Tuesday 27 January 2009

Drum Carder

I have been looking for a drum carder for ages. Unfortunately, I can't find one I can afford (approx £200). So I decided to try and make one. I looked it up on the internet and found some rough instructions for Stacey's drum carder - http://www.herran.com/textile/discuss/messages/2670.html.

I also bought Paula Simmon's book - "Spinning and Weaving with Wool" which I had to ship from the USA. The plans were a lot better, but they used a chain mechanism for the drive belt, which looked a bit complicated to me, also I couldn't find a softwood cylinder of 7 inch diameter. The feedin tray was also made of metal which I didn't want.

I found some instructions for a minimalist carder - http://www.spinningforth.com/articles/tools/carder.html, and decided to try and cobble together a carder using bits from each set of instructions.

I made three wooden discs from blockboard left from an old wardrobe


Wednesday 7 January 2009

update

Well I haven't posted since November having been busy with Christmas presents. I made my 8 month old Grandaughter an aran shrug in a heathery colour, this looks great on her. I also made my daughter and son-in-law felted slippers, the first time I have ever felted something deliberately. Then I got the flu Saturday before Christmas and was in bed for a couple of days and very feeble for a couple of weeks.

I am about to finish a brushed double knitting sideways knitted sweater in a light red colour. This was some yarn I started knitting a sweater with but didn't like it so ripped it back. I think I may not have enough to finish the sweater so might do the cuffs, neckband and welts in a contrast yarn, either navy unbrushed or black brushed or eyelash yarn.

The next 2 projects on the Bond Elite (which I have just got down from the loft after a couple of years) are a sweater for me in lavender Aran yarn (acrylic, but I love the colour), and one for my daughter in pale blue Aran with denim flecks. I intend to put cables on my daughter's and a purl stitch every 10th stitch on mine. I might also add some embroidery to mine.

I have just joined Ravelry, a website which to quote - 'is a place for knitters, crocheters, designers, spinners, and dyers to keep track of their yarn, tools, and pattern information, and look to others for ideas and inspiration.' I am just starting my profile on there and listing my projects.