Hi, I don't know what the "usual expectation" is -- not being snarky, I just often am puzzled by how our ancestors managed when needles were scarce and expensive, given that they *do* bend and break. My breakage problems tend to have one of about three sources: 1) I am trying to use some coarse "authentic" thread (hemp, linen, wool) pulled out of my weaving supplies that is just a bit too big for the needle, so the doubled bit has trouble following the needle through the fabric and eventually the strain pulls the eye off; 2) I am using a fine needle on a fairly heavy fabric, and I get to bending it when trying to make fine stitches; 3) I am using a fine needle on many layers of fabric, which seems to aggravate both 1) and 2). So I am always quite happy to blame myself for the breakage, rather than the needles! But the nicer they are the more I burn through; sometimes I get out my 70s-era giant steel needles, which none of my costumer friends find fit for anything but basting, ! and do some unacceptably coarse seams just to deal with the frustration. I suppose I *could* resort to using modern threads -- so fine! so smooth! -- but that would be cheating! ;-) Lauren http://www.timetraveltextiles.com
-------------- Original message -------------- From: "LLOYD MITCHELL" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > On the subject of needles, my biggest problem is that I seem to have them > break a lot. <snip snip> > > I have tried some of the name brands that have been mentioned in this > conversation and some of these also seem to break more often than usual > expectation. I _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
