FAQ's
Hopefully if you have a question that needs answering you will find it here. If not please email us at info@pilola.co.uk and we would be happy to help you.
Techcushions
What is a Techcushion?
A Techcushion is a pyramid shaped cushion or pillow that is the perfect rest for your phone, kindle, iPad or tablet. The Techcushion’s wedge shape design provides a hands free soft and sturdy holder for your iPad or phone which is firm enough for you to use the touch screen functions with a comfortable viewing angle when placed on any surface. No more wrist ache which trying to hold your iPad or kindle in just the right position, leaving both hands free to work or read.
What size do I need for my device?I now make Techcushions in 3 sizes to suit any device. To help you select the perfect Techcushion for your needs here is a breakdown of each size and my recommendations:
Small Techcushion - Use this one for any size smartphones but it's a bit small for the plus size phones.
Medium Techcushion - If you have a plus size phone choose this one. Also great for the iPad mini, kindles and other similar e-readers.
Large Techcushion - Perfect for iPads and other small tablets.
Dimensions:Small W11cm, D16cm, H10cm
Medium W16cm, D21cm, H14cm
Large W21cm, D25cm, H18cm
Do you make custom orders?
If you have a special theme in mind for a Techcushion for a birthday gift for someone etc do email me on info@pilola.co.uk If I can find what you are looking for I can make a special one just for you. This may incur an extra cost to cover that special fabric. Recently I have made elephant Techcushions as well as golf, american football and flags.
Crochet Kits
Are your crochet kits suitable for a complete beginner thinking about trying crochet for the first time?
Yes. We have designed these kits to help beginners learn to crochet by rewriting the instructions long hand with better descriptions explaining the method. Once they get more confident they can transition to following standard crochet coded patterns.
Do you do follow on designs for more confident crocheters?
Yes. Once you have mastered a few of the beginner kit patterns we have included in the range a couple of designs that are more difficult which introduce different stitches and elements of crochet.
Are your kits available in different sizes?
Yes. Our crochet kits are available in 2 sizes. The snack kits are smaller designs and quicker to complete giving confidence to a beginner. We have also designed larger kits for those who want to try a bigger project.
Yes. We have included in the kit everything you will need to complete the design including: instructions, yarn, fluff, stitchmarkers, eyes, needles and more. All you will need is a pair of scissors.
3D Printed Models
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a manufacturing process that creates a three-dimensional object by extruding molten plastic through a tiny nozzle that moves around a printing bed. It builds up a 3D model one layer at a time, from the bottom upward, by repeatedly printing over the same area.
What are the 3D printed creatures made from?
3D printers use multi-coloured filaments called thermoplastics which are plastics that melt when you heat them up and turn solid when you cool them back down again. We use two types, PLA (polylactic acid) and PETG (polyethylene gerephthalate glycol).
PLA is the most popular material used in 3D printing. It is a more environmentally-friendly plant-based material made with starchy crops such as corn, maize and sugarcane which also makes it non-toxic and biodegradable. It’s available in a range of vibrant colours and blends which we love to use to make a varied range of 3D models. They will not biodegrade in normal room situations.
Can I eat it?
PLA material is not considered food-safe. In its most natural state, it is of course a form of food, but this quickly changes as additives and pigments are added to optimise both it’s colour and strength. Therefore please do not purchase these creatures for young children who would likely put the models into their mouths. Furthermore some of the models have small hinged parts which could break off and cause a choking hazard to young children.
Will the colour rub off?
The PLA filaments that we use are created in a process called co-extrusion, meaning the colours are contained in the filament throughout it’s length. This means the colours in the filaments won’t rub off. When printing with these multi-coloured filaments the printed model will appear as different colours depending on the angle you are viewing it, which can create a mesmerizing appearance.
Sustained UV light over a period of time can cause the colours to fade in a similar way to other plastic materials.
Are they suitable for children to play with?
Toys made with 3D printing are not appropriate for children under the age of three especially if they are prone to putting stuff in their mouths.
Some printed objects may appear harmless at first glance, but they may be hazardous to children. Some could cut if treated incorrectly based on the design, while others have moving parts which if broken off may be small enough to be swallowed and pose a choking hazard.
We do not recommend these creatures as toys but rather as ornaments so please bear this in mind when purchasing for children.
How durable are they?
As the 3D filament is a natural product it cannot withstand fire, hot water and sustained direct sunlight. In normal room environments, the effects of biodegradation won’t be particularly noticeable but leaving your 3D creatures outside, however, may quickly wear down the material.
While not dishwasher safe you can wash your creatures with lukewarm water and a mild antibacterial detergent. This reduces the risk of a molten print and removes all surface bacteria.
PLA 3D filaments are biodegradable due to its natural origin and since various microorganisms can use PLA as a food source, it is also compostable. Under good optimal conditions in a compost heap PLA will show signs of biodegradation after six months. Under normal room conditions PLA will last a lifetime.
Do you make them yourselves?
Yes. We have three 3D printers and print all the products we sell. We work with a couple pf 3D print model designers and buy their designs to print on our printers.
How long does it take to make a creature?
3D printing is a slow process. The biggest gemstone dragon takes upto 10 hours to print while others such as the octopus will take upto 4 hours. These are for single items. For smaller figures like the axolotls we can print 6 at a time and this can take up to 5 hours.
Can I buy a creature in a different size or colour?
On the website we stock our core range which we will add to as we try new models. When we do pop up shops we also bring creatures printed out in other colour filaments. If you are interested in a custom model please do get in touch.
Can I purchase a larger number of a creatures for an event?
If you are interested in purchasing a larger quantity of creatures for a party or an event please contact us on info@pilola.co.uk We would love to hear from you
Can I buy your products in a shop?
You can purchase all our products here on the website and at pop up shops at local events. For more info about pop up shops see our instagram page for future dates.
https://www.instagram.com/pilolauk/
We do have a selection of our products in the following shops:
Stitchery Do
Denmark Street, Wokingham
https://www.facebook.com/groups/534159443282000
Stitchery Do stock our Techcushions and Crochet kits
Two Black Sheep
Previously in Wallingford the lovely Cathy has now moved to Harlech in North Wales. She has a small selection of Techcushions. To find out more see her Instagram page.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoblacksheep.shop/
We are always looking for new stockists so if you are interested in stocking our Techcushions on either a consignment or wholesale basis do email me at sue@pilola.co.uk to have a chat.
How much is delivery?
For further details see the delivery page:https://pilola.co.uk/pages/delivery-and-returns
What do I do if i want to return an item?If you want more details on how to return an item see:
https://pilola.co.uk/pages/delivery-and-returns
Do you have a Privacy policy?
Please look here for our Privacy policy:
https://pilola.co.uk/policies/privacy-policy
Hopefully I have answered all your questions. If not please contact me on info@pilola.co.uk and I will be happy to help you.