This post was originally written on August 19, 2015, after I returned from my trip to Alaska.
I just got back from a trip visiting my friend Larraine in Alaska. It was partly a visit (fiber retreat) at her house and partly an Alaska Yarn Crawl. So much fun, I don’t even know where to start, so I’ll save it for another time.
I still have a few days left of my vacation from work, and I plan to hang around home to enjoy some quality fiber time for myself.
Today I decided to process my Romney lamb fleece I bought a year or two ago. Luckily, I had already washed it, so now I just needed to pick and card it.
This made me think of some of the great fiber tools I’ve collected over the years on Etsy.
Etsy has some amazing craftspeople who not only sew, spin, and make, but also woodworking folks who create fantastic tools for us fiber enthusiasts.
Here is my picker:
Made and purchased from Etsy seller, Kaydessa, February 2012. A very good deal, it picks well, is compact, stores safely and it’s independently made.
I recommend making sure your tetanus shot is current. Pricking yourself on one of the nails could get quite nasty if you haven’t had it within the recommended time frame.
Notice the large, sharp points on those nails. They fluff the fiber right up.
You can pick by hand, but if you tend to purchase multiple fleeces or a really large fleece, then this tool may be for you.
Another tool I had purchased on Etsy was from Benjamin Green Studio, a wool combs/holder combo that is worth is weight in gold. Sturdy, well made, and he even has a few videos on how to use them.
Another tool that stores away safely and one you should take care when using.
His first video, made about five years ago:
His second video, made about two years ago:
Until the next post….spin on.
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