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Let me start by saying that it is possibly best for people to PM me answers on this one.

I have got some of the best IT I have ever had - problem is its too good! I'm having real problems tying the stuff into loops.

Has anyone got good tips for handling and preparation of IT please.

PS: The properties of this IT are amazing. Its called Ultra Thread and I got it at same time as my exit 51 from Ben Harris. Once I can tie it properly it will be HIGHLY recommended.

On the subject of IT has anyone used the elastic IT loops, theyfre fantastic for moving things around on a table and can be unhooked very easily and left looped around your hand till the next time you want to perform with them. I dont know the proper name of them i was just given a couple off my local mgic shop.

Some tips?

1: IT or EIT with a black Sharpie. It's quite easy to do, and it 'matts' it down, and makes it MUCH harder to see.

2: PM me for my StElTH loops instructions. I will ask you a couple of questions, and if you 'pass the test', I'll give you the secret to infinite EIT loops.

3: Know your limits... before using EIT, have a play. Find the tolerances, find the breaking point. It's almost like riding a bike - once you know the lowest speed you can stay vertical, you're on a winner.

4: Backup plan: when 'hooking up' your IT or EIT, make sure that if it fails during performance, you've got a back-up plan. Many times my IT has let me down mid-performance, and I've been left thinking 'HELP!!!'

Get a good backup plan - i.e. think of another way to quickly end the nightmare!!!

5: Practice with cotton... sounds daft, but when rehearsing moves and timings (i.e. LiteFlite, floating bill etc.) it is best to practice with cotton. It's easier to set up, and doesn't break so fast.

6: Lighting... the IT/EIT killer!!! You must chose the best lighting conditions. Many people think that 'the darker it is, the better'. Wrong. A dark room with 'highlights' shows IT like a beacon!!! Even after the Sharpie treatment, the IT will still show glints of light in the right conditions. You'll need to work out distances etc. when using it.

7: Fastenings... wax? Blu-tak? WHAT!!!?!?!?!
OK, best advice is use SOFT WAX. First, roll the end of the IT/EIT around a small ball of wax, and keep rolling. Then, flatten the wax into a mini 'rice grain' shape, and then roll the IT/EIT around it again. Then, 'fold' the ricegrain in half, and form into another rice grain.

You can't be too sure about this - and it's the easiest way to get let down. IT/EIT is actually quite strong compared to wax. You only need a minute amount of decent wax to secure the IT, but keep gathering IT until the wax goes 'brown'. You'll see what I mean.

8: Confidence and over-confidence. Remember... the PERFORMANCE is a key factor in hiding your workings. Don't make OBVIOUS movements or IMPOSSIBLE gestures. Learn how to make it look ELEGANT.

Watch, for instance, David Copperfield or Lance Burton - their IT work is phenominal. It's elegant and graceful. If you make it obvious, then you've lost the plot, I'm afraid.
Learn to disassociate hand and body movements with the movement of the 'rigged' item.

I.e. in the case of the self-folding-bill, use SLOW gestures in different directions. With LiteFlite, you're on a winner because up=down, if you catch my drift. Take advantage of this, but do it GRACEFULLY.

9: Don't skimp on cost... BUY CHEAP, BUY TWICE... it's a good motto.

10: PRACTICE!!!

OK, so I wait for fellow mods to edit this post in the interest of discrepancy... but hey, I was feeling generous!

Thanks for your St.El.Th instructions Seige. They are very good however I possess the EIT that you advise not to use..... the ultra elastic stuff that's really difficult to tie. Typical me, get the hardest stuff to use and scare myself to death because it's so difficult to prepare! !

I have some ordinary EIT on order so maybe that'll prove the better product. It frustrates me though that I can't loop this Ultra stuff very well because it's so damn good at being what it is...I and E!! Oh the challenges we face....

Sorry, minute Moderator changes!!!

Tights, lycra ones. Take a pair of scissors to them and start pulling them apart. You get E=500% and less reflective so lighting is less of a problem, plus you can choose black or flesh toned!