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Jaina Emo Bears
Dudley, West Mids
Posts: 862

To make your bears -

What needles do you use? I'm thinking of length rather than anything and specialist needles like the curved ones. I think my longest is about 6 or 7" long; i also sometimes use the curved ones, but I really haven't got the hang of it yet  bear_whistle

Also, what else do you like to have to hand easily - such as embroidery scissors, pins, any pens?

I'm curious really. I'm looking for a needlebook or similar for all my bear needles - as they are all small, or huge for knitting needles. I am thinking of trying to design something with the bear artist in mind, and maybe trying to sell them on Etsy if I can some up with something that people would find useful. I am forever loosing my needles and would like them to all be in one place  bear_rolleyes

Would you like just large pages to accomdate large needles, or some way of organising them, maybe in pockets on the cover.  I was thinking a sicssor pocket on one inside, and maybe doll needles on the other? Not sure on how to stop them poking through the pockets though.

So let me know what size (length) needles you use, any specialist ones, and any ideas.

Feel free to tell me if i've lost the plot too...  :crackup: 

I would like to find something I could make relatively easily to help pay my Chinchilla's medical bills; he may have to have operations every 6 - 8 weeks; costing me around £100 a time for the rest of his life.  bear_sad  I've no idea how much longer he will live, and neither does the vet. We will do everything for him that we can; it would be nice to ease the strain on my wallet though!

rowarrior The Littlest Thistle
Glasgow
Posts: 6,212

Hmm, not sure of a solution, but having just unearthed a big pack of needles I thought I'd actually dreamt up when I was cleaning (they must have been down behind the sofa for about 4 years  :redface: ), I definitely need something  :crackup:

SueAnn Past Time Bears
Double Oak, Texas
Posts: 21,913

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner Sponsor

Julia, I find these little storage cabinets with multiple drawers invaluable to keep up with small items.  I have at least a half dozen of them . . . two are on my sewing table.  You can find them at most places that sell craft supplies, or at any hardware store.  I put different sized needles in different drawers and have handy pincushions near my sewing machine holding the needles I use most often.  Don't know if this answers your question, but it works for me.

storage_drawers.jpg

dangerbears Dangerbears
Wisconsin
Posts: 6,021
Website

Sorry to hear about the chinchilla's health problems, Julia.  bear_sad

I really could use something like a needlebook. I've never heard of such a thing before, but I do lose track of them...

For my work, I use ordinary sharps (straight) on the large-ish side for embroidering. I use curved basting needles (wish I could find some finer gauge ones...) for closing seams and sewing on ears, and I use long doll needles (7" and 10", I think) for placing eyes. Then there are needles for my sewing machine as well.

Let us know what you dream up!

Becky

Clarebear Fulrfun Bears
Alice Springs
Posts: 503

I have got a pattern for a tool wrapper which is kind of like one of those jewellery wraps that has a multitude of pockets in it for things like nose floss, needles, scissors,stuffing tools , artery forceps etc.  I bought the pattern thinking what a handy thing it was but I am absolutely useless when it comes to using a machine and reading a sewing pattern so it was never made, I need a fairy to make it for me!  If you are interested in it drop me an email and see what we can come up with!

bearyfun732 Cutiepie Bears
Posts: 579

as for me, i just stick the really big doll type needles in canvas, and it works suprisingly well. lol never lost a needle doing that. and for the metal skinny ones, mostly anything will do.

lovenshire Love and Cuddle Nursery
Missouri
Posts: 945
Website

I think a needle case of some kind would be great for bear needles...especially the sculpting ones.  I have a huge pin cushion that I keep pins and needles in but my sculpting needles are so big I am always knocking the whole thing onto the ground by catching them on things.  Also, I tend to lose them if I lay them down.  I would like a pocket on the front to hold the small embroidery sissors I use too...

I have a really cute needle case for my quilting.  It is a little bonnet that holds my spool of thread and thimble and the brim holds the tiny needles...really handy!

Michelle Helen Chaska, Minnesota
Posts: 2,897

Sue Ann wrote: I find these little storage cabinets with multiple drawers invaluable to keep up with small items.

I love the little storage cabinet’s idea Sue Ann!! I have let my craft room get disorganized and I am at a loss as to what to do with stuff...I think your multiple drawer idea will be helpful.

As for needles I use, well for mini bears I use John James Sharps #12. They are very thin and do not leave a hole when sewing tiny bear parts.

Jaina Emo Bears
Dudley, West Mids
Posts: 862

Thanks all - Thank you too Sue Ann. A storage cabinet is a great idea, except I don't have anywhere to put one. I also tend to sew my bears around the house, So I'd like a little book to put my needles in so I can just pick the whole thing up and go.

I shall put my thinking cap on   bear_original

lovenshire Love and Cuddle Nursery
Missouri
Posts: 945
Website

I'm with you Julia...do not have room for another storage unit plus, like you, I take my work around with me so I need something portable!
If you want to see the one I have for quilting just let me know and I will look it up...

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