Ok, I have two tops sandwiched ready to be handquilted... have a moment or two this morning so I thought I'd get started... do needles get 'dry rot?' Seriously, I just broke three needles from the same package that I've had for about three years now... OR could it be my fabric? I used the same kind I always have - I'm doing EVERYTHING exactly like I always do - it's a bit discombobulating to say the least!!

It's Murphy's law. Put the needles in an envelope and put aside and use others. In a dew days they may work again. That's what heppens to me, electric things, electronic things, anything that won't work, I put aside. It might be the devil coming to steal your JOY! Anyway if it doesn't work after a few days or weeks, give away or throw aqway. Don't let it steal your JOY for anything. STUFF happens. (Do not follow this rule for eggs or things that are perishable.)

I use Roxanne's Hand needles. They come in a little glass tube with a plastic lid. You get about 60 needles in each case. Very reasonably priced.

Found Roxanne's on line - maybe I'll try those - looks reasonably priced. Thanks.

Sometimes, I think it is just me. I keep three or four different brands of betweens. Sometimes I can quilt with the same needle for hours and then again I wiil bend several right it a row. I don't know what it is either.

Going on another needle tangent!

Has anyone tried hand quilting with a longer needle such as Thimble Lady uses? They look like a straw needle. With a thimble, I drop the #10 betweens frequently and they're so short to pick up.

i use #10 or #12 sharps...they are a little longer which works for me a little better...i don't believe the quilt police will arrest you for using any needle you want instead of "quilting needles"

As 25+ year hand quilter. I say whatever works.