I don't perform a human Pincushion act that much but when I do it usually w/ small sowing needles. I'd like to use some of the long ones. I understand that I could use Thick wire from the Hardware store. What should I look for? How do I prepare them?

Thanx a lot!

~Robert EC

Robert, do NOT use thick wire from a hardware store! Needles (like sewing needles and hat pins) are made by a process that draws thicker wire through hundreds of smaller sized mill wheels to get a thin sharp wire that won't bend. This is NOT something you (nor I) can do at home. Go to a flea market and/or antique store and get long hat pins. Preparation is a clean swipe with a strong astringent type disinfectant prior to use. After the act is finished, swab the wound with your saliva to avoid pock marks that can be created with the use of alcohol.

You can still pick up Bob pins in the UK,,,had mine gold plated after getting a nasty infection fifteen years ago,,had no problems since.

Ken

I've had a really difficult time finding anything longer than the "carnation pins" in craft stores (about 2" long). I did find 8" upholstery needles, but they are large diameter and do not pierce skin too well.

Ken, I’d love details on your source… PM me if you can.

Steve

Hi Steve,,,you should have requested before we met !!!
The pins can be found at car boot markets and antique stores, no problem over here. In the town of Hungerford (Famous for the massacre !!) There are upwards of thirty junk shops nearly all of them have or can get bobby pins !!!
On the road at present but if you still have a problem come end of season let me know and I will post you some over.

Note,,the original pins due to their age would have to be dipped in order to work them,,,unless of course you wanted to end up with some kind of blood disorder !!!


Ken

Car boot market... flea market.. you Brits!! My cars don't have boots, they wear sneakers.

Otherwise, how would they run?

Poorly

Think I would rather have a car wareing boots rather than a US car full of fleas ! Still I suppose you will always manage to scratch out a living !