needles?

deannanb · Posts: 20 Join date: 2008-08-16

how often do they break? (down one)
where can I buy more?
(what are they specifically called?)

katie · Posts: 56 Join date: 2008-08-16

I'm typing one-handed...I wish there was an abreviation for "not naking but holding a 4 year old that drifted off in my lap."

They're felting needles.

I do have them in my etsy shop but I got ya covered...I'll drop some in the mail tomorrow. Smile

just curious how it broke. I've only busted 2 needles. My kids snap them like crayons tho but they try to. lol

deannanb · Posts: 20 Join date: 2008-08-16

now down 2 -
the first one broke while I was pushing the first layer of orange into the base -
just pushing up and down - maybe too hard?

It was the fine point that broke off the end of the needle.

the second one broke - after my 13 year old was using it -
I tried to finish the 2nd layer of orange - which seemed much harder than the first layer -
and it must have loosen just enough for it to break on me! Very Happy

About how long does it take to make sure the wool is secure onto the base?
I'm sure it takes you much less time than it would take a newbie -
I would like to know how much time to set aside to work on the project.

katie · Posts: 56 Join date: 2008-08-16

deannanb wrote:

now down 2 -
the first one broke while I was pushing the first layer of orange into the base -
just pushing up and down - maybe too hard?

It was the fine point that broke off the end of the needle.

the second one broke - after my 13 year old was using it -
I tried to finish the 2nd layer of orange - which seemed much harder than the first layer -
and it must have loosen just enough for it to break on me! Very Happy

About how long does it take to make sure the wool is secure onto the base?
I'm sure it takes you much less time than it would take a newbie -
I would like to know how much time to set aside to work on the project.

Hmm, it should be able to hold up to that. I've used some of the needles from this last order...in other words I'm using the same needles that you are. So I don't think they're defective.

I wonder if you're felting too much. You're just kind of securing the roving to the base....not going for a smooth finish. That's what the water is suppose to do.

this picture shows roving attached to a base. (pre wet-felt)

Here's the actual photo from the booklet (pre wet-felt again). Can you see how around the middle, the roving is still loose. I haven't used the needle much at all...more on the ends, to attach the wool and work around the end.

Once the ball is rolled into the roving, it takes a few minutes to secure each end. I'm trying to add in inexperience time.

katie · Posts: 56 Join date: 2008-08-16

Oh, and you're correct, up and down action only.

deannanb · Posts: 20 Join date: 2008-08-16

the close up of the eggs helps -

just making sure the ends are secure enough to go through the wash?

katie · Posts: 56 Join date: 2008-08-16

deannanb wrote:

the close up of the eggs helps -

just making sure the ends are secure enough to go through the wash?

exactly.

I've been profoundly frustrated with my photos in the booklet. I have a brand new (photo) printer and have been through every type of paper. I've decided to call up a printing friend for help. He's a local commercial printer and I'm hoping he'll offer me a small-time affordable deal.

tinasquirrel · Posts: 24 Join date: 2008-08-16

It took me about 3-4 minutes to attach each side of the roving to the base. If that helps.

Also, I've heard that you can easily break felting needles if you aren't careful to only go up and down at a 90 degree angle. My local yarn store sells felting needles as well.

Scarlet · Posts: 8 Join date: 2008-08-17

katie wrote:

I wonder if you're felting too much. You're just kind of securing the roving to the base....not going for a smooth finish. That's what the water is suppose to do.

This would be a good description to add to the booklet. I didn't know how much needle felting should be enough.

katie · Posts: 56 Join date: 2008-08-16

Scarlet wrote:

katie wrote:

I wonder if you're felting too much. You're just kind of securing the roving to the base....not going for a smooth finish. That's what the water is suppose to do.

This would be a good description to add to the booklet. I didn't know how much needle felting should be enough.

Thank you Scarlet, I will add that.