Advice on needles needed!

[starrley]

he can be quite careless (I remember his hydrogen collecting experiment...)

Metal toothpick aka, tetanus transmitter.

Both of these comments made me smile! Thanks, guys.

[Yurtle]

You mean there's something wrong with using your cross-stitch needles as toothpicks??!!

[kuja.girl]

We aim to please Starrley ;)

Hrm... moisturizing...
Using lotion should increase the life span of a needle because you're coating your fingers with an oil - which forms a barrier between the sweat on your fingers and the metal. The downside with this is that you are also likely to transfer some of the lotion's oil onto the fabric - but it should wash out so meh. Good tip Emma!

[EveningEmma]

Yeah, there is that possibility. I haven't noticed any residue on my fabric, so as long as I wash it once I'm done, I figure it should be fine.

I have also found that the DMC needles last longer than Pony (I think this is the brand name...) needles. Unfortunately, the Pony needles are the only ones easily available here.

[Eliste]

So, I'm not an expert on this, but I ran across Harikuyo, the Festival of Broken Needles (totally worth googling it) a while back and really love the idea. Basically, in Japan, every February 8th they have a little festival and give thanks for the hard work they provided. So now I keep my needles and do my own little ceremony, cause I like the idea of it.

Your needle should be tossed, but if you can't bear doing that, maybe you can hold onto it til next February 8th and join in.

[RMDC]

That's a grand holiday! I think I'll join in next year.

[blackmageheart]

So, I'm not an expert on this, but I ran across Harikuyo, the Festival of Broken Needles (totally worth googling it) a while back and really love the idea. Basically, in Japan, every February 8th they have a little festival and give thanks for the hard work they provided. So now I keep my needles and do my own little ceremony, cause I like the idea of it.

Your needle should be tossed, but if you can't bear doing that, maybe you can hold onto it til next February 8th and join in.

I had totally forgotten about this! (I used to love learning about all the matsuri and things, and I've just started learning sashiko too!) Thank you Eliste!

OK, it has to be done. Making this a Sprite Stitch Holiday. Mark it on your calendars!

[StitchWitch]

I use #10 quilting needles when I'm working on 28 cout. I've never once worn the plating off them... though I've lost more than one since they're less than an inch long. Perhaps if you can find them, a larger size quilting needle would last longer for you. The down side is that they are sharp point, and I know some cross stitchers shun sharps. I just rub the tip of the needle across my concrete front stairs a few times and wallah - no more point.