AtoZ Challelnge...Invention-Shoulda Shark Tanked It

AtoZ Letter 'I'

You have heard the saying "Necessity is the Mother of Invention"...right?  I'm pretty sure that was the basis for the invention of the 'Swift/Skein Holder' by some guy whose arms and hands went numb after hours of holding up a skein of yarn while his wife wound the yarn into a ball.

Just in case you are unfamiliar with the Swift, here's a swift synopsis...it is a tool used to hold a hank of yarn while being wound into a ball.  It has an adjustable diameter so that it can hold different sizes of hanks and rotates around a central rod.  Generally made of wood or metal unless you have a vintage one made of whale ivory...highly collectible and if ever you find one...swiftly swift that Swift up!

Swifts are not used very much in the textile/fabric industry, but more so by knitters and crocheters.  
When not in use for winding yarn, my swift is sheathed in it's cover and mounted on the sewing work table.  Needless to say, I am not into hanks of yarn right now, but I am in NEED of something to wind yards and yards of fabric strips into a nice neat roll...like a quilters jelly roll. 

So, here comes the Mother of Invention.

TaDa...the 4T-SSR...short for...ToiletTubeTubTop Swift Strip Roller.
 

Here are the steps to making one...just in case you don't want to wait for mine to be patented,
produced and marketed. 

Materials....1 toilet tube (without toilet paper); 1 round plastic lid (best if lid has a raised rim, but not imperative).  Step 1.  Mark and cut out circle for tube in the center of lid.  Step 2.  Hot glue tube to lid on top and underneath with an inch or so of the tube sticking out on the under side.  Step 3.  Slide the tube/lid over top of Swift and secure with clips.   Now you are ready to ROLL!!! 

 

 #1.  Attach the strip...right side out...to the tube with a straight pin making sure it is above the strip so you can remove it when finished rolling.
#2.  Gently stretch the strip out with bottom edge touching the lid lip.  It is easy to hold the strip between two fingers so it can slide through without twisting.  Notice the pile of stripping below...this distance allows for the strip to straighten out and unfold as you roll.
#3.  Turn the handle on the Swift to begin rolling.  Brace your elbow against your side to maintain level rolling and tension on the roller.
#4.  At the end of rolling...remove the clips and the straight pin and slide the roll off the tube.

Tie and Label

Be sure and maintain the center as it slipped off the Toilet Tube!!

Why?

So it will fit on the 4T-SSR Stand!!!

 

What do you think...Shark Tank or Toilet Tank?