How Sharp Are The Good Scissors?

Did you, like me, grow up in a household where there was a pair of "good scissors" that you were not allowed to use? They were expressly forbidden if paper was the thing needing cutting...but I also got into big trouble for attempting to use them on dog hair (just a trim!) and leather (a saddle for a cat, if I remember). Sheesh.

The problem with the concept of a solo pair of "good scissors" is that everyone knows where they're kept and they are usually in that spot, because the wrath of somebody will rain down if they're not. So what happens is...they get quietly used for paper projects and dog trims and leatherwork because they are the only functional scissors anyone can find in the moment.

I used to do a lot of sewing as a teenager, so I bought into the idea of having one "good" pair. And even when I mostly set sewing aside, my household still had that one pair of scissors that could cut fabric. Just in case.

During the COVID lockdown I decided to dust off my sewing machine and make potholders for my busily cooking friends and family members. I ordered fabrics from small shops all over the country, I got heat-reflective batting shipped in from somewhere else, and I set up shop in an unused bedroom. But when I started to cut out the world's most amazing potholders, the "good scissors" did a surprisingly bad job. Apparently my kids (who I'd thought were more deeply afraid of me) had been using the sacred sheers for all sorts of things: shoelaces, cardboard, and bungee cords among them, I'm sure.

Since I was online ordering everything else, I messaged my friend Crystal (who is on the cutting edge of all things fiber-related) and asked her what fabric sheers I should treat myself to. She didn't hesitate for a single moment.

Crystal recommended the LDH Sheers and I immediately fell in love with their Midnight Edition, with its sleek black finish. They did not disappoint...and soon I'd ordered a pair for each of the Yarnologists for a Christmas gift. 

That was probably five years ago and recently Kelly brought up the idea of carrying these favorite sheers in the yarn shop. And then we discovered that LDH makes a smaller embroidery scissors that's perfect for knitters and crocheters. So as of yesterday, we carry LDH 8" Sheers with Rubber Handle, LDH 9" Sheers with Painted Handle, and LDH Fine Tip Embroidery Scissors (4"). All are an elegant black and crafted from carbon steel enhanced with manganese. (Note: the rubber handle is slightly grippier than the painted handle, but not at all tacky.)

A recent reviewer in Knitty magazine described her joy at "listening to it snick-snick" through thick synthetic fleece. I think that cutting song is part of the appeal for me too. It's a sound you don't get from the ones with the orange handle and it reminds me of sewing with my grandmother.

Whatever it is you do creatively with your hands and your mind, I hope you can seek out the best tools for the job. There aren't many things more frustrating than having your materials ready and finding your tools are damaged...or simply not up to the current task.

And if you decide it's time for a new pair of "good scissors", think about a new place to stash them!

Warmly,

Gaby

P.S. I am surprised to see that we have a spot or two still available in this Saturday morning's knitting class:  Grafting and Picking Up Stitches. It's a popular one, so grab your spot quickly, if you're interested.

On-Going Opportunities:

Makers Mornings -- typically the 3rd Saturday of each month

Beginning Crochet Class -- usually once per month on a Thursday afternoon

Beginning Knit Class -- usually once per month on a Thursday afternoon