Monday, October 22, 2007

Swift, balls, and some extra.

So, I really want a ball winder and a swift. I'm getting these boxes of yarn for my Knitting Group and I'd like to make center pull balls so I can give each student their own ball of yarn and a set of needles to work with. I'd also like to spread out what I've got out. The only problem is that I don't want to spend so much money on them. I was looking around and swifts are EXPENSIVE!! I was disappointed until I found this, instructions to make your own swift!! I looked at them and I'm sure Special K and I could figure this out. Looks easy!! So...I'm going to talk to him and see if we can make it. I think his dad or my brother-in-law have everything we need. So...that excited me. I found some ideas on how to make a ball winder out of kids toys but we'll see. I'm going to start with the swift and then we'll figure out a ball winder.

For now I've been working on making center pull balls with a paper towel roll. Works great. I got the instructions from knits with balls. I used the knittinghelp.com technique and it was ok but I like the way these work up better.

Knitting news...I've been working on my dishcloth for my swap pal. I think I should have it done tonight. My travel knitting has been my sock and I'm almost done with the pair so I can start a new sock!! I'm not sure which pattern I'm going to try but I really want to try knitting them using 1 circular needle. I got two from my football-a-long swap pal and really have been wanting to try them. I also want to try a sock with a pattern thats more than stockinette. No cables yet though. On the cable front I think for my trip to Ohio I'd like to knit up some fingerless gloves. I've been looking at some great patterns. When I make a decision on post which one. :)

I've been lost in the world of Ravelry lately and haven't been posting on my blog as much about my knitting. I'll try to keep up with blogging since I love to blog!! :) Well...I'm off to catch up on last weeks greys and fold clothes. :) FUN FUN FUN!!!

Thank you so much for those of you who have been sending yarn by the way!! I'm sending individual thank yous but couldn't hurt for a shout out on here too. :) I'll post pictures and links to who sent them later this week. My camera is not working with me today...

Happy Knitting!!!

PS..I almost forget. Last but not by any means least sharimom, Special K's mom, sent me Crazy Aunt Purl's book to read and some great video of us at the beach. I'll upload the video after laundry and Grey's. :) THANK YOU sharimom!!

10 comments:

  1. You're going to LOVE the book... I've been reading it (slowly... I read slow, esp because I'd usually rather knit than read). AWESOME. I'm going to have to get it for a couple people for xmas.
    Swifts are friggin expensive... I did break down and buy one, but got it from Joanne Fabrics online and used a 50% off coupon... :) I got my ball winder at AC Moore, also with a 50% off coupon.

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  2. Since you were the one who turned me on to CAP, I hope you like the book as much as I. Unfortunately, THEE day I started reading her blog, it was "The Story of Roy" and I couldn't quit crying. Myself, having 4 cats, I couldn't imagine having one leave me (and singing to him to boot).

    Please ignore the voice in the video. I'm such a hick......getting all stupid about the sunset.......until the BIRDS!!!!

    Love this blog..........

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  3. The swift and ball winder thing- AWESOME!!! I wanted one for Christmas- and I knew I had seen patterns for the swifts- this one is better- and I sent it off to Mark- as a X-Mas idea (he was already asking about making one). My parents are keyed in on getting me the ball winder- but I'm glad to have instructions on going it manually until then! Yippy! Glad to hear that you are getting lots of supplies- let me know when the box gets there.

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  4. OH hi!! Thanks for delurking and commenting! I was wondering who you were in my friend acct on Ravelry :) And thanks for the vote!

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  5. Good for you, planning to make your own swift. I purchased one from a guy off the internet that was of a similar style but cut a bit fancier and with a really nice finish on it. It works great but did cost about $40. I had to pay the usual price for the winder though but it was worth it. Watch for those 50% off coupons at Joann for sure...get the blue and white winder, can't remember the brand, I'm at work and can't look at it right now, lol, but mine works great.

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  6. I like to go over to my friend Mandy's to use her swift and winder and get in a little chatting.

    Remember not to do center pull balls for cotton or non-toothy fibers (I read about it No Sheep for You).

    Enjoy!

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  7. The swift made from Tinker Toys was cute, but pricey. Wooden Tinker Toys are EXPENSIVE!!! Yikes.

    I found my wool winder online for about $34.00 + shipping. JoAnn's had them, but they were going for $50.00.

    I'm about half way done Crazy Aunt Purl's book.

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  8. Joanns.com is having a big sale called Moonlight madness. Some winders are on sale there.

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  9. I don't have a ball winder - I sort of like the zen of winding everything by myself - but get your point about so much yarn. I'd keep an eye on ebay - they always seem to have winders and some are buy now but others are auctions. I'm so excited that you've had so much yarn come your way for your class.

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