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.
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.
#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?
So many things I never knew existed and which I'd never have a use for - but it's interesting to see that they make sense when put into the right context.
ReplyDeleteLeanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
I for If Opportunity….
Now you know...if you ever take up knitting or rag rug making. I can see that might happen in your future.
DeleteI can’t imagine Mark Cuban or Mr. Wonderful jumping on this but maybe Barbara Corcoran will get it and make you an offer.
ReplyDeleteOh, I don't know...Mark might be a closet knitter, where Barbara would probably say..."wouldn't it be easier and a whole lot cheaper to buy an electric strip winder...Simplicity makes one". I finally bought one, but, I can wind on my spinner faster. LOL!
DeleteI think it's genius, not for me, but in the world of yarn
ReplyDeleteYeah, I later found out one had been invented by Simplicity. Mine is faster, though!
DeleteI like your creative use of the swift. Seems like a useful contraption to me.Weekends In Maine
ReplyDeleteKey word here...contraption! LOL!!!
DeleteI did not know about swift. So interesting. Thank you for sharing this :)
ReplyDeleteYep, it's pretty swift! Thanks for visiting.
DeletePretty dang smart girl, the saying is so true. I thought of an idea back in the 1960's-a utensil to wrap a taco shell around to fry. Never did anything with it but somewhere later I saw someone had invented one.
ReplyDeleteAnn
There were Tacos in the 60's? Wow, you were ahead of the times.
DeleteMarvelous and very useful!
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
Thanks...I found it to be useful and cheaper than the one made by Simplicity, which I eventually bought.
DeleteI really likes your blog! You have shared the whole concept really well and very beautifully soulful read!Thanks for sharing.ดูหนังออนไลน์
ReplyDelete