGW3w/S5aa61Xl_7I/AAAAAAAAAnw/MsKT1UtLVF8/s1600-h/hoesjefrivnaalden2.jpg

[Judy]

Very nice case. I tend to have several projects going at one time, and want to leave my needles with them. I wish there were a good way to do that. I've seen the tatting press, but its too small for my purposes. Maybe this sort of case would work better. Thanks for the idea!

[RandaGray]

tyzy, there are rosewood needles available at Handy Hands, or there were a couple of weeks ago when I was looking at other things. I'm not sure what shipping would be to the Netherlands, but it might be an idea for an "un birthday" gift for yourself :)

[aap200814]

I've seen some pieces tatted & crocheted with wire and they are stunning! On my list of things to master!

[rsmre]

Hi All,
I've been thinking about this for awhile. I would really like to have some fancy storage tubes for my tatting needles. My tatting needles (ordered from Handy Hands) came in clear plastic tubes. Very durable and very useful, but not very exciting. I have seen some very pretty writing pens that are beautifully decorated. Something like that would be wonderful.
Rosemarie

[tyzy]

RandaGray: I found a webshop in the Netherlands that sell them - I have them now and almost finished my first experiment with one of them.

[Holly Ann]

Where would Ying be without Yang? Come over to the light side. We have white bark.

Yep, I've been able to do Almost everything... even some of those funny things with picots on both sides or with the needle in my left hand.:shock: We won't discuss my failings... like making my posts too long.

But to answer the questions, I think I've gotten as obsessive and acquisitive as any shuttle tatter. True, we don't wax eloquent over the feel and design of our needles or put them on display, but we do collect them. They stay with all the UFO's with the thread still in them, just in case we ever decide to finish the thing and need to know what size needle we had been using. Now about those books... nearly all written for shuttle tatters. Aren't we cool that we tat in two worlds. Reading the instructions is like watching American Sign when you really need braille.

Too true and funny. I keep buying more needles cuz I have one in a project that I will finish "sometime."

[LaceMistress]

Unfortunately for me, Joanne's doesn't carry tatting needles. They have large doll needles and packs of sewing needles, so I tend to go for the very long embroidery/sewing needles. Hey, it's the same result and much cheaper and you get more needles in the pack. ;)

A trick I discovered when I learned needle tatting.....use a filled shuttle with a point for the ball thread. Works like a charm......I tend to wrap it a few times around the little finger on my right hand a few times and hold the needle in my left. The wrapping helps hold the working thread taut enough to work with and the shuttle point is excellent for joining, so I don't have to carry extra tools with me. :) I've also found that most tatting patterns are easily translatable to needle tatting.

[RandaGray]

LaceMistress, I noticed as well that it seems like needle tatting would require fewer tools.... I thought it was just a beginner thing & I'd learn to use the same tools as I carry when I'm shuttle tatting. Hmm.. :)