Helpful "tool" for turning.
 

Several months ago I hunting for something long enough to
help me when I was turning a wall hanging that I had made.
Not finding anything that I deemed "good" for the job I went
to my kitchen and spotted the mug where I keep all my chop
sticks from chinese take out (I don't know how to use them to
eat with). I use shop sticks at my coffee stirrers, so I thought
maybe these would work.

Well they DID work but still not quite long enough. Than I went
back to my sewing room and found a piece of wooden dowel that
was left over from another project. Since this dowel was longer
I knew it would help even more.

I used my electric pencil sharpener to taper down the end of the
stick than used some sandpaper to smooth the stick (so there are
no splintering). I don't make the stick a sharp point like you do
with a pencil but take it to a flattened tip.

Next I wrapped some flexible cohesive bandage around the stick
to have something with "grip" so the stick doesn't slip through my
fingers.

But I also had the discovery in finding out that the end with the
wrap on it also help "push" out the seems.

I purchased 60 rolls (in 5 colors) of this flexible bandage wrap to
use in the "Bird First Aid Kits" that I made for the Bird Expo I went
too.

Here is a picture of the sticks I made. The sizes of sticks I have
in use right now are 8", 9" and 12" I need to make one about 18"
and 24".


[ATTACH=CONFIG]476219[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]476222[/ATTACH]

wow. thanks!

I use chop sticks. My husband carves his own for cooking. They're extra long, so I one of those if I need the extra length.

thanks for taking the time to post your tip

I love using what is called "That Purple Thang". It has so many uses and made by the Purple Lady:Lynn Graves. She is the first person who developed a 1/4" foot for quilters before manufacturers caught on to include it with their DSM. It can be found on JAF website.....

http://www.joann.com/that-purple-thang/2004257.html

I have SEVERAL (at least 4) of the "Purple Thangs"... but they are not
always long enough for me.
But I do love them too.

Knitting needle?

Fairfield batting use to put wood turning tool in each package of stuffing. The wood was strong and didn't bend easily. It had a rounded end and a slanted end. They are great for poking out corners.

Another turning tool I saw demonstrated lately was a bodkin. I definitely need one of those. Look it up to see how to use it.
Also, thanks so much for sharing your tip about the chopsticks. I live that wrap for my horses, now have another use.

how inventive quilters are. These look great.