It must be something in the air, because everywhere I look these days I see beautiful tools for stitchers like us. It all started when Gay Ann Rogers was busy at Callaway and asked her cyber students about our favorite scissors.
These are counted thread people who stitch on linen, do hardanger (which involves -gasp!- cutting holes in the ground fabric) and who stitch a lot. Their favorite brand seems to be Dovo scissors, so you should see if any of your local suppliers carry them and test a pair. However, the scissors we all want in Gay Ann's classroom are these French handmade beauties. Click on the thumbnail for a better view (and the price which will blow your socks off).
http://frenchneedlework.com/
Naturally if you own something this gorgeous, you need a case to keep them in. Check out what Kimberly Crum has made! Yes, that's one view of the tool case above. There are more at her Etsy store.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14369302
UPDATE: I found the chart for stitching your own Kimberly tool case. Kimberly Crum no longer does charted designs so this is probably not widely available.
http://www.stitchers-paradise.com/Canvas_Embroidery/KIMs.html
UPDATE #2: This site also has what seems to be the matching chatelaine design.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/products.php?catid=13&firstcid=1
Of course it isn't as magnificent as this antique casket in the new catalogue for the 16th Century embroidery show you're been reading about if you follow Plimoth Plantation's stitching of a reproduction jacket typical of the period. But for me, it is a modern version of our age-old desire to have a container worthy of our most precious tools.
http://www.traditionalstitches.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TS&Product_Code=Twixt&Category_Code=NP
Of course now we need a new laying tool How about these smooth painted ones? They also sell chatalaines if you prefer your tools out where you can easily access them.
http://www.dazzlingornaments.
http://www.dazzlingornaments.
Friends rave about these wooden laying tools which are perfectly smooth and balanced and perfect for someone who wants a more minimal laying tool.
http://www.turn-of-the-
Of course if you have scissors, you need scissors fobs.
http://www.urbanuniquities.
And magnets. Fireside has these on sale.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/infoalerts/Specials/KelmscottDesigns/needleminders/index.cfm
That's enough for now!
Jane/Chilly Hollow
Main blog at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
