Gadgets 2 : The Silver Needle, Fine Needlecraft Materials

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Laminated Fabric Totes by Anna Griffin Oh my gosh, we have the prettiest, classiest laminated fabric totes!!! Six different patterns at the moment, they are show-stoppers in the shop! Very heavy-duty in feel, each bag measures a generous 16-1/4 x 12-3/4 x 6 with a 6-inch strap drop. Fully lined, with a flat bottom, interior zip pocket and two slip-ins, they also feature an interior 'teather strap' with a clamshell clip on the end to attach keys or something else you want to keep track of. The lamination of the fabric makes the colors POP and come alive! Wipe clean with a damp cloth, if needed. I chose mostly the black and blue styles -- because they are simply over-the-top sophisticated and stunning!!!!!! The Willow Toile pattern is the one that has more white area in the pattern. The Willow Damask is the heavier pattern. The Carmen is the colorful option for the pink and green bags, 'cause I love that burst of color! Several of the shop gals are using these as knitting bags, because they're soft, easy to get into, roomy and just gorgeous! Love 'em all!!!
The Farmer's Market or Savvy Traveler Option: The Wrap Tote Wow... this is cool bag option! Same gorgeous laminated Anna Griffin fabrics on the outside of this little zippered 5 x 7 x 1 case... unzip it, and out flutters a full-sized 14 X 16 fabric tote bag! Perfect for the Farmer's Market or the perfect bag to take on vacation for a day excursion of shopping... this baby weighs approx 4 ounces and takes up almost NO space. With 50lb luggage limits -- THIS IS THE BEST! See how the laminated pouch sides become the bottom of the bag? Very sturdy, the cotton fabric bag is lightweight, and features 9-inch drop straps for shoulder use. When you're done choosing all the best things from your shopping day... unpack your bag, roll up the fabric and zip it back into it's perfectly neat little zip case!!! Ultimate in cleverness, and classy! Remember, the Toile pattern features more white space, the Damask is the heavier, more solid print.
Vintage Needlework Postcards & Tradecards -- On Fabric! This is an endearing collection of familiar, classic vintage images that first appeared early in the 1900's via needlework trade card ads and postcards. Reproduced onto 4 x 6 sheets of cotton sateen fabric via an 8-step color printing process, they feature an iron-on backing treatment (very light in weight, but super strong) ... so if you want... you can attach your picture to any fabric to make a mini-quilt, tea towels, etc. You could even frame these just as they are, and not iron them on to anything! Advertising various products and services before WWI, including thread and sewing machines, the original trade and post cards are still very collectable. I love all the antique sewing and needlework themes, but couldn't pass up a few Christmas designs as well. You'll notice the Santa Set -- it features the original images that Dimples Designs has charted for us into cross stitch!!! Each package of fabric prints features 4 different vintage pictures... and they are CHARMING!!! I think they'd be fun sewn into a wall hanging... or gracing the front of a envelope-shaped stitching case! You could iron them onto white dish towels, and embroider just a bit around the edges, and make AWESOME gifts for stitching friends! Happy Browsing... click the images to see all four prints offered in each set.
Little Plastic Clippie Thingies Ok... we didn't know what to call these when we pulled them out of the box. Little Plastic Clippie Thingies immediately came out of Terry's mouth... and we never could think of anything better to call them!!! Two different styles... the smaller one features a page-holding mount, the middle swivel joint, and then one single -- very heavy duty -- clamp on the other end. 3 Inches in overall length, this will bend and swivel in almost any direction you wish. USE YOUR IMAGINATION here... use it to clamp little notes and signs, to hold a chart somewhere. The larger one is 3-1/2 inches in overall length, and features clamps on both ends, with that moving ball joint in the middle. (We're starting to use these in the shop to clip notes to our charts and displays!) Totally the coolest little things, they will appeal to everyone in the family... and if you bring them home... I guarantee that they will disappear off to tool boxes... stitching tote bags, and desk drawers... for lots of fun jobs! We packaged 4 to a bag...
Tri-Color Tray Storage Box Here is a neat storage box featuring 27 individual compartments in a lift-out tray, with more storage below! We brainstormed in the shop today -- you could use this for a three-week vacation and use it for pills! You could do a week's worth of morning, noon and night! You could store earrings and rings in here... or you could fill all those little 1 x 1 x 1-ish compartments with all sorts of fun beads and buttons! Overall box, with snap closures measures 9 x 5 x 2. It opens to reveal a lift-out tray of 27 compartments -- each with a lift-up lid. Pull out the tray, and you have the entire bottom of the box as storage -- 9 x 5 x 3/4. All see-thru plastic, so you can see and remember all the treasures stored inside! Super Cool! A Box of Round Jar Boxes!!! Quite a compact little case... this 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 1-1/2 snap-closure case opens to showcase 4 removable plastic dividers that are holding 25 round screw-top jars! PERFECT for small beads, buttons and findings, each stack of 5 jars (each jar is approx 1 inch in diameter and 1/2 an inch high) screws together to make individual towers of jars. A super compact and organized way to keep all sorts of wonderful tiny things organized... you could even store creams, shampoos and make up in these!
Made With Love Charms I found some neat little 3/8 inch heart-shaped charms that say Made With Love on both sides! Nothing elegant, they are cool, however, because you can attach one to absolutely every thing you stitch... sometimes beside your signature or initials, sometimes... just an added trinket appearing someplace unexpected. Tiny, shiny dressings to accent the fact that you've hand-made something special -- complete with love -- I thought they were kind of fun! Packed in bags of 12 silver-toned charms, they're only $3.00 a bag... but they look like a million bucks on your finished creations!
Needle-Safe These have been around 'since the beginning of time!' 2-1/4 x 4-1/2 x 5/8 an inch in size... they are pretty plain looking, but SUPER handy! Opening it up, you'll find both sides are lined with magnets to hold needles. I have my scissors with a little fob on them in there... needles, threaders, a little highlighter sheet, a small crystal nail file...you can get a lot of stuff on one of these! Now, the hinge is plastic. The minute you drop this for the first time, it will break. There isn't a shopowner in sight at a class at Market that isn't carrying around one of these that broke in their shop! We all have 'em... complete with rubber band around them... 'cause they're still good -- even with a broken hinge! Kind of like a 'rite of passage!' I whip mine out of my stitching bag going thru the metal detectors as the airport, and it ALWAYS goes thru with no problems! Definitely an 'Old Faithful!'
Cool Punch Needle Accessories from CTR! For all you Punch Needle Enthusiasts, here are a few necessities for your needles! The Haystack is a small, clear plastic storage box 3-1/2 x 6 x 1 that stores all of your punch needles in one place! A magnetic panel in the lid to hold threaders while you work is an added bonus! Also available are packages of 5 extra threaders (because I have yet to meet a 'Puncher' who hasn't lost at least one or two!!!), and another pack that includes extra threaders and 2-inches of gauge tubing for CTR 1, 3 and 6-strand needles. Both the threaders and threaders with gauges come packaged in the nice clear plastic needle tubes, for extra security. The threaders are a new design, with a rounded tip that is gentler on your threads, and easier to find to thread!
'Anti-Lose' Beaded Punch Needle Threaders For you punch needle enthusiasts, here are some great new threaders that are 'Lose Proof!!!' Available in two sizes, one for the 3-strand, the other for the 6-strand size, these are made with thin, soft-twist wire that is COLORED! The softer wire is not brittle like the standard threaders we have always had, and because of the color, you can SEE them!!! Next, they are longer -- that's always a help. Finally, they feature a beaded decoration on the end you hold, so they're really pretty, too! Each is a bit different... and that's kind of fun, too! WHY did it take this long to design a threader that you could actually see, use and keep track of??? Who knows... just Get One! Offered individually as the 3-strand or a combo pack of the 3-strand and 6-strand.

French Thread Cards from SajouI have found the most charming little chip-board thread cards that come from France!!! Tiny bits of French Artistry that you can wrap bits of threads around to tuck into a special needlecase, shadowbox, or sampler display... these are approx 2 inches in size. They are die-cut shapes that feature a tie-hole to attach the card to the inside of that special needlecase, and a tiny slit to 'park' the end of the wrapped threads that you wind around the little card. Offered in four different shapes and sets of 6 cards each... each card in your tiny French box is a different color in its series -- and each is printed on BOTH sides, so they're pretty all around! (You can buy all the sets and break them up... mixing and matching the colors if you want!) Anyway... such a pretty find... such an elegant gift.. such a cool little needlework 'curiosity' to tuck into your stitching bag... I LOVE these! So different and classy... you need them for YOU and all your stitching friends!!! Offered in sets of 6 cards of the same shape... the cardboard boxes they come in have a small French label on them, too! Think small, classy and Christmas!
Scissor Blocks Cool little butcher block wooden scissor holders, these are just like miniature knife blocks! Our Camp Wannasew Caretakers have been dabbling in woodworking... and during Camp this last spring, discovered we had a need for these... and presto! These are the results of their talents! Measuring approx 2 inches wide, and 3 inches high, each features two rectangular holes for scissors, and one round one for a laying tool or seam ripper (even the stylus for your sewing machine computer!). There is even a magnetic disc recessed into the right side to hold needles! Anyway, most 3 to 4-inch embroidery scissors fit the openings and stay perched ready for you to reach. Ours is pictured with two different scissors, along with one of our pewter laying tools. Very cool, very handy, and really quite a unique little gadget... these will make great gifts!!! Then...
One-Of-A-Kind Beaded Tapestry Threaders Oh... pretty beaded needle threaders... These feature a softly bendable wire that is embellished with beads! Threader wires are approx 2-1/2 inches long, and very pliable. The beads add decoration... and keep your threader from being LOST anywhere!!! Designed to fit #22, 24, 26 and #28 Tapestry Needles... a very pretty threader option, at a GREAT price! One of a kind... all of ours are different... let us choose for you!
Do You Have A Clover Yet? This is the coolest little gadget by the Clover Company! Choose from an antiqued gold or antiqued silver thread cutter that feels heavy for its teeny size! Look closely, there is a recessed, protected razor blade -- circular -- inside, and lots of slits around the edges to insert your thread and cut! No scissors!!!!! It's decorated with flowers on both sides and there is even a loop at the top to attach to a chain or to tie onto something. Just perfect for travelling! Every stitcher's Christmas stocking needs one, as well as every stitching bag in America!!!
Clover Needle Threader A neat gadget that matches the Clover Thread Cutter, this is quite sturdy, and features a guard for the needle threading wire! Working just like other wire threaders, it's made of the same antiqued metal body, and looks really nice. Get a few, because they're really handy! Measures approx 3/4 x 1 1/2.
Handmade Sterling Threaders These are absolutely breathtaking handmade sterling threaders... something wonderful to display with your favorite needlework scissors and tools, or to tuck into your sewing case and use every day! Sturdier than they look. A great one-of-a-kind gift or a treat for yourself! Sturdier than they look, each is handmade and comes with a protective sterling sheath, attached to it with a tiny chain. Just beautiful, and very functional. Click the images at right, and you'll see their names along with the larger images.
The Star De-Tailor face="Arial">This is handy gadget, that helps you anchor short threads. Simply insert the long wire through the back of stitches, catch the too-short ends and pull them through! Great as a small needle threader, too! The star on the end is opalescent plastic, and has a tiny loop so you can attach it to something for safe keeping.
Acrylic Display Stands Hey, these are cool little things!!! A wonderful way to display finished needlework... these are clear, acrylic stands that simply insert up into the bottom of your flat piece of stitchery, and hold it in place for display!!! Two sizes available, each an inch wide, the smaller one measures 2-1/4 inches high, and the larger is 4-1/4 inches. Designed to hold up small, lighter-weight pieces... our pics show the Lizzie Kate Spring Basket Snippet, finished into a flat, square piece -- complete with pretty fabric back, a little padded batting inside, and a twisted cord edge treatment. If your piece is larger, you may want to try two stands for extra stability! Seemingly a little pricy... these are really a great alternative to bulky or expensive framing finishing... and they're re-useable!!! So... actually a great value, after all!!!
Super Strong Mini-Magnets What a cute little set of turbo-magnets! Decorated with a pewter button design on one side, and a flower on the other, you can use them to hold needles onto your fabric, or the chart onto your magnetic board... or even to decorate your kitchen refrigerator! They measure a petite 1/2 in diameter, and come as a pair. They match all our pewter Tail Catchers and Laying tools, as well. Pewter Tail Catcher This is a very cool little gadget... it helps you grab at short ends to tuck them safely away, and features a pretty needle threader. Joined by a detachable chain, notice the threader end... tuck it under threads. Then, use the hook to grab errant threads to tuck into that threader... and pull the thread to safety! Don't know if my description makes sense... but I bet you can tell from the pic the features of this pretty accessory! It matches our Stitch Removers and Laying Tools... and those new little magnets!
Floral Stitch Remover This is a pretty pewter tool that features a floral design on its handle, and a seam-ripper head. Measuring a mere 3-inches in overall length, it offers an easy way to tear out errant stitches, and looks quite classy in the process! It comes with a protective metal tip-cover for that little ripper, so it's protected for years and years... of hopefully occasional use!!! Looks like all laying tools we carry (see below)... very nice!
Pewter Laying Tools Three additional styles of pewter laying tools, designed to help make your threads lay smoother when you stitch, each has a pretty pewter handle, and a stainless 'blade' to slip under your stitches. The fish is simply cute and fun, and features a blunt tip. The middle tool in the pic features a very pointed end, along with a tiny cover for protection. The bottom tool features a blunt end, for larger needlework and threads. So pretty and functional, but probably not something for an airline trip!!!
Static Highlighters These are the handiest things! Colored, clear plastic 1 x 6-inch strips cling to your chart paper using static electricity. Perfect for keeping your place, yet being able to see what's coming in the next few rows... they weigh nothing, and take no space in your totebag. They work great when you're doing data entry in your computer, a help when you're reading, just so many things! I've even trimmed some of mine smaller, and tucked them into my Needlesafe! Available in yellow, orange or green -- three strips per package, there is an assortment package of one sheet in all three colors, if you can't decide which you'll like the best. Just the handiest little gizmo!
Ultra-Fine Threader A super-duper thin wire in melted into this plastic threader, securely attached to thread teeny needles, perfectly! Used in quilting, beadwork, heirloom sewing and fine needlework, the super-fine, diamond-shaped wire is designed for threading 'Betweens #12,' 'Sharps #11 and 12,' Milliners #11, and Beading #10 & 12. Absolutely wonderful... you'll want these to keep in every needlecase you own! Ours are packaged 2 to a pack, in a clear, protective plastic case, which includes an outer sleeve. Really cool!
All-Purpose Threader A great all-around needle threader... these will thread Tapestry needles as well as many others. The durable design features a wire that is fused into the plastic housing, along with a recessed cutting blade on the opposite end! There is even a small hole provided in case you want to attach it to a favorite chatelaine or project! Ours are packaged in pairs in a protective plastic sleeve and case. Very handy!
Needlework Threader The heavy-duty version of our other two threaders, this one is perfect for Tapestry and Chenille needles. Used for needlepoint, cross-stitch, hardanger and embroidery, it's perfect for perle cottons, yarn, ribbons and specialty threads (like some of the heavier Rainbow Gallery ones!). The square design of the threader allows the thread to 'spread out' as it passes through the eye of the needle, so there is much less stress, (and less breakage later on!) It features a recessed cutting blade, as well as a hole for attachment to a chatelaine or sewing case. Packaged by the pair in a wonderful clear plastic protective sleeve... they slip into a clear case for extra protection.
The Threader Collection A trio of needle threaders, each with a specific use. Specially packaged for The Silver Needle in a handy, clear storage sleeve. $6.75 pkg. Ultra-Fine: for quilting and beading needles. All Purpose: a good general use threader with a built-in cutter. Heavy-Duty Threader: for larger threads and delicate fibers, too. Also has a built-in cutter.
Super-Duper Mini Magnets These are teeny-weeny, super-duper-powerful magnets that Stitchers can use for so many things! These are steel discs that have been super-magnetized to help hold anything in place. Use them to hold needles, keep your charts in place, or simply on your refrigerator to hold nifty notes and pictures! Perfect, because you have matching pairs, you can place one magnet under something , and the other on top... to clamp something in between -- and it's temporary! The Duo pack contains 2 pair of 1/4" magnets. Package warns to keep these AWAY from pacemakers, cell phones, computers and credit cards! (Magnetic poles fight with each other and erase!)
Cross Stitch Gauge Here's something that's incredibly handy no matter what fabric you're stitching on... it helps you figure finished design sizes and lets you compare that finished size on various counts of fabrics -- before you begin the project! Remember the old Cross Stitch Rulers from 15 years ago??? This is the same thing, with 'rabies!' Instead of fabric count gauges for only 4 fabric counts...this little gizmo features 12 counts!!! 11, 14, 16, 18, 22, 25, 26, 28 30, 32, 36 and 40! You take that stitch count from your chart... and look it up on the various rulers... and immediately SEE how big the project will finish on whatever sizes of linen or aida you care about! People are always asking well... how big will it be on 32 or how big will it be on 18... this SHOWS you! A very good value (cheap!), and functional.. every totebag needs one of these!!!
Needle Minders from Kelmscott Designs A very classy way to keep track of stray needles, these elegant, Victorian Cameos feature a pair of magnets on their back, to cling to fabrics, or rest on the table... just wherever you'd like. The magnets will attract your needles, so you won't lose them. Each Cameo is made from a resin material, but they look just like porcelain! 1-1/8 x 1-1/2 inch ovals, we have 7 designs available, and each is just as lovely as the other. Soft colors, beautiful relief, these are very well done, and what a great price, too!
Celtic Flower Thread Winder from Kelmscott Designs A Mother-of-Pearl piece designed to be a decorative accent in a special needlecase or something pretty to wind a specialty thread around, this piece is a generous 2-1/2 inches in size. Historically, thread winders were generally made of ivory, but in a size and weight like this piece... they would be cost prohibitive. So... as a treat, we have the Mother-of-Pearl! Wind some left-over threads from a pretty sampler around the petals, and display it beside the piece. Or... wrap some special hand-dyed silks you're using in a current project, and just enjoy unwrapping the threads as you need them! It feels heavy in your hand, and is just so pretty! What a great price point for a small stitcher's gift, as well!
Mother-of-Pearl Thread Rings from Kelmscott Designs A set of 10 3/4-inch Mother-of-Pearl rings... use these to tie together cut threads from a kit, or open skein of thread. So elegant inside a special sewing case... you can use these just like the Celtic Threadwinder, and carry current threads in your work-in-progress bag, or display with threads beside the finished product! Another small and elegant treat to YOU!

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