Knitting Help - Using a Ball Winder and Swift

[chillax441]

can u please make a step by step tutorial for that amazing scarf behind you plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz:)

[verypinkknits]

@chillax441 The pink shawl behind me is a pattern called Ishbel (available on Ravelry). It's not my design, so I probably won't be doing a tutorial on it - sorry! But it's a fun knit if you'd like to give it a try.

[MrKnittingguy]

can you use a drop spindle to wind your yarn???

[verypinkknits]

@MrKnittingguy Drop spindles are for spinning yarn from wool, not for winding yarn that is already made.

[MrKnittingguy]

im just going to use a real unbrella :-P

[maileen420]

I buy Red Heart Super Saver skeins and they don't come twisted up like that. How would I unwind one to put it on a swift?

[verypinkknits]

@maileen420 There is no need to wind yarn that comes in a skein - you only need to wind it if it comes in a hank. You can watch my video called "Skein, Ball, Hank, Cake" if you'd like more help.

[haleygayle]

@maileen420 You can do what i do and just pull from the center and then wind it from that while holding the strand with one hand to keep it slightly tight.

[glyncor]

Thank you for explaining this. I am always embarrassed to ask the yarn shop how it is done, so I take it home and lay it over the back of my wooden rocker to wind.

[clogden21]

I have not used a swift yet, but I do use a winder, I love it, I rewind everything I use, If I use a center pull (which does not always work i.e. Vanna's Choice, I never find the center of that brand) I put my skein in a big bucket so it can flop around while I am winding.

[tookienurse]

that was an awesome help for those of us who are so new to this craft!!!

[abasscase]

Just got my ball winder for Christmas and my first experience was a little treacherous and hubby was acting as my "swift". Thanks for this video and I'm hoping the next time there will be no knots or "spaghetti'.

Is it ok if you mention the kind of yarn you're using in your projects or in your videos? Us yarn addicts are always curious about such things.

[verypinkknits]

@abasscase I'm always clear about the yarn I use in the pattern tutorials, but I suppose I don't mention it in the technique videos. :) Most of the time I use 100% wool yarn (my favorite), like Cascade 220, Cascade 128, or Knit Picks Wool of the Andes.

[Feadrahchan]

I want some of those when I can buy them, this looks so fun and easy. XD

[verypinkknits]

@Feadrahchan I'm unable to give you a direct link in the comments here, but if you go to the KnitPicks website and search for "ball winder" and "swift", you'll see these for sale. Knit Picks offers these for really good prices, too.