Classic Boye shuttles (the plastic ones)

[RandaGray]

Just curious, but I got my newsletter from BeStitched today & there was an advertisement for the re issued plastic Boye shuttles. Seems like I've seen a thread here about them before, but I can't find it. I'm probably not searching the right words lol
But I was wondering what everyone thinks of them??? I've never had one of the originals, so I wouldn't know how to compare, but maybe some of you have found them & have an oppinion of the news ones too??
Thanks,
Randa*

[xstchntat]

I have several of the older ones in 3 colors-red, yellow and green. I got one of the newer ones made in China instead of Chicago and the plastic is much cheaper-almost see through and the point is not the same either. I passed it on to one of my students to learn with and will not buy another if I can help it.

[Sheryl]

I think the only thing you can do is buy one and try it. I know Handy Hands has them. I have one of the older ones. They're not for me ... I really dislike the straight point on them, but you never know until you try one!

[Sherongb]

Sad to say these are made by Susan Bates and they have the reputation of when they make something they go for form over function. Look at the poor replica of an Aero they make, as well as other 'tools' they make. Just the fact that they make it tells me all I need to know.

[RandaGray]

hhhmmm.... I was hoping Boye hadn't moved *all* of its production to China... *sigh*..... I've had some Susan Bates tools that were good, & some that weren't so great so I can't lump it in as all bad. However, I probably won't be purchasing them since no one really has anything positive to say about them. Of course, I do adore the steel bobbin shuttles they produce; well the ones produced here in the US. I haven't used one of the ones from China. I noticed in the pictures I've managed to find that they did look rather flimsy, but I wasn't sure if the older ones were that way too! Truth be told I'd probably show up on a missing persons list somewhere if my DH caught me buying more shuttles right now anyway, after the reaction when I bought one from Rachel (which I LOVE, even if it did get me in trouble!!)..... "WHY do you need that? You have 10 of those things that I can see right now, not counting the ones you've got stashed everywhere in the house!!!"
"But honey, I needed one more nice shuttle to go with the one you bought me!"
exasperated sigh - "It's always ONE more!! ONE more!!! You're going to one more me into the poor house!!"
And he walks off to sling his dirty boots into the closet to prove the point... lol *men*

oh - before anyone is insulted, I feel like I should say that I have no problem with the people, culture, or China as a whole. What I have issue with is big business in America & the fact that there are MILLIONS of people out of work here in the United States & large companies continue to close up shop & move to other countries, simply so they don't have to pay the wages they'd have to pay or the taxes they'd have to pay here. Perhaps my one small attempt to buy American Made when I can won't prove any points or change the way things are done in big business, but it makes me feel better to know I bought something that helped a single mother or father put food on the table & clothes on the back of his/her children. OK, I'm stepping down from my soap box now!! PROMISE!!! Just wanted to clarify so no feelings were hurt!!

[Lace-lovin' Librarian]

I ordered the set of Classic Boye shuttles just so I could have them in my collection. I do not think they are nearly as nice of the originals (I have one red and one yellow), but that's not saying much because I never liked the originals! I think they're horrible for tatting. So, if you're collecting... why not? If you want to tat, I'd stick with Clovers!

[Maureen L]

I love the little Susan Bates "Clover" shuttles - I wish those were still being made.

[crazytatter]

Thank you for the info. I will keep in mind when shopping for shuttles.

[Judy]

Maureen, the clovers are still being made... now in China. Just got some last summer.

[RandaGray]

I new I could count on my friends here to give me good information!! :) Its funny, I'm getting kind of "dependent" in that I check here before I buy most anything anymore, & alot of times I come here before looking very far for information...... What would I do without all of you??