Shuttles

[Librarian]

Posted by Wombat on January 15, 2008

Having excavated by tatting bits yesterday (The joys of moving), and sat down for a play, I've come to the following conclusions about the two shuttles I have -

Aero (or Pony?) Soft Plastic Shuttle - Okayish. The hook on the end is handy - except when it catches on my clothing. Then its annoying. The bobbin for loading is a bit squiffy. Wonder if it can use a sewing machine type bobbin instead? Has a grooved bit on the end for poppng the bobbin on to wind which makes it a bit awkward to handle.

Imitation Tortoiseshell (clover?) - Lovely smooth, solid feel to it. Has posts, not a bobbin. Rounded ends.

So, neither is particularly great, but both 'work'. However, after looking around a few sites (and getting seriously sidetracked at some of the handmade offerings) I discovered that CrochetAustralia actually has a variety for mail order. Most of the ones I've heard of, in fact, apart from the DMC metal shuttle.

Before I go spend money, I'd like some advice (which may not be taken!).

How useful is a point instead of a hook on the end? If the shuttle doesn't have either, do people use a thumb-ring with hook/gauges etc (and if so, how do you stop it tangling?)

Has anyone used the reproduction Victorian tatting shuttles? They're far too expensive to justify at the moment, but....

Is it 'better'/easier to have shuttles different colours when I move on from single thread patterns? Or ones that use bobbins instead of posts? Also, I seem to remember reading somewhere that one should 'always' use a winder to stop damage to the shuttle instead of loading by hand. Is this true? And if so, where do you get them from - preferably in Australia?

And lastly, and most importantly - any advice on shuttles I should have asked for, but didn't know enough to!

Ruth





Replies to This Discussion
Reply by Lynn on January 16, 2008 at 3:33am
How useful is a point instead of a hook on the end? If the shuttle doesn't have either, do people use a thumb-ring with hook/gauges etc (and if so, how do you stop it tangling?)`
I've never used a thumb ring, but I do have several crochet hooks that I keep handy. These are mainly for those really tiny joining picots. Most picots I can join through with the tip of my shuttle. I prefer the long nosed Boye, but Clovers work very well, and have the advantage of coming in a rainbow of colors, so you never lose your place in multiple shuttle work

Has anyone used the reproduction Victorian tatting shuttles? They're far too expensive to justify at the moment, but....
I haven't, but have you seen the size of those things? I think they would be a bit awkward to get used to.

Is it 'better'/easier to have shuttles different colours when I move on from single thread patterns?
Answered above.
Or ones that use bobbins instead of posts?
This is a matter of preference. I prefer posts. I used the plastic Aero, with the post on the back. That made it easy to wind, but as you say, awkward to use. I really don't like the hook on the end of my shuttle. I never got used to it, and finally gave it away.
Also, I seem to remember reading somewhere that one should 'always' use a winder to stop damage to the shuttle instead of loading by hand. Is this true?
I've heard exactly the opposite. Never having used one, I can't say for sure, but I can't see how you will damage a shuttle winding by hand, as long as you don't overwind.

And lastly, and most importantly - any advice on shuttles I should have asked for, but didn't know enough to!
Looks to me like you've covered all the main points. Good luck in finding exactly what you want. It takes a bit of experimentation, which means a lot more tatting fun for you. Enjoy your exploration.

[Librarian]

Reply by castats on January 16, 2008 at 4:22am
Hi Ruth!

Bear in mind when it comes to built-in hooks & bobbins/vs picks and posts, tatters are usually one camp or the other. I'm generally pick&post, but I've tried the hooks and bobbins. I've tried to be pretty even handed and just set out some things to consider, but my opinion might be a bit biased by my preferences. =)

>How useful is a point instead of a hook on the end?

Depends on how much you like having to stop and pick up a crochet hook to make joins. I personally like picks, but that said, if you're joining into the bit between a chain and a ring (e.g. when you're ending off), the space is too tight for a pick, so you'll need a hook anyway. I've used hooks on a jump ring ( well, made my own little beaded thing ). Used to hang the particular hook I was using off my tatting hand (thumb). Worked ok, but sometimes just having a fully size hook is more comfortable.
Only thing I can say to stop them tangling is don't make the connection to the ring on your finger too long ( mine were about 3 or 4 cm ).

Depending on the thread you're using/waht you're doing, the hook on the Aero/Birch/Boye metal shuttles might be too big for what you need, so you're probably still going to need the occasional crochet hook anyway. The Aero/Birch ones are about a .75 to 1ish size, but if you're using size 80 the shuttle hooks might be a big awkward even for picot joins. I find the hook on the metal Boye really unwieldy all around, but that might just be me.

>Has anyone used the reproduction Victorian tatting shuttles? They're far too expensive to justify at the moment, but....

I'm with Jenni, they really are awkward to use. Mine has horribly tight points as well, just about damage the thread trying to load it.

>Is it 'better'/easier to have shuttles different colours when I move on from single thread patterns?

I don't find it so. A lot of patterns that use 2 shuttles do so because they change directions a lot ( e.g a chain might curve one way between 2 rings, and then the other way between another 2 rings in the same round - usually achieved by changing which shuttle you use as the "chain" or "ball" thread.

>Or ones that use bobbins instead of posts?

I don't know if people who regularly use the do a lot of bobbin swapping during tatting, I'll have to leave that open to someone else.

I find that the Aero/birch style bobbins don't hold much thread (only on a par with the Clovers). There are some post shuttles that hold quite a bit more than the Clovers and Aeros ( the tortoiseshell INOX ones for e.g. ) and if you get your hands on any old plastic shuttles, some of them hold quite a bit. Haven't tried out the Sewmates yet (darn it, keep forgetting to get some), but they look like they'd hold more too, plus have the pick.

> Also, I seem to remember reading somewhere that one should 'always' use a winder to stop damage to the shuttle instead of loading by hand. Is this true? And if so, where do you get them from - preferably in Australia?

Hmmmm... Not sure I agree with this. Especially if you have any wooden shuttles! ( I tend to find wooden ones become "sprung" - gaps in the points - easier, I don't think a winder would do them any good!)

Mind you, I'm thinking of the kind of winder that holds the points apart ( see link for a pic of some typical shuttle winders, these both hold the points apart -
https://storm.bpweb.net/secure/tatti...ries.htm#shutw, http://www.lacis.com/catalog/data/n_tatting.html ).

There was an old type of shuttle that had a dedicated winder that rotated the shuttle end over end, but it screwed into the post of the shuttle itself (so didn't hold the points open). If you ever find one of this with it's winder, it's probably worth a mint! =)

>And lastly, and most importantly - any advice on shuttles I should have asked for, but didn't know enough to!

I'm with Jenni, I keep coming back to the Clovers. When I want something bigger, I tend to use the tortoise INOX shuttles ( a bit hard to come by in Oz though ). My ideal shuttle would be a cross between the two, I really must get myself some Sewmate ones, they look pretty close.... =)

I had a quick look a the shuttles on the Crochet Australia site. I've never used the BOHIN ones, but they look identical to the white INOX one ( which you can get in blue as well - note the wihite and blue INOX shuttles are a lot smaller than the tortoise INOX shuttle! ). If so, it holds about the same/less as the Clovers. The plastic BOYE shuttle they've got holds a bit more than the clovers, but the pick is a bit on the blunt side. I find it OK for bigger threads (20, 10). The metal BOYE holds about the same as the Clovers, but the pick's not great, and I find bobbin shuttles awkward. As for the Victorian ones, purely for decoration I think. =)

If you want to see a big variety of shuttles, go to my profile and have a look in the albums ( I categorised them ). For some of them there's a tapemeasure in the pic so you have some idea of how big they are.

Why do I have so many? STILL looking for that absolutely perfect, works-in-all-situations shuttle!! =) ( That and I'm just addicted. Ask Jenni. =) )

Hope this has been helpful (not just waffley), and happy shuttle shopping!

Cas. =)

PS, try Snowgoose, Lacis, Nordic Needle, Handy Hands, Roseground for shuttles and accessories. (There's more, they're just at the tip of my tongue - googling works well too.) All overseas unfortunately, but a bigger variety than what's easily gettable here. Crochet Australia, Punch with Judy and Craftmailbox.com are the only Australian sites I can think of at the mo' if you want to try them first.


Reply by Marty on January 16, 2008 at 6:19pm
I can't say much, because I really like Aero shuttles with bobbins and don't find either the hook or the winding post any bother at all. In fact, the Aero is my favorite shuttle. No, more than that -- I don't have any other kind, except the Boye metal one I started with in 1974 -- and I don't use it any more.
--Marty


Reply by Dr TLT on January 17, 2008 at 2:16am
How useful is a point instead of a hook on the end? If the shuttle doesn't have either, do people use a thumb-ring with hook/gauges etc (and if so, how do you stop it tangling?)]

My favorites have the hook on the end so that's mostly all I use.

Has anyone used the reproduction Victorian tatting shuttles?

I'm with Jenni in that I consider them a waste of money. Some of the ones I've seen don't look that well constructed and the blades didn't meet well on them.

Is it 'better'/easier to have shuttles different colours when I move on from single thread patterns?
You can always put a dot of paint, nailpolish, a dot with a sharpie marker or even a "stick on" dot of tape to distinguish your shuttles if you don't want to bother buying different colors.

Or ones that use bobbins instead of posts?

That's completely an issue of personal prefernce. I'm wholly with Marti on this one. I'm adore bobbin shuttles (Aero being my favorite) and I've never had issues with the hook or "winder" end. I own a couple Clovers but have never used them that I remember.

Also, I seem to remember reading somewhere that one should 'always' use a winder to stop damage to the shuttle instead of loading by hand. Is this true?

I've actually heard the opposite because winders can spring the blades on your shuttle (as others pointed out). I've never used one, but then again, I use bobbin shuttles.

And lastly, and most importantly - any advice on shuttles I should have asked for, but didn't know enough to?

I can't think of anything else! My advice is to purchase what you think you'll enjoy tatting with and test a couple at a time. Eventually, you will find what works best for you.

P.S. I love your wombat photo! How cute!! I watched a special program on TV about wombats just a few months ago. They are fascinating creatures.


Reply by Marty on January 17, 2008 at 4:56am
How true, Liyarra! Maybe I'll raid my nieces' fingernail polish stash. They've got lots more colors than I do. I wonder if I could paint flowers or butterflies with fingernail polish brushes?
--Marty


Reply by Wombat on January 17, 2008 at 8:24am
Eeek!

Having said that... time to experiment (in the spirit of group enquiry of course!) 'Safe' nail polish remover? Orange cleaner? Plain soap and water? Bicarb and old toothbrush?.... new shuttle...?

As far as painting goes - you can make nice flowers and leaves with toothpicks. Dip in green first, largish blobs and tease out one side with the point to make leaves. After they dry, several dots in appropriate colours for the flower petals, and after that dries, yellow or white for the centres... or use two dots next to each other (such as dark red and pink, or orange and yellow) and swirl like a whirlpool for a cabbage rose type effect.

Another option might be those tranfers they sell for nail decoration, and clearcoat over. Hmm. Too many ideas....

[Librarian]

Reply by Wombat on January 17, 2008 at 8:28am
Well, toddled down to my local Spotlight. Birch shuttles only - look similar to what I have but heh, worth a try! Also rang around a few craft/quilting/needlework shops and found ONE that had tatting shuttles - the clover 'turtleshell' *ahem* style. They're willing to mail them upto me so I can avoid driving 50km, so I'll try then as well.

Been looking at some of my old netting today too. Can't find any of my shuttles for that though - wonder if I could use tatting shuttles instead for fine jobs like hairnets? Another thing to experiment with sometime!


Reply by Marty on January 17, 2008 at 4:41pm
I don't know about transfers. The way I handle my shuttle, it must be smooth all over or it's, for sure, going to catch the thread. Oh -- wait -- the smooth transfers! I'm used to seeing those little jeweled transfers my nieces want!


Reply by Wombat on January 17, 2008 at 10:53pm
Ooh, had another idea too - those 'temp tatts' things they sell at cheapie shops might work too, but they'd need a coat of something over the top to stop them rubbing off.

[northern robin]

have 2 of the victorian shuttles..one was a second and much less $. the points are very tight..am thinking that might be good with very small thread..80-100..in the meanwhile ( beginner) am not using..they are a pain to load.... have one lacis shuttle that is called contemporary..its hammered metal silver plate..I like it holds a lot of thread and its nicely balanced...about $8.00. I am getting more and more fond of the picks ( not on the contemporary metal one)..can unpick with it pretty fast need this as am a beginner. The aero hook catches on stuff and the other end, while handy for holding the bobbin while winding it...gets in the way when tatting..will not get any more of those..like the boyle classics as they hold a lot of thread..and I have one that was made in Chicago...from the 70s..found it amongst my stash still in its original package..lets see..was it 69 cents..or 59...cant remember now. Also have a tatsy for my big curtain tatting..cause got tired of dealing with the ends...it is kind of big. Robin N ME

[northern robin]

is a "Celtic" shuttle necessary to do the Celtic style of tating?

[soyloquesoy]

is a "Celtic" shuttle necessary to do the Celtic style of tating?

Not all celtic work requires the thin shuttles, but some does. You can check my albums to see what I have done without one :-)

[Judy]

I believe they're long and narrow so that they're easier to weave the celtic knots with.

[jamlover]

Going back to almost the beginning of this thread____

If the shuttle doesn't have either, do people use a thumb-ring with hook/gauges etc (and if so, how do you stop it tangling?)`
I've never used a thumb ring,

Can someone explain a thumb ring or show me a photo of one. Never heard of that one!! jam

[MercyPres]

Jamlover: RandaGray found and posted picture of case with shuttles and a thumb ring with hook. check this thread: http://www.intatters.com/showthread....e-one-of-these!!!-)

I made one for myself with mini hook from handy hands.

Mercy

PS: pic in my album

[xstchntat]

Tatting pin.JPG
Here is a pic of one that hubby bought for me recently and it really is an antique. I also have a set of tatting pins:
Tatting pins.jpg
I also made one of my own with a Lacis mini hook, key ring and an old bracelet. Here is a pic of how I use it:

I have yet to get it tangled as I work. When I am tatting in the car I tuck it into the ring so it doesn't dangle. The thread you see in the pick over my hand is the cover to the hook.