
Her tip is to use a plastic bag clip on either side of the cards when putting them away, instead of tying string around them.
A couple of people have flat edged shuttles that they're using as both shuttle and beater combined. (I think I know where I can get one of those in a few weeks time, so I'll try that myself) I'm worried they might be a bit lightweight as a beater, but it's certainly worth a try.