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Charka
Jan 16, 2012 20:49:25 GMT -5
Post by nightmist on Jan 16, 2012 20:49:25 GMT -5
My DH is making me a charkha. A charkha is an Indian spinning wheel. It is very simple in design. The standard gear ratio runs around 1:125, which is what you would expect on a wheel that is primarily used for cotton. I was talking about wheels last night, and joking to DH that I would have to get him to make me one. Since he thinks of flyer wheels when he thinks of spinning wheels he pretty much said "when hell freezes over!" Then he saw a charkha on a page I was looking at and became intrigued by it's simplicity. So today he stopped by the craft store and found pre-cut wooden circles, various odds and bobs, and a well sized box to build it all into. When it is finished I should have a book charkha. ;D Soon I will have all the stuff it takes to make any textile item from raw fiber to finished item! Then I will have to train an apprentice or six because I won't have the time to do everything. LOL
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Charka
Jan 16, 2012 22:23:26 GMT -5
Post by txdirtdog on Jan 16, 2012 22:23:26 GMT -5
Very cool.
Can you post a pic when it's done?
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Charka
Jan 17, 2012 2:00:58 GMT -5
Post by garrett on Jan 17, 2012 2:00:58 GMT -5
i second the motion.
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Charka
Jan 17, 2012 2:21:33 GMT -5
Post by marielouise on Jan 17, 2012 2:21:33 GMT -5
what type fiber do you spin?
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Charka
Jan 17, 2012 6:10:33 GMT -5
Post by nightmist on Jan 17, 2012 6:10:33 GMT -5
I will get DH to take a pic and get it to me for posting. He is usually better about getting me pics of stuff that he has done or has been a contributing force on than stuff that I have done alone. My digital camera skills are full of fail. I spin whatever fiber I lay hands on. One time I prepped and spun nettles, which turned out rather well I thought. Sadly it is a high stinkum process and not particularly suited for living in town. I spin wool of course. I want to experiment with spinning wool and nylon together to see if I can invent my own superwash wool blend. I've notions about combining the fibers and then submitting the yarn to a temperature shock so that it felts around the nylon. Thus sort of pre-shrinking it around a support if you see what I mean. Why yes I am quite mad, how did you guess? I am a fan of flax. Call me old fashioned. Though it does do funny things to the skin on the thumb and forefinger of your drafting hand. It's the damping I think. Cotton is a PITA, though I have been told that Egyptian is easier and Pima is the easiest of the US varieties. I will probably give those particular varieties a go some time. I really want to try silk but I haven't yet. Ditto for ramie, I only just found someplace to buy that fiber. Ramie dyes so beautifully I am eager to give it a shot. The few clothing items in it I have encountered have been wonderful so far as texture and hand too. Long term I am eventually going to run away from home, go live with a herd of goats, and make my fortune spinning cashmere.
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Charka
Jan 17, 2012 10:31:58 GMT -5
Post by marielouise on Jan 17, 2012 10:31:58 GMT -5
LOL sounds like a roving future! goats--- better sheeps, they purtyer! haaaaaha
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Charka
Jan 18, 2012 14:46:34 GMT -5
Post by annclaire on Jan 18, 2012 14:46:34 GMT -5
I am growing my own angora and have cotton seeds to plant this spring I also received my new spindles last friday, but have several crochet projects I have to finish before I can start practicing my spinning.
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Charka
Jan 18, 2012 22:58:39 GMT -5
Post by w8n4dave on Jan 18, 2012 22:58:39 GMT -5
Ohhh that is so very cool!! I have a lil hand held spinner my hubbs made me... I was spinning plastic bags I just havn't found the right thing to make with it once it is spun.. But I would also love to see a pic
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bella
New Member
Posts: 6
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Charka
Jan 19, 2012 15:02:07 GMT -5
Post by bella on Jan 19, 2012 15:02:07 GMT -5
At first, I was wondering why 'Chakra' was on this part of the forum. ;D You all are so talented; I'd also love to see pics of whatever you create!! It is wonderful that people are getting back to basics, and doing these old crafts. Hubby has a friend who left a successful business and now lives out in the sticks, and raises goats. Guess he's much happier now, too!!!
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Charka
Jan 20, 2012 9:31:38 GMT -5
Post by nightmist on Jan 20, 2012 9:31:38 GMT -5
I've been told that charkha and chakra both have the same literal meaning, "wheel". Which makes all kinds of sense.
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Charka
Jan 20, 2012 20:44:35 GMT -5
Post by annclaire on Jan 20, 2012 20:44:35 GMT -5
Finally uploaded my first spinning I did just before christmas: And these are the 5 new spindles I got last friday:
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