Category: Craft

Cleaning

On By CarynIn Craft, repair, Tools

I’m still picking away at the model 27 sewing machine, removing small bits of dried on oil and dirt.

Photo description: Singer Manufacturing Company trademark in bronze, covered with a thick patina of oil
Photo description: Same seal after cleaning with a bamboo stick and sewing machine oil, with only a slight patina left in the crevices. Photo also shows a shiny stitch regulator knob.

My friends and family are probably getting tired of hearing a “scritch, scritch” noise when I’m on the phone. But it helps me focus. I’m not cleaning all the patina off; getting it back on in artful amounts can take years. I did figure out that I can clean the parts that are stuck in place, and continue to soak them in oil until the threads release. A thin strip of nylon netting is great for getting into the screw threads.

Photo description: Top of the machine, one hand is holding a dirty length of nylon netting along the threads of the pressure foot tension knob.

I’m not sure what I am going to do about the gold decals. They are quite delicate and are already flaked off to the silver base, or rubbed off entirely in areas. I do feel I need to remove all the loose paint, because I don’t want it flaking off onto my fabric. Experiments continue.

Bamboo page

On By CarynIn Craft
Photo description: Clockwise from top left: “Bamboo Top” card which reads “Developed in China, plant based, made from the leaves and interior”, single spun yarn on a paper bobbin, 2-ply yarn, swatch woven on a Clover mini loom with 3 selvages, crocheted lace round, knitted rectangle, unspun fiber in a paper box.

Spinning my bamboo sample was very enjoyable. The fiber is soft, and the staple is a nice length. I did have some static issues, but those that were resolved with a spritz of water. I spun the singles on a drop spindle, and I kept the fiber and spindle in my purse to spin during waiting times. I made the two ply yarn from a center-pull ball using the same spindle. The fiber has a beautiful luster.

Photo description: A hand holding a single spun bamboo yarn wrapped nostepinne style on a 3D printed spindle.

Recycled cat mats

On By CarynIn Cats, Craft

I finished recycling my Bernat blanket yarn mermaid tail into cat mats. In total, I made 7 large mats, 3 crate-sized mats, and one round basket liner. The yarn used was taken from the old unused blanket and scraps from other projects.

Photo description: Seven crocheted rectangles

To make the mats, using a 8mm hook or a hook that makes a tight but not difficult stitch, chain 30 for a large mat, or 20 for a crate sized mat. Single crochet each row until the mat measures about 17”. I donated most of the mats to the local no-kill cat shelter.

First production run

On By CarynIn Craft

I recently received 3D printed spindles from our first production run! Very exciting. The spindles have passed their drop tests, so the tough resin is holding up well. They aren’t completely indestructible, but it takes a great deal of effort to snap the neck (yes, I should have measured the force, but hindsight is 20/20.) The next step is to sand down the production marks (they take sanding well), and apply some decoration. Then I need to design the packaging. Phew! But I am inching forward!

Photo description: Seven small 3D printed spindles and three large spindles in black tough resin with grooved heads and teardrop holes above a straight shaft and pointed end.

I’m leaning toward calling these “phase” spindles, because they have aspects of other historical designs; the large diameter shaft is similar to a dealgan, it can be used as a supported spindle or a drop spindle, and the weight is adjustable.

American Bison page

On By CarynIn Craft

I actually spun this bison fiber before I started my fiber book. I used a tahkli spindle and spun fast and fine, then made a two ply yarn. I experimented with singles spun in both the S and Z directions, then nålbound wrist warmers (blog post here). The second, tighter wrist warmer continued to get tighter as the fibers felted together, until it was uncomfortable to wear. Then the kitten found it and had a hay day. So I dedicated the first piece to the book. I had some leftover yarn so did up a knit swatch and a crocheted lace round. I didn’t save any single spun yarn, so had to deconstruct some plied yarn for the page.

Photo description: Clockwise from top left: “Bison Spinning Fibers” card; single ply yarn; two ply yarn on a paper bobbin; one nålbound wrist warmer; crocheted lace round; knit square; loose bison fiber

Bison down fiber really is a luxury fiber. It feels like spinning clouds and the yarn is so soft and so very, very warm. It is definitely one of my favorite fibers. (And yes, this is an absolutely shameless plug for my neighbors, The Buffalo Wool Company. Fantastic people, even more fabulous dedication to the preservation of the American Bison.)