Not long ago I was given quite a few spinning bits and pieces and one of the items was an Ashford lazy kate. It’s in immaculate condition but unfortunately didn’t have any of the brass rods to hold the bobbins.
I spoke to a fellow at work who said he’d try to find some brass rods of a similar length but to no avail and then one of my spinning friends came to the rescue and suggested maybe some tent pegs. MMMmmm good thinking Gillian! Last weekend I visited Bunnings and wondered whether I’d manage to get some tents pegs that were small enough. I had measured the diameter of the rods on my other lazy kate with a knitting needle measure and they were 3.5mm. I managed to find some 4mm tent pegs so I took the risk and bought a packet of 10 for only $4.98.
And guess what!!!! They fit perfectly. So now I have another fully functional lazy kate and some spare rods. Thank you Gillian….you always come up with so many great ideas. Aren’t they just a perfect fit?
The spare bobbins from my latest spinning wheel (which I’ll show you very soon) now have a new home.
I’d also like to share with you a couple of recent acquisitions of mine. I picked up this fantastic book after hearing about it when I was in New Zealand and spent the day with Mary in Masterton. The book is called The Loving Stitch by Heather Nicholson.
The Loving Stitch is an engaging history of a subject never before explored but familiar to many New Zealanders. Heather Nicholson’s knowledge of knitting and spinning is formidable but she also knows how to tell a good story and has a keen sense of humour. The Loving Stitch presents a chronological account of antipodean knitting, which is also a history of the domestic lives of women, of their resourcefulness, their talent and sociability. She follows the growth of pattern books, the role of knitting for troops in the two world wars, knitting in the Depression and the recent interest in art knitting. She also explores the different items produced by the skilled knitter, from jerseys and guernseys to counterpanes, socks and stockings, and a scarf that stretched right round Parliament Buildings. The book also includes material on spinning and on local wool mills, as well as general good advice drawn from the personal experience of hundreds of knitters and spinners.
Heather Nicholson, formerly a schoolteacher, has impressive skills in embroidery, dyeing, spinning and knitting. She has taught both knitting and embroidery, is a member of several textile craft guilds and is the author of Knitter’s Know-How (1988). Her extensive research into the history of knitting was supported by Creative New Zealand and by the 1993 Suffrage Trust.
I am going to relish reading this book!
My other purchase was this cute little tote bag that I managed to pick up on Ebay for only $8.80. It’s come in very handy carrying magazines to and from work.
I’m pleased to report that Autumn has finally hit Brisbane. We’re experiencing beautiful crisp mornings and gorgeous sunny cloudless days. This weekend I managed to get some spinning and plying done plus of course I had a wonderful afternoon with my Knit and Knatter friends yesterday. I can’t believe how quickly that time goes by. We have so much fun! I’ve actually registered us for the World Wide Knit in Public Day on Saturday, 13 June.
Will you be knitting in public on that day?
That’s my news for the time being.
Until next time…
Melanie
MelsNattyKnits 