Evaluating Four Travel Lights

Island House Needlepoint tested four portable lights (two necklace lights and two head lamps) for stitching while traveling.  Joann focused only on rechargeable lights so she wouldn't have to mess with carrying batteries.

https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/how-tos/the-best-lighting-for-needlepointing-on-the-go/

She looked at these:

a)        Lumos & Lumos knitting (neck) lamp

b)        Glocusent Original Neck Reading Light

c)        Petzl ARTIC CORE Headlamp

d)        Petzl BINDI Ultra-light Headlamp

Although the Petzl BINDI Ultra-light Headlamp was Joann's favorite, read the article to see the pros and cons of each tool to see which will work best for you.  Note that the Bindi headlamp comes in various colors but the pricing is roughly $49 plus shipping everywhere.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Acrylic Inside and Out

I recently revisited Island House Needlepoint's website, just to wander around, after NJNA mentioned their unique laying tools.  Island House is a finisher but the owner is an engineer who also designs some very interesting tools.  I discovered they use both acrylic forms inside your ornament, and for trays and such to insert your work.

https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/acrylic-finshing-needlepoint/

That is truly unique.  They also sell laser cut cardboard forms for finishing (look under Shop/All Products) and acrylic templates for those who would like to use them for marking out the margins of background.

https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/product-category/1-templates/

The Wool and the Floss also sells acrylic template sets. These have center lines to aid positioning just like the ones Island House sells.  Neither template type is meant to replace acid free board for the insides of needlepoint ornaments and such, however.  I think they might be a little thinner, but that's just a guess from studying the pictures.

https://woolfloss.com/search?q=templates

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 11, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Laying Tool from Island House Needlepoint

Island House Needlepoint in Connecticut has designed a stainless steel laying tool with a blunt tip that might be perfect.  It will stick to a needle minder and is well balanced and comfortable in your hand.

https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/product/island-house-needlepoint-laying-tool/

They are made in Connecticut.  I don't know the length (it looks too long for my small hands) but I'm sure the shop can tell you more about it if you have questions.

One can never have enough laying tools!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 29, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.