I recently discovered a new tatting needle. Well, the funny thing is that it’s not even a tatting needle, but it’s great for doing tatting with yarn, twine, heavy hemp, nylon rope or other heavy materials. The amazing thing is that I found this tool in a specialty store that sells outdoor and sports materials. I was only looking for some spandex, to make a pair of wrestling shorts, when I happened across this item (shaped exactly like a tatting needle-but big) and I thought how wonderfully perfect for specialty items or for teaching a large class, so that everybody can see.

This oversized plastic needle is actually used for threading cording through a waistband. It has a rounded point and the ‘eye’ end of the needle is almost exactly the same size as the needle; which makes this a perfect tatting needle. This ‘needle’ is even big enough that you can paint your needle with flowers, bumble bees or whatever meets your interest to specialize it to your own taste. These wonderful needles are a prime example of what I’ve often said: always keep an open mind, while shopping, because you will come across all kinds of things that are meant for one purpose and can be used for another purpose.

To reiterate some things that might be great and a lot of fun to tat with using such an oversized tatting needle:
• Using hemp: outdoor or entryway rug
• Using yarn: decorative rugs to lay over top of a floor to floor carpet
• Using yarn or small nylon twine: place mats for your table
• Using yarn or small nylon twine: tablecloth or bedspread
• Using yarn or small nylon twine: wearable items-such as vests, skirt covers, ponchos, shawls, stoles and shrugs, decorative belts
• Using hemp, jute rope or nylon rope: wall decoration

And, the list just goes on. Another one of my sayings, that I’m sure my regulars are familiar with, goes something like this, “Keep your mind open because your creations are only limited by your mind”. Also, nothing can hold you back; except thinking something can’t be done. So, keep those eyes and minds open. Always think about tatting (or whatever other crafts you do,) whenever you look upon the things of the world, and ask yourself, “How can I use this in my craft?” You’ll be amazed at the wondrous things you’ll find to save money, turn an old doily pattern into a new tablecloth pattern, and stretch your tatting skills to new lengths.