So it would seem that my Wookie Winder (as G called it) or my Willy Wonka (as Claire called it) or my WooLee Winder, as it’s properly called, and I have been getting along after all. You know how you meet some people, and at first they piss you off to no end and you think why would I spend more than five seconds in a room with this person and then suddenly as your forced together more and more you start to see something you missed in that first five seconds? You start to think, hmmmmmm. I could grow to love this person. I’m not saying I’m in love or anything, but I will say that I’ve never plied better in my life. In my LIFE people!
I’ve had some questions about what a WooLee Winder is – it’s a flyer that goes on your wheel in place of the flyer it came with and it has a mechanized bobbin attachment or some such thingy that allows the bobbin to fill up on it’s own – meaning you don’t have to stop and change hooks or move hooks in order to fill the bobbin evenly. The flyer moves back and forth, powered by the spinning wheel, and fills the bobbin in an even and orderly way. So you can essentially spin forever without getting up to pee or pet your cat or hug your husband – you can sit there until the bobbin is full. And these bobbins are quite large and can hold like half a sheep or something. You have to buy the WooLee Winder that is right for your wheel (assuming one is made for it) and you have to buy special bobbins for it, but it’s not terribly expensive. All the information you need can be found here.
So it seems all I needed was a little more patience and/or Ann laughing at me, calling me a petulant child and pointing jeeringly as I stomped my feet at my own frustration. (Seriously – who doesn’t need a friend that can point jeeringly?) Ann invited me out to Lawn Guyland last week to attend one of her FABULOUS guild meetings. She’s always bragging about her guild – they’re all so talented, they have the best classes, blah blah blah. (Secretly I think she wanted me out there so we could practice our new Bee Gees act. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Look here. Or maybe we’re going to have to be the LI edition of Bronx Beat, which is hands down the funniest new skit to come out of SNL since Will Farrell was a cheerleader.
What are you Sioux? Are you Sioux? Cherokee? Are you Sioux? Funniest fucking thing ever. Go watch.)
Okay. Sorry – back to business. So last week I traveled out to LI to the Spinning Study Group of Long Island meeting. Before hand I spent the afternoon spinning with Ann so she could help me get the feel for the WW. Then I spent the night at the meeting, where they had almost FORTY people show up to spin in a wonderful old barn in Smithtown, spinning my little heart out. I loved the meeting so much I JOINED! YAY! I’m officially a GUILD MEMBER! WHOO HOO! I feel like a real spinner now! Thanks Ann and everyone out there in Smithtown. It was great to meet you all! Thank you for accepting me into the fold.
When I got home the next day I ignored the piles of work I had to do and got down to some serious spinning. The WW is very fast so I was able to spin up aroung 2 oz on Thursday night in just a few hours and 2oz on Friday night in another few hours. But then it was time to ply. For a long time I’ve had some issues with my Lendrum Lazy Kate (apparently this is Lendrum owner wide – it’s not the best out there by a long shot.) I knew, too, that my new bobbins would probably be even worse on the Lendrum LK because they’re a bit wider and taller. So I put on my thinking cap and remembered that it’s fairly easy to make your own Lazy Kate. One of the first places I looked for instruction was over at Theresa’s – she’s always got GREAT stuff – especially on spinning. Didn’t take me more than a second to find what I was looking for: A Do It Yourself Lazy Kate.
I had everything I needed right in my house – a cardboard box (wide enough for the bobbins, but not too wide so there was lots of room for the needles to stick out), some excess cardboard (I used the flaps from the box), two knitting needles (size 9s were perfect to fit through the bobbins and the box), and some waste yarn. I also used a box cutter, but a scissors would work.
This is how I made the Lazy Kate. I stuck the needles through the box. That’s it! Done! No, okay, really, I stuck the needles through the box to establish the holes, then I cut up some cardboard and folded it so that it would act as a buffer against the bobbins so they wouldn’t slosh around on the needles, then I loaded up the cardboard and the bobbin and stuck the needle through the other side of the box. Pefection!
In order to provide some tensioning on the Kate, I thread some waste yarn through a hole in the side of the box, right at the corner, then over the grooves in the bobbins, then out the other side through another hole. Then I pulled it a bit taut and tied a knot.
I’m not sure if it was the lazy kate or the WooLee Winder or both together but I have never had an easier time plying. AND I was a teensy bit handy which is like a miracle for me. G was so impressed!! Thanks There
sa!
The roving I spun is from Dudley Spinner. She sells wool blends in super bright tie dyed colors. This particular color is called Lamba Bada (I think – I can’t seem to find the little piece of paper it came with) and was a bit more than 4 oz. I ended up with about 320 yds – I’d guess it’s sport weight. I’m very happy with it – and I can’t wait to decide what to spin up next!
Re: The Oscars. Clive Owen is HOT. Markie Mark is HOT. The Japanese guy was HOT. Whoever dressed that little girl should be shot. What a sin. Jerry Seinfeld introducing the Feature Documentary was by far the best part of the night. Every time they announced another title, Georgie and I laughed harder and harder. I’m so glad Martin Scorsese won – it was a CRIME he didn’t win for Raging Bull. And please, Academy people, bring back Billy Crystal. He seems to be the only one who can make this evening tolerable (or maybe Will Ferrell? I love Will Ferrell.)
And last but not least, thank you for all your comments on my last post. It’s so nice not to write in a vacuum. I really appreciate your reading my blog.
Your yarn is beautiful! I’m glad you made friends with your WooLee Winder – it’s a big chunk of change to pay for something and then end up not liking it. I’ve been wanting one for a while but haven’t been able to justify the price yet. Maybe soon…
I LOVE that barberpole yarn! Fabulous job!
I soooo agree about Jerry Seinfeld! He was the funniest part of the night–didn’t it seem as if the whole production was on valium? Doug called it the Academy Snores….
That skit was the BEST!!!!
And you did not mention Leo. Oh.My.God.
i think will ferrell should TOTALLY host the oscars- the man is just freaking hilarious and i loove him. all things considered though- last night’s telecast at least had some interesting stuff.
and omg- that yarn is DELICIOUS!!!
that skit was Hilarious!! ahh Jake is so cute. Glad you’re back on top! I love your spinning and plying and all that jazz. What will you make!?
I enjoyed the Awards last night too, I would love to take home Marky Mark, Clive and maybe throw in a little Ferrell in there too. What is he you think, Sioux?? 😉
i LOVE that yarn! it’s so colorful and fun. i can’t wait to see what you make of it.. and that lazy kate? so macguyver of you. the only way it could have been better is if you used some duct tape as well 😉
I have the same post title today — great minds 🙂 Jerry Seinfeld CRACKED me up — that bit about the movie trash was laugh out loud. And your homespun looks awesome.
Happy happy joy joy! Love the colors of that new yarn.
The Bronx Beat was hilarious…thanks for sharing. Keep spinning the great yarn!
LOVE the yarn – it reminds me of some handspun I got from Lisa Souza – http://www.lisaknit.com/index.htm – some high dollar stuff!!, loved re-watching the SNL skits – both Justin and Jake’s shows overall were very funny – SNL is having a great year. Funny thing – I never got around to posting on the previous one. I wanted to say how I love the fact that your’re not perfect, not “little-Miss-Mary-Sunshine ALL. THE. TIME. It’s almost like a soap opera – drop in every day and see what’s goin’ on with Cara – always engaging EVEN when you’re not having the greatest of days – you always pull through. You’re real – you’re not my real friend BUT danggit you could be AND THEN today you go all MARTHA STEWART – so handy and crafty and just, well, almost, perfect (kinda like the day you STOMPED that cable into submission). You are just too fun!! The Guild sounds like it’s right up your alley – learn something new and pass it along. Keep it up – you’ve probably had thousands of individual posters and who knows how many lurkers out there!!!!!!!
I’ll be very curious to see what you do with your beautiful yarn. I bought some quite similar in color(s) to it last summer and can’t figure out what it works with. The colors are so great, but knitted straight up they lose their vibrance, get muddy. I made a hat and have 1/2 skein left…it needs something, to be stranded? Knit with another yarn? Thoughts?
(photos at http://doulicia.blogspot.com/2007/01/knitting-update.html, scroll down to bottom)
The new yarn is gorgeous! Am i the only person who thought Ellen was great on the Oscars? Hmmmm…i may be. I loved her forays into the audience. I thought she was hilarious. And BTW — how funny was the Jack Black/Will Ferrell/John C Reilly number?
YES Clive Owen is HOT. Marky Mark, eh. Ken Watanabe – oh my freakin’ GAWD. And yeah, what a weird show. And the little girl’s dress…daisies?? ewww. What is this, bad bridesmaid night? I think not! At least most of the other dresses were fabulous. Tragic hair on Cameron Diaz, no? And what the hell happened to Philip Seymour Hoffman?? did somebody pour gatorade over him or something?? The poor man. Holy crap. FUNNY with Anne Hathaway and Emily whatsit and Meryl Streep. Cute, I thought.
And your plied yarn looks mahvelous, dahling. It’s not how you feel, it’s how you look…
Pretty yarn! Isn’t the made up LK the best way to go? The Oscars were worse than boring. I stopped watching and went to play in my fiber room.
Clive Owen is mine . . . back off! I even commented, right after the sublime Helen Mirren won, that her husband had the best seat in the house . . . between Helen and Clive.
Oh, the yarn is lovely too, by the way. I give anyone who can spin mad props as I don’t think that I could ever give it a whirl.
Ohhh that yarn came out soooo pretty. Guess it just took a getting to know you period with you and the WW. Glad that it is working out for you now.
What a great lazy kate. Very inventive I must say.
Thank you so much for the LK tutorial. Elvis seems to have made off with my LK and several of my bobbins, and who can’t use a few more bobbins? but I’ll be very happy to modify a cardboard box, of which I have tons (New England Puritan box-hoarders ‘r’ us).
Grrlfriend, everybody gets to be a petulant child now and then. If we’re lucky we have friends to send us to our room until we recover. If we’re even luckier there’s a spinning wheel in the room with us. That yarn is something.
I did not watch the Oscars and don’t know who most of those people are. Yes, I am a little old lady, why do you ask?
That is beautiful yarn; I’d love to see what it will look like once it is knitted up. I’ve never had the chance to knit with “barberpole” style yarn, it must be fun to see what happens with the colours with each stitch!
I love the yarn you spun and plied yourself! Way to go!
weouaghileguwaviylwerlgyiwearguysgdfrieuwfiygoeawtyuerg
Oh, sorry. That was me wiping up the drool on my keyboard. That is some gorgeous and oh-so-cheerful yarn you have there!
Gorgeous yarn! I am inching closer and closer to a spinning wheel. I so enjoy your blog for its inspiring photos, excellent prose, funny wit, creativity, honesty, and for the respect you give others — Thank You!
I am so glad that you gave the WW another chance and that you’ve ended up loving it as much as I LOVE mine! It’s made my spinning so much better, more consistent! and the best part not moving the yarn thru those hooks (HATED THAT)..
Happy Spinning
Ahhh! The colors in this yarn are amazing! And your plying is great!
Georgeous Yarn!!
What great eye candy for a Monday morning!!
Thank you!
love that yarn…can I buy it?? love your blog, I read it religiously, but I’m not good about commenting consistently…I don’t feel worthy because I can’t seem to get my life in order to find time to post on my long-neglected blog so I’m not even noting the address. you take care and continue on, you are awesome.
holy crap! it looks great, Cara! I love the colors and your plying — well, I’ve been impressed with your plying before anyway, but that looks fan-f’in’-tastic!
I am on the WW wall still (after all I have 7 lendrum bobbins!) but maybe I should consider it hmm…
How do those girls talk and not crack up???? Hilarious!!! I am going to walk around the house and talk like them all day!! It will drive my family nuts. I think that is the prettiest yarn I have ever seen! Whatcha gonna make with it?
Seinfeld was definitely the best part of the night!
I’m another regular reader, not so regular commenter, but I promise that I truly enjoy everything you write whether I comment or not!
The yarn came out so well! I’m glad you’ve managed to make ol’ WW work for you – I was hating to think we wouldn’t see more of your spinning for awhile!
Yes on Clive Owen, Mark Wahlberg & Ken Watanabe. I thought George Clooney was looking pretty good too . . .
Oh–and the yarn is excellent!
Thank you for writing this blog: it’s always a treat to read! Doubly so for your gorgeous pictures of that amazing rainbow yarn. And congrats on joining the spinning Guild!
That is some gorgeous yarn!
I’m glad you had such a good time at the guild meeting. You made it sound so wonderful, I really wish I was closer and could go too…
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who still calls him Marky Mark. *drool*
It’s so exciting to see you spinning! The yarn looks beautiful.
I’m taking my very first spinning class this March – it is slightly intimidating, but since seeing your progress and happiness (after getting over that big WW bump in the road) I can’t wait!!
Your yarn is gorgeous! I love making gadgets of my own whenever possible; saves yarn money. And wasn’t it nice to see Marty win? About damn time.
Crikey! A couple more posts like this and you’ll be making me want to spin – love your results here!
Every makes such pretty yarn ;_;
I need a spinning wheel.
I love the yarn you spun! I feel happy just looking at it! I do not spin, so I have no idea what you meant by all the technical stuff, but I’m glad you got the hang of your WW gizmo.
Whoa, that is some YARN. Can’t wait to see it knit up! I think you should definitely do some swatching 🙂
Are you expecting some stripey goodness?
I adore that yarn. What will you knit it into?
OMG – that handspun! Drool!
Hahaha!! What a nice Monday chuckle!!! LOL!
I love my WW….I am glad you made peace with yours too!
Such beautiful spinning!! I can’t wait to see what you do with it. I’m glad to hear that you are getting along much better with your WW.
I’ve met some lovely ladies who are helping me with my spinning. I’m getting hooked. Now I want a wheel!! I wish I could schlepp out to LI and join that guild. I wonder if there are any here in NJ.
Go, Cara, go! The yarn looks fantastic, and aren’t you clever for inventing your own lazy kate!
Hi Cara–I don’t spin, but I love that barberpole yarn! It looks great. And that clip! OMG. I live in Bensonhurst/Dyker HeightsBay Ridge Brooklyn. It might as well have been called Brooklyn Beat. “look at that face! God bless that face”. Too funny.
Ooh, that is some BEAUTIFUL yarn!!! You did such a great job!
Oh, and yes, Will Ferrell really should host the Oscars!
Oh god I’m CRYING from the combined effect of the BeeGees skit PLUS the Bronx Beat PLUS the thought of you and Ann doing the Guyland Beat. No kidding. Tears streaming.
What ah yew–Chippewa? Ah yew Apache? Ah yew Taurus?
DYING! xox Kay
That yarn is amazingly beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you use it for.
OMG Cara! You had me crying with those clips! I haven’t watched SNL for a loooong time – I might have to start watching again.
When are you & Ann gonna do a podcast????? 🙂
Your yarn is beautiful & congrats on your new guild membership!
Wow. I love your plying, too. I’m really pleased with how many pics you posted of it, so I could admire it again and again as I read. You should be truly proud, as I know you are, and congratz on being a guild member =)
I LOVE that yarn! that looks like so much fun!!! I’m keeping myself plenty busy with work and knitting alone, but you make me want to spin 😉
I’m in love with that yarn! The colors are yummy.
back with a bang! the yarn is gorgeous!!!!!
OMG, Cara, that is the most amazing yarn!!!! And with a friend like Ann, you are set for life, honey. Really. Seriously. That’s TRUE friendship.
Hi,
I’ve only just begun reading your blog, but I love it!
I’m hoping to learn how to spin, beginning with a spindle. Do you have any recommendations on what book(s) I should get? or even advice on spindles?
Thanks again for a great blog!
charli
Charlizeen@yahoo.com
GORGEOUS yarn. I’m so glad you joined a guild – it’s so much fun to get together with other women who GET IT.
Clive Owen is beyond gorgeous. If you haven’t seen Children of Men, you haven’t lived. And Mark Wahlberg in The Departed? Meltarific. Ken Watanabe is his name and bone numbingly hot is his game (the Japanese guy).
And I love your yarn. I’m glad we have the same tastes.
You HAVE to show us what you end up knitting with that yarn. It’s beautiful.
the yarn!
imo *the*best*oscars*ever!
i loved the beginning with the unsung backbone of the movie industry.
i loved the little girls dress — maybe not being sexualized as a child will save her from becoming another britney
loved the three amigos, helen mirin, always love merle streep, always creeped out by jack nicholson (and newly always creeped out by borat)
loved seeing the tide turn with an inconvenient truth getting so much recognition. the oscars rocked!
I just had to say that plying is absolutely stunning!! It seems that the WW is a fantastic investment, thanks for sharing, even though I now feel an urge to spend yet more money 😉
I am rendered speechless by the fabulosity of that yarn. Wow…
I know some excellent spinners who don’t like the WW because they have to give up an element of control–the WW requires some tension of its own. But your yahn is goajus. What is it, Sioux? Cherokee? Apache? Go have Angelina Jolie spin it!
Hi Cara,
Your new handspun looks amazing – great colours (I’m from London, UK, hence the spelling)! I have searched through the archive of your blog, but can’t find instructions for how you knit two socks at once. Please, please could you share this secret? Or point me to some instructions? i’d love to master it because I hate the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome! Thanks very much.
I’m with Kirsty all the way, I mean, what is it with George? Will he never be easy on the eye? I think not. and Helen…. but I missed Johnny and Morgan this year.
Your new handspun is beautiful!
I *told* you so! A binder clip is also a handy tension tool. So happy for you!
I love the colours in the yarn you have made, really beautiful and cheerful. 🙂
Jenny, Kate–who are these broads? They drive me nuts. Nuts.
that yarn is absolutely divine !
Love the yarn… and the desired (positive outcome). Tend to agree with Celese about Oscars. I liked that EdeG made it about the nominees… and that there were montages/filmed tributes rather than long pontifications. Little Miss Sunshine seemed age appropriate… and Will Smith’s kiddo will be a force to be reckoned with… that timing and presence. WHAT was with Philip Seymour Hoffman? Looked like Nick Knolte’s mug shot. Eek.
Happy spinning and knitting.
Thanks for the video – I almost wet myself watching it.
Wow! Your spinning is wonderful! Beautifully plied skeins. Now, what are you gonna create with it? Spinning and I are not friends yet.
Thanks for your blog. You always have me laughing and in awe of your knitting!