When was the last time you picked up any pins at the quilt shop? Did you cringe at the checkout? They're pricey little items and I'll admit to thinking twice before I invest in a new box, but I'm also fanatical picky when it comes to my pins; I have particular pins that I use for specific purposes and I keep them separated (Obsessive? Who, me??) on their own, individual, pincushions.
Last night my husband and I were jumping around the channels when we landed on
The Science Channel, "How It's Made" was on, it was one that we hadn't seen before, an episode on the making of pins and needles! I was fascinated by the manufacturing process of pins.
Who knew the steps involved? The entire process from cutting, to sharpening and polishing, to adding the heads and "grading" the pins before they were dropped into their boxes for wrapping and shipping fascinated me. In fact, I had a whole new appreciation and understanding for the associated costs involved in getting a box of pins to the store. So, back to that photo on top and my original question. When was the last time that
I picked up a box of pins? Tuesday night. I was in the middle of a class and the shop was out of the
Clover Patchwork Pins that I prefer. They did, however, have a package of
Clover Patchwork Pins (Fine) hanging on their notions wall. Unsure; I swallowed hard, and bought them. I've been using them for the last few days and haven't looked back! Slimmer than the pins I normally use I find them to be terrific for precise piecing, they're smooth and very "glide-y". They're not for bulky seams or intersections, but they definitely have a place in my sewing room; and yes, these FINE pins have their own, dedicated, pincushion!
15 comments:
O my how we do love our tools! Love the info on the pins. I too have different pins for different functions & most of the time keep them separated. I also recognize that sweet, lovely wool-in-a-tartlet pan pin cushion!
Although I did not sew or knit when I was raising my son, as an adult he is pursuing a craft: woodworking. And he too takes great pleasure in using his tools (even building his own workbench).
Craftsmanship nourishishes our souls and allows us to express that faculty knit into us in our inception: creativity. Thanks for this thought provoking post! B
Oh yes! Those pins are awesome and the only ones I use now. My bee placed a huge combined order for them a couple of years ago and I am stocked. And I treat them with the specialness they deserve. I was putting them in their own pin cushion but now I use these almost exclusively so they have taken up residence in several. And rightly so!
I am particular about pins too. I also have some of those in your cute pincushion. I got them to use for hand piecing. I like them a lot because they are slimmer.
I agree, pins can be expensive but I do find it amazing how cheap some items are when I consider what must have gone into making them...but then I begin to wonder where and by whom they are made and picture little children with no freedom working long hours in awful factories across the world. I would rather pay more and buy items made by adults who are paid a good wage...but then I wonder how would some of these children live without the work......
. . . yes, I have separate pincushions for different types of pins (design wall, piecing, binding, etc.). . . and yes, I LOVE these fine patchwork pins . . . (are you surprised?)
I am obviously out of my league here. But I am happy to be educated about the difference in pins. I know what I will be looking for on my next quilt shop venture. I would expect nothing less than a good education on pins from the one and only Mrs. Goodneedle.
Love that pincushion, BTW.
I'll have to keep my eye out for that episode. That is one of DH's favorite shows. I admit, some of the episodes are quite fascinating.
I a goodly number of pins residing in two pin cushions and a small box in with the sewing supplies.... have had them for years... and certainly before I started quilting. I have looked at pins in fabric stores and was shocked at the prices... I'm sure they're great pins but mine work just fine.
I'm a pin snob, and proud of it. The first criteria is glass heads--no more melted flat plastic pins in my house! I couldn't find my favorite IBC red headed pins last time I needed a new box, so I ordered an assortment. I have a box like yours, but haven't opened them yet. All my pins have to be segregated--well, except there are a bunch of imposters to the IBCs, and I hate that they are co-mingled. The imposters are not quite as sharp.
Yes, indeed! I don't have these particular pins but I do love my glass headed silk pins which I think are probably comparable. I have some plain jane silk pins that I find wonderful to use when cutting stack and whack since they are fine enough (even the head) to lay under the ruler.
wow! I need me some more pin cushions! lol I LOVE Clover flower head pins, they work a treat on my frame, and they HAVE to be clover, the cheaper ones just don't do it! I may have to give these babies a try if I can find them here in the UK - thanks Mrs G! :)
I have those pins, they are the pins I use when I am doing machine embroidery. I like them because they can bend a little without being permanent and the glass heads resist heat. I have used them for years and love them. What I need are pincushions. ;-)
Oh, I love these pins!!! These are my favorite for piecing and positioning applique pieces before they are basted down. But you're right, they're not for heavy-duty use, they bend too easily! Enjoy your new find! :)
I love the Clover fine pins - but know that I can only use them some of the time, they will bend. Have you tried the 1-1/2 inch ones - they are also great. BTW, Lovely pincushion. Judy C
I'm with you, pins are so important! Clover are my favourite brand for piecing anyway! I have favourites for each types of quilting I do! Thanks for sharing!
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