Lori Demonstrates Using a Laying Tool

Lori at the Waste Knot* demonstrates the use of a trolley needle as a laying tool in this quick video tutorial.  Regular laying tools are held in the hand but they work the same way.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn2GIG0D6rd/

*Waste Knot is my "local" needlepoint shop and a great shop it is!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Clever Idea

Peggy also has a very clever idea to keep from constantly dropping her needle--she put a small magnet on her trolley needle and it works very well.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4831968290213624/

Not everyone likes using trolley needles but I adore mine.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 18, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet Advocates for Blunt-Tipped Laying Tools

The amazing Mary Corbet has done a lovely article about blunt laying tools and why you need them.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2020/06/the-dull-tool-why-you-need-one.html

The one she uses is the Coleshill Collection's Stiletto Pewter Laying Tool, seen here.
http://www.coleshillcollection.com/accessories/stitching-aids/stilleto-pewter-laying-tool.html

Their Victorian Ring Laying Tool also looks blunt tipped.  It is similar to our trolley needle here in the States, so if you love trolley needles (I do but a lot of folks are afraid they will poke their eye since you wear them on a finger or thumb), check this out.
http://www.coleshillcollection.com/accessories/stitching-aids/victorian-ring-laying-tool.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch like Cat Woman

Michelle Pfeiffer As Catwoman*

Remember Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in the 1992 film Batman Returns?  Her claws were trolley needles, modified somewhat by the costume department.  And how does this relate to needlepoint?  Trolley Needles are laying tools that clip onto a finger—or in my case my left thumb.  Needlepoint for Fun's latest e-newsletter talks about using a trolley needle here.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needle-trolly---the-most-convenient-laying-tool-for-needlepoint.htm

See?  We can all be movie stars as we stitch!  By the way, I've never poked myself with my trolley needle, no matter how long I've worn it during a long stitching session.

*Photo courtesy of Catfan's website.
http://www.catwomanfan.com/en/felines/pfeiffer/gallery.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 1, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Brenda's Laying Tools

Brenda wrote a little bit about the two types of laying tools she uses, which I thought folks would find interesting.  I use a trolley needle myself, except I wear it on my left thumb.  But I prefer shorter laying tools than the BLT.  A tekobari is more my style.  To each his/her own!  Actually, I think various types of laying tools work better or worse on certain types of threads and also in certain weathers.  What do you think?  Do you have favorites you always use?
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2014/09/laying-tools-which-do-you-prefer-91314.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 13, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Odd Stitching Habits

Suzanne has introduced a new topic in the Needlepoint World: odd stitching habits.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/12/goin-fishin-with-santa.html

I've been trying to think what I do that is unusual.  I suppose my love of a trolley needle for laying threads is considered odd in some quarters.  A lot of people worry about poking their eyes on with that thing.  Never even occurred to me to worry although it never occurred to me to poke it into the margins of my canvas, either.  I park mine on my needle magnet or the table instead.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com