Wednesday, September 19, 2007

My swift

I've had a request (hi Deb!) to post the info on my DIY swift.

The original link is no longer working, but a quick Google found the new and improved directions at Crafty Diversions. Great directions, and an affordable way to avoid asking friends and family if they'd mind standing there for an indeterminate period with yarn wrapped around their arms.

I use this swift with a Royal Winder I got with a 40% off coupon from JoAnns.com. I've used them pretty frequently for at least a year, and the winder shows no signs of wear.

When my husband and I first made mine, we skipped the extra holes, just drilling one in each arm to make a 2-yard skein. I do NOT recommend this. After washing or dyeing, especially from cones, the yarn will fluff up, gaining circumference and losing length.

You won't be able to get the skein over the holes you started with. So make sure yours is adjustable.

I'm planning on building a second one in the very near future, so I can re-skein dyed yarns with a lot less mumbling and cursing.

I have some great FO and random pics, but I'm rather annoyed with my camera/software situation and don't have the energy to deal with it all tonight. I know, I keep saying that, but really, I mean it this time.

Until then, a little yarn pr0n to get you by:

4 comments:

Debra said...

Thanks Lia!

I still haven't braved my sock bag again. I will though. Sorry I hogged up your knitting time Tuesday night. Really, I am sorry.

Debra

Debra said...

Oh, I forgot to mention. I'm going to try dying some recycled yarn with Wilton's icing paste. It's an ugly warm tan color, I'm going to try going to a deep red...we'll see what happens.

msubulldog said...

Hello dear Fruity Sheep! You left your stainless coffee mug at Chrissy's Gardiner Yarn Works booth on Sunday. You can contact her at knitinmom@gmail.com to get it back. It was great to meet you!
--Amanda
(the one with the baby) *grin*

msubulldog said...

Or I could give you her REAL email address: knittinmom@gmail.com (with two t's, of course)