Thursday, October 15, 2009

Useful Tools: Part One

In my bear making world, I’ve got a few tools that come in pretty handy. Some of these, I discovered on my own. Others were recommended to me by other bear artists. I thought since so many of you sew, do needlework, and make bears, I would share a few of my useful tools.



This is probably the oddest looking one I have. It’s a needle puller. It was new to me a few years ago. Maybe you already have one or have used one. I have found when I am handsewing through mohair that I need something to help me grip the needle and this works like a charm. The inventor is from Holland and you can find this tool on the Internet if you look around. The place where I purchased mine doesn’t seem to carry them any longer.



Many artists will testify how valuable a pair of hemostats can be. I use mine all the time . . . for lots of things: picking up small items, pulling needles, holding things in place. I have heard mini bear artists use them to stuff their bears. There are a lot of things you can do with a pair of these. I picked up mine for a couple of dollars at the flea market.



Not only do I rely on tools to help me pull needles through fabric and fur, I rely on thimbles to help save my fingers when I push them through. I like this flexible and sturdy Skin Thimble. Sometimes I wrap the strong thread around my finger when I’m sewing and the leather is invaluable in protecting my skin. They don’t last forever if you use them like I do, but they work pretty well for a few months before I have to replace them.



This is a new thimble I’m trying. I like the flexible body and the metal end but when I’m using it, I miss the coverage on the rest of my finger that the Skin Thimble gives me. I’ll keep using it occasionally, but I think it might be best for embroidery or fabric thread projects.

I’ve got other tools that I use, too. A lot of them wandered away from my husband’s tool box into the basket on my desk. They seem to like it better there.  Sometime soon, I’ll try to choose a few more of my useful tools and share them here. In the meantime, I’m always looking for ways to make bear making easier on the hands, so if you’ve got a tip, I’d be interested in learning what works for you.

7 comments:

  1. Hi,

    these tools are useful, I know only two. I will try to buy needle extractor, I usually use a pair of pliers to throw needle... I will now buy this!

    Thanks

    Rosarita

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  2. I love that thimble! Makes sense to me! I love a tool set my hubby gave me with all kinds of cutters!

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  3. So those are some of the tools you use to make your delightful, adorable bears.

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  4. Ooooooo! I'm going to have to look for that needle puller. How nifty (and helpful) would that be?!!!
    Warmly,
    Cheryl

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  5. The tool I wouldn't be without is actually a round file I "borrowed" from my husband's chainsaw bag about 25 years ago! It's a great allrounder, for turning and stuffing and when you get those catchy tings on your finger nail it's right there to do service as a nail file! :)

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  6. Your bears always turn out wonderfully. What great tools, they are the gifts that give you the beauty for the bears. :0)

    Blessings,
    Heidi

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  7. the thimbles are so useful to dont hurt the skin. i like the skin thimble.

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