EYE CANDY!

Due to a very busy schedule this week,
this is a very short post.
Just a little something for the eye!
These are spool knitters from France where they are called
tricotins. The faces are somewhat childish
which leads me to believe that they were produced
in a cottage industry, where everyone painted them
professional or not.
Do you see a pattern here?
The three on the left I would believe to be painted by one worker.
The three in the middle I believe to be painted by another worker.
The green (white apron) and the red (yellow apron) another worker.
And the fellow on the end, another worker.
Would you agree with me?

I am currently involved in much crafting and painting, so I hope to have
something special to show you within the week!

LATEST ARRIVALS

I am always happy to receive another spool knitter or two!

These are the latest arrivals and another piece of the puzzle......

After my post in August, I was lucky to find this Dutch Knitting Spools set by Samuel Gabriel Sons and Company from the USA.
Above - the side of the box

These are of the same style as the "Little Orphan Annie" and "Little Bo Peep". At first I thought that the "series" was children's book characters, but this find has changed that. I am even more curious as to what else may come to light regarding these types of spool knitters. Can I safely assume that they (this type) are all Made in USA by Samuel Gabriel Sons & Company?


The two spool knitters close-up, a dutch boy and girl.


These last two photos (below) are of the spool knitters (tricotins)
from France -
two cheeky characters and a mushroom.


This soldier is in its original box - Mon Tricotin in France.
(Just a pity there is no other information on the box.)
But it is always a plus to find them in their own boxes!

HOW TO MAKE A TRICOTIN

Here is a fascinating look at how a tricotin (French spool knitter) is made. I am delighted to present these pictures to you with the kind permission of woodworker, Francois!


These tricotins are made of ash wood. Their aspect varies a bit depending on the part of the tree the wood is coming from and so the veneer would differ.

1. Blanks

2. Roughing

3. Drilling

4. Initial shaping


5. Detailing


6. Shaping finished


7. Sanding


8. Polishing with shavings


9. Turning finished

10. New tricotins!

Ready to be painted! Aren't they fabulous!

Thankyou so much, Francois!