Tender Fingers

**Mark's Mom** · 2nd January 11, 09:48 AM

Hi Tess, thanks for the tips! I had seen the reference to bringing a footstool, but I assumed because I am VERY tall, I wouldn't need one. Maybe I was wrong. A fanny cushion is definitely something I should probably bring.

Elsie has not let me know yet what she will provide. She may be waiting to receive my registration, which may be delayed in the New Year's holiday mail. I have a variety of threads I am planning to bring, including heavyweights, basting thread, regular weight. I ordered a piece of Taylor's Pride hair canvas last night.

My eyes are older than yours and I wear trifocals, so my eyesight is always an issue. I'll check with my optometrist to see what she recommends for kilt camp. I hate to sound like a worry wart here, but I am just trying to avoid problems so I can have a lot more fun at camp. This is a big deal for me. After years and years of making sure my two Autistic kids have had every service, therapy and camp possible, this is the first time I have done something like this just for me. The expense is a tough nut, but I am sure it will be worth it, especially if I am successful at making a kilt for Mark. I have a bottle of Champagne I plan to bring with me!

**Steve Ashton** · 2nd January 11, 01:14 PM

Our own Barb T posted a while back about a leather thimble.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...eather+thimble

**Tartan Tess** · 2nd January 11, 01:49 PM

Marks Mom,
You are really going to have so much fun (maybe it is the release of the stress of waiting) or hanging out with me and Patti and Frances
and although all the hard work is true, it will all be worth it and I bet you will be "Jonesin" afterwards to do the next kilt.
P.S. the footstool is because you have a leg crossed over for DAYS and any change in body movement is gratefully accepted. That is when I start teaching Belly dance moves to get the blood flowing.

**Pleater** · 2nd January 11, 02:13 PM

I've not found it necessary to use a lot of force on the needles, but I use really thin ones for finely woven fabrics, medium ones at the thickest and always buy quality ones - cheap needles are often no good at all.

I also have a little tuft of fine wire wool to hand as twirling the point of a needle in that sharpens it. Fold the needle in the wire wool pinched between finger and thumb and rotate the needle slowly - heat is generated which can de-temper the needle. You can't keep sharpening some needles as only the outer layer is hardened and it is worn away, but it does lengthen the life of most needles.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**llyd** · 2nd January 11, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Our own Barb T posted a while back about a leather thimble.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...eather+thimble

Saw several styles of those at Joann Fabrics the other day...didn't buy one, as I don't do much handwork..but there ya go..

**Mark's Mom** · 2nd January 11, 04:13 PM

Thanks again, Anne! What is a good brand of needle? That's really interesting how you sharpen them!

**Pleater** · 2nd January 11, 04:22 PM

You'll probably not get the same brands in the US as here in the UK - I get into trouble with the machine knitting lists which are international when I recommend a product on the list to someone in the UK and then all the US contingent want to know where to buy it.

I used to say Google it - but then I recommended gun oil for lubrication and did not check just what might be turned up in the search (snigger snigger, nudge nudge, hee hee hee)

You are probably safe enough Googling sewing needles - probably.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**llyd** · 2nd January 11, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by Pleater

I used to say Google it - but then I recommended gun oil for lubrication and did not check just what might be turned up in the search (snigger snigger, nudge nudge, hee hee hee)

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

Oh no...

**Mark's Mom** · 2nd January 11, 04:25 PM

Tess,
So nice to hear you will be there at Elsie's Camp. I am really excited about having so many experienced kiltmakers coming! Now I understand better why a footstool is recommended. It's funny, but my grandmother Mickey MacDonald always had a footstool near her chair and I never realized why. She did a lot of hand sewing, so that must have been the reason!