As I started typing this post I realised that I had not told you that my hubby had offered to buy me some metalsmithing tools for our wedding anniversary earlier this month!
He had originally offered to buy them for my birthday back in May but in the end I decided to hold off as I didn't have a work area set up.
Well I still haven't set up a work area but I certainly wasn't going to knock back the offer again!
Look at what arrived today from Fire Mountain Gems!
Rawhide mallet, ring mandrel, chasing hammer and jeweller's saw
Fire block, copper tongs, straight burnisher, bezel pusher and curved burnisher
Rawhide mallet, ring mandrel, chasing hammer and jeweller's saw
Fire block, copper tongs, straight burnisher, bezel pusher and curved burnisher
925 stamp, rubber mallet, titanium picks, bezel roller, saw blades, stone setting pliers,
fibre grip tweezers and steel hole maker
~~~
fibre grip tweezers and steel hole maker
~~~
Also in my order were two rolls of Fireline.
Now I have to admit I am a Nymo kind of gal...
I know a lot of you hate Nymo with a passion but I only ever use size 00 thread and it never frays or breaks and well I love it and it's the only thread I use in bead embroidery.
Now I have to admit I am a Nymo kind of gal...
I know a lot of you hate Nymo with a passion but I only ever use size 00 thread and it never frays or breaks and well I love it and it's the only thread I use in bead embroidery.
When I am beadweaving I tend to use KO Japanese beading thread as it is thicker, super silky and also doesn't fray...unless you have to unpick a piece several times and stab it with your needle...which has happened to me on
I tried Fireline a few years ago and I really detested hated it. It kept tangling and drove me bonkers. I later found out that perhaps 1lb strength isn't the best line to use due to how thin it is and after a lot of encouragement from a few of my beading buddies I ordered two rolls of Fireline - 6lb and 4lb in smoke and crystal with the anticipation that the stronger weights will be easier to use.
I only ordered a 50yard roll of each as I am not overly optimistic I am going to like it so there may be two rolls of the stuff up for grabs very soon...
but then again I might like it... hey stranger things have happened.
If I do choose to continue to use Fireline I refuse to pay any attention to any comments like "I told you so" as I will always love Nymo...
that's Nymo the thread not the fish variety but hey he is pretty darn cute but not quite as useful!
that's Nymo the thread not the fish variety but hey he is pretty darn cute but not quite as useful!
♥
3 comments:
Ooo, lucky you!!! I can't wait to see what you make, and huge props to your lovely husband for his anniversary gift!! I recommend waxing your fireline a bit because it may help with your tangles, and to use shorter pieces of it to start with, until you get the feel of the different tension in it. I use it for everything, and have come to love it because for me, the Nymo turns into large knots and I end up with a huge mess - just the opposite of you!! Good luck with both your endeavors, metal and thread! :)
love the tools! you lucky gal! you will have so much fun with those!
Fireline works best if you put the needle on the CUT end, not the end you pulled off. Just the opposite of Nymo, which is probably why it was a PITA.
Smoke tangles more than crystal.
If you decide you like it, you can get it MUCH cheaper through Cabela's online (300 yds for 22.95 last week, free shipping) or from Berkely- 125 yards for around $12.
LOVE LOVE LOVE all your new tools!
Post a Comment