Craft Time with Brother

To sum up my hilariously easy relationship with my brother, an excerpt of a recent conversation:

Me (2/1/13): I think for my bday and to get going on your etsy plans you should make me a swift like this.

The original form of my newest impulsive obsession.

Brother:


Brother (2/25/13 - paraphrased phone call): Hey, I don't have the dude [his son] this weekend, let's make your thingy. Sound good? Do you have anything you can send me on how this thing is made? Cool. See you then.

Pretty!

A backstory. I have become more inclined to buy fancier yarn for my knitting projects. When bought in a cute boutique, such as Lakeside Yarn in Excelsior, MN, they will wind it into a workable ball before I leave the store. That is assuming I remember to ask them to do so. However, when ordering yarn off the internet it comes in a twisted, frustrating "hank." A friend who is infinitely craftier than me has her own swift, shown above, for creating a workable ball. This was completely mind-blowing to me. Now I have knowledge of, and access to, thousands of options for yarn. This could be the end of my discretionary funds.

What the hank looks like unwound and ready for the swift.

I sent my brother the text message above because he is very good at creating things from salvaged parts. He creates things from scrap metals and parts from diesel engines and other such interesting projects from ideas off the top of his head. Hence, his plans to create an etsy shop and let others appreciate these creations.

So really, being the selfless sister that I am, I asked him to create a swift for me for his own personal growth in the creative business.

Measure twice, cut once.

Focus.

Our project took place in the father's shop where we had access to so many different types of wood and tools. Once we decided on the material, Brother took over and created the swift I now call mine. I even got to use some power tools. Don't worry. There was supervision. I cannot otherwise be trusted.

Photo montage of work and materials!

Though it will eventually be stained, and I need a Nostepinne (Scandinavian for Nest-Stick) to wind onto, this swift is ready for business. And I love it.

Don't mind the fake hank. I needed a visual!

Total project time: Less than two hours
Total project cost: Less than $4.00 (all wood except dowel from Father's shop)
Project outcome: Fun times with Brother and using power tools

Also - does this suggest that impulsive behavior is a family trait?