Comments for Historic Crafts

Comment on A Tale of Knitting by Touchscreen Gloves

Touchscreen Gloves — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:56:13 +0000

“She is often knitting with several needles and this implies that this technique was quite well known and understood by both artists and patrons.”I had no idea!

Comment on First experience with crafts by Mickey Reyes

Mickey Reyes — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 07:46:54 +0000

I love doing art crafts with my kids.. i does not only enhances my kid’s abilities but also their potential to be great artist someday..
Mickey Reyes recently posted..The Secret to a Successful Outdoor Camping Activity

Comment on First experience with crafts by Diana

Diana — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:00:08 +0000

I started crocheting when I was young, dropped it for a long time and recently picked it up again after seeing a friend of mine crocheting these really cute little monkeys. I bought a few books recently but haven’t got around to making anything yet.
Diana recently posted..Reiki at Home

Comment on Review: Hemslöjden – a Swedish arts and crafts magazine by Jake Corrie

Jake Corrie — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:29:38 +0000

Comment on How to Make a CD Spindle by ging gang woolly | audreym’s occasional blog

ging gang woolly | audreym’s occasional blog — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:17:52 +0000

[...] to run a spinning session at camp next year (I did have to explain to someone that it’s this kind of spinning not that kind of spinning – I prefer to do my cycling out in the fresh air). But of coure I [...]

Comment on A recipe for knitted flowers by Maggie

Maggie — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:10:09 +0000

These flowers are beautiful, do you have an Etsy shop where you sell these? I’d love to buy one!
Maggie recently posted..Living with Tinnitus

Comment on A recipe for knitted flowers by Alex@florist kl

Alex@florist kl — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:58:59 +0000

I must say your article on the “A recipe for knitted flowers” is really nice. It is unique and an innovative idea which i have never seen or heard before. thanks for sharing it.

Comment on The Spinning Wheel by Who Invented Flyer For Spinning Wheel | All Wheels Blog

Who Invented Flyer For Spinning Wheel | All Wheels Blog — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:15:21 +0000

[...] who invented flyer for spinning wheel historic-crafts.com [...]

Comment on Learning a new craft – peg loom by cricut just because

cricut just because — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:31:44 +0000

that is a good idea using peg loom for crafting material. It looks nice

Comment on Learning a new craft – naalbinding by Learning a new craft – peg loom

Learning a new craft – peg loom — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:13:53 +0000

[...] by Helene’s enthusiasm about learning naalbinding and the flowers coming out of the ground in my garden, I decided to take out the peg loom I bought [...]

Comment on Dansk – Ølbryggeren by Learning a new Craft – Brewing beer

Learning a new Craft – Brewing beer — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:12:40 +0000

[...] post was originally written in Danish by our guest blogger Lars Olsen and was translated by [...]

Comment on Dyeing with Elderberries by Berry dyeing: a dying craft or a fun activity

Berry dyeing: a dying craft or a fun activity — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:05:39 +0000

[...] reds, greens and browns often occur too. I have personally tried dyeing with Blackberries and Elderberries, both resulting in lovely shades of purple. As do Raspberries, Mulberries, Blueberries, Pokeweed [...]

Comment on Felting by Mari Rogers

Mari Rogers — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 13:23:48 +0000

I found your article by browsing – delighted to find more information on felting. Very interesting. Thank you.

Maria

_________
Dhunami.org

Comment on The Niddy-Noddy by You’re Winding me up! | Inexpert Crafter

You’re Winding me up! | Inexpert Crafter — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:24:17 +0000

[...] worth of yarn onto my arm. By far my preferred method was the chair back so until I get around to making myself a Niddy Noddy I shall continue with [...]

Comment on Looking for Nailbinding – the Roman way by robe

robe — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 23:50:56 +0000

Good post! i love it, please bookmark this page in digg or mixx so that anyone could find it easily. )) Thanks for sharing this info. You guys have made a unique website

Comment on Helping out on Historic Crafts by Going on holiday

Going on holiday — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:02:56 +0000

[...] There will probably be some dyeing experiments, some more sock knitting and maybe even spinning. As I mentioned in a previous post if you want to see more of other crafts on Historic Crafts, step up, and tell me about [...]

Comment on Launch of Heritage Craft Association by Blog inspiration: Robin Wood and the HCA

Blog inspiration: Robin Wood and the HCA — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:46:32 +0000

[...] Association (HCA). I have mentioned them before as we were present at their launch last year (read our post about it) where we discussed things such as ‘why crafts are important‘. They have been going on [...]

Comment on Dyeing by Review: Victorian Pharmacy

Review: Victorian Pharmacy — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:53:50 +0000

[...] to add things like alum (a chemical often used in natural dyeing – as we demonstrate on Historic Crafts) and chalk to bread and mashed potatoes. It seems that this could be what lead to Rickets, [...]

Comment on Wood Turning by Nick Oodian

Nick Oodian — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:07:10 +0000

This looks like a fantastic site. I love Ruth Goodman, she’s made TV worth watching again. I came across this site via a post on facebook (?!).Only 6 members?!njo

Comment on Spinning by TAD day 8 – more sweater yarn and the first day in the garden

TAD day 8 – more sweater yarn and the first day in the garden — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:24:12 +0000

[...] Today I decided to give this pink lambswool blouse a go to make some yarn out of it. The thing is though that this makes for very thin yarn once it is unravelled – 24 st pr inch. So it will have to be 3-plied using the Navaho technique to make it a sports weight yarn that I can use. But I don’t have a spinning wheel at my disposal at the moment so this final step will have to wait. If you are interested in spinning and plying have a look at Historic Crafts. [...]

Comment on Spinning by TAD day 8 – more sweater yarn and the first day in the garden

TAD day 8 – more sweater yarn and the first day in the garden — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:18:14 +0000

Comment on When in Rome… by Valentines craftyness

Valentines craftyness — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:33:21 +0000

[...] extent as they probably would now. So this is me making you all aware of them. Whether you want to get raunchy with the Romans or learn about the Victorian ‘Vinegar Valentines’ [...]

Comment on Help for the echo flower shawl by Estonian lace knitting

Estonian lace knitting — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:02:50 +0000

[...] and creating 9, thus increasing by 6 stitches. The 2/3 into 9 stitch is demonstrated by us here at Historic Crafts in this video. This provides the base for the flower shape used in the Echo Flower Shawl. Estonian lace with nupps [...]

Comment on The Niddy-Noddy by Decorated niddy noddys

Decorated niddy noddys — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 18:46:44 +0000

[...] summer 2010 Inny shared with us on Historic Crafts how you can easily make your own niddy noddy out of PVC piping. I decided to make some of my own [...]

Comment on Dansk – Filtning by www.uldportalen.dk

www.uldportalen.dk — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:34:49 +0000

Hej Alle sammen. Hivs I mangler et sted at købe uld til jeres filtprojekter, det kunne være til sjaler, filt høner, sutsko eller andre sjove ting der kan laves i filt, så finder I et stort udvalg hos http://www.uldportalen.dk

Vi ses!

Comment on Why bobbin lace fascinates me? by Tweets that mention Why bobbin lace fascinates me? -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention Why bobbin lace fascinates me? -- Topsy.com — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:04:26 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Laura Morelli, Historic Crafts. Historic Crafts said: Where I reflect on my fascination of #BobbinLace : http://historic-crafts.com/why-bobbin-lace-fascinates-me [...]

Comment on Portraits by Why bobbin lace fascinates me?

Why bobbin lace fascinates me? — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:09:18 +0000

[...] experience with craftsSeasonalBlog archiveJournalGuidelines for journal authorsHow toReviewsPortraits « Spinning Fibres: Silk hankies, two drafting possibilities Why bobbin lace [...]

Comment on A world in love by Spinning Fibres: Silk hankies, two drafting possibilities

Spinning Fibres: Silk hankies, two drafting possibilities — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:36:07 +0000

[...] knit along on Ravelry or help her and I share the love this Valentines by joining in the ‘A World in Love‘ project on Flickr. [...]

Comment on Russian spindles by Cecile

Cecile — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 09:07:05 +0000

Hi Rosa,

Beautiful photos on your blog, and interesting stories (via Google translate, I’m afraid my Portuguese speaking skills are somewhat lacking).
The type of spindles you show seems to be closer to the French spindle. The shape is very similar to the Russian spindle, but the technique to use it is very different as the spindle is always held in the hand whereas with the Russian, the tip rests against the hand, but you let go of the spindle to allow it to spin faster.
I haven’t yet had the chance to try one of those, but it’s next on my list of type of spindles to try. Being French myself I knew of the French type but had no idea a similar shape and technique was also traditionally used in Portugal.
Thanks

Comment on Bottom whorl, the Turkish spindle by Cecile

Cecile — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 08:52:22 +0000

Hi Maxine,

Welcome in the world of spindles, just a word of caution before you get started: this is a highly addictive activity and we decline any responsibility towards any erratic and obsessive behaviours which might develop as a result.
Now, about your question, I don’t think there’s any problem at all with starting on a Turkish spindle. Many spindlers start on bottom whorl spindles, and the Turkish spindle is just one of those, it requires a bit more attention in winding on, but that’s not difficult, just a tiny bit more time consuming. Plus the Turkish does have the advantage of a more stable cop, which doesn’t slip as easily if you wind it on too loose, as many people tend to do at the start.
The only thing you’ll need to know which you wouldn’t for a top whorl is how to do a half hitch, so you can secure the yarn at the top of the shaft (shown here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1l3tAMFu3c). And it won’t take you long to master that. Many Turkish (IST Crafts, but also Jenkins and many, many more) have a little knob at the top of the shaft to secure the half hitch more easily.
Personnally I started on a top whorl only because I could easily get my hands on one. I don’t think one type of drop spindle is harder than another to learn on but I think you should try as many different types of spindles as possible any opportunity you get because it is the best way to find what will feel most natural to you. However you should probably start with one heavier than the one featured here, which would be too light for the thickness of singles most spindlers produce when first learning. I would suggest a spindle around 30-40 grams, you will be able to spin a wide range of yarn weights on it with practice.
Let us know how you get on, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any more questions!

Comment on Bottom whorl, the Turkish spindle by Maxine

Maxine — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:53:20 +0000

I saw one of these the other day and I was wondering exactly what it was. I’m very new to all of this but I’m excited to get started.
Do you think I would be OK starting with one of these, or should get more practice first?

Comment on Russian spindles by Eddie

Eddie — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:11:56 +0000

Hi Rosa,
Thank you very much for sharing.
I love your blog and the stories you share.

Eddie

Comment on Russian spindles by Rosa

Rosa — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:06:36 +0000

Beautiful! This type of spindle is still used in Portugal and Spain without the support. I've posted a few images on my weblog, here and here (and here's a video).

Comment on Portraits by New Year, New Challenges

New Year, New Challenges — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:39:00 +0000

[...] In 2011 I want to talk more about what other creative people have been doing. We began with the interviews on Historic Crafts in 2010 and boy was that fun. I have some great portraits lined up on Historic Crafts in January [...]

Comment on Bottom whorl, the Turkish spindle by Cecile

Cecile — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:15:22 +0000

Hi Susan,
You can certainly spin any weight of yarn on a drop spindle, the only thing you need to achieve this is practice.
The thickness of your yarn depends entirely on the amount of fiber you draft before you let the twist into it. If you want to obtain a thinner yarn, draft it further before you allow the twist to travel up. With practice you’ll be surprised at how thin you can make your single. Remember that your finished yarn will always be a bit thicker than the sum of its singles because air gets trapped into the ply.
Many other factors, such as different weights or types of spindles will also facilitate thinning your singles. Experienced spinners can spin thin singles on heavy drop spindles, but if you’re learning, it is much easier to spin thin on a lighter spindle. The Turkish spindle shown here is just about 10 grams for instance, and can spin quite fast, making it fairly easy to spin laceweight 2-ply yarn. A thinner single also needs more twist than a thick one to lock the fibers into place, so you might need to spin the spindle a bit longer for a similar length of singles.
For thicker yarns, heavier spindles prevent the spindle back-spinning too easily. Thicker yarns are also easier to achieve with long-staple fibers.
I hope that answers your question somewhat, but there’s no magic shortcut on this, just practice. Most spinners tend to spin at a specific thickness and it will require more concentration and practice to obtain a different one (I tend to go for very very thin and find it quite difficult to spin a 2-ply dk weight evenly).
Spin on and you’ll get there. I hope you enjoy your spindling…

Comment on Bottom whorl, the Turkish spindle by susan

susan — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 04:45:49 +0000

I like the drop spindle, that is how I learned to spin. I have a question.
is there a way you can get the different weights on these spinners like
finger or worsted weight and how is that done.When I ply I come out
with a heavy weighted yarn, or a dk weight yarn.

thanks blessed576@yahoo.com

Comment on How to Make a CD Spindle by The spindle tales: Top whorl « The ways of the whorl

The spindle tales: Top whorl « The ways of the whorl — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:59:45 +0000

[...] between your knees or under your arm. They are also very easy to make as show the examples of the CD spindle, or that of the toy wheel spindle. CD [...]

Comment on How to Make a CD Spindle by The joys of spinning « The ways of the whorl

The joys of spinning « The ways of the whorl — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:04:05 +0000

[...] of CD spindles. Over at Historic Crafts, Eddie took notes of how I made them and posted a lovely how-to, so that anyone interested in spinning could give it a try easily. This is an integral part of a [...]

Comment on A recipe for knitted flowers by Ron Shelf

Ron Shelf — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:02:10 +0000

Hi, I can’t figure out how to add your site in my RSS feed reader. Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong, please.

Comment on The Therapy of Crafts by Nursery Decoration ·

Nursery Decoration · — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:44:22 +0000

i always admire Robin Hood even during the times that i were still a little kid*

Comment on How to Make a CD Spindle by Eddie

Eddie — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:57:12 +0000

Hi Ida,
I will send this link on to Cecile who is experimenting with making the perfect spindle.
Thanks for sharing it!

Eddie

Comment on Fibres: Jacob Sheep by Eddie

Eddie — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:55:58 +0000

I understand what you mean Sandra. The Jacobs fleece is huge. I bought one a while ago which I am spinning into a sweater for my husband. I haven’t tried plying the brown and white together but I am sure it looks great. My brown is more grey anyway.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Eddie

Comment on Fibres: Bluefaced Leicester Sheep by Eddie

Eddie — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:53:04 +0000

Thanks for sharing this Dee.
I haven’t tried out Blue Faced Leicester yet but I would love to.

Eddie

Comment on Dyeing with Blackberries by Berry dyeing: a dying craft or a fun activity

Berry dyeing: a dying craft or a fun activity — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:29:22 +0000

[...] purple colours, though reds, greens and browns often occur too. I have personally tried dyeing with Blackberries and Elderberries, both resulting in lovely shades of purple. As do Raspberries, Mulberries, [...]

Comment on Fibres: Bluefaced Leicester Sheep by Dee Westwood

Dee Westwood — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:40:13 +0000

Blue Faced Leicester

I use this blended with Mohiar (15%) in spinning fibre to make sock yarn. It’s properties make it one of the best (along with Romney). The staple length and crimp allow a good draft and worsted spin and adding the mohair gives it added strength and durability.

Comment on Fibres: Jacob Sheep by sandra

sandra — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:12:57 +0000

I am spinning a Jacob fleece at the moment. I spin “in the grease”, which means I just tug a lug, comb it, and spin. It is only after plying and winding into hanks that I actually scour the wool ready for knitting. Out of one fleece I get plain white, plain brown yarns, and ply one brown strand with one white one to get a nice effect. The wool spins a treat, and knits up nicely. This affords me the chance to knit colours without dying.
(The fleece I have on hand at the moment seems very big and I thought “struth this sheep has been crossed with an elephant” when it came in the post)!!!

Comment on Look closer at Swaziland by Look Closer at Swaziland

Look Closer at Swaziland — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:59:46 +0000

[...] post is linked with a look closer sibling post on Historic Crafts about the craft history of [...]

Comment on Review: Cracking Antiques by Review: Cracking Antiques

Review: Cracking Antiques — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:44:21 +0000

[...] This review was previously published on Historic Crafts [...]

Comment on Review: Man Crafts by Review: Man Crafts

Review: Man Crafts — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:31:38 +0000

[...] This review was first published on Historic Crafts [...]

Comment on A Tale of Knitting by A Tale of Knitting « iknitter's Blog

A Tale of Knitting « iknitter's Blog — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:29:22 +0000

[...] http://historic-crafts.com/blog-a-tale-of-knitting [...]