Recently, Sarah of the Knitting Sarah blog wrote all about some glorious new tools she had acquired (and I now have major swift envy). The sentiments in that post must have stuck in my head because when I was getting fed up trying to card wool at the last guild needing, and realized that it was so much easier to do on the hand carders the teacher lent me, I caved and bought myself a pair of carders I knew I would like better.

Strauch wool carders from The Woolery. Click for product page.

I had a hard time justifying the purchase at first because they cost more than the pair I already owned — and I already owned a pair. But I bought my first pair on a whim, with no knowledge of what I needed or would like. Now I realize that I needed lighter weight, curved cards for my weak wrists, and a higher density of teeth (112 dpi) for smoother carding of fine fibers. And in about 10 minutes flat, I filled up a shoebox with happy, fluffy rolags that I can’t wait to spin.

Happy rolags! (Distantly related to Bob Ross’s happy trees.)

I’d been avoiding carding wool for months but now that I have tools that I like, it’s a pleasure and not a chore. For my hands, the Strauch wool cards were the way to go. For someone else, the pair I had might work just fine, so I’m putting them up for sale. These carders came from Paradise Fibers and retail for $66.95. They are the regular size (8″ x 3.25″) and they have a 72 dpi cloth, best for medium and longwools. They’re quite well reviewed on the website, they were just too heavy and flat-backed for me. Happy to sell for $50, which includes US shipping (which will likely be around $13 for priority flat-rate at this size/weight), or best offer.

For sale! E-mail alicia@woolendiversions.com with interest.

I will be listing these on Ravelry as well, email alicia at woolendiversions dot com if interested.

Have you had a tool-related ‘aha!’ moment?