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Tis the season to get knitting

It's a cold day at the farmette. Snow - and lots of it - is in the forecast. Glad we're not going anywhere today.


We got the final, final, final coat of finely ground gravel on the driveway on Friday, and it looks fantastic. Felt a bit sorry for the workers - the wind was quite bitter. They stuck with it until dark - which these days is about 5:15 p.m.


Anyhow. I'm in full-on knitting mode for the Christmas projects I need to complete for Sandy and the girls. This year, I decided to get serious about it, and got myself a yarn swift and wool winder. They are gadgets that take skeins and help you make them into balls in about a quarter of the time it takes to do it by hand.


Of course, when I went online to find it, all I got was Taylor. She's everywhere.

But eventually, I found a lovely one (that wasn't too expensive) made by an Irish gentleman on Etsy who goes by the name of Captain Yarn.


Looks pretty cool, eh?

The little white wool winder has a handle that I turn, which makes the swift whirl around. The farmette house kinda looks like one of those medieval craft houses on wool winding day. Below is a before and after of the skein and the ball that results.

This year, I took orders instead of guessing what the ladies wanted. So, I'm making a big scarf for Rachel, a pair of mitts for Erin, and their mom is getting a really, really complicated neck warmer. Just started that one, and it's going to be a doozy.


I like making things for gifts. Rob and I do a lot of canning through the harvest season so we can send tasty packages - pickled beets, chutneys and other goodies - to those near and dear to us who live on the west coast. We've been doing that for a number of years, and I know it's appreciated.


So, I'm keeping busy in the run up to the snowy season. Hope everyone is happy and healthy and staying warm as we get into winter. Until next week.


Gratuitous cat photo courtesy of Calvin, who really knows how to relax.







1 Comment


sharonmgardiner
sharonmgardiner
Nov 26, 2023

Yes, I have that set up at my house too. I have learned to crank that ball winder with either hand as I work with fine yarns that I have dyed and it can be a long process to wind the ball. Don't forget the cut off toilet roll, particularly with fine yarn!

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