HAVE YOU READ THE REVIEWS? THESE ARE NOT PAID ADVERTISING, BUT INDEPENDENT REVIEWS IN THE FOLLOWING MAGAZINES:
Needlepoint Now, Nuts About Needlepoint and Quilter's Home Magazine.
Needlepoint Now
By Elizabeth Bozievich, published May/June 2008
"I was lucky enough to get to review a new product from a new company Puffin and Company. Diane Zielinsky, the company owner, sent me a
sample of her new craft strand separator. When I opened the package I was surprised to find a beautiful piece of handcrafted metal art
with a clip on one end. The craft strand separator is made in the USA but the copper work is done in Thailand. Local artisans in a
small village craft the copper pieces. Proceeds from the product are contributed to the health, education and welfare of the community
where they are made.
So how does this cute little device work? After attaching the swivel clip to one end of floss or pliable fiber, I separated out the
tops of the desired number of strands at the other end of the the floss, holding the number of strands I wanted to separate in one
hand and the rest of the fiber in the other, I lifted both hands evenly until the Puffin (separator) is suspended. The weight of
the Puffin and the swivel of the clip unwind the fiber. I then laid the Puffin down and released the clip and my bier was untwisted
and ready to thread up.
The Puffin was the "brainchild" of Diane's engineer husband. After seeing how tangled the threads got when Diane just pulled a
strand from the fiber, he engineered the swivel and weight to make the job easier. Diane and her husband are excited to offer a solution
to an annoying problem that many needle crafters must deal with to achieve beautiful stitchery.
The craft strand separators are very reasonably priced from $10.95 to $14.75. Currently the Puffins are available in two different
designs, hearts and kitties, but more are on the way. This little gadget is so beautifully and nicely made that you will want to
keep them out on your work surface so you can enjoy looking at them as well as using them. They also make beautiful gifts for the
the stitcher on your list. For more information, sales or a list of retailer go to www.puffinco.com."
Quilter's Home Magazine
by Mark Lipinski, published November/December 2008
"Lift and Separate...It looks like a high-end roach
clip, but my buddy, Toby Preston, turned me on to this efficient, attractive little tool after I complained about being wound head to
toe in tangled, knotted DMC floss while trying to separate the strands for a quilting project. It's called the Craft Strand Separator.
These neat tools easily separate strands of needlecraft threads and yarns. Just attach a length of floss to the clip, suspend the tool
so it twirls, and it separates the threads. It works! There's an instructional video online. Craft strand Separator, $14.95"
Nuts about Needlepoint
Volume 11, Issue 6, June 2008 - ISSN: 1520-9369
PRODUCT REVIEW: PUFFIN & COMPANY
You may have heard about floss separators. I have and, in the past, I have not been
impressed. But I love Puffin & Company (http://store.puffinco.com/servlet/StoreFront).
They are whimsical, beautifully made, and, best of all they work like a dream.
The instructions for using it are on the heavy paper packaging, But they are easy. Cut your
stitching length and clamp the Puffin's clip near one end of it. Let the weight of the Puffin
rest on the floor or on your lap. Separate the strands at the other end and pull apart your
hands. Let gravity (in the form of the Puffin) do the work. The strands separate beautifully
without tangles or trouble. If you need the strands separated further, repeat with one of
the separated sections.
It works like a dream, easily and quickly. I tried it with both floss and stranded silk and
had no problems. I'm going to try it next with wool, which might be more challenging, but
I'm sure the Puffin is up to it.
It's ornamental as well as useful, with real whimsy and charm put into the design. Mine is
the smaller Rustic heart (http://store.puffinco.com/servlet/-strse-7/needlecraft-
accessories-cross-stitch/Detail). It's 3.5" across, in rusted metal, and has stars and wires
coming off an embossed gold, copper, and silver heart. There are nine other designs
available in this size. In addition, there is a larger rustic heart (4.25") and the covey of
doves.
On the website, you can see a video of how the Puffin works and order your tool.
This is one of the best needlework tools I've seen in ages!
I will be posting other articles from time to time, so check back often or
click here and I will send them to you!
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