Mielke's Fiber Arts, LLC
Your Central Wisconsin source for weaving, spinning, knitting, crocheting, tatting, bobbin lace, felting, dyeing, and locker hooking equipment, books, and supplies.

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Swifts, Ballwinders 
and 
Other Yarn Handling Tools

[swifts] [ballwinders] [mcmorran] [noestpinne] [yardage counter]
[wpi gauges] [rope machine] [bottom of page]

Swifts

A swift is used to hold a skein of yarn. You simply unfold the skein, slip it over the swift and push the swift open.  It unwinds as you make balls or measure a warp. 

(Left) Finished umbrella swift, large: Circumference 12" to 100," 26" tall.  $69.95  #129162

(Right) Finished umbrella swift, small: Circumference 12" to 72," 22" tall.  $59.95  #129161

The larger, unfinished wooden swift is a traditional Scandinavian style.  It holds skeins up to two pounds and two yards in circumference.  The smaller one is made of plastic and metal and will hold skeins up to one pound and sixty inches in circumference.  These swifts expand when pushed up. 

On the Left: Scandinavian Swift...$75.00  #129006

On the Right: Light Duty Metal and Plastic Swift...$49.95  #129030

Ashford Upright Wooden Swift

Unfinished.  Comes with clamp to attach to table for use.  Swift expands when pushed down...$110.00  #109157

Goko Yarn Swift
Another way to unwind!  This traditional Japanese swift spins easily on its wooden base.  Holds up to 8 ounce skeins.  Adjustable for skeins with 55" to 63" circumference...$124.00

McMorran Yarn Balance

Take a length of yarn and place centrally in the V of the balance arm.  Add more yarn or cut off yarn ends until the balance arm is horizontal.  Remove yarn and measure.  Measure TOTAL length in inches.  Multiply number of inches (& fractions) by 100.  This figure is the approximate number of yards in a pound of yarn.  Note: The accuracy will increase if equal amounts of yarn are at each side of the V.  The figure is approximate only, and the balance must not be used for legal sale of yarns.

Designed by H. McMorran, B.Sc.
Former lecturer in Textile Testing at the Scottish College of Textiles, Galashiels, Scotland

Approximately six inches tall and two inches wide when packed into itself, for travel or storage.  $23.30  #349020

Yardage Counter

This is a useful tool for those who warp sectionally.  As opposed to most counters which read in feet, the Schacht records yards (you can also request a meter counter).  The counter will record up to 9999 yards and comes complete with a clamp.  Size of counter is 7" x 5" x 5"...$171.00  #129091
(special order item - allow 2 weeks for shipment)

Ballwinders

A ball winder is one of the necessary tools for anyone working with yarn.  Any yarn can be quickly made into a center-pull ball in minutes.

Plastic Ballwinder
 The built-in clamp fits easily onto a table or shelf . It has a removable core so you can weigh the ball during the winding process...$36.65  #129049

Noestpinne

How to wind balls on a Nostepinne - click here.

Kromski Nostepinne
Make a center-pull ball of yarn using just this stick.  Made of European Alder/Birch.  Available in three finishes.

Clear Finish...$13.75  #179

Walnut Finish...$13.75  #179011

 Mahogany Finish...$13.75  #179012

Grafton Nostepinde
Beautiful Nostepindes - each unique and yet each with the same
feeling that comes through in all of Tom's work.  Available in various exotics and hardwoods...$25.00  #529009  Out of Stock

Cascade Spindle Company's Pacific Northwest Nostepinne
Well-shaped and balanced tool for ball winding...$25.00  #659109

Cascade Spindle Company Niddy-Nosty
Two tools in one - a Niddy-Noddy for winding skeins with just a turn of your wrist, then simply remove the ends to wind balls with the Nostepinne handle. Unique, from the Cascade Spindle Company - a 'must have' tool...$50.00  #659108

How to wind balls on a Nostepinne - click here.

Wraps-per-inch Gauges

A WPI Tool is a handy device for all fiber artists who want to measure their fiber's WPI. Increasingly, WPI is being used by designers and yarn manufacturers when specifying their designs or yarn characteristics. Two yarns that have the same WPI can be exchanged. This is important if you are trying to substitute one yarn for another for a given pattern.

Nancy's Knit Knack WPI Tool Kit
$9.99  #649102

	It is made from birch hardwood which has an oil finish applied
	Measures 5" in length x 5/16" diameter (Yarn Guide knob measures 5/8")
	All markings are laser etched into the wood and will not wear off.
	There are markings for up to 3 inches which allows you to calculate a more accurate average WPI on certain hairy yarns.
	There are also 1/2 inch marks.
	A special yarn guide knob is used to hold your yarn in place while measuring the WPI.
	A special WPI Knit-Kard™ comes bundled with the tool in a ziplock bag. The Kard tells the user how to use the tool and provides a useful WPI chart for 6 different weights of yarn.

Schacht Dizzy Yarn Gauge
Maple.  1/2 inch and 1 inch gauges.  Also has two diz holes...$17.00  #129093

NEW!! Ashford Yarn Gauge
Measures wraps per half inch or one inch.  With leather loop. Great gift idea - what every knitter and spinner needs!  $5.50

Spinner's Control Card

Knitters can also use this gauge to determine the thickness of manufactured yarns!

Now spin your singles in the exact diameter needed for any designated ply, without stopping to make a control yarn!

To use, simply determine the wraps per inch (wpi) that you want your finished yarn to be and multiply the wpi by the number of ply you want. The result is the thickness that you will need to spin each single. Use the Control Card as a visual aid to spin each single the exact thickness required for your finished, plied yarn!

Package includes one, clear acrylic, wipe clean control card on a handy “zip clip” and instructions.
(US Patent Pending)  $11.00  #619202

Grafton Threading/Gauge Hooks
The Threading Hook that is also a Wrap Gauge!
Crafted by Tom Diak.  Delightful orifice hooks that have both 1/2 and 1 inch turned areas to measure your wraps per inch as you spin.  Various woods...$15.00  # 529006 Out of Stock

Wristaff
Spin with style! Cascade Spindle Company's uniquely designed wristaff will hold your fiber source neatly and securely. It will also measure wraps per inch! Made in a variety of woods including walnut, honey locust and sumac, it comes complete with a leatherette cord and wooden beads.  $25.00  #659101

Rope Machine

Schacht Rope Machine

Schacht Spindle Company’s Incredible Rope Machine gets even More Incredible with a new rounder design that makes for smoother action and easier rope making. The new hook design refines the aesthetic appeal of this perennial favorite.

The Incredible Rope Machine is the fiber artist’s handy tool for making customized edge trims, accents for pillows, coats, and sweaters, and purse handles, jewelry, belts, and more. This simple-to-use tool allows the craftsperson to fashion the just-right accent. Any size, color or texture can be used for the perfect sweater trim, or just-right handle for a custom-made bag.

Many different yarns, thick and thin, loops and boucles, can be combined at the same time. Blend colors, textures, and fibers from very fine ropes to very thick ones. This handy tool is versatile, useful, and just plain fun. It’s a tool every fiber artist should own. In minutes you can make decorative ropes out of a range of yarns. Create multi-colored or multi-textured, thick or thin ropes for belts, trims, handles, and more. Great for kids of all ages.

Complete easy-to-follow instructions show you how to be infinitely creative with the Incredible Rope machine...$42.00  #129085

Examples of ropes made with rope machine.

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Mielke's Fiber Arts, LLC  3086 Co. Rd. PP  Rudolph, WI 54475
(715) 435-4494
Please call during normal business hours,  9 - 5 CST, Mon - Sat.


Copyright © 2001-2008 Mielke's Fiber Arts, LLC
Last modified: July 11, 2008