Since winter CHA, I’ve been working my way through the list of new products from Clover USA, and I’ve finally arrived at the simple, handy Pin ‘n Stow.
The Pin ‘n Stow is exactly what it looks like: an adjustable magnetic bracelet that’s made to hold pins while you’re sewing, quilting, or doing appliqué work.
I always like a straightforward product that does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and does it well, so I was really looking forward to giving the Pin ‘n Stow a try. Here’s what I thought:
According to the Clover USA website:
- Easily attaches to your wrist with a “slap”
- Great for patchwork, quilting and sewing
- Securely catches pins when dropped above the magnet
- Center groove makes picking up pins easy
- Easily picks up pins dropped on the floor or fabric
“Easy to use, fast to apply—I use the Pin ‘n Stow every time I sew.” —Nancy Zieman
Retail price: $14.95
What I loved:
1. The Pin ‘n Stow band is a slap bracelet, so it automatically adjusts to the wrist size of the wearer. (If you were a kid—or were around any kids—in the 90s, you’ll remember the slap bracelet craze. This is the same thing, except more comfy.)
2. The magnet in the pin tray causes the pins to align in a position that is perpendicular to the center groove.
3. The center groove is finger tip-sized, making it easy to pick up individual pins.
4. The bracelet can also be used as a wand for picking up dropped and lost pins or for clearing pins from your workspace.
5. The magnet is strong enough to hold the pins securely in place as you work and to catch pins dropped onto the pin tray, but it isn’t so strong that you’ll accidentally pull pins out of your fabric as you work.
6. The pin tray holds enough pins for a small sewing project or hemming job.
What I didn’t love:
1. The band has a rubber coating. It keeps the bracelet in place, but it causes a little bit of sweating when worn for an extended period of time.
2. The pin tray base can accidentally slip off of the band when the bracelet is open.
3. The bracelet is called “Pin ‘n Stow,” but it doesn’t actually store the pins—it just holds them in place on the pin tray.
What you should know before getting started:
- This bracelet has a big ol’ magnet in it. It shouldn’t be used around any sensitive electronic equipment that can be damaged by exposure to magnets.
- Only ferrous pins should be used. (Most sewing pins contain iron, but test one first before you scatter your pins across the table.)
Overall impressions:
The Pin ‘n Stow made it easy to keep pins within reach during a project and easy to find dropped pins during cleanup. It was comfortable to wear and the groove in the center made it possible for me to grab a single pin quickly, without throwing off my sewing groove. It’s definitely a handy tool to have around, and I think it could be very helpful to folks with manual dexterity or eyesight concerns. With a retail price of $14.95, it seems a bit pricey, but the construction is solid and it certainly does get the job done.
Disclosure: Samples provided for review, but my opinions are honest and my own!
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