Purlwise

Bargains

I just returned from a quick weekend trip to Vancouver.

Two wonderful crystal clear days that we in the Northwest cherish and vistors are convinced near appear. Everyone was out strolling along the waterfront or in one of the many scenic parks enjoying the sunshine.

After breakfast we wondered through the Museum of Anthropology and then scooted over to Birkeland Bros. Wool before leaving the city. While I managed to refrain from purchasing some very soft polworth sliver, I did pick up some very reasonably priced Quebecoise wool for a fingerless glove project that has yet to get started. I found out about this place via an article on Vancouver in Spun Magazine. Cara is indeed very friendly and keen to show her stock. Besides plain wool she also carries beautiful hand painted yarns.

On the way up to the city, we made a detour to Daiso. I wanted to see if I could find some of that Japanese string Judith MacKenzie McCuin brought to her classes at the winter retreat. She says it makes great drive bands for lace weight yarn. The package she brought with her was purchased in a Japanese store in San Jose. She mentioned that she hasn't found it anywhere else including Uwajimaya in Seattle.

When I found out about the Daiso in Richmond, I had a hunch that they might carry it. Last fall while in Tokyo I happened to visit their Harajuku store and was amazed at the abundance of cheap (100 yen) stuff they carried. I was so overwhelmed that I didn't purchase anything. I just soaked in the the 100 yen experience.

Once again I felt overwhelmed. Much like in Japan, there were people everywhere in the tiny isles. It took a bit of searching but I finally found several different packages tucked away in two different places. I first spotted it in the sewing section near the pins, needles and etc. Next to it was another package of similar string, but this one had an English label that said it was "kite string". I also found some, with yet different packaging, in the kitchen paper wear section next to the picnic supplies.

This week I'll give it a try while I attempt to finish my cotton samples from Judith's last class on spinning cotton.

During the search for string, I happened to find this small counter that records up to 999. What a bargain - only 2 Canadian Dollars. The Kacha-Kacha's from Clover run about 10 US dollars and only count to 99.

Love the packaging. Looks like it can be used to entertain blond headed siblings that love to see who can count the most cars or birds.

Controlling that loose end

I think all spinners have  faced the dilemma of what to do with that end of freshly twisted fiber when they need to stop spinning.

Until recently, I would pull off my remaining fiber supply and wrap the end around the tension nob on the top of my Schacht. While this worked most of the time, occasionally the thread would come unwound and cause a small mess.

Several months ago when I was at the NWRSA Conference, another spinner showed me how she used a small clip to contain the end. I thought, what a great idea and since then,  have been meaning to find a clip. A few weeks ago I came across this  Oxo Magnetic Mini Clip in a kitchen supply store.

This week I had a chance to try it out and found that it was the perfect solution to my problem. Not only does the clip  contain the twist but I'm also able to place  it in a convenient spot on the wheel without having to permanently attach itl.  It just happens that there's a bit of metal just below the orifice where I place the clip. This also allows me to leave the fiber supply attached and ready to it pick up and start spinning immediately without another join.

To expand on this idea, I plan on attaching a magnet to my oil bottle clip so that the bottle can be also be stored on the wheel.

Oh by the way, I finished spinning up another skein for the other sleeve and already have 1/4 of it done. This skein working up nicely so I should have the sweater done soon.

Searching for a chair

I was just telling my mother about my spinning chair so I thought I'd post a picture of it for her. My hard stool, with no back support, just wasn't comfortable so I've been on the look out for something else to use. 

Last Month I came across this Dutch corner chair in an antique store that was going out of business. It caught my eye because they had it sitting next to an old wheel. I haven't used it too much but so far it seems to work ok.

The rush seat is actually quite comfortable and I just place a pillow behind my back for a bit more comfort. It seems to be a tad too high but I'll give it a bit more time before I decide whether to adjust the feet.