 | One of my very first projects was to devise a fixture to hold a needlepoint frame. This would enable a craftsperson to work with both hands free. I had to make it user-friendly and take-apart for the user: the horizontal leg pieces form a unit....the verticle shaft slides into the base.
It had to be balanced and strong and light ...and eye-pleasing to me. |
 | During the design stage it took on a life of its own, and acquired the look of a Dragon. Since I usually acquiesce to Dragons, I let it come.
The eye bolts adjust the holding tension in the 'jaw'. The 'pull rings' set the angles. |
 | The black handle can add friction so the 'head' doesn't flop around. This gives more control and allows an infinite setting, if needed. |
 | As you can see, the hinge is simple and frictional. |
 | I had to resort to plywood for the adjustment plate, as it allows tension in either direction. Solid wood with a grain would have been weak in the across-grain direction. |
 | The Dragon is biting a CD case here. The holding power is suprising! Even large needlepoint frames are firmly held, without any pressure damage. |
 | Dragons sometimes wear earrings, don't they? |
 | I do know they 'dance'! |
