I want a swift. I went to visit with Dave this week and he got to play yarn swift for the first time. He turned out to be better at turning the crank on the ball winder, so then I got to play swift. Still easier than using my knees, but oh that tool would be nice. I told him that if he needs ideas for my birthday (June) he should look into swifts, because isn't this a pain in the butt?
I also want some socks colored like Bluebonnets. I have procured some Easter Egg Dye and plan to get some more when everything goes on sale. I want them to be that deep blue with white spots. Anybody know how to get white spots on your yarn dye job?
I don't have my swift that Tom is building me yet, either (le sigh). I will have to press him into swift duty as an encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI ended up finding a swift that wasn't as pretty as the wooden ones, but was only $30... which fit my budget a lot better. Let me know if you want me to dig up the link.
ReplyDeleteTo get white spots, I would hand paint the yarn (lay it on saran wrap and add dye), leaving some of the natural colour showing. (You might need to tie off areas, or stop well before where you want the white spots to counteract bleeding.) Or you could use resists. Dharma Trading company has a large selection of resists.
Guess what Dad found the last time he reorganized the garage? My wooden swift I've been looking for for a year! Unfortunately, I think I got rid of the little plastic one...long before I knew you would turn into such an avid knitter. All you have to do is come home and you can wind all the balls you want...and eat a home-cooked meal....and do laundry. Have I tempted you yet?
ReplyDeleteI'd love a swift myself. They certainly make it easier.
ReplyDeleteI was going to suggest sort of "tie dying" the yarn. Whatever you don't want to colour, you would tie of and cover with plastic wrap.
I don't have a swift or a ball winder...I'm so behind the times, lol!
ReplyDeleteI've never used Easter Egg dye to dye yarn...is it easy like kool aid?
Tie-and-dye came to my mind as well although I've never seen it being tried on yarn. Rubber-bands will come handy for the tying.
ReplyDeleteThe swift - it's called that for a reason. :) Besides, had I tried manually holding up my cotton lace wt yarn, I'd have quickly rendered the hank useless with tangles.
you can so easily get a swift!! Joann's usually has 40%-50% off coupons in their ads. That's how I got both my swift and ball winder! :)
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