Instead of using balloon material for pulling the needle through the fabric, go to your hospital pharmacy and purchase a box of finger cots like physicians use for rectal exams, and roll one onto your "pulling finger". I can use one many times before it tears. They are much cheaper at the pharmacy than at a LQS or quilt show. The rubber does not deteriorate for several years, so you will be able to use a box of them up, maybe, or split with friends. I used to give one to each student in my quilt classes when we learned to hand quilt.