You may remember that I won a set of gold and a set of platinum needles from John James in one of Gone Stitching's blog radio contests last fall. I've been using the needles in my last 3-4 projects and meant to tell you a bit about what I think about gold and platinum needles since then.
The John James gold-coated needles are lovely. They have a nice golden coating that gives them a unique look. I have acid hands so the coating only lasts where I grasp the needle through about 6-8 hours work of stitching but if you don't have body chemistry like mine, you will enjoy the look of these needles a lot and the coating should last a very long time. These needles squeak as they go through NP canvas. This eventually wears off but it seems odd when you first start working with the needles. In all other ways the gold John James needles are the same quality and type as regular John James tapestry needles.
The John James platinum needles look like any other John James tapestry needle but they have a smooth surface that glides well through needlepoint canvas. Eventually my acid hands wear this coating away also, but it takes 2-3 weeks of regular stitching each night (I estimate 20-30 hours at least) for this to happen. They are a pleasure in the hand to use although they look identical to regular John James needles.
Would I pay extra for these two types of needles? Probably not. My Piecemaker needles feel as good as the platinum John James needles and their coating lasts a lot longer. I can't really tell a lot of difference between the platinum John James needles and their regular needles after a few weeks of regular use. However, if you are a true sensualist that responds to the look and feel of your needle, you may really enjoy the golden look of the John James gold coated needles or the smooth glide of the John James platinum coated needles. They are certainly worth buying and sharing among your guild membership to see what they think. We don't pay enough attention to our needles. They (along with our scissors) are a tool we use constantly. A few special needles are probably something a stitcher should treat him- or herself to at least occasionally.
To see the John James gold and platinum needles, browse the Colonial Needle website.
http://www.colonialneedle.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?search=yes&keywords=James
Speaking of needles, I use magnets on my canvas almost all the time. While working the miles of t-stitch on the lingerie set background, I turned the needle minder I was using (one of Kelmscott Designs' monogramed letters with cherubs) upside down for the row of backwards tent and right side up for the rows of regular tent. This helped me remember what I was supposed to be doing for that row if I was interrupted. Kelmscott has two new designs out this winter. The Hearts Afire pattern is shown above and you can see it and also the Hummingbird and Flower design at this link.
http://www.traditionalstitches.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?
All the current Kelmscott magnet patterns, including the monogram one I am using, are visible on their website.
http://kelmscottdesigns.com/needle-minders.htm
If you want something more unusual, how about the pewter St. Margaret design from Krazy Kats Fiberhaus? They also have a St. Michael, a pig with wings, a cat with mouse, and a scallop shell and more, all in pewter. These are all based on Medieval motifs and will be something very different from more widely known magnet suppliers.
http://www.krazykatfiberhaus.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7_42&zenid=d189809dc86dd0d7b03122d5284ea4ba
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
4 comments:
Hi Jane, I enjoyed your take on the needles. I also must have acidic skin as the coating on my gold needles never lasts. I did want to tell you about the Bohin needles from France. They are the best needle I have ever used. I bought them on a trip to Scottsdale (Old Town Needlework)and now won't use anything else. I bought them in bulk so I wouldn't run out. They are so smooth--I think they are double plated--it is like stitching with butter. Plus the eyes are super smooth--don't you hate when an eye has a slight bur and your thread wears? I don't know who is the US supplier but they are worth hunting for. Besides I was told that the gentleman selling them at the shows was quite good looking! Always a plus! By the way, Happy Mardi Gras! Laissez les bon temps roulez!
Carole in Louisiana
Happy Mardi Gras, Carole. I hope the good times are rocking and rolling for you this week. (And Happy Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year to everyone, too.)
I've heard of the Bohin needles. The counted thread place that closed had some in stock but not the sizes I normally used so I never bought any to try. They sound like the Piecemakers needles I adore. I use them whenever possible. They slip through the NP canvas easily and feel great in my hand and if there is a coating, it takes my hands a long time to wear it away. The eyes are also quite smooth. Wonder if Piecemakers are repackaged Bohin needles? Probably not. I have heard the Piecemaker needles are made by a religious cult but I can't confirm that.
My two cents on the JJ gold and platinum needles. I love the gold needles for the way they feel in my hand and the way they slide through the canvas or fabric. Although the platinum needles are incredibly smooth, I find their eyes likewise weak. They never last very long in my hands. Maybe it's the needle threader I use, but I can't seem to thread needles without one. I don't have any problem with the finish wearing off, but I also have extremely dry skin, so that may account for it. Would I pay for them if I didn't have a shop and thus get a good discount, heh-heh? Probably not.
I had the Bohin needles in my shop, but for surface embroidery so sharp points. I've since purchased some tapestry ones and so far am liking them. I've been using them with my SOTM and Florentine Fancywork, so I'll see how long they last. Everyone who uses them evidently loves them, but this is purely anecdotal, second-hand information. I know a lot of people swear by the Piecemakers too. My real preference is for the petites. I have small hands and am a thread miser, so they fit me well.
You know, I rarely use a needle threader, so I've not noticed the platinum needle eyes being weaker than most needles. I also find the gold needles don't slide well through my NP canvas but of course you are probably working on linen instead of NP canvas.
I wish now I'd picked up a packet of Bohin neeedles when I had the chance. Your shop was the only one in the area that stocked them. Oh, well, I guess I'd rather spend the money on thread.
Isn't it interesting how what we stitch and what our hands and body chemistry are like influences what needles we like? Good thing there are so many choices! I love the Piecemaker needles the best but I can't say they are the best for everyone. That depends.
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