I usually use DMC needles bought at my local craft store. I have used John James gold plated in the past but the gold wears off too soon for me and the needle doesnt slide through the fabric as well once the finish is gone. I also like size 26 and 28 and use these for all fabrics. Usually they suggest a 24 for 14ct fabrics, but I stick with the smaller ones and have 3-6 in use for most projects.
I too buy Bohin needles size #26 and #28 from Anitas Little Stitches online and have been buying them in bulk for years. The price is right and Ive never found a better needle and I honestly think Ive tried just about every brand available in the US. My experience with the gold is similar to most too, the gold finish comes off quickly and they dont work any better or longer than the Bohin that I get at a fantastic price.
I also use DMC and I prefer the thinnest of needles no matter the count on the material I like it where the hole is not made larger by the needled in case I have to pull threads out (which by the way I seriously hate doing). I also have a pretty neat threader from DMC its blue in the middle has the normal wire threader at the top but on both sides it has metal threaders for various size threads and I love it.
Ive been using a couple of the John James gold petite needles and I dont like them at all. I bought them because they were short needles, but they are pulling on the fabric and feel rough. Im going back to the DMC also.
My favorite needles are Bohin, size 26, bought online in bulk from Anita Little Stitches. They seem to glide so well, and the holes are smooth. DO NOT like gold plated needles either, for the reasons mentioned above :)
DMC or Anchor needles here as well. I am using 24s because I couldnt get the 26s the last time I had to buy :( I dont think Ive ever seen the 28s here.
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