I love my seam ripper and when I saw him making a scratch awl for cabinet making it reminded me of a sewing stiletto so I suggested he consider making me a stiletto! Well really I did ask him to consider it - I asked him to make one for me! He has made two stilettos and as you can see in the picture above he likes to use exotic burls for the handles so in addition to being functional they are also very beautiful.
These are the first two stilettos he has made and he is asking for my input and in turn I'm asking you for your input! To make it exciting, if you provide input you'll be entered in a draw for a giveaway (keep reading to find out what it is)!
The stiletto on the left is very much like a sgraffito or a scratch awl. The wood handle measures 2 1/4" from the base to the base of the needle at the brass ferule. The needle also measures 2 1/4" so the total length of the stiletto is 4 1/2". The stiletto on the right measures 5 1/2". The needle is 1 1/4" from its base to the tip. This stiletto is convertible so the needle can be removed and inserted into the wooden handle when not in use.
I also wanted to share a comparison of the needle tips. The stiletto on the left has a rounded blunted point whereas the stiletto on the right has a sharp needle point.
So here is where your opinion is needed: what features do you think are the most appealing? Do you like the longer stiletto or shorter? Do you prefer a convertible stiletto where the point can be tucked inside or do you prefer the non convertible model. And what about the point - blunted or sharp?
If you leave a comment you'll be entered in a draw for one of my pincushion scissor fobs! I'll custom make the fob for the winner! This is a picture of some scissor fob pincushions I made to sell at my Guild's quilt show. I'll announce the winner at 9:00 am October 8th. Please be sure that you are not a no-reply blogger because if you are I have no way of contacting you. I reply to every comment so if you don't get an email from me in response to you comment then you are a no reply blogger.
I'll be off tomorrow but Friday morning will post Block 13 in my Value Proposition Hexagon Quilt Along. Until then, happy sewing!
Karen H
Karen, I noticed how beautiful these were in a previous post and wondered if he sold the seam rippers. I love the longer stiletto with a sharper point because I do small piecing. What I really like is the longer and wide handle. I have arthritis in my thumbs and gripping is easier with a slightly wider base. He does beautiful work. I'm loving seeing all your hexagons!
ReplyDeleteBoth the stilettos and seam rippers and jaw dropping gorgeous! I'm also curious if he would consider selling seam rippers?
ReplyDeleteAs for the stilettos, I like the idea of the larger handle (my hands tend to give me troubles) and the long pointed version. I've been using a large needle for holding and shifting but once again my hand will cramp.
Oh your brother is very talented! I like the one with the longer handle and the more pointy tip. I think the thinner the handle the better also. I love a pretty pointy point when I use a stiletto for curved piecing. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful brother and the woods he is using are just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLovely pincushion scissor fobs!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful. I personally like the one on the right. The longer handle and sharp point are what I would use most. I also like the idea of it being convertible. Has your hubby ever thought about making them with both the seam ripper and stiletto tips so they could be interchanged? I don't know it that's possible but it would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteA sharper point is better for gripping/holding fabric. I just measured my clover brand stiletto which I think is perfect. The metal bit is is just over two inches and the handle is a hair over three. The base of my stiletto is more like the blunter stiletto pictured on the left however.
ReplyDeleteConvertible is not necessary if you have a good cap.
I was just thinking about making 2 tips for the longer version!!! I love the fact that you can put that 'pointy' part inside when not in use! Beautiful woods. Lucky gal.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful 'tools'. Fro me it is hard to pick a favourite as I would use both. The one on the right for curved piecing and the one on the left with the flatter point for needle turn applique. I do like the handle ion the right best and love that it is convertible. A great idea for protecting the point. You have a very talented brother. I admired the seam ripper when you posted about that.
ReplyDeleteI love both of them they would both do an excellent job. But my favorite would be the longer handle one I too am starting to have trouble with my hands. I guess it's all the material that I work with. But it's not gonna stop me.
ReplyDeleteYour brother does gorgeous work with these. I mainly use an awl/stiletto for piercing fabric for embroidery. In that situation, it is important for it to be sharp, and for the diameter to increase evenly and gradually, so that you can control the size of the hole. Neither of these is exactly right, but I do like the convertible feature. I am pretty sure that Mary Corbet did a blog post comparing awls, which might be some good further reference. I also know that some awls are entirely wood with no metal parts, so he may enjoy something like that as well. Many of them also have carvings, if he wants to branch out!
ReplyDeleteActually, I think I am remembering an article in Inspirations magazine, rather than by Mary Corbet. But, she may still have something too!
DeleteI think I'd find the longer point to be more useful - it would be particularly nice for prepping applique pieces at the iron! I'd be another one who'd be interested in a seam ripper, too. :)
ReplyDeleteToo tempting to win one of your fobs! I'm going with the sharper and longer length - might be good to use when machine quilting and should grip the fabric well? Beautifully made !
ReplyDeleteLonger definitely, with the option of keeping the sharp point safe inside. Would probably like both sharp and rounded tip, maybe reversible with the sharp side safe inside.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful awls! Like the longer blunted tip but the option to tuck it away safely is also appealing. Have sustained a few awl in bum while sitting down injuries over the years and even contact with the blunt ones can be painful:) Love the seam rippers too. Thank you for the opportunity to win a fob!
ReplyDeleteI definitely like the option of keeping the point inside (the convertible). I think the sharper point would be more useful. I love your brother's handiwork! So beautiful! Love yours as well. I started following your blog recently and love what you do!
ReplyDeleteOMG!! Your brother is very talented and creates beautiful, heirloom pieces!! You must treasure the ones he makes especially for you because I am sure he selects the loveliest of wood! Personally, I would prefer a longer stiletto, with a duller point, and one that is convertible so that it can be taken on the go!
ReplyDeleteOh! Me, me, me.. I like the pointy one best. What a great example of your brothers workmanship. Your whole family is so talented. Love seeing you 'sweet Mans's' photo the other day.
ReplyDeleteI like the longer stiletto, convertible and something in between blunted and sharpe. To all readers, I saw the seam rippers up close and personal at the guild show and they are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, I'm flexible on a stiletto as there really are not all that many choices on the market and few this pretty. But my personal preference would be longer, quite pointy, as well as being able to encase it in a holder (for safety). The samples you are sharing are really lovely. Great workmanship.
ReplyDeleteSewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Oh these are so cute; you obviously come from a vrey creative family!! I don't have an awl but do use either my quick unpic or a small pair of scissors to do the job and these are both 4 1/2" but I think longer would definitely work too - it would still fit nicely into the palm of the hand. Convertible looks like a fun idea particularly if the point was sharp. I think a sharp tip is a good idea for holding securely where it's wanted! I love the shape of the one on the right. A lovely giveaway too!!
ReplyDeletedefinitely pointy and able to conceal it for safe storage :-D
ReplyDeletethey are beautiful! I think I would use both for different things! The sharp pointed one to help with machine piecing (in place of pins) the blunt one as a laying tool for embroidery :)
ReplyDeleteThe stilettos are both beautiful and I agree that the burls really add to the the appeal. I would prefer the pointed end myself and the longer slender handle. The added feature of turning into the handle makes it more portable to take along without stabbing yourself. Ingenious idea!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness these both are lovely but I would prefer the long handle with the sharp needle point. But truthfully I would be delighted with either one. More great sew it's gifts. Good luck to everyone.
ReplyDeleteBunny
They are gorgeous. I think it depends on what your main use for it is going to be. While the sharper point is better at holding fabric it doesn't work so well if using it to turn things inside (rightside) out or if using as a laying tool for embroidery or SRE.
ReplyDeletesyvisser@gmail.com
What gorgeous work your brother does! Wow!
ReplyDeleteMy preference would be the one with the sharper point, especially since it can be tucked away safely (I use a seam ripper as a stiletto because it has a sharp point that can wrestle a pesky seam allowance that wants to get wonky as I'm sewing).
Wow! Both are beautiful! My preference would be the sharp point that can tucked away. It could be carried in my sewing kit when I travel. Jpatton55@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a sharp point is needed to guide the fabric under the needle! The ability to store the tip inside the handle is a good thing too.
ReplyDeleteYour brother's work is fantastic. I think I would be spending a lot of time just staring at the seam ripper or the awl if I owned one. They are so beautiful. For the awl, I like the long slender one with the sharper point and that it is convertible so as to protect the point. I also think the awl of the right would fit wonderfully in your hand. In those really tight and difficult piecing situations, you could move your hand in closer to get a better grip. Thanks for sharing these with us and hope to see that your brother has these on the market in the future.
ReplyDeleteI love your brother's work! I like the longer needle and sharper point. I have large hands so a larger handle is good too! If he ever starts selling those tools, let us know! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteKaren you have a talented family , the choice of woods are beautiful, I would be happy to have either one, Virginia vkeast@sympatico.ca
ReplyDeleteYour brother does beautiful work. I love the idea of having the point stored in the handle. The sharper point would be my choice because I think it would make it easier to hold fabrics in place. The stiletto I have has a long shaft, but the point is dull so it doesn't grab very well. The seam rippers look amazing. Your a lucky lady to have such a talented brother.
ReplyDeleteI would prefer the convertible stiletto, so I could have the option of putting it away from my grandson. I also would prefer a pointed stiletto. Love your scissor fobs.
ReplyDeleteThey are all beautiful. Love the different woods. I like the longer stiletto and. Would prefer the convertible. I think I would buy sharp or dull, whichever was available. Hope I win the scissor fob.
ReplyDeleteWhat superb tools! I would prefer the longer stiletto with the blunt end to help needle-turn sharp inner curves but would love to own either. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteYour brother is as talented as you. Must run in the family. I've seen some of these on the internet and tried to buy one for MY Christmas present to myself last year. They were similar to your brothers. They were only offered for a very limited time and on a first come basis. The particular one I wanted sold before I got my "buy" button pushed....so I never did get one. I prefer a longer handle because of large hands, a semi-sharp tip I prefer one that inverts into the longer handle would be perfect for traveling to quilt retreats and sew days. The other idea that was what I wanted was the best of both worlds -- both ends were convertible into the handle -- one was an awl the other a seam ripper. No wonder the sold out immediately.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win your custom made scissor fob.
I would opt for the longer, finer tipped one and the fact you can insert the lethal end is perfect for dizzies like me who'd have it loose in a sewing caddy and impale myself with it lol
ReplyDeleteDars idea sounds interesting, having both ends functional but I think Id prefer the feel of the wood in my palm and opt for single use pieces.
Great contest, I plan to enter and win!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTest 123
ReplyDeleteBeautiful wood on the stilettos. I like the blunt one better and I think the longer one would be more useful. I like the convertible one as I like to bring the tools with me when I am sewing on a trip.
ReplyDeleteI like the longer profile and sharper point.
ReplyDeleteHmmm tough choice! They are both great. I think ultimately I would go for the longer handle, shorter and sharper tip, and the convertibility factor:)
ReplyDeleteThose look lovely! I like both :)
ReplyDeletemmyheartishere@gmail.com
I prefer longer and pointy tip. I would not need it to be convertible as it would be handy in a drawer next to my sewing machine but I can see how it would be nice for taking to classes.
ReplyDeleteI think the seamripper is my most used little helper. The rippers by your brother are totally amazing. Thanks for this chance.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Rike
I think I prefer the longer awl with the pointy tip. I love the idea of it being convertible because I'm always losing the caps.
ReplyDeletethese look awesome! I like the idea of it being convertible-I also can see a use for either style-blunt tip or sharp tip-I like it being shorter I think he does good work!
ReplyDeleteThose handles are gorgeous , I think long and blunt would work best, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I think I would prefer the opined version so it grabs the fabric when you need it to. I also LOVE your scissor fobs!
ReplyDeleteThey are both GORGEOUS,your brother has golden hands :-))
ReplyDeleteMy hands cause me more and more troubes so I would go for the longer one.
And then with a sharper point.
I think being able to put the point away is a great idea. I think I would like the longer handle too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful wood grain on the stilleto's...I think I would like the longer handle with the sharper point...would love to wiin !!
ReplyDeleteI would go for the scharp and tuck away model, just forr safety. And a scharp one is ideal for making paterns in quilting
ReplyDeleteWhat a talented brother you have. I currently use a cocktail stick or BBQ skewer to help turn my appliqué edges so I suppose I'd find the one with the sharper point most like that, and I do like the way it packs away when not in use.
ReplyDeleteukcitycrafter@live.co.uk
Your brother is so clever!
ReplyDeleteI have a plastic handled awl - not nearly as attractive as yours! but I use it all the time!!
I prefer the shorter handle as I often use mine with my hand over the end of the handle and I find this more comfortable!
What a clever brother you have . I personally would prefer the longer point and for it to be sharp rather than blunt and it might be useful to be able to put it away when not being used but not a necessity . Wonderful work !
ReplyDeleteWowie!! Awesome job he does for sure! They are Beautiful!!! Rippers too!!!
ReplyDeleteHave never used..tho needed..a stiletto! Sure I would like the sharper point & convertible to keep fingers safer when not needed. :)
Beautiful - a talented family! I love a long super pointy stiletto with a shorter, fatter handle. This makes it easy to hold and control, but still keeps fingers out of the way when using while sewing. The convertible tips is really handy too!
ReplyDeleteI like the longer, convertible stiletto. For ease of control mainly as I have long fingers. Sharp please.
ReplyDeleteI love burled wood anything, and my favourite (and only) burled wood item is a beautiful needle case with inlaid rosewood and walnut. These seam rippers and stilettos are gorgeous. I prefer the long-handled one because I have large hands. Having the metal detach and insert into the handle is brilliant! I like the sharper point, however I think the other stiletto's metal would be fine if the shaft and point were slightly narrower.
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a market for these!
These are lovely! If I were to choose, I'd go with the longer one with the sharp point. I think working with it and holding it in my hand would give me a better idea, but from the description and photos, that's what I'd choose!
ReplyDeleteI like the thin handle with the pointy tip the best. Fat items are hard for me to grasp. Very talented.
ReplyDeleteDear Karen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your give-away. I would prefer the Stück way model, because it is a safety issue and great for traveling. Sharp of rund tip depends in what it is use for. I use my stiletto also for making a hole in fabric, for holding down small pieces when appliqueing, and could find use for both versions.
Greetings Sylvia
I like the longer handle one, with the sharper point. They are both gorgeous, as are the seam rippers.
ReplyDeleteWOW what talent! I love the seam rippers, does he sell them?as for the Stilettos' I do like the shorter one that can be concealed, and has a sharper pointed tip. I would like to thank you for your give away also!
ReplyDeleteSorry Ruth - I have no way to contact you because you are a no-reply blogger. My brother does sell the seam rippers. They are $25 plus postage. If you send me your email address in an email I'll enter you in my draw!
DeleteI like the one with the longer handle . It would be great when I am binding quilts.they are very nice, he done an excellent job.
ReplyDeletecooladam1@live dot com
I love all his creations, they really look great. The stilettos are awesome, I love the idea of being able to take the needle out and put in handle. I also like the slimmer of the two handles, not to bulky. But he is so talented. Thanks for sharing with us about his craft and that we can buy them. ncjeepster@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThe long stiletto looks like it would fit a hand better & be comfortable. The sharp point would be good for grabbing the fabric as you were putting it under the needle. I really like the safety part of being able to tuck the sharp edge inside. My dad loved to work with wood. It never has the same pattern throughout & there are always interesting areas in each piece. Either piece would be better than I currently can find. I always buy Clover seam rippers with the white plastic base---they are durable and well balanced in your hand. I usually spend a good deal of time with a ripper----so it is nice to be comfortable!! I also wanted to thank you for all the photos from your quilt show. Looked like it was a great show, and your handmade ribbons were delightful. I bet the winners will cherish those beauties!!
ReplyDeleteI think the one on the right, with the longer handle and sharper point, would work best for me. Love your little scissor fobs.
ReplyDeleteLong, convertible, and blunt. Just so I remember all the questions and you can easily see it. Long because it is ergonomically friend to most hands, convertible to protect the point if you drop it, and blunt for safety around children, pets, and myself (LOL). You have the most talented family. Everything you all make is a dream. Congratulations and lots of success to your brother business.
ReplyDeleteI think the sharp point is great, and with the ability to tuck inside itself is a bonus.
ReplyDelete