I missed the original post (obviously), so better understand your query. It seems like in the main, you need something soft to anchor the needle, harder surround to keep it contained, and some rigging to anchor all.
What comes to mind is Craft Foam (in UK, I think it is called Fun Foam), coiled and put within a case, or a synthetic equivalent. Again, something soft but dense, would be felted wool. There should be a myriad of other things, such as rubber or it's imitations. Cork seems to split, and is cumbersome to give enough protection to me. Whether you used a clutch (superb idea and they have "rubber" inserts), or used something ranging from a plastic pen cap to a long and narrow tin or plastic container, it can be filled with the soft contents from the paragraph above. If an elastic (such as elastic cord or narrow sewing elastic) was anchored at the bottom of the hard container and attached at the end of the pricker, it should work. That could range from the elastic glued (E6000 holds anything the best) or a small ring or D ring attached (if you have a drill and anchor it inside), then resistance at the butt of the pricker (from a groove cut, to a piece of fuzzy velcro or even wool felt glued) would resist the elastic from slipping (it could even come from two sides, juxtaposed). If you use the drill again, a small eyelet screw could be attached to the wood end of your pricker, and lobster clasps come from the elastic to hook into the eyelet. You probably don't want a bunch of things sticking out of your pricker, but can see what I am saying conceptually. Even a stuffed lady bug (lady bird in UK?) could hold the cord elastic through it's midsection. You may even find a small pretty semi-precious stone at the lapidary, that could be glued on the end and would anchor elastic, or even a tied on ribbon, etc. Lots of options, but one choice affects the other components and solution. Take a look at double pointed needle holders. They are set to hold the points of both ends (with elastic between), but perhaps you could modify one end to make it flatter or grab the butt end of your pricker (with previous suggestion). Depending upon how big your pricker is, you could just go to the hardware store and purchase PVC tubing (used in plumbing here) to accommodate it, with two end caps. Glue one in place, and stuff that end with something soft (again felted wool is a good one and will release fairly easily also, and lanolin is good for your needle), and the other end cap is removed when you want to access. If it is loose or becomes so over time, then buff it with a rough nail file, or try a bit of silicone seal or fine rubber band, etc. to make sure it stays tight until you want to remove it. HTH, Susan Reishus A couple of layers of foam, within a hard plastic end cap, should be enough to store flat, and could even be put in a tool roll if anchored by velcro, etc. - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
