Tag: wood work

Knitting row counter

On By CarynIn Craft

Here is a different version of a row counter for knitting. I used flat round wood beads and copper wire to make a chain with larger loops to accommodate larger needles. I then used a wood burner to number each bead; it is actually easier to wood burn the assembled chain rather than individual beads. To mark the tens, I used a copper lobster claw clasp with a copper clay leaf (that I made many, many years ago and has been waiting for a project). I find the lobster claw easier to deal with than a melody clip.

Photo description: handmade row counter in the center with handmade copper leaves on the right, then going counter clockwise: purchased copper lobster clasps, bead reamer, pliers, a pile of row counters waiting for their dangle, and a spool of 22 gauge copper wire.

More 3-hook i-cord makers

On By CarynIn Craft

I ordered replacement hooks for a knitting machine, which are essentially latch hooks without a handle. I made handles from flame maple and deer antler horn and mounted three hooks in each handle using epoxy in holes I drilled with a drill press.

Photo description: four 3-hook cord makers, the far left and middle right handles are made of deer antler, the far right and middle left are made of flame maple.

I sealed the flame maple with Howard’s Feed and Wax (I think I’ve mentioned before how much I love this stuff!)

They work! I spread the tines a little more on these, which gives a more flexible i-cord than my first i-cord maker.

Antler nål

On By CarynIn Craft

I have made my first nål for nålbinding out of antler bone! I have made several out of wood, and was hesitant about bone, but it turns out it is easy to work. I do wear a dust mask at all times because I don’t want that bone dust in my lungs. I like how well it buffs to a shine without applying a finish coat.

Photo description: thick bone needle with two holes on a table with scraps of sandpaper.
Photo description: side view of the same nål, showing the natural curve from the antler tip.

This nål came out a little thicker than I care for, so I’m going to experiment with some other methods of construction. I just sanded this one down to shape; for the next one I’ll try cutting it lengthwise then sanding down, and I will try a different curve.

Throwback Thursday: wood cup

On By CarynIn Craft, throwback

Here is a throwback from 2003 of a wooden cup I made by stacking rings of cut wood. I didn’t have a lathe, but did have a scroll saw, so made a solid circle for the base, and matching rings for the sides. I glued the stack together and clamped it, then hand sanded it before sealing the wood (I was very into urethane finish at the time, so that is probably what I used).

Photo description: Wood cup made in 2003 on a black velvet background.

I was also fond of photographing items on black velvet, which makes me cringe a bit now. I do like the way the wood growth rings line up to make a wave. It was intended as a pencil holder, which I believe it does admirably.

Flashback: chicken bench

On By CarynIn chickens, Coop, Craft

The fold down benches that I installed in the chicken coop are still high on my recommended list. I used 2x4s, heavy duty hinges, two lengths of chain with lockable links, screw eyes, and a hook and eye to keep it in the upright position. It folds up so the chickens can’t poop on the surface, but is easy to fold down. It makes a great work bench for filling water, and is fantastic when I need to sit when I’m not feeling well but still need to tend the chickens.

Photo description: Fold down bench held up with chain, with an empty large poultry waterer and two chickens looking for grubblies underneath.