Key rings, shuttles and hooks
Life has been very hectic in this part of the world and so there has been very little time for tatting. These are two key rings I made earlier this year. I'm not going to use them for carrying keys around on but rather for holding those keys that remain indoors such as spare keys or keys that are hardly ever used. So I will hang them up on a key ring holder in the hall way.
Here are the latest shuttles lined up on a table. Some of them will be travelling on Saturday to Jane's home. Unfortunately due to the delay in the bobbins arriving not every one who has ordered a shuttle will receive them from this batch.
As you know the hooks for the shuttles are hand made by "I'm in the garage", over the past three weeks we have been trying to source ready made small hooks at a reasonable price from various places which include India, Japan and China but so far we have been unsuccessful as the order for such hooks has to be in the region of thousands to make it viable for the manufacturer. If we could obtain these hooks it would cut down on the work involved in making them and hopefully satisfy the people who are not completely happy with the hand made ones. Unfortunately, it seems that the only way the hooks can be obtained, is by purchasing full size crochet hooks and then cutting them down to size, this is a very expensive and wasteful exercise. If we did this it would mean that the shuttles would be a lot more expensive. Also a part of me, is very loath to be so wasteful, especially in a world that throws so much away. But then perhaps someone knows how to re-cycle the remaining pieces from mutilated crochet hooks?!
Here are the latest shuttles lined up on a table. Some of them will be travelling on Saturday to Jane's home. Unfortunately due to the delay in the bobbins arriving not every one who has ordered a shuttle will receive them from this batch.
As you know the hooks for the shuttles are hand made by "I'm in the garage", over the past three weeks we have been trying to source ready made small hooks at a reasonable price from various places which include India, Japan and China but so far we have been unsuccessful as the order for such hooks has to be in the region of thousands to make it viable for the manufacturer. If we could obtain these hooks it would cut down on the work involved in making them and hopefully satisfy the people who are not completely happy with the hand made ones. Unfortunately, it seems that the only way the hooks can be obtained, is by purchasing full size crochet hooks and then cutting them down to size, this is a very expensive and wasteful exercise. If we did this it would mean that the shuttles would be a lot more expensive. Also a part of me, is very loath to be so wasteful, especially in a world that throws so much away. But then perhaps someone knows how to re-cycle the remaining pieces from mutilated crochet hooks?!
Do you keep the list of who ordered what or does Jane? I certainly would love an ebony and a purple heart when they are available.
ReplyDeleteOkay, all those who mutilate Aeros; here is a chance to be redeemed. Send those hooks! LOL
ReplyDeleteI, however, really like "im in the garage' hooks; but then, I always swim opposite of the 'school'…xx Bj
I love my new shuttles! I don't mind the hooks, either. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it works just fine!
ReplyDeleteHi Dale Marie - Jane is the list keeper, but don't worry she is watching this blog!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Bev - What a great way of recycling Aero hooks, in fact one of the manufacturers wanted us to send them 6 examples of the hook, I could't bring myself to do that, mutilate 6 Aeros! Thanks for giving the handmade hooks the okay.
Hi Marty - Yes I agree the hooks do take a time to get used to but thats life!!!! So pleased you like your shuttles.
I'm here watching, Dale Marie and you're now 'on the list'!!!! Could you send me your email addy, please. Mine is lovetotat @ gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ridgetatter and Marty (haven't I told you a dozen times little sis) that I love my 'im in the garage hook. Takes roughly 2 days to get used to.
I agree Jane. The hook is different, but different doesn't have to mean "bad". No complaints here:-) jane my addy is dalemarie75 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteJane I hope you still have me on the list for the ebony and purple heart (is that the pink) one! I hope I hope
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jane about the hooks, once you get used to them they work great. I'd hate for you to waste a bunch of regular hooks for a few of us picky tatters. I like the idea of reusing the hooks from Aeros though. Jane, am I on you're list?
ReplyDeleteWhat I find hard with the garage-hook is the fact that the bit that does the hooking isn't at the end of the little metal stick. I can't seem to get the hang of it. So my nice new ebony shuttle is to be hookless!
ReplyDeleteLovely key-rings - I have some which are tiny little hand-knitted jumpers for the "inside keys" - of which we seem to have many.
Hi Sally, Cute Key Rings!! I might have to snaz up my keys with something similar.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of hooks are on the batch being sent to Jane? I probably wouldn't mind a hook made by your dh. Have you ever used the GR-8 shuttle? They have a hand made type hook and I don't mind using that at all. Is your handmade hook similar to the GR-8? Can't wait to get your shuttles. I'm on the list!!
I love everything about the shuttle! Taking Aero shuttles apart would get expensive. And than you have to find homes for all those hookless Aeros. I don't have a problem with the hook and I thought it was manufactured, didn't know they were hand made! 'Im in the garage does fine work!
ReplyDeleteI love your little key rings. Did you try Handy Hands from the States for bobbins? Or would duty be too high?
Hi Maureen, I guess it is getting used to the hook, the problem is I don't yet own one myself, so can only pick up on other peoples comments about the hook. But there is more to the hook saga coming soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol - yes the key rings turned out fine, sorry I don't have a GR-8 shuttle so can't give the answer to that question!
Thanks Sue Anna for your lovely comment, now apart from the hook story there is a bobbin story which will be in my next post. I can't tell you it yet as the story isn't complete but it does involve the States and it could involve customs!
Again in looking at this picture of the shuttle bodies I really like the purple one and the last one on the right next to the purple one. How beautufil they look!!
ReplyDelete