Abstract:
The present disclosure is related to a wearable knitting needle support device. The wearable needle support or knitting pad includes an anchoring filling configured to support a needle in a desired position, a needle reception area with apertures on all or parts of the surface that covers the anchoring filling, and a contoured substrate opposite of the needle reception surface. The contoured substrate is concavely curved along at least one axis and serves to produce an identical curve in the lower piece  116 . The knitting pad may be connected to a belt or other attachment mechanism that secures the pad to a select position on a user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/916,558, entitled “Contoured Pad for Knitting Needle Support,” and filed Dec. 16, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in the entirety herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to tools for hand knitting and, more specifically, to a device for supporting one of the needles during hand knitting. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure generally relates to tools for hand knitting. To allow a better understanding of how knitting tools, such as the ones described, can be used, a basic instruction of hand knitting is provided below. 
     For flat fabrics, two knitting needles are employed. To begin, one needle bearing a set of stitches of any number is normally held in the left hand, and an empty needle is held in the right hand. Then, the tips of the two needles are brought together and used to manipulate each stitch in turn, as necessary, to draw a small amount of a continuous yarn supply through it in order to form a new stitch. The new stitch is mounted on the right needle and the original stitch is dropped from the left needle, where it then lies below the original stitch and forms part of the growing fabric. When the original set of stitches on the left needle have all been worked, that needle will be empty and a new set of stitches will be on the right needle. The two needles are then exchanged from one hand to the other, and the process is repeated. 
     For circular fabrics, three or more needles are used, each one bearing a portion of the stitches. The needles are drawn into a circle and the work progresses continuously from one needle to the next clockwise with the stitches manipulated as described above. The needle bearing a new set of stitches is set down to the right, the empty needle is transferred from left hand to right, and the next needle to the left is taken up and the stitches on it are then worked in the same way. 
     Hand knitters have traditionally employed various devices to support one of the needles while knitting, thereby facilitating the speed and ease with which the work is done. These devices function as the equivalent of a “third hand” or “helping hand,” and hold an object as it is being worked on, freeing the hands to manipulate materials and/or tools for tasks, such as electronic parts assembly and/or craftwork. 
     Historical evidence suggests that hand knitters in Europe (and most likely elsewhere) have used devices of this kind to support a knitting needle for a very long time. Several different types were traditional in various regions, and were usually hand made by a family member or someone in the community. More recently, several patents have been issued for devices intended to serve somewhat the same purpose. These are discussed below. 
     Two of the earliest and simplest devices used as knitting needle supports are the knitting wisp and the knitting quill. These devices were typically made up of no more than a handful of straw or goose quills, tightly bound together in a cone shape by means of string or yarn, often woven in a decorative pattern. The bound end of the bundle was tucked into the knitter&#39;s waistband or apron string, and one tip of a knitting needle was inserted into the free ends of the straw or the vanes of the feathers, where it was held in position. 
     Another device that was traditionally used is variously called a knitting stick or a knitting sheath. This is essentially a more refined version of the wisp or quill described above, and is also worn at the waist. Typically, a knitting stick is a narrow object made of wood, bone, or metal, about 4-8″ long, either round or square in cross-section or in the shape of a cone, with a hole in one end for the knitting needle. Many of these sticks were elaborately carved or etched and can be seen in museum displays of traditional craft tools. 
     A more sophisticated device is the knitting belt, which is an oval leather pad, generally about 8-9″ long and 2-3″ at its widest, firmly stuffed with horsehair, and having several holes punched in the top. A belt is attached to each end of the pad, allowing it to be fastened to the knitter&#39;s right side at waist or hip. A knitting needle is inserted into one of the holes in the pad where it is held in a fixed position by the horsehair stuffing. 
     More recently, some novel knitting devices have been patented. U.S. Pat. No. 2,461,816 appears to disclose a device that resembles the traditional knitting stick. It is a wood tube attached to a belt and worn at the waist. The end of the tube has several holes of different sizes with an adjustable clamp inside. A knitting needle is inserted into one of the holes and the clamp holds it in position. While this device could be used as an alternative to a knitting belt, both its construction and mode of use are sufficiently different that it is not relevant to the features of the knitting device disclosed herein. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,953 appears to disclose a device that holds two knitting needles by means of a pair of rectangular, notched holders attached at each end of a strap that the knitter either sits on, or places on the lap, with one holder at each side. Special needles with a unique ball-joint head are inserted into one of the notches in the holder. While purportedly for a similar purpose, this device is different from the invention described here in both its construction and mode of use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,987 appears to disclose a wooden device that is clamped to a table or other surface, having an adjustable bar with notches to hold a knitting needle. It is intended as an aid for disabled knitters who have the use of only one hand. Both the construction of this device and its mode of use are sufficiently different from the one described here, and is not relevant to the claims made. 
     Both knitting sticks and knitting belts gradually fell out of favor and are no longer in common use for a number of reasons, as discussed below. Currently, while information about these devices is available on the Internet and from other sources, and authentic examples made by individual artisans can still be obtained, these tools are now primarily thought of as no more than curiosities. Modern knitters have never seen these devices, and, if they do know of them, are unfamiliar with how they are used. 
     The gradual decline in the use of these devices appears to be due to certain characteristics of these traditional designs, which came to be seen as inconvenient or uncomfortable by those not accustomed to using them. 
     In particular, with respect to knitting sticks, the size of the opening in the end accommodates needles of only one or two sizes. This was not seen as a problem in the past because traditional knitters had a very limited number of needle sizes available to them. However, contemporary knitters work with a wide range of sizes; therefore, if a knitter wished to use a knitting stick, several of them would be required, each with a different-sized opening. 
     Additionally, the waistband determines the location of the device and the angle of the needle, and these factors determine the position of the knitter&#39;s hands and arms. As a result, the needle may not be in the optimum position for comfort or viewing the work at the best distance. Further, contemporary knitters do not always wear clothing with a waistband tight enough to hold a knitting stick in position, or may wear a garment that has no waistband, although it is possible to wear a separate belt to hold the stick in position. 
     A conventional knitting belt is a somewhat more versatile device than a knitting stick because it can be used with needles in a wider range of sizes and can be worn in a more convenient position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     However, because the pad is firmly stuffed with horsehair, both the top and the bottom have a rounded, pillow-like shape, which means the bottom curves up, away from the body in wear. As a result, the pad has a tendency to rock both horizontally and vertically when subjected to the motions used in knitting. This has several deleterious effects, as detailed below. 
     One, as each stitch is manipulated, downward pressure is placed on the needle tip and this force is transferred to the pad. Due to the rounded shape of the bottom piece, the pad tends to rock up and down vertically as this pressure is applied and released. This requires the knitter to use a slightly greater range of motion, reducing speed and efficiency. Two, the pad is subjected to a certain amount of force every time a needle is inserted into or removed from the pad, causing it to rock back and forth horizontally and gradually shift position. Because the position of the pad may change due to the forces exerted on it during the course of knitting, the knitter may be required to stop from time to time to readjust it, which tends to slow down the overall progress of the work. 
     While the design of these devices is less than ideal in some respects, they function adequately for the purpose and suit the needs of the traditional knitters who are accustomed to them. As a result, they have remained basically unchanged for a very long time, except for minor differences in decorative details, materials, and size. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure is a wearable needle support. The wearable needle support may include an anchoring filling configured to support a needle in a desired position, a needle reception surface at least partially covering the anchoring filling, and a contoured substrate opposite of the needle reception surface permanently connected to the needle reception surface. The contoured substrate is concavely curved along at least one axis. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of making a knitting accessory. The method includes forming a shapeable material from an initial shape into a contoured shape, attaching an outer material to the shapeable material to define a cavity between the shapeable material and the outer material, and stuffing an anchoring material in to the cavity. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is a support device for knitting connectable to a body of a user. The support device includes a needle support member and a stability component connected to the needle support member. The stability component is concavely shaped to match a portion of the body of the user where the support accessory is connected. For example, when connected to a user&#39;s waist or abdomen the stability component may be concavely shaped to follow the shape of the waist or abdomen. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a traditional knitting belt. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a knitting support device connected to a user. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of a knitting support device. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of the knitting support device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the knitting support device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of the knitting support device taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a right side view of the knitting support device. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the knitting support device taken along line  8 - 8 . 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating a method of making the knitting support device. 
     
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     Overview 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a wearable knitting device that supports one of the needles during the process of hand knitting. In one example, the knitting device is an oval or other oblong-shaped pad with a belt attached at each longitudinal end, allowing the device to be worn on a user&#39;s body, typically near or at the right side of the waist or hip. The belt may be removably attachable to the knitting device or may be formed integrally or otherwise permanently secured to the knitting device. In examples where the belt is permanently secured to the knitting device, the belt would have some mechanism, e.g., fastener, holes, or the like, for adjusting the size to fit the knitter. In examples where the belt is removably attached, the user can change the belt as desired or needed, e.g., to accommodate fluctuations in body weight, to vary the position of the device during use, or the like. 
     The bottom of the pad is contoured and permanently stiffened so as to fit the body and remain in a stable position while in use. In particular, the pad may include a contoured member or substrate that determines the shape or topography of the back surface of the pad. The contoured member is shaped so as to conform to the shape of a user&#39;s body, e.g., concavely curved to match the shape of a user&#39;s midsection. As will be described in more detail below, the contoured shape helps to secure the pad in position and prevent movement during knitting. This makes the knitting pad more efficient easier to use, and expedites the knitting process. In one example, the contoured member is a separate component that is inserted into and permanently attached to the material forming the pad. In particular, the contoured member may be made of material such as a thermoformable plastic that can be heated, formed into a desired shape, and then cooled to retain the formed shape. In other embodiments, the contoured member may be formed integrally with the pad. In these embodiments, the shape of the contour may be tailored as desired, e.g., to match the dimensions of a particular user, or the like. In embodiments where the contoured member is removable from the pad, the user can vary the shape of the back surface of the pad by interchanging the contoured members The following is redundant with above. 
     The pad may also include one or more needle insertion apertures configured to receive several different needle sizes. For example, in one embodiment, the top left of the pad has several holes pierced in it, each of which are large enough to allow for the insertion of one tip of a double-point knitting needle (e.g., a needle having identical pointed tips at both ends). The number, size, and location of the various needle insertion apertures may be varied as desired, based on the type of needles to be used, as well as user preferences. In other embodiments, the outer material on the front side of the pad may be an expandable, pre-perforated material that allows the needles to be inserted into the outer surface, without a defined needle aperture needing to be formed separately. 
     The pad may be filled or stuffed with a filling, anchoring material, or needle support substance that allows the needle to enter the interior of the pad and holds the needle in a fixed position at an angle selected by the knitter. The needle support material may be substantially any type of material that is sufficient to grip and secure a needle in a desired orientation, while also allowing the needle to be inserted, at least partially, through the material. For example, the anchoring material may be horsehair, other hair-like substances, oriented strands or beads, or the like. In examples where beads are used, continuous oriented strands of beads may be tangled or knotted together, similar to tangled horsehair, or may be coiled and inserted at a right angle to the length of the pad. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning to the figures, the knitting pad  100  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a user wearing the knitting pad  100  on a belt  101  during use.  FIGS. 3-7  are various views of the knitting pad  100 . With reference to  FIGS. 2-7 , the knitting pad  100  may generally include a top component  102  and a bottom component  116  that are connected together to define an interior cavity  136  for receiving an anchoring filling and a contoured substrate  130 . The knitting pad  100  may also include two or more belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  and one or more fasteners  114   a ,  114   b  that secure the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  to the knitting pad  100 . With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pad  100  may be joined to a belt  101  at each narrow end  122   a ,  122   b  allowing the pad  100  to be worn by a knitter at a desired location on the user&#39;s body, such as on the left or right side of the waist or hip. 
     In one embodiment, the knitting pad  100  may have an oval shape configured to be oriented horizontally such that a longitudinal length of the pad  100  extending from a first end  122   a  to a second end  122   b  may be arranged laterally across the waist of a user. However, it should be noted that other shapes and orientations may be used. Additionally, as will be discussed in more detail below, the bottom surface  118  of the knitting pad  100  may be concavely curved whereas the top surface  104  may be convexly curved. In this manner, the top surface  104  may bow out to form a dome-like shape and the bottom surface  118  may bow inwards. The shape of the knitting pad  100  and, in particular the bottom surface  118 , helps to maintain the knitting pad  100  in a selected orientation and position when secured to the user. The shape of the top surface  104  is bowed to allow sufficient depth to the interior and to provide space for adequate stuffing to hold a needle securely. This exterior convex shape also allows the holes to be oriented in the direction that a needle will be inserted and held at the desired angle. 
     The components for the knitting pad  100  will each be discussed, in turn, below. With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 6-8 , the top component  102  will now be discussed in more detail. The top component  102  forms the top surface  104 , or needle reception surface  104 , for the knitting pad  100  and defines a top outer edge  110  of the knitting pad  100 . The top component  102  may be made of substantially any type of suitable material. In one embodiment, the top component  102  is made of American Bison leather or bovine bullhide. In these embodiments, the leathers were selected because they are durable and strong enough to contain the anchoring material (discussed in more detail below) and generally are impervious to being accidentally scratched or pierced by the sharp point of a knitting needle while the pad  100  is in use. Other types of materials for the top component  102  include other types of leather, artificial leather or leather-like materials, reinforced fabrics, or any other durable material or combination of materials having similar functional properties. 
     The top component  102  may be shaped based on a desired shape of the knitting pad  100 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-8 , the top component  102  may have a general oval shape defining the shape of the knitting pad  100 . Additionally, the top component  102  may have a convex curvature so the needle reception surface  104  forms a dome shape structure. In some embodiments, the top component  102  may be formed into a pre-determined shape, such as the convex-shaped structure, and may be sufficiently rigid so as to retain the shape when the anchoring filling  132  or stuffing is removed. For example, in one embodiment, the top component  102  may be permanently shaped by being soaked in water and pressed into a mold so it will retain its contour once the material has dried. This feature helps to prevent the anchoring filling  132  from over-compressing. Other methods for forming the top component  102  into a desired shape may also be used. In particular, depending on the material, soaking in water or another liquid may not be necessary. For example, a plastic or closed cell resin such as Croslite (used for CROCS) may be used in which case the material may be heat formed and stamped or extruded into a mold. 
     Additionally it should be noted that in some embodiments, the convexly curved top surface  104  may have a shape other than a smooth convex dome. For instance, it could be shaped, by forming, stitching, or any other means, with the curve having a higher angle on one side in order to orient the holes so they face more directly toward the direction in which a needle will be inserted. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3, 7, and 8 , the top component  102  may include a plurality of needle reception apertures  106 . These apertures or pores  106  extend through the top component  102 . The needle reception apertures  106  may be positioned substantially anywhere along the needle reception surface  104 , but in some embodiments the needle reception apertures  106  may be arranged towards a first end  122   a  of the needle reception surface  104 . The needle reception apertures  106  may also be clustered together or separated from one another, or may cover the entire surface of the top component. The orientation of the needle reception apertures  106  may be arranged to form an aesthetically pleasing design or the like. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the needle reception apertures  106  may be arranged in a diamond-like shape. 
     In one embodiment, the needle reception apertures  106  are positioned on the left side of the top piece of the pad  100  so a needle inserted into the interior of the pad  100  will be angled toward the center of the user&#39;s body, which will assist the user during the knitting process and provide a more ergonomic and comfortable knitting orientation. Multiple needle reception apertures  106  may be included to allow different users to position the needle within the pad  100  in a desired position and to allow the user to dynamically adjust the position of the needle while using the pad  100 . 
     To form the needle reception apertures  106 , the top component  102  of the pad  100  may be pierced by a tool. The needle reception apertures  106  may have a size and shape to accommodate typical diameter sizes of the shaft of the various knitting needles commonly used. The shape, size, and position of the needle reception apertures  106  may be selected based on the types of needles to be used, the types of knitting to be done, preferences of the user, and the like. Additionally, the needle reception apertures  106  may have varying diameters and/or shapes so as to accommodate different types of needles within the same pad  100 . Additionally, the needle apertures may be formed by metal grommets that are permanently attached to and pierce the top component to form holes of various pre-determined sizes. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 and 8 , the bottom component  116  will now be discussed in more detail. The bottom component  116  forms a bottom surface  118  and the bottom outer edge  120  of the knitting pad  100 . The bottom component  116  may generally match the shape and the dimensions of the top component  102 . For example, the bottom component  116  may have an oval or oblong shape that corresponds to the shape of the top component  102 . The bottom component  116  may be substantially any type of material, but may not need to be as impervious to scratches or as durable as the top component  102  since the bottom component  116  is oriented towards the user and needles are not inserted into the bottom component  116 . In one embodiment, the bottom component  116  is Latigo leather, which is used due to its relative stiffness and because this material can be permanently contoured, in part by shaping the leather itself and in part by applying a permanently contoured substrate  130  to the interior surface  134  of the bottom component  116 , as will be discussed in more detail below. However, in other embodiments, the bottom component  116  may be formed of the same material as the top component  102  and/or may be formed of various other types of suitable materials. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the knitting pad  100  may also include an anchoring filling  132 . The anchoring filling  132 , which may be a stuffing or filling material, forms the internal structure of the pad  100 . The anchoring filling  132  is inserted into the interior cavity  136  defined between the top component  102  and the bottom component  116 . The anchoring filling  132  defines, at least in part, the shape of the needle reception surface  104  of the top component  102  and also acts to anchor needles in the pad  100  and retain the orientation and position of the needle during use. 
     The anchoring filling  132  may be any suitable material. However, in one embodiment, the anchoring filling  132  used to stuff the pad  100  is natural horsehair, which has unique characteristics suitable for the pad  100 . In particular, horsehair is extremely durable, wiry, springy, and tangled, allowing the horsehair to be packed tightly into the interior cavity  136  while still retaining air space and resilience. Further, the horsehair retains this resilience without crushing down or losing volume, and thus holds the shape of the top component  102  of the pad  100  substantially without change throughout its useful life. 
     In embodiments of the knitting pad  100  where the anchoring filling  132  is horsehair, the material retains air space even when compressed within the pad  100 , making it easy to insert a knitting needle of any size into the interior of the anchoring filling  132 . The filling  132  compresses slightly more, but there is no change in the overall contour of the top component  102  of the pad  100 . Because the individual hairs are tangled together, a needle inserted into its midst cannot move through it laterally, and so will not shift position from the angle given to it upon insertion. In order to change the angle, it is necessary to pull the needle out and reinsert it. 
     However, it should be noted that the anchoring filling  132  may be other suitable materials having similar characteristics such as, but not limited to, artificial horsehair (most often, but not limited to, polyester), a fine crumpled netting, a continuous tangled string-like material, or any other material or combination of materials that would behave like horsehair, i.e. materials that hold the shape of the pad  100  without compressing over time, allows repeated insertion of the needle without degradation, and maintains the fixed position of the needle at whatever angle was established by the knitter upon insertion. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the contoured substrate  130  will now be discussed in more detail. The contoured substrate  130  is positioned within the interior cavity  136  defined by the top and bottom components  102 ,  116 . The contoured substrate  130  defines the topography or surface shape of the bottom surface  118  of the pad  100 . The contoured substrate  130  may be a stiffening piece of material that is formed into a desired shape. The contoured substrate  130  generally may be sufficiently rigid so it holds its formed shape and encourages the bottom component  116  to conform to the shape defined by the contoured substrate  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the contoured substrate  130  defines a stiffening material and is made of a thin heat-formable plastic. As will be discussed in more detail below, in these embodiments, the contoured substrate  130  remains permanently shaped once it has cooled and cannot be deformed except at temperatures well above those found in normal conditions. In other embodiments, the contoured substrate could be formed of metal or plastic, or any other material that could be manufactured with the desired contour and required no additional shaping. 
     The contoured substrate  130  is shaped to have a concave curve that extends upwards to define a depression. The contour of the substrate  130  is intended to conform to the general shape of the human body at the side front of the waist or abdomen, where the pad  100  is positioned, providing stability while the pad  100  is in use. With continued reference to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the contoured substrate  130  may be curved along its longitudinal length or axis but may be relatively straight along its vertical height. The shape, dimensions, and angles of the curvature of the contoured substrate  130  may be varied as desired and may be configured to match the curvature of a particular user, or the like. The curvature and rigidity of the contoured substrate  130  provides enhanced stability and comfort while using the knitting pad  100 . As will be discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 9 , the curvature of the contoured substrate  130  may be defined during a thermoforming process and, once the contoured substrate  130  has been formed into a desired shape, it will remain in the selected shape. 
     In some embodiments, the knitting pad  100  may have a shorter longitudinal dimension or may be round or nearly so. In this case, the longitudinal curved contour of bottom surface  118  may be substantially negligible due to the shortened arc of the curve, or it could be flat, with stability provided by the permanently stiffened bottom surface  118 . 
     It should be noted that in some embodiments, the contoured member  130  and the bottom component  116  may be integrated together. For example, the bottom component  116  and stiffening piece or contoured substrate  130  may be replaced with a single piece of material permanently shaped into the desired contour and attached to top component  102  to serve as the bottom of the pad  100 . 
     With reference again to  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 , the knitting pad  100  may also include one or more belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b . The belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  are configured to removably or permanently attach to a belt, or the like, that may be used to attach the knitting pad  100  to a user. The belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  may be operably connected to the first end  122   a  and the second end  122   b , respectively, of the knitting pad  100 . In one example, the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  are D-ring fasteners, but in other embodiments may be substantially any type of link, buckle, fastener, or the like. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, a belt may be permanently or directly attached to the pad  100 , and the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  may be omitted. For example, the ends of the belt may be riveted, sewn or glued to the ends  122   a ,  122   b  of the pad  100 . 
     In some embodiments, including the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b , the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  may be attached to one or both of the top and bottom components  102 ,  116 . In one example, the top component  102  may include a tab  124   a ,  124   b  of material formed on each of the ends  122   a ,  122   b . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the tabs  124   a ,  124   b  may wrap around a portion of the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  and be secured to itself and/or the bottom component  116  by a fastener  114   a ,  114   b  (which may be a rivet, adhesive, or any other fastening component). 
     As a quick overview of the assembly of the knitting pad  100 , with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the knitting pad  100  is configured so the top and bottom components  102 ,  116  are connected together to secure the anchoring filling  132  in the interior cavity  136  formed between the two components  102 ,  116 . The contoured member  130  is secured to the bottom component  116  and defines the shape of the bottom surface  118  of the knitting pad  100 . The belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  may be connected to the ends  122   a ,  122   b  of the pad  100  and are configured to receive a belt, or the like, to attach the pad  100  to the user. 
     A method of assembling and manufacturing the pad  100  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating a method for assembling the knitting pad  100 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , the method  200  may begin with operation  202 . In operation  202 , the top component  102  is formed. In instances where the top component  102  is leather, the top component  102  is soaked in hot water for a sufficient time so as to become pliable and stretchable, e.g., between 40-90 seconds and, preferably, about 60 seconds. Once the top component  102  has been thoroughly warmed and is pliable, the top component  102  is set into a concave portion of a mold, covered with a matching convex portion of a mold, and then pressed into the shape determined by the mold. The shape of the mold and eventual shape of the top component  102  may be selected based on various factors, but the resulting convex shape allows the needles to be received through a thick layer of anchoring filling  132  and better retain their position during use. After being removed from the mold, the top component  102  is laid on a rack to dry and generally retains the shape given to it by the mold. 
     By forming the top component  102  using the wet-molding process, the top component  102  may better retain its shape during use, and avoids compressing the anchoring filling  132  unintentionally, which may affect the removal and insertion of needles. In particular, because the top component  102  is formed with a convex shape, the anchoring filling  132  can fill the interior cavity  136  without being compressed by the top component  102 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 9 , after operation  202 , the method  200  may proceed to operation  204 . In operation  204 , the unformed contoured substrate  130  or member is heated. In embodiments where the contoured substrate  130  is a thermoformable plastic, the material is heated until it becomes pliable, such as at a temperature of around 350 degrees for approximately one minute 
     Once the contoured substrate  130  has been heated, the method  200  may proceed to operation  206 . In operation  206 , the heated or pliable contoured member or substrate  130  is formed into a desired shape. For example, the heated contoured member  130 , while still hot, may be a laid onto a convex surface. After the contoured member  130  has taken on the desired shape or mold, the method  200  may proceed to operation  208  and the contoured members is cooled for a period of time, such as 20 seconds, so the contoured member  130  will conform to the shape of that surface or mold. 
     After the contoured member  130  has cooled, the method  200  may proceed to operation  210 . In operation  210 , the contoured member  130  is secured to the bottom component  116 . For example, the contoured stiffening piece may be glued to the interior surface  134  of the bottom component  116  of the pad  100  to help prevent the contoured member  130  from shifting position. Alternatively, the contoured member  130  may be sewn, laced, riveted, or applied with any other suitable type of hardware or connector. The contoured member  130  may be also laid into the interior without adhesive and held in place by the anchoring filling  132 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , once the contoured member  130  is connected to the bottom component  116 , or in instances where the contoured member  130  is formed internally with the bottom component  116 , or when the bottom component  116  is made of a material that can shaped and therefore needs no additional contoured member  130 , the method  200  may proceed to operation  212 . In operation  212 , the top and bottom components  102 ,  116  are secured together. For example, with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a seal  108  is formed, e.g., through sewing, lacing, adhesive, metal or plastic fasteners, or a combination of different fastening techniques or devices. In one embodiment, adhesive and stitching may be used to secure the top component  102  and the bottom component  116  together. The seal  108  between the two components  102 ,  116  defines the shape of the interior cavity  136  for receiving the filling material and as such may be modified as desired. In one embodiment, the seal  108  will be positioned just inwards from the outer edges  110 ,  120  of the top and bottom components  102 ,  116 . In these examples, the outer edges  110 ,  120  may be formed with a selvedge that creates a flat area around and outside of the interior cavity  136  where the adhesive and stitching can be applied. In operation  212 , the seal  108  may be only partially applied to leave access to the interior cavity  136  so the anchoring filling  132  may be inserted into the interior cavity  136 . For example, one side of the pad  100  may be left unsealed, or the like. 
     After operation  212 , the method  200  may proceed to operation  214 . In operation  214 , the anchoring filling  132  is positioned within the interior cavity  136 . For example, the anchoring filling  132  may be inserted into the cavity  136  though an access hole defined between the two components  102 ,  116 . Alternatively, the anchoring filing  132  may be inserted in another manner, e.g., through a resealable flap, before the bottom component  116  is attached to the top component  102 , or the like. 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , after the anchoring filling  132  has been inserted into the pad  100 , the method  200  may proceed to operation  216 . In operation  216 , the seal  108  is completed to secure the top component  102  to the bottom component  116 . For example, a template may be used to mark the location of desired stitches and the top and bottom components  102 ,  116  may be sealed together all the way around their perimeters. It should be noted that depending on the method used to insert the anchoring filing  132 , this operation may be omitted. In operation  216 , the final shape of the pad  100  may also be determined and any excess selvedge material on the top or bottom components  102 ,  116  may be removed, e.g., via scissors, a knife, or the like. 
     After operation  216 , the method  200  may proceed to operation  218 . In operation  218 , the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  are attached to the pad  100 . In one example, with reference to  FIG. 6 , the tabs  124   a ,  124   b  or tails of material of the top component  102  are folded around a portion of the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b , and the fasteners  114   a ,  114   b  extend through the top surface  104  of the top component  102 , the tabs  124   a ,  124   b , and the bottom component  116  to secure the free ends of the tabs  124   a ,  124   b , forming a loop through which the belt connectors are attached at each side of the pad. It should be noted that in other embodiments the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  may be connected to the pad  100  in various other manners and the above description is meant as illustrative only. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the tabs are folded into place and riveted; the D-rings have a screw post and are inserted into the tab later. This allows different length belts for sizes (e.g., small, medium, large, etc.), to be attached and/or to replace a damaged or defective belt should user require. In some embodiments the tab may be folded around a fixed D-ring, without a removable post. 
     After the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  are attached, the method  200  may proceed to an end state  220  and terminate. It should be noted that additional finalizing operations may be performed on the pad  100  after it is assembled and/or during the assembly process. For example, the outer edges  110 ,  120  may be sanded, coated with an edge sealer, and/or buffed, and the pad is cleaned and polished. 
     A method of using the knitting pad  100  for knitting will now be discussed. With reference to  FIG. 2 , a user, such as a knitter, will secure the knitting pad  100  to his or her body at a desired location. For example, the belt may include a prong buckle attached to the end of the belt section connected to the right of the pad. The belt section connected to the left of the pad has a plurality of holes (e.g., 7 to 9 holes) into which the buckle prong can be inserted, which allows for quick attachment or release. In wear, the buckle may be positioned at the knitter&#39;s left front. An additional piece of hardware can be mounted on the belt attached to the right side of the pad that allows the size to be further adjusted, and which in wear is on the knitter&#39;s right back. For example, this component could be a “slider”, a rectangular, three bar piece of hardware through which the end of the belt first passes through the slider, then through the D-ring and is then folded back on itself and passed through the slider again, which allows the circumference of the belt to be further adjusted. This function could also be performed by any other device that allowed a similar adjustment, such as snaps, or studs inserted into apertures in the belt. This additional adjustment device permits the user to change the size of the belt to accommodate seasonal clothing differences, or a radical change in weight. In other embodiments, the pad may have a casing on the lower piece  116  through which the user could insert a belt, or the knitter may thread a belt through the belt connectors  112   a ,  112   b  and then attach the belt around his or her waist. In some embodiments, the belt may be riveted directly to the pad and have a buckle at one end and holes on the other to receive the buckle prong, or it may be a chain with a hook closure allowing for adjustment in size. 
     Alternatively, the pad may be fitted with a specialized belt clip so it can be attached to a user&#39;s belt, waistband, or pocket. In one example, the knitter most commonly fastens the belt at his or her waist or hip with the pad  100  positioned at the right front side; some knitters may prefer to fasten it at the left front side. The desired location for the pad  100 , both horizontally and vertically, is determined by several factors, such as, but not limited to, the length of the needle, the knitter&#39;s eyesight, a comfortable position for the arms, and the need to have the active portion of the work centered on the body. 
     The knitting process that uses the knitting pad  100  is done with double-point needles (having an identical point at both ends). To begin, a set of stitches is placed on one of the needles using a continuous supply of yarn. A second needle is taken up and one or more inches of one of the tips is inserted into one of the needle reception apertures  106  formed on the needle reception surface  104  on the top of the pad  100 . The opposite tip is pointed up and to the left. 
     The needle reception aperture  106  used to support the needle may typically be determined based on various factors and preferences by the knitter, for example, the angle at which the needle is inserted, the knitter&#39;s eyesight, comfortable position of the arms, and the need to center the opposite tip on the body. In embodiments where the anchoring filling  132  is horsehair stuffing, due to the characteristics of the horsehair, the angle of the needle is difficult to change unless the needle is removed and reinserted. This helps to keep the needle oriented as desired by the user, even as the needle experiences forces due to the knitting process. 
     The knitter typically will hold the needle bearing the stitches in the left hand, and carries the yarn connected to the stitches in the right hand. The tips of the two needles are brought together and each stitch is manipulated in turn to pull a loop of the yarn through an existing stitch, thus forming a new one. The new stitch is retained on the right needle and the original stitch is dropped below it into the growing fabric. When all of the original stitches have been worked, the left needle will be empty and all of the new stitches will be on the right needle. 
     To continue, the right needle bearing the new stitches is withdrawn from the pad  100  and transferred to the left hand; the now empty left needle is transferred to the right hand and inserted into one of the needle reception apertures  106  of the pad  100 . The knitter then proceeds to create the next row of stitches, in the same way as described above. 
     Because the pad  100  firmly maintains the right needle at the optimum angle, it is not necessary to hold the needle with the right hand, as is required for every other method of knitting. Instead, the hand is positioned above the right needle with the thumb and middle finger resting on top of it, a few inches back from the tip. These fingers serve as a fulcrum for the motions needed for knitting; the other fingers are used to tension the yarn and wrap it around the right needle when making each new stitch. This hand position makes it possible to use very small movements to work each stitch, and the resulting economy of motion reduces fatigue, allows the knitter to achieve greater speed, and produces a fabric with exceptionally even tension. 
     Furthermore, with the needle held firmly in position at an ideal angle for the individual, the arms and shoulders can be held in the most comfortable position and the risk of repetitive motion injury or stiffness in the neck and shoulder is reduced. 
     During the process of knitting, a certain amount of downward force can be applied to the tip of the right needle. During the process of exchanging needles, a certain amount of lateral force is applied to the pad  100 . Due to the novel contour of the bottom of the pad  100 , which is curved in the horizontal dimension, but flat in the vertical dimension, it stays in whatever position the knitter originally selected in spite of the forces exerted on it when a needle is inserted or removed and as each stitch is formed. Therefore, there is no need to stop and reposition the pad  100 , which reduces the amount of effort and time spent on any project. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on knitting applications, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to other craft applications such as crocheting or the like, or to any situation where an object needs to be temporarily attached to the body and held in a fixed position. Similarly, although the knitting pad may be discussed with respect to attachment to a user&#39;s midsection, the devices and techniques disclosed herein are equally applicable to other attachment locations on the body on the body, as determined by the user. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.