Spool Knitter

Another Artist

2012-01-22T13:22:00.001+11:00

Helmi Coenders It is always a treat to discover other artists who paint their own spool knitters.I was contacted by Helmi Coenders of The Nederlands wherespool knitters are called punniken. Helmi has painted her spool knitters with a great novelflair .... taking a basic/common shaped spool knitterand working it in an entirely new way! You can find her blog here ... click and here is her wonderful

New French Knitting Pattern Book 2011

2011-11-29T16:47:00.004+11:00

Here is a fantastic new book byHeather Kingsley-Heath.It is an A4 size, 32 page book available from - http://www.heatherworks.co.uk/ Heather has created wonderful projects usingthe spool knitter. I just love the cutest dolls that she has designed. There is also lots of jewellery, home decor, and toys. Above shows the back cover. You will be spool knitting away to your heart'scontent with

1974 Spool Knitting Patterns for Kids

2011-11-13T17:00:00.002+11:00

(click to enlarge)Found this in a vintage Australian magazine - Woman's World -October 16, 1974 Something for the children to make! ... and I hopethat they can use these ideas for more of their own, like adding extra touches or embellishments. ******

Eeeeeekkkkkk!!!!!!

2011-10-23T20:46:00.004+11:00

With Halloween fast approaching,I wanted to show you some spool knittersthat I have recently purchased witha Halloween/monster theme. The first photo below showstwo spool knitters made by Janet (J Sorel).She sells spool knitters via her Etsy site. Here are "Suzy Sugar Skull" left, and"Not Your Average Mummy" right. The next photo shows two spool knitters/bobbinsfrom the Bobbins Series 1

Dime Store and Hang Packets

2011-07-16T18:06:00.005+10:00

Dime Store and Hang Packet Spool Knitters Dime Stores or Variety Stores were popular for shoppers who had little money to spend.A great many items found could be purchased for just five or ten cents in the earlier years.Many items were Made in Japan and they produced cheap toys in abundance.Among these were spool knitters. Spool knitters, long considered a child's simple toy, wereeasy to

Announcing the June Bride Competition

2011-04-20T17:29:00.001+10:00

There is a brand new competition now underway over at Yahoo Spoolknitter(link in right-hand column of blog) and not to be confused with Flickr Spool Knitter, but you are most welcome there too!If you want to join in the fun,come on over and join our Yahoo groupand you will then get to know the detailsfor the competition.The prize?.......is not one!.... but TWO hand paintedspoolknitters below ...

Penelope Magazine

2011-04-11T22:14:00.002+10:00

PENELOPEVintage Magazines from France As most of you are well aware, to find informationor patterns involving spool knitting is rare.However, if we travel back to 1920's - 1930'sin France, we find a publication called Penelopewhich at this time was featuring a column called"Tricotin". I am more convinced than ever that theart of spool knitting was so much more popularin Europe than anywhere

Toadstool Knitting Set

2011-02-16T01:26:00.002+11:00

Toadstool Knitting Setmade byMiladiMade in England This is a particularly fun lookingboxed set from Miladi.I would say it iscirca 1950's.The colourful graphics areeye-catching as are the happylittle Pixies. Inside this set (as found)are two toadstool/mushroomknitters, scraps of wool,"tubes" of embroidery threadlabelled "Miladi",and an instruction leaflet whose cover matches the box lid.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T18:36:00.001+11:00

Happy New Year to all andmay 2011 bring you yourdreams-come-true,lots of spool knittingsuccesses and lots of fun!!!! ~~~~~~~~~

Toy Knitting Outfit

2010-11-29T22:11:00.003+11:00

Bradley's Toy Knitting Outfit Milton Bradley Co.Springfield, Mass. U. S. A. Milton Bradley, born in 1836 in Vienna, Maine,was first interested in lithography as a teenager.By 1860 he had founded the Milton BradleyCompany and the first color lithography shopin Springfield, Massachusetts.Apart from games, Bradley wasinterested in children's education andlearning through play,and the company also

Little Mermaids

2010-11-21T16:25:00.002+11:00

New Knitting Dolls These little Mermaid knitting dolls areas cute as can be.There are six to the set eachone's hair different from the other.They have little sparkle dots ontheir bases in various colours.They are newly released herein Australia, and as faras I can tell, very limited at present.They should be more easily availableover the next 12 months. These are made by Sailing Toys and Gifts

Yahoo Spoolknitter Competition

2010-11-15T00:57:00.001+11:00

Yahoo SpoolknitterChristmas Character/Doll Competition The Yahoo Spoolknitter group are having theirlast competition for the year and theprize for the winner is afabulous Bracelet Jewelry Spool Knitting Kitwhich is very generously donated by ourwire spoolknitter extraordinaire -Sharon Hessoun... author of ...Wire Knitting on a Spool.Do check out her website -Beadecked and Beaddicted Online

BUYER BEWARE!

2010-10-19T01:34:00.003+11:00

I have been a collector of spool knitters for a number of yearsnow. While I would still considermyself an amateur/novice collector, there arestill some things youshould notice that would make a lotof sense when it comes to buyingvintage spool knitters. I have seen over the past months,so called vintage spool knitters beingsold on the internet. Yes, they havethat old look about them, but didthey

Strickliesl Magazine

2010-10-16T16:53:00.004+11:00

Strickliesl MagazineLena Special A brand new German publication is now availableon the internet (Ebay).Strickliesl (or Strickliesel,or Knitting Liesl (spoolknitter)) is a Lena Special and is full of spool knittingpatterns both practicaland novel,to suit just about everyone.Spool knitting is becoming morepopular as so many more of us areexploring different textile methods.Don't forget that you

When looking on the internet ............

2010-10-05T00:44:00.003+11:00

Knitting Nancy could appear in the leastlikely of places, or maybe that is'images' of Knitting Nancy.I found this recently whenlooking on the internet.I thought that you may be interestedin seeing it too! http://www.amyoxford.com/teachers_cert.html You will have to scroll down the pagejust a little to Maddy Fraioli and herneedle punch rug -"My Good Friend Nancy"You can click on her phototo

Knitting Nancy gets a Makeover

2010-09-27T12:09:00.004+10:00

(before and after) Knitting PeterI had been wanting to give the Spear's Knitting Nancy ofthe 1970's, 80's, and 90's a makeover for quite sometime. (Knitting Nancy is the product name given to the spool knitters by Spear's Games) I have a large number of these common boring and hideous bright pink-faced KnittingNancies in varying degrees of condition, the onethat I have painted here had had an

Spoolknitting Box

2010-09-07T21:40:00.002+10:00

The prize for the winner of the current YahooSpoolknitter Group Competition is this sweet hand-painted wooden box to hold yourspoolknitting accessories in.It has a wood cut-out of Knitting Nancyon the front!The poll is now on to find our winner! Link to the Yahoo Spoolknitter Group can be foundin the right-hand column of this blog.Maybe we will see you there! (Sept 13 ... now closed, but we

Anchor Arista

2010-08-12T00:19:00.000+10:00

A fabulous booklet to look for if you are interestedin jewellery/necklace designs is the Anchor Intermezzo.There are five different designs to make usingthe Anchor Arista threads. Below is an Anchor Arista Jewellery kit- others are available. There is a necklace and matching ring tomake from the kit. You can look at the Coats Anchor website for these booklets andjewellery kits plus some

Having Some Fun!

2010-06-23T11:42:00.001+10:00

I found a fun photo site andhad to try some with Nancyas the model. I love this one! Very Warhol!What do you think? o o o oo o o o

New Knitting Dolls

2010-05-29T15:39:00.004+10:00

Collectors of spool knittersare now being catered for verywell - there are more new knittingdolls for us to enjoy! We also find a repaint of aknitting doll - the Japanese doll. These new knitting dolls are Made in Chinawith a slightly different version of a boxfrom a previous set of knitting dolls.Remember those in their bright yellowboxes with six different knittingdolls - Eskimo, Japanese

What is it?

2010-05-22T16:35:00.002+10:00

Ted graciously agreedto model this littlespool knitting accessoryfor me...a novelty apple corecord minder.It is one part of theprize for the currentYahoo Spoolknitter GroupTea Cosy Competition.If you want to be involved,HURRY! ... youonly have untilMay 29th beforeit closes! ~~~~~~~~

Knitting Grandma

2010-05-14T21:14:00.000+10:00

I recently painted thisKnitting Grandma spool knitter.Following the original J W SpearKnitting Nancy, she is knittingon four double pointersjust like Nancy. oooOOOooo

Here's Humpty!

2010-05-10T01:16:00.001+10:00

My blog mascot!(with spool knit version) ->>X<<-

La Redoute, Roubaix

2010-05-01T00:16:00.007+10:00

To appreciate the importance of this little tricotin,we go back a little into the history of Roubaix, France. Roubaix, in the region Nord Pas de Calais, becamea city with a booming textile and wool industry in the19th century. There were 200 mills operatingaround the city.Around the 1920's a catalogue/mail-orderindustry developed selling wools, patterns,etc.Because the town was still reeling

The Collection of Christine Painsonneau

2010-03-12T16:03:00.001+11:00

The collection ofChristine Painsonneau of "Les Tricotins de Jardinette"was featured on TV Franceon March 8, 2010. Click HERE to watch thisshort but fabulous video. ψψψψψ

Easter Egg Spoolknitter Prize

2010-02-25T22:02:00.000+11:00

There is a new competition currently onover at Yahoo Spoolknitter. The "Easter Egg" Spoolknitterpictured below is one part of theprize. Hop on over and see whatit is all about! жжжжжжж

Word Cloud

2010-02-16T19:19:00.003+11:00

Wordle

New Discovery!!

2010-01-17T18:35:00.007+11:00

Aïcha It appears there is yet another "totally different" Spears Games Knitting Nancy lurking around somewhere in the world. I discovered recently via the internet that there was another Knitting Nancy produced for the French market. While the discovery was only a box and it was missing the original Knitting Nancy, and that I would probably never be able to possess it, I thought, well then, I

Yahoo Spoolknitter Group Birthday

2010-01-08T23:38:00.006+11:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YAHOO SPOOLKNITTER!! The above is the Yahoo Spoolknitter Group Home Page notice for the current competition.... entries close Jan 21st. You are most welcome to join in the spoolknitting fun! Click on ..... Yahoo Spoolknitter Group Here is a larger photo of the spoolknitter "cake" I hope it looks good enough to eat!! The spoolknitter has six posts (nails) and is

Babushka, Spiderman and Beefeater

2010-01-07T12:55:00.001+11:00

These Knitting Dolls (spoolknitters) are newly made from the later part of 2009. They are Made in China by Sailing Toys & Gifts Co. Limited (see ToysLink for another range of knitting doll with same packaging). The very colourful set of six Babushka (product spelling) knitting dolls come in red, purple, orange, blue, green, and pink. There are also another two new spoolknitters from

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-30T23:04:00.001+11:00

*********

Christmas 2009

2009-12-17T15:19:00.002+11:00

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆

Knitting Spool Outfit No 2

2009-11-14T12:35:00.010+11:00

The Knitting Spool Outfit No2is made by the American ToyWorks - Fifth Avenue, NYUSAI could find very little aboutthe toy company (ATW) other thanthe address is the same for manyother toy companies.Nothing came up on theinternet and my two reliablesources -Encyclopedia of Children'sSewing Collectibles byDarlene J. GengelbachandToys A to Z byMark Richoffered no historicalinformation at all.However,

Simple Christmas Decoration

2009-11-14T01:34:00.004+11:00

Here is a simple spoolknit Christmas decorationthat I made using found materials.I didn't have any glitter, sequins,shimmering silvery yarn, beads,or whatever. Even my silverand gold paint are still packedaway.However, the decorationwas simple and when I domake more, I will thenhave the necessarybits and pieces tomake them sparkleand shine!It is based on aphoto of one Isaw in a Frenchpattern

A Project for Christmas!

2009-11-06T11:17:00.004+11:00

A Project for Christmas(or anytime!)Spoolknitted cords are theperfect addition to anytype of knitted project.Hats, scarves, jackets,toys, etc. can include aspool knitted cord in some way.Adding a cord to a plainafghan can be especiallyappealing, keeping it simpleand elegant.Follow a *plain stocking stitchknit instruction for a plainafghan in a burgandy or deep redcolour adding approximately25 cms

Competition!

2009-11-02T08:36:00.004+11:00

Several things had takenme away from the Spool Knitterblog the past monthbut I hope this announcementwill make up for it.I am currently lookingafter the Yahoo SpoolknitterGroup - Noreen Crone-Findlayis the founding "Mom" of thegroup - and due to lots of othertime-consumingprojects, has asked me if I wouldtake over for a while.I am very honoured that shewould consider me for the job,Noreen is

MOULIN ROTY

2009-09-26T16:14:00.008+10:00

Here is a very attractive sewing kit(valise couture) made byMoulin Roty - France.This little carry case holdsall of the young child'srequirements forsewing and knitting.Tape measure, embroidery thread, scissors,spool knitter, crochet hook, buttons,thimble, cottons, sewingneedles, knitting needles, and wool.Of course, the spool knitter is the mainattraction here. Measuring just 6 cmsfrom top to

Rocket Knitting Nancy

2009-09-08T09:07:00.008+10:00

This is the new (2008) Knitting Nancybox from Rocket Toys and Games.I find it a pity that the Knitting Nancyitself was not changed. Aside from theextremely pink face, this exact KnittingNancy has been around for about 30 years.Below is the leaflet found in this box whichis printed on both sides.Originally made by Spears Games which wasthen taken over by Mattel, the Knitting Nancywas not continued

New Knitting Nancies

2009-08-15T21:56:00.004+10:00

These are newly paintedKnitting Nancies in the traditionof the vintage Spear & SonsKnitting Nancy of the 20's - 30's.They are being offered for purchasethrough my Spool Knitter groupon Flickr where you will findmore information.They are for members onlyand limited to twelve(and some have sold).So if you are interested, youare welcome to join thegroup (link in side column)and contact me

The Knitting Bee!

2009-08-08T17:01:00.021+10:00

Sometime ago, I found an interestinglittle "magazine/newspaper" titled- Harper's Young People - An IllustratedWeekly - Vol. II No. 80 -dated Tuesday, May 10, 1881 -published by Harper & Brothers,New York -Price Four Cents.I consider it of great interest inparticular tothe spool knitter world.Among its illustrations and storiesis an illustration/engraving of -"The Knitting Bee"....an engraving of

Fun With Wool

2009-07-19T22:17:00.012+10:00

It is quite a common question- "What do you do with Spool-Knitted Cord?"It does appear to be a rather fruitlessoccupation. "You have a very fineknitted cord - not much can be donewith it" ...you say!There appears to be very little writtenabout the subject with very little offeringin the way of patterns.I am always looking for books thathave anything to do with spool knitting.There are some books

Little Knitter

2009-07-14T00:24:00.012+10:00

Here is a rather plain littlespool knitter called "Little Knitter"by Spear's Games - England It is *my opinion that it is possible these sets were sold during the WWII years. The illustration leaflet above is printed in black and white. The directions are puzzling in that the diagram here is a totally different looking spool knitter. The painted Knitting Nancy on the right is the "pre WWII

Three boxes by Spear's Germany

2009-07-09T23:46:00.007+10:00

Original StricklieselThese boxes and stricklieseln wereproduced by Spears Germany.The left dates pre 1967The centre dates from 1967 - 1979The right dates after 1979(this one is actually dated1981 (MCMLXXXI))(Thanks goes to strick_else - a goodfriend in Germany and also a memberof my Flickr Spool Knitter group -for the dating these boxes)They are all No. 53002.Above - the front of the leafletfound

"Fairy" Knitting Dolls

2009-07-04T21:38:00.010+10:00

The Fairy Knitting Dollswere recently releasedin Australia.Here are the set ofpink, red, purple, greenand blue knitting dolls.They areindeed a delightful set!^^^"^^^(You would have noticed that the postshave been somewhat irregular whichis due to current renovations onthe "new" house - pleasedo keep checking in often - I will domy utmost to "keep youposted".... : ) !

Leapin' Lizards!

2009-06-16T23:39:00.018+10:00

Little Orphan Annie --::OO::-- Harold Lincoln Gray (January 20, 1894 - May 9, 1968) was an American newspaper artist and cartoonist. He first had the idea for a cartoon strip in 1924 for Little Orphant Otto. The title was quickly altered by the Chicago Tribune editor to Little Orphan Annie which first appeared in the Tribune on August 6, 1924. In the 1930's it also had become a popular

Blogging in France

2009-06-11T13:02:00.007+10:00

I would like to introduce you toChristine,a spool knitter collector in Franceand who has a blog -Les Tricotins de JardinetteYou will find many images of thecollection, plus many from aroundthe internet.You can click on the images tolook at that particular Album.Of special interest are those thatare found in France - such asthe papier mache tricotins of the1930's with such characters as theDutch

1929 POSTCARD

2009-05-23T16:56:00.005+10:00

Here is a treasure found recently.It is a German postcard of asweet young girl who is spoolknitting.The postcard is dated 1929.I have tried to get a good close-up of the spoolknitterbut due to the quality of the postcard, this isthe best I can do. I can make out that it hasknobby nails and not staples for posts.It is definitely not a Spear's company producedknitting Nancy.It may be a strickliesel

Making Spool Knitters

2009-05-19T13:48:00.011+10:00

For some collectors of spoolknitters, dependingon where they live in the world, thereis a difficulty in finding and actuallypurchasing spoolknitters to add tothe collection.Some companies don't sell internationally,some secondhand businesses orartists wont sell internationally.I know that this doesn't quite solvethe acquiring of a "particular" spoolknitterbut maybe if you belong to a collector's

CraftSanity

2009-05-16T14:23:00.006+10:00

(Used with permission from Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood)I recently found the blog - CraftSanity -with Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood's post on SpoolKnitting where she made a spool knitter and demonstratedspool knitting on "WZZM's - Take Five & Company".Take a look - CraftSanityI love the above photo where Jenniferhas placed in a small blue case, her spool knitters andcurrent projects!Also check out her

DAISY SPOOL KNITTER

2009-05-05T21:51:00.005+10:00

This daisy spool knitter and bee hook aremade from unbreakable resin and are handpainted. They are available from here.I was delighted to discover these spool knittersjust recently and apparently they have beenaround for some time. They are made inthe US and on the website you will also finda dvd "Making Knitted "I" Cord -Spool Knitting and DoubleNeedle Techniques byElinor Czarnecki".On the back

Notice!

2009-04-22T23:18:00.004+10:00

This is to notify youthat Part Two of theDave & JoAnna Stanbroughstory is on my blogCrazyhaberdasher.(Image used with permission from Dave & JoAnnaStanbrough).........................

ToysLink Knitting Doll

2009-04-21T20:09:00.014+10:00

Chickids in Australia have a wonderfulnew Knitting Doll on their website*made by ToysLink - China.Unfortunately, there is no informationto be found on this company but I wouldsay it is relatively new to the toy world.*(Added April 24 - I am sorry to say thatthey are now out of stock but I am told there will be more arriving soon!)**(Added April 29 - I am now very glad to saythat new stock has

Spoolknitters Book

2009-04-18T00:10:00.003+10:00

Some of you may have noticed the little pictureto the right of the blog page - this is my ownSpoolknitters book. A small fun project of mine - acoffee table style book.________________==========

DAVE STANBROUGH

2009-04-17T15:31:00.012+10:00

Dave Stanbrough of Grizzly Mountain ArtsI confess, I have fallen in love with Dave ..........and his spool knitters!Don't get me wrong! ... Dave is happily married tohis soul-mate JoAnna ....... and I to my soul-mate Chris.Dave and JoAnna together create beautifulfiber art tools - tatting shuttles, crochet hooks,lace bobbins, thread winders,needle cases, niddy noddies, etc., as well asincredibly

New Post Soon ...... Dave Stanbrough!

2009-04-05T10:11:00.002+10:00

Watch for the next post.......DAVE STANBROUGHofGRIZZLY MOUNTAIN ARTS_________________````````````````````

Noreen Crone-Findlay

2009-03-25T13:19:00.026+11:00

NOREEN CRONE-FINDLAY.... THE QUEEN OF SPOOL KNITTING Noreen's boundless enthusiasm, her capability and knowledge in so many fields of yarncraft and crafts, writing and publishing books, internet connections, her crafting of wooden needlework tools and spool knitters, beautiful artwork and painting, and her extreme talent in producing so many lovely patterns, never ceases to amaze me! She is

New Post Coming Soon!

2009-03-21T22:03:00.002+11:00

Noreen Crone-FindlaySpool Knitting Artiste Extraordinaire!Stay tuned for a little about Noreen- new post soon!---oooOOOooo---

Catalogs

2009-03-13T16:58:00.011+11:00

Many vintage catalogscarry a great deal of informationfor collectors of toys.Dating the toy, of course, is oneimportant fact, as well as, thelook of the toy and the packaging/box,all the contents contained in the box,very often the maker's name canbe found, and also what othersimilar sets were offered.Such is the case with the lastpiece of information.I was able to discover twomore knitting sets

Kentoys Product

2009-03-06T16:02:00.019+11:00

Magic Knitting MachineMade by Kentoys Ltd, Hong KongIt is such a shame that these knittingmachine toys are no longer being made.I was fortunate recently to find thesetwo old stock toys - so there could be morestill around hiding in some dark box in theback of an old toy shop.There is no date at all to be found onthe toy, the package, or with thedirections.However, there was a patent applied for

A Sneak Peak

2009-02-27T12:46:00.008+11:00

I will be away for a week.I will have somethingspecial for you when I return sostay tuned!(a sneak peak)......._|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_

Santa Knitting Buddy

2009-02-19T15:30:00.007+11:00

I had to let you know thatI didn't have to search toolong for my Santa KnittingBuddy.Here he is, dropping in for aquick visit - maybe not theright time of year, but verymuch joyful just the same!Some of you may be wanting topurchase one too - but the sitethat I found him on only posts in Australia.If you are desperate to own him,then maybe if you contact me, I mightbe able to arrange something.(

KNITTING BUDDIES

2009-02-13T01:12:00.012+11:00

I was very surprised the other daywhen I found some delightfulspool knitters to buy!After my little "whine" about howboring spool knitters were becoming,and how they all seem to be made the sameshape, these are a differentapproach that apparentlyhad been on the market for a little while.Knitting Buddies have threespool knitters in their range.A Prince (although to me he looks morelike a policeman

Names and Fame!

2009-02-02T13:34:00.023+11:00

Why do these little objectshave so many differentnames?Knitting Nancy is a brandname for the Spear's Gamesknitting toy. First produced in1926 in Germany, when the companysplit and a branch opened in Englandit was named the "Knitting Nancy".Spear's Games exported to the US andAustralia among others (English speakingcountries) and it seems that anyknitting doll became known as aKnitting Nancy.The

New Arrival for 2009!

2009-01-26T17:15:00.006+11:00

Djeco - from ParisI just found this on the internet!A new french knitting doll to be releasedfor 2009 - would love to get one whenthey become available - one forthe collectors in blogland to look for.Price? A little pricey at AU$29.95!But definitely a future collectible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Every Little Bit Helps!

2009-01-19T13:28:00.006+11:00

When it comes to the history ofspool knitters, whatlittle information or scrap of paperor even dilapidated piece ofcardboard box - know matter howinsignificant it may seem to some -can become important.I found a box top which luckilysomeone thought might be needed.I am amazed that it wasn't tossed out.Then again some would be amazed thatsomeone else would pay money forsomething like this! .....

Strick - Barbel

2009-01-15T21:18:00.011+11:00

Strick - BarbelIsn't this a lovely sweet box top?And she is actually spool knitting, notknitting on needles.Strick Barbel is Germanfor knitting Barbara.This is the spool knitter found in this particularset.I am sure that there are also differentspool knitters that would come in thisset.Another side of the box.The directions for "Knit Racer". Do theybelong in this set?In the world of spool

We Have Moved!

2008-12-29T14:59:00.004+11:00

We Have Moved!Hi everyone! I trust that you have all enjoyeda Happy Christmas with your family andfriends.I am now in my "new" house and it is takinga little longer to get everything organized andin its place.I had some "new" spool knitters added to thecollection since the last post, however, the collectionis still in storage at present.Stay tuned........ I will have somethingto feed the spool

The Next Generation

2008-12-02T18:33:00.008+11:00

Sometimes in this world, if you arepatient enough, good things will cometo you.Was it the novel endearing character of theseparticular strickliesel (spool knitter)?OR ..... Was it the current popularrevival of the craft of spool knitting thatbrought back these lovely spool knitters?Either way, we have the arrival of thenext generationof the "yellow hat brigade" witha twist!!At this stage (due

Transogram Knobby Knitter

2008-11-20T14:11:00.010+11:00

This set has just arrived and Iquickly photographed itbefore it was packed away!I love the graphics on the box top -cleverly taking the older stylecotton reel and nails into themodern era!"Mrs. Oldtime Knittingspool's new brightlittle child".Illustrated by Isabelle Magor below.Photo taken in the 1930's.The set is dated 1938(MCMXXXVIII)by Transogram N.Y.Originally there would have been twospool

Guess Who?

2008-11-17T17:30:00.005+11:00

Guess Who?These are spool knitters turned by Hubby andnewly painted. I know the blue hat is a little largefor the character on the right, but these arepractice spool knitters and maybe there willbe more made that would suit the lookbetter. The woods for both are different andas you can see, the character on the lefthas a few "ridges" in the wood.But I am pleased with the result justthe same. Of

Update..............

2008-11-06T02:37:00.005+11:00

There wont be a lot of content in thispost - all of my spool knittercollection is now instorage!So I hope you will forgive me if Ishow you a picture youmay have already seen.But here is the complete "Kokeshi"spool knitter - see ....... it now hasits nails and is fully functional!Luckily the paints have not yetbeen packed and I can squeeze insome more painting before themove.Stay tuned!

KOKESHI

2008-10-28T21:18:00.006+11:00

I was able to finish another of myhomemade spool knitters today. I hopeyou like it.Over the years I have found that I am drawnmore and more to wooden dolls andtoys, for example - Matroushka dolls,Nutcracker dolls, Jumping Jacks,Spool Knitters (of course!)and Kokeshi dolls.I have been wanting to do a Japanesedoll spool knitter for quite a while, andthanks to my dear hubby, who cleverlywooodturned

Peter Pan Playthings Ltd.

2008-10-24T16:53:00.006+11:00

For those who are keen to collectspool knitters in any way shape orform, you might also like to includethose found in sets for sewing,embroidery, knitting and handicraftin general.Below we have for example, theHandicraft Compendium by PeterPan Playthings Ltd. London.Included in this set are Basket WeavingDressmakingEmbroideryKnittingQuick KnitPom Pom Favourites.The term "Quick Knit" in thiscase

The NIFTY KNITTER

2008-10-17T22:23:00.011+11:00

Here is a simple set by Milton-Bradleycalled - The Nifty Knitter.I would date to 1930's butI am open to opinions -if you have a complete setI would love to know.The original good qualityknitting spool is yellow and redwith four "gold" nails.It arrived with three extra knitting spools -2 thread spools and a red spool which looks tome like a typical spool by "Davis" -again open to other opinions

KNITTING DOLL

2008-10-10T15:02:00.016+11:00

Knitting Doll byRussimco Ltd.These new sets dated 2007, are an interestingfind as the box top is a reproduction of theSpears & Sons Knitting Nancy box.It is such a pity that the originalKnitting Nancy has not been reproduced -I was so disappointed to find that thespool knitters contained in these boxesare so totally different to the Spear's"Knitting Nancy"......... :(!!Below is an original

Spear's Orange Boxes

2008-09-30T17:30:00.014+10:00

As promised from the last post, hereare the Spear's Games Knitting Nancyboxes from 1983 and 1989.Below is the box dated 1989with the number 55046.Below - this is what was in this particularbox. The Spear's Games and Craftscatalogue unfortunatelydid not include the Knitting Nancy!Below - the directions found in this box arein french for the Jeannette La Tricoteuse (the illustrationshown here is

Another Spear & Sons Knitting Nancy Box

2008-09-21T15:28:00.016+10:00

I came across this box last year, the only oneI have seen in all of my collecting years.By Spear's Games, it would have to bethe very last type of KnittingNancy box issuedbefore Spear's Games was sold toMattel in 1994. I have been told by FrancisSpear (of the Spear & Sons family)that Mattel did not continue with theproduction of Knitting Nancy but I haveseen one by Rocket Toys & Games (2003)

TRADE CARD DISCOVERY!!

2008-09-12T12:28:00.009+10:00

Will Charm the Girls and Quiet the Noisy Boys.Every now and then you get lucky and findsomething significant inspool knitter history.The above trade card of theEnglish Needle Co. N.Y. and printed byG. W. Averell & Co. is a fantasticdiscovery and makes interesting readingalso.The use of staples (called doublepins in the ad)goes all the way backto 1879 and possibly further as itstates this

Here It Is!

2008-08-28T17:20:00.003+10:00

Ta Daaa!Here is the new strickliesel finishedand only has to have the nails put in.Let me know what you think!

Remember?

2008-08-25T18:07:00.010+10:00

Back in JuneI had posted about some spool knittersnewly turned by hubby on various woods(below). Some of them had started showingcracks not long afterbeing turned but they did stop and they arejust minor cracks, after all.I decided to go ahead with painting without usingwood filler as I think these cracks adds to the characterof the spool knitter.So we have the beginnings of another paintedspool

Knitting Without Needles

2008-08-13T16:12:00.012+10:00

I am always looking for any booksinvolving spool knitting and recentlyfound the book below -Macrame and Other Projectsfor Knitting Without Needlesby Peggy Boehmillustrated by Shizu Matsudapublished in 1963.It is another book directedat children with many waysof using wool to make variousitems.Among the contents are -For the HouseToys to MakeDress Up and PlayTassels and FringeTapestryWeaving...etc

APPLE OR CHERRY PIE?

2008-08-05T15:34:00.016+10:00

These knitters are a very close relative to the spool knitter - same principle, only for larger sized projects. A main feature of these sets are the patterns to make your own dolls' clothes - Barbie, Cindy, Pepper, Skipper, Skooter, Tressy, Tammy, all dolls sizes up to 11 1/2 inches. Above - Apple Pie Knitter by Lisbeth Whiting Co., Inc., Litho in U.S.A. is dated 1966. Above - Cherry Pie

SHAPES

2008-08-01T23:06:00.012+10:00

Small Print (Warning - this post may become boring!) Have you noticed how many spool knitters of today look similar? These days of mass production and cost cutting has "turned" our spool knitters into boring same-shape figures of monotony. It turns out that for serious collectors, we will have to look for different colours, different attire, different features, ...... get out those magnifying

Spoolie Mushrooms!

2008-07-17T13:11:00.005+10:00

Spool Knitted MushroomsHere is a link to a fun fantasticspool knitted project that I foundon Guppygirlfor spool knitted mushrooms -they are really cute!Thankyou Guppygirl for sharingyour great pattern!

SPOOL KNITTING WORLD GROWS

2008-07-16T23:59:00.020+10:00

Prices have soaredfor many vintage spool knitters, particularlyin the countries where they are morecommonly found - Germany and France.(Spool Knitters/Stricklieseln from Germany)(Spool Knitters/Tricotins from France)The vintage "Knitting Nancy" madeby Spear & Sons has become extremelydesirable, the demand and price has putthem out of the reach of some.(Recently one sold for nearly AU$500!)The

STRICK SPIEL

2008-07-05T19:41:00.006+10:00

This is a vintage knitting spool set fromGermany called Strick Spiel(knit toy).There is no makers name, no date, and noclues on the small leaflet found in thebox.Possibly 1940's?It seems that showing a child knittingwas easier than to show one actuallyspool knitting! Or maybe the illustratordid not know how to spool knit.I wonder what the system was fordeciding how to "decorate" thebox for a new

KNITTING PETER OR KNITTING NANCY

2008-06-27T22:15:00.014+10:00

My latest spool knitter find isthis Knitting Nancy.Inside the box.Those who have been a regular followerof my spoolknitter blog will know thatI have found that this style of spool knitterbelow is called a "Strick-Peter"(1932 - German name - byJ.W. Spear & Sons)This information is found in thebook - Games We Play -History of J.W. Spear & Sons.The English name is Knitting Peter.Of the 'Spears'

QUESTION FOR WOODTURNERS

2008-06-20T23:11:00.010+10:00

This is a special post directed to those expertwoodturners out in blogland.My learner woodturner hubby recentlyhad a chance to practise on a friend's lathe.Using what wood was available,he cleverly woodturned thesegreat spoolknitter shapes.A while later the wood started to split.Is it still possible to make these intospoolknitters - using woodfiller anddrilling out the centre core, sanding

Françoise Dupré

2008-06-13T20:58:00.018+10:00

Flowers 2007Sculptor and installation artist, Françoise Dupré,born in France and now based in London, is arecent convert (late 90's) to spool knitting and its potentialin relation to sculpture and installation work...............Brief Profile.............Born in France, based in London, Françoise Dupré studied inLondon Sculpture at Camberwell College of Art and Historyand Theory of Modern Art at

Next Post Soon..............

2008-06-06T11:40:00.004+10:00

POLLY ANN KNITTING KNOB

2008-05-30T21:38:00.011+10:00

The Polly Ann Knitting Knobis by Whitman Publishing Co. andmade in 1939.The Top Notch spool knitter also byWhitman Publishing Co. and dated 1949,was "posted" about on May 10th.It comes in this attractive little box.The set is numbered 3935 and comes with a skewerloop lifter.The spool knitter measures 3 3/4 inchesor 9 1/2 cms. The finish on the wood isred "stained" rather than painted.Above - the

PETER-AUSTIN MFG.

2008-05-25T17:20:00.012+10:00

LITTLE MISS KORKING SETPeter-Austin Manufacturing produced somewell-known toys - Play Doh and Etch-a-Sketch forexample. (Etch-a-Sketch now by Irwin Toys).Austin and Peter were brothers (now areboth deceased). The company was sold in 1984.They were based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada,hence the wording "Tricotin pour PetitesFilles" (Tricotin forLittle Girls) on the packaging of theLittle Miss Korking

WIMBERDAR

2008-05-17T20:53:00.016+10:00

Spool Knitters are found to bemade by toy companies, knitting woolcompanies, and craft suppliers - bothhand tooled and machine-made.Originally regarded as a toy, todaywe recognize them as a craft tool forboth young and old.Vintage sets often picture youngchildren using the spool knitterand include patterns tocreate simple items suchas toys, doll's clothes, and smallnecessities for the home.FRENCH

TOP NOTCH!

2008-05-10T16:45:00.009+10:00

TOP NOTCH KNITTING SPOOLThis knitting spool set is dated 1949, No. 5342 andmade in the USA - Whitman Publishing Co.Whitman Publishing Company is better knownfor its very popular children's books - LittleGolden Books among others.Also included in the paper productsline are Paper Doll Books and jigsaws,and more.Above is the top of the box stating contents - PlasticSpool and Needle - Colored Wool

Who Is it?

2008-05-04T14:10:00.005+10:00

If you can tell me who this is, then I will behappy. This shape "spoke" to me (originallywoodturned by my dear hubby), and I amhoping that I got it right.I am not ready to add the final touchesuntil I am satisfied!So please let me know what you think.Added - May 5 - Thanks to Kim!!She saw it as Charlie Chaplin and she is correct!Now I will add the finishing touches..

SAME SHAPE

2008-04-25T19:44:00.006+10:00

These spool knitters were purchased in Australia.All are similar shape - the spool knitter at right ishand-painted from a blank the same as the blankat left.Interesting to see some different looks fromthe one shape.

KING AND QUEEN SPOOL KNITTERS

2008-04-25T18:37:00.008+10:00

These spool knitters had been in thepipeline for some time - partly dueto inability to finally decide whichcolours to use (there had beenmany changes) andpartly due to time!Here below is the before photo -......and here we finally have theKing and Queen.

New/Old Nancy!

2008-04-16T16:18:00.006+10:00

I had to take a photo of thelatest arrival!!My extra super special fantasticfavourite vintage spool knitter isthe "Spear's Games" Knitting Nancyfrom the 1930's.......so when you findone, it has to be a special occasion!Here she is.... with her thoroughlymodern cousin (left).I love the colour green she iswearing. She would have been oneof the popular colours of her time.Of all of the colours that

MADELON

2008-04-14T23:44:00.008+10:00

Who is Madelon?Do you know who this spoolknitter/tricotin was created after?I looked up the internet and foundthat Madelon was Guignol's wife.Guignol is a popular French puppetcharacter who was always getting into"trouble".Is she named for this character?I asked my French friend and I wastold that "La Madelon" is a popular songfrom Charles-Joseph Pasquier written duringWorld War I: a very popular

A LOOK AT A BOOK

2008-04-12T21:53:00.006+10:00

As many spool knitter collectors areaware, there is very little written informationabout spool knitters.I have found a book called "Encyclopediaof Children's Sewing Collectibles" writtenby - Darlene J. Gengelbach(Collector Books - available ontheir website)The section titled - Children's Knitting,Crochet, and Weaving Sets is of greatinterest.Naturally, I cannot disclose much ofit here, but here