(You can even twist outdoors; all pics enlarge.)
A New Generation
Originally named the Daruma Home Twister, I sold beaucoup of these in the eighties, as a sales associate at School Products Co. Its popularity spawned a mélange yarn fad, prompting a few shops to even offer a twisting service for their customers.
Then a decade later, the capriciousness of fashion precipitated a decline in the home knitting market, and the Daruma was cast off by its original producers, the Yokata Co., Ltd..
Hey, nothing lasts forever.
(Mélange magnifique; twisted balls)
Or does it? When my own appliance started approaching its end last year (its housing now glued together), I started searching for a replacement. Ancestors! I learned that interest in this device had attained cult status among fiberphiles. Sightings on Craigslist and Ebay were but a blink of an eye, being snatched up. Vintage sewing and needlework sites, who knew the value of this doohicky, listed prices as high as $100 (for serious collectors, the Daruma in it's original red housing, can be purchased at the fabulous site for vintage housewares, Pinky LaRue. )
Well, I posted about my own, in the hope that the laws of attraction would bring one to me––and it did. Now, I bring it to you!
KrisKrafter To The Rescue
(It's jim dandy; the new Home Twister)
My girl Kris is now manufacturing and selling the Home Twister! It's a fraternal twin to the second iteration, the only difference is the casing's coloring. It still holds several strands of yarn in a slit in the cone's top, enabling you to create marls and mélange's in weights from lace to bulky. Simple to assemble (just 2 parts), it stores easily.
Now, some of you may find the price of $70.00 not very frugally fabulous. Check this out.
If you're a machine knitter with cones of yarn that are too thin to hand knit with, the twister can extend your creative range. Ply together small amounts and knit mini swatches until you arrive at a pleasing color combo; it's how I came to knit my V neck. I wanted to hand knit a sweater, looked at all of the cones of yarn I had, then said "Gee' maybe I'll twist some strands together and see what happens"; it's like painting!
(Happily twisted; for details see my projects on Raverly; there's a tutorial in the sidebar too.)
Now, if you're not inclined to spin yarn, this is the next best thing; experiment, throwing in lengths of yarn to catch in with ones being twisted. Ply together different weights and textures. You can create blends just as nice as many handspuns; this super device, is designed to ply your yarns together evenly, no matter what weight or type.
The Home Twister is a great way to extend your stash, and to create new fabrics. And it won't fall apart on you. There aren't any parts to break, and trust me––mine has lasted 23 years. How frugally fabulous is that?
Ready everbody? Let's twist with Kris!
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Very cool!
Posted by: Christie | Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 10:48
Looks good on you!
And I'm glad you found a new Twister!
Posted by: Chris | Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 13:20
I remember when you knitting that at the knittaque we held in 2007! I'm glad you finished and it looks great on you.
By the way, we need to start planning for this year :-)
Posted by: Chante | Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 16:45
That is sooo cool. You're gonna make everyone want one, too :)
Posted by: miukat | Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 16:27
Thinking of you as it rains...hope you have a poncho at the wool fest--and you have your usual great time amidst sheep & fibers. We're open-housing in damp NYC.
Posted by: naomi dagen bloom | Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 06:29
Sahara!
Thanks for the lovely comment on my new(ish) blog. I am happy and blessed and working at home doing my writing now--a long time dream come true.
Glad to hear that you're back.
Peace,
Evelyn
Posted by: Evelyn | Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 10:28
The sweater is gorgeous! Beautiful color matching for the twist and fantastic handiwork makes for an awesome sweater for you! I'm jealous...
Posted by: Jacquelyn3396 on Ravelry | Friday, May 15, 2009 at 11:36
Great sweater! I recall you mentioning twisting yarns together before. Sounds like a wonderful device. I'm glad you were able to find a replacement.
Posted by: Wanda | Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 10:16
This post makes me realize the energy of words and pictures. As always your things are just gorgeous and I am grateful that you let us look in! Have a good week!
Posted by: New Jordans | Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 19:40
Of course, what a great site and informative posts, I will add backlink - bookmark this site? Regards, Reader.
Posted by: Brandon | Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 11:01