Tender Fingers

[Mark's Mom]

I am new to kiltmaking and am looking for a load of advice. I signed up for a kiltmaking boot camp offered by Elsie Stuehmeyer in February, and am very excited about learning from a real pro. I also want to make the most of the 5 days, so I am trying to prepare for any obstacles to my finishing the kilt. I do very little hand sewing and I tend to have tender fingers. I am almost certain I would be likely to have pain and blisters that would slow me down. I have never worn a thimble before, so I just bought two: One is a standard metal quilting thimble by Fons and Porter. The other is a foam-lined soft metal wrap around thimble sold by Singer. Any comments or recommendations

I also bought a pair of "needle pullers," which look like a pair of needle-nose pliers with plastic coated tips. Are there any other hand/finger protectors that I should consider getting before going to kilt boot camp? Also, what kind of needles do most kilt maker's recommend? I bought some wool tapestry needles, but I am not sure if I should have other needles, too. I have looked through the Art of Kiltmaking but cannot find a reference to needle size.

I have ordered an Ott Light floor lamp with magnifier to help my eyes. This will come in really handy for all kinds of things I like to do. I'm going to borrow a portable Ott Lite from my sister, too.

Does anyone have any advice about other items I should take to camp to make kiltmaking easier and so I can get the most out of it? This adventure is a big expense to me, so I don't want my tender fingers, bad eyes or anything else to spoil my special week!

Thanks for your help!

[Pleater]

Wool tapestry needles are not the right ones, they are far too thick, you would use them for sewing wool yarn into canvas, not sewing thread into fabric.

Ordinary sharps are fine for kilts. I buy packs of assorted thicknesses for different weaves.

I have some straw or milliners needles which are longer than sharps. They come in handy when sewing waistbands.

I find that betweens, which are often used for quilting are too short for my liking

I use a pair of magnifying glasses when sewing these days - they are sold in quite a few places here, sometimes as reading glasses. They make it easier to do fine stitches.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[jgcunningham]

I doubt you have big fat pickle fingers like me but I prefer the longer needles. They give me more to grip, especially when working them through several layers of fabric.

Actually, there is a list of supplies on one page in the AoK but I don't know which page. It's there, tho, since I refer to it when shopping for my supplies.

[Mark's Mom]

Thanks, Anne the Pleater. I will bring along a set of sharps and a pair of strong "cheaters." If you think of any other items that would help a newbie, don't hesitate to advise.

[Mark's Mom]

Hi, IG Cunningham, I figured there would most likely be a supply list somewhere in the book, but I will keep looking since you assure me it is there. Long needles sound like a good idea, and Anne the Pleater mentioned them too.

[robbiethepiper]

Don't know if relevant but in my sea-going days we used a leather "palm" to PUSH needles through tough canvas?.....

[Tartan Tess]

Bring a camera, and a notebook, pencil and highlighter. My first camp, they passed out #9 sharps for the detail sewing and bigger needles for basting and carpet thread. Did you ask Elsie if she will supply the extra? If it is for a fee it is worth it because she also will give you buckles and leather straps, a special canvas; which is hard to get, and lining and all the threads and needles you will need. Also a tape measure with centimeters on it which you will use constantly.
One of those "magnetic" needle pad cases are great and we always sneak in a few pins. Throw in a calculator too.
Since you are driving bring a footstool and a pillow in case you have to sit on a hard chair all day. heck if I was driving, I would throw in my steamer for the motel room.
Anne's idea about the cheater's is true. Since I have been kiltmaking, I have 3 pair of glasses I use depending on what part I am sewing. Kiltmaking has been hard on my 52 year old eyes.I never had to wear glasses before!
Your fingers and your hands are going to be sore, I always have a callus on my middle finger from the sewing needle and when I go to kilt camp it still gets sore because you are sewing 12 hours a day. but you will have so much fun and be learning something that is really interesting. All your classmates will be going thru the same thing. You will all suffer together and that is why we need wine and hot tubs before bed.

[llyd]

Don't know if relevant but in my sea-going days we used a leather "palm" to PUSH needles through tough canvas?.....

It's called a sailmakers palm...can get them at west marine...Might be happier with a coin thimble though...

[Mark's Mom]

Robbie, that's a great idea, and definitely one I wouldn't have come up with. It reminds me that I should talk with my father--who is a WWII Navy veteran and who was really good at knots and macrame. He has pretty bad dementia now, but maybe he can give me some old Navy tips.

[Mark's Mom]

Thanks for the resource, Llwyd, I will check it out!