View Full Version : need help with a shuttle...
Quirkyk
19-05-2009, 02:45 AM
Ok...so I found a auction for an estate find of two shuttles and some thread and the cutest little card...my question concerns one of the shuttles...it is stamped with "BOYE" IMPROVED MORE THREAD - LESS KNOTS PAT. April 17 '23
I am attaching pictures to let you see what I'm talking about just in case I don't make any sense...Both ends are closed so I'm not sure how this works or if it is even a shuttle even though it looks like one :) One end is a loop like, and the other looks like it has tabs that you would take off but they don't, they are attached to the other side...I'm lost!!! :huh:Here are the shots...and I'd appreciate any advice you all could give...
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1134/img6174.jpg
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5115/img6173.jpg
BlueDode
19-05-2009, 02:52 AM
Quirkyk / Kristen:
The bobbin in the middle of the shuttle comes out and you can wind it outside the shuttle: winding it in the shuttle might be possible, but would at best be awkward.
The "tab" end is a hook for joining picots.
Make sense?
If not ask on, OK?
Marty
19-05-2009, 04:16 AM
That's what I learned to tat with! After a while I changed to Aero-style shuttles because the metal bobbin rubbing on the metal shuttle-body made black marks on the thread if it happened to slip between.
Ridgewoman
19-05-2009, 04:58 AM
Ok...so I found a auction for an estate find of two shuttles and some thread and the cutest little card...my question concerns one of the shuttles...it is stamped with "BOYE" IMPROVED MORE THREAD - LESS KNOTS PAT. April 17 '23
I am attaching pictures to let you see what I'm talking about just in case I don't make any sense...Both ends are closed so I'm not sure how this works or if it is even a shuttle even though it looks like one :) One end is a loop like, and the other looks like it has tabs that you would take off but they don't, they are attached to the other side...I'm lost!!! Here are the shots...and I'd appreciate any advice you all could give...
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1134/img6174.jpg
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5115/img6173.jpg
You've begun a collection. Many DO tat with metal shuttles but I'd advise against it...dirty threads happen, they rust...:thmbdn: in my humble opinion.
However, having said that, I do have about 5 metal shuttles as collectables. I, too, use Aeros or other bobbin type shuttles. Often post shuttles hold more thread...but if you have the extra bobbin filled with thread; you pop it in and keep going! :thmbup:
You have a treasure. I don't think Boye makes these shuttles anymore. If you decide to use it, first take the bobbin out and clean the whole thing, inside and out. Make sure there are no specks of rust on it anywhere. Clean regularly with a soft cloth, squishing it into all the small spaces, so as to avoid dirty thread. After much use, it is possible that the metal shuttle will become "sprung", meaning the bobbin won't fit very snugly. If that happens, it may be possible to tighten it back up by applying even pressure towards the body of the shuttle, just past both tips. Do this with the bobbin out. Whatever you decide to do with it, Bev is right about you having started a collection. Enjoy it.
TattingChic
24-05-2009, 09:31 AM
Boye still makes shuttles like that today. Exactly like that without the "improved thread less knots patent..." etc. writing on it. I sure hope you didn't pay more than a few dollars for it since you can get one exactly like it today. I used to tat with Boyes for years until I discovered the Aero. I switched for the exact same reason that Marty mentioned. The other reason I switched is that the hook is so wide that when tatting with tiny threads the hook distorts the tatting where you had to do a lock join or even stretches picots out longer than they should be with picot joins. It's fine for larger threads...make that larger BLACK threads that don't show the black marks if the thread gets caught in between the bobbin and the shuttle body inside.
It is neat to get a vintage shuttle, though. I can understand the appeal! :) Have fun collecting tatting shuttles!
Quirkyk
27-05-2009, 12:40 PM
oh no I didn't pay much. I actually got two shuttles this one and another for $3. So no loss...I tried tatting with it over the weekend but won't be using this one again...to have enough pressure to keep the bobbin in it just made it way to tight to try and get my thread...but no loss it is pretty :) Thanks you all!