Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Time for an Upgrade!

I have been using the very same single pair of little sewing scissors for 12 years. Yes, you read that correctly... twelve years. I don't typically lose things, and I prefer to use things until they are worn completely out. But these scissors have refused to wear out and haven't grown feet and ran away as of yet.

But I have been coveting a particular pair of scissors for over a year now, and finally gave in... but only because I needed new needles, and I could add the scissors to my order!

I "heart" my new Kelmscott Love scissors...


And the needles, Oh the needles! I have never purposely gone out and purchased a package of needles based on specifications. I simply use up the ones that are given to me in Christmas stockings, or that are embedded in a vintage pinkeep that I find at an estate sale.

But there has been a bit of chatter lately in blogland about needles, so I decided to give these a try...

Can I just say, I think that was easily the very best way I have spent $2 in a very long time? They are absolutely perfect for me, and I think that my stitching is going quicker now too.

Oh... the odd-sized needle in the package is what I was using before, just for comparison. I also bought a package of Piecemakers needles, which has yet to be opened, because I can't stop using my teeny little John James.

What needles do you use?

16 comments:

Deb said...

I use those needles too for smaller projects, and Boehm needles for others. I also use other John James needles also. Love those scissors. I just ordered a pair of them myself! I was using the same old stork scissors (read cheapo from Joanne's), but since I found my flower frog, I've been smuggling scissors into the house (don't tell! LOL)

Anonymous said...

That last question strikes me as one that could only be spoken in one way or another by an addict . . .

Patti said...

Hi Beth! You found my absolute favorite needles! I love the John James petites and have convinced myself that I stitch faster because they are shorter lol! I love your new scissors, too :)

BE STILL MY HEART!!!!!
I saw the update on your Oregon Trail piece and think that it just might be my very favoritest piece ever!!! How much longer until we see the whole shebang ;) Not that I'm rushing you ggg

Blessings, Patti

Maggee said...

I use either John James petites or Mary Arden petites. I was shown them about 2 years ago at my stitching group, and haven't looked back! In fact, we call the longer ones 'spikes'! Enjoy them, they are great!

Maggee

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Peicemakers, tried 'em three years ago and I've never gone back to using anything else. They slip through linen like a knife through butter and they never wear out or lose their finish.
Open 'em up now! :o)

pammyjo said...

I have used these needles. I really like them. I find them a little hard to thread tho. Your scissors are great, I love the look of them. Where did you find them? :) Enjoy!

Tanya Willis Anderson said...

John James are THE best!!!!!

Tanya

Beth Twist said...

Oh Gregg... how did I know that you would be commenting on this post? Sigh. Yes, I do believe that I am a stitching addict. And so are most of my readers. :)

I ordered from 123Stitch.com

Patti, my Oregon Trail sampler is 3/4 done, so I just might hit my goal of an early August release. I will certainly keep you posted!

Margaret said...

I use John James Petites size 28. Love them. :D

Patti said...

I hope you reach your goal Beth - then it can be a birthday present to myself :)
Blessings, Patti

mainely stitching said...

Sounds familiar, Beth! I also used the same pair of scissors "forever" until I stupidly had them sharpened. The guy did something to totally screw up the tension and they're utterly useless now. I also used to use just whatever needle was handy, too. I love the teensy JJ needles, but find that Piecemakers stitch a lot easier. Right now, I'm tracking down some Bohin needles to try out, having read that they're also lovely to use. Ah, the little joys in life, right? :)

Glenna said...

Oh, try the Piecemakers--I don't use anything else any more. Not only do they keep their nice finish and slip so easily in and out, they don't break, as the JJs do in my hands (I both stab AND "sew" my needlework, and it's the sewing that does them in).

Dora said...

I have a pair of those scissors and they are a favorite. Enjoy.

I'm going to have to try the Piecemakers. I have used the JJ's and they are great.

staci said...

I have a bunch of the JJ, but the Piecemakers are my absolute fave!

I am a total scissor addict and have a very large collection that I enjoy using...I cannot imagine only having one pair! You certainly deserved an upgrade, enjoy your new Kelmscott's!

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

I have several scissors myself. Got them in the past year actually.
I have 2 of the small red and blue Kelmscott ones and they are like less than 2 inches and perfect for traveling. And then I have acquired 3 Ginghers this past year. I just saw these on Tanya's blog with the hearts and I just know I will have to get these at some point in the future! Love the heart handles!
Jennifer D
North Ga.

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

Oops, I was going to comment on the needles. My favorite is John James number 26 gold needles. I have not used gold needles until 3 months ago and now that's my preference. They seem to bend and flow easier than the other ones. I haven't tried the petite ones yet but that's my next try.
Gold ones to me are easier to thread and go through the fabric easier. Maybe that's all in my head or something, but that's my favorites!
Jennifer