my friend blu-tack

if there is an essential that is blu-tack (of a thousand uses) whe i'm running short i tend to get anxious and run to the school supply store( yes, we still have them, no office depot around here) for a refill.

 i am using it  here to hack the spindle of the bobbin winder and adapt it to these silk bobbins which have small orifices.i first tape a useless needle from the knitting machine with gaffer tape and tighten it to the spindle. i have  a good supply of those,  no worries about that :(
i know i could buy a dedicated winder for those bobbins, but do i really need more stuff when i can solve it with a little tack and gaffer tape?





then put some blu-tack  on the needle shaft and push the bobbin towards it making a tight fit. i sometimes even put a bit in the
bobbin hole as it really has to sit put so that it winds correctly.
 you can also use a bamboo skewer if need be.





neki desu
 

slowly

got to the halfway mark.don't want to hurt my neck. 

 moving on .

trying to keep my excitement curbed; im2track has finally been released for windows! ordering the cable and connector today to make the knitting machine talk to the computer. just have to wait until they get here. waiting is hard.

neki desu
 

loom hacks

thread separator : from a plastic  clothespin basket. (yes, we still hang the washing)
threads can be staggered if need be.

idea from amanda 
use the ribber weights for warping!
especially short narrow warps.












hooks for adding weight, for separating bouts, for everything.

weaving update: halfway mark, 1.50 mts to go.











neki desu
 

of low tech hacks

how to keep yarns from twisting with each other  when using the color changer:
take a foam tray, make holes with a tapestry needle, tape it to the table and put the yarns through.
thread the knitting machine.

remedial extra weight: bolts and wing nuts, twine length and a paper clip keep yarns on the needles preventing them to pop off. add as many as needed.
you're welcome.















neki desu