Where Carders Come From
Yesterday morning, we took our little mini-road trip to Chilliwack, stopping only for coffee and doughnuts at Tim’s (because that’s what Canadians do on road trips). The drive was easy and we enjoyed the amazing sunny weather that is unusual for Vancouver in February.
Patrick and Paula win the prize for most adorable couple, ever. Paula showed us parts of her massive garden (raised beds for asparagus) and even gave us a couple homegrown apples. They helped unpack my new drum carder, plug it in and show us how to use, maintain and repair it. Since we came to pick up the carder, they included a few additional toys (I mean, tools) — a flicker and a double-sided “side flicker”. Patrick was happy to show us the other equipment that they are working on, including the Supercard and Triple Pickers — Richard was so impressed with the workmanship that he even said on the drive home that my next drum carder (whenever that might be) can be a Supercard — remember, you are all witnesses now!
So this is what I got, a Patrick Green 3-speed Powered Fancicard:
And here are the bits and pieces that accompanied the carder:
Of course, I started playing with it as soon as we got it home — I blended some green Border Leicester and blue Coopworth into…
So. Much. Fun.
Tags: carding, fancicard, Patrick Green, Paula Simmons
Now that I’ve wiped the drool off of my keyboard, let me be the first to say… Wow! Have fun with that - I’ll try not to be too jealous.
It looks amazing! That’s great that the drive there was nice. Your blends look awesome, can’t wait to see more.
OHHHH!! Pretty, pretty…. I can’t imagine how lovely a motorized one is, I have an ol’ hand crank, and that’s fun, but a motor…
Totally drooling and Green (get it?) with envy. Enjoy!
So much better than shoes! I love those blended batts!
Oh my, I too am drooling! That is so pretty I agree that this is so much better than shoes!
Wow. I’m really looking forward to seeing what kinds of combos (fiber, color, etc) you come up with Felicia. Those are beautiful batts.
Beautiful! And it promises many hours of fun. And will probably last a lot longer than the shoes.
Greene with envy over here.
Congratulations on your carder!!!! Can’t wait to see more beautiful batts!!!
Just luscious! Who needs shoes?
We are of the same mind. The Supercard is my next carder too - whenever that may be. I got the Finest right now - love it, but tried the Pat Green carders at Rhinebeck and am just crazy over them. I can highly recommend the picker. I got that and now I breeze through the carding - they were right it really does make it easier.
Congratulations!! You are going to have so much fun. i have a Supercarder and there is nothing about it that I do not love. The Patrick and Paula make wonderful carding machines!!
My jealousy is about being close enough to actually drive there and meet Paula Simmons!! They have great products.
What fun! It looks like a great piece of machinery. And I love the warning signs - DANGER & NO FINGERS. Tee hee!
Beautiful blended batts!
Heh! Fancicarder is a good choice. I can understand it was a tough decision. Christian Louboutin is one of my favourite shoe designers.
Your drumcarder looks wonderful !
Lucky girl with a motorized carder! Your test batts look great :O)
Ahh….. puffies and the things that make them puffy… so beautiful. Congratulations!
Lucky, lucky you! Very envious! Gotta start saving…
What beautiful blends you have made!! Looking forward to see more!
How exciting! I’ve used a Patrick Greene carder, but only the hand crank one. Your blended batts look great!
My little girl, how she’s grown!
Which is most interesting for you - fiber prep, spinning, or knitting?
Wow! Congrats! I have a Deb’s Deluxe and I love it! You will enjoy it for some time to come…
Wow! Congrats! I have a Deb’s Deluxe and I love it! You will enjoy it for some time to come…
Sounds like so much fun!
Oh, I am soooooo jealous. I love my Strauch carder, but I would have liked to have had an electric one…like the Pat Green. Did you get a burnishing brush and a slicker?
I just came across your site while looking for a cool baby bootie pattern. I found your baby set from 3.05 and saw that the hat was made from Knitting for Two. Where did you get the bootie pattern? I recently did a pattern that looks like it had similar cuts/pieces, but couldn’t figure out how it went together - it seemed to be missing a side. I’d love to know where your pattern came from. I love the way they turned out!
Thanks!
Megan
hey there, I just bought a used Pat Green carder and I’ve decided to get the set of tools for it… It’s cool to see photos of them (couldn’t find pics elsewhere). have you used the batt lifter? how does it actually work? I’ve heard they’re a bit fussy, but on the other hand, I’m leaving half the batt on the drum… your thoughts?
BTW, I love your use of light, field depth, composition in your photos. very classy.
best, MeganM
Oh, I have major envy. I’ve been trying to research drum carders and while I would love to have a motorized one, I think I may end up with something less expensive. It’s sort of down to a Deb’s Deluxe and a Strauch, probably 200 series. Maybe. I can dream.
Great post!