Neil Keats shuttles

[Liyarra]

Hi All,
I finally managed to get a hold of Neil Keats who is an Australian shuttlemaker.
He makes wooden shuttles (no point/hook) in various woods and can do custom sizing if required.
He has given me permission to give out his email addy if anyone is interested but I am not going to post it here. If you genuinely want info please PM me and I will give it to you that way.
This is from his email:
The tatting group’s activities sound interesting. I used to make shuttles in batches of ten so I would have some in stock and actually the last two I had from the last batch I made are the two 72 x 20 ones I am sending you so I think it is about time I made some more .
I am retired, 78 on Boxing Day and enjoy making bobbins and shuttles and lots of other things so as long as people who order shuttles understand that they may have to wait up to a month for their order I’m happy to give it a go. You have my permission to give out my email address and we will see how it goes.

I have several of his shuttles and like them a lot. I have ordered a few more recently and will put pics up of them as soon as they arrive. Nothing to gain from this - just think his shuttles are really worth it and would like to see him get the recognition he deserves. He has also in the past made hooks with wooden handles and also bobbins that I have used. All are good quality and beautifully finished.

[Kersti]

Ooh yes please - I'd some shuttles in Australian woods. They'd be the perfect momento of home.

[tattabugg]

Ooh me too! I think it would be so unique to have a shuttle from Australia! I have never been there but it is a fascinating place!

[katie]

Me 3 or was that 4, please!! I'm a new tatter who has a shuttle collection to grow!

[Artylady]

Yeh, I ordered one from Neil (thanks to Liyarra) and should receive it this week.

[Liyarra]

Oh so NOT fair Liz!!! Mine are still a while away LOL

[Artylady]

Ah yes, but I only ordered one. Don't forget to show us the piccies. I didn't know he did lace bobbins - damn, I would have ordered some (to see what they are like) as I also make bobbin lace. Next time.

[Liyarra]

The ones I have of his are nice. Easy to handle and lovely dark woods.
I am sure he could send you some pics if you wanted. He is very easy to deal with.

[Artylady]

I'm try to attach a photo of my shuttle, which has just arrived. It's so lovely.... .

[Maureen L]

It has the most beautiful grain - what wood is it? I've sent Neil an email to ask if he will make me a picot hook, with a wooden handle. I have one of the paua shell hooks from New Zealand which, sadly, are now no longer available, and I think it would be lovely to have one made from Australian timber as well.