Sweet ‘n Sharp Macarons
with instructor Steve Butler
Class 129
What is it?
When we think of sewing, two things come to mind first. Needles and threads. They are just basic to everything we do in sewing. Historically speaking, the demands of both existing and emerging sewing technique have resulted in the development of an amazing array of modern, technologically advanced hand sewing needle styles. This basic sewing tool has evolved over the years to compliment virtually every genre of sewing specialty including general sewing, appliqué, embroidery, ribbon embroidery, quilting, upholstery, tapestry, basting, beading, darning, tailoring, etc. and etc. And if you talk to any aficionado of hand sewing and you’ll get a list of the most important “to do’s”.
- Always use a quality needle
- First, select the right style needle for your specific application
- Second, select the right size needle for your thread and fabric
- Third, select the right type thread for any fabric application
- Etc., etc. depending on who you talk to
Absent on most “how to” lists, however, is the absolute requirement for a sharp point on the needle in use. A quality new needle is usually safe to use, but how about that needle that’s been in your sewing kit for an extended length of time? How safe are they to use? The point can become dull. Hand sewing needles are usually plated with either nickel, chrome, gold or platinum. This plating can wear off over time and with use. Naturally occurring perspiration from our hands can erode this coating as well. And if our needles are not safely secured in some form when not in use, unwanted wear and tear from friction with other sewing tools in a drawer or case can damage the coating and tip. So how do we know if we’re good? The consequences of a damaged or dull needle would include:
- A blunt or snagged tip will catch on our fabric causing pulls
- A blunt tip or corroded sides will require more effort to push through our fabric
- A needle with a damaged eye shape or surface will wear and even cut our thread
- A blunt tip makes precision insertion of our needle difficult
- And, just generally, a dull or corroded needle is sluggish and drags as we pull it through our fabric.
If we have a dysfunctional needle as described, what can we do? Not all is lost. The clever folks at Clover have developed the Sweet ‘n Sharp Macaron, a most useful tool that can clean and sharpen any needle that may no longer be new or in pristine condition.
What do they do?
Using a hand sewing needle, whether the focal point of our stitches or just as the finishing touches on a project, can be either extremely rewarding or, unhappily, not so much. Outside of our personal techniques, one of the most definitive factors for eventual hand sewing happiness is using the right style needle and a needle in like new condition. So, what if our needle currently in use is not new and happens to be displaying any of those unsatisfactory characteristics due to dullness or corrosion? Not to worry, we can fix that. The “Macaron” is a truly handy tool for correcting those limiting needle conditions. The two plastic sides provide us with an easy method to securely hold the device between finger and thumb. The center features an abrasive medium. Simply hold the Macaron in one hand. With the needle held in the other hand, insert the forward portion into the center abrasive medium of the Macaron and move it in a forward and reverse motion until the tip is sharp and the sides of the needle are shinny and clean once again. Problem solved. One end of the Macaron even sports a magnetic feature to help us retrieve our needles from wherever they may be.
How do I share them?
Those who sew and use hand sewing needles already appreciate a sharp, pristine sewing needle. No need to sell that. Provide Sweet ‘n Sharp Macarons for all of your classes and make them available for testing at check out. Once your friends see its utility in keeping their needles new and pristine, they’ll be all in. They all know that quality needles produce quality results and a more rewarding creative experience. The Sweet ‘n Sharp Macarons will help them do that.
