Reddit mentions: The best weaving & spinning supplies

I've been bedridden for 5ish years, with some in and out in the last bit. Here's some things that helped me:

​

1. Laptop and internet. When I suddenly became disabled right out of college I lost basically all of my friends. People tend to lose touch during those kinds of transitional periods, and honestly I was the friend who was always driving people places so they weren't in the habit of visiting me. Internet access helped keep me connected in some way to other people. For me, it's not the same because I have a very difficult time bonding with others in an online setting, but it was definitely better than staring at a wall.
   
   
2. Get a wheelchair. I recommend an electric wheelchair, because you will be too tired to push around in a manual chair. If transporting a big, two ton chair is something you don't think you can do, try a folding wheelchair with a removeable motor, like the Smart Drive. (They're also waterproof which can be a big boon.) Honestly, having a wheelchair so I could leave the house without being carried was HUGE for me. That and moving to a new home that was wheelchair accessible and on the bus line. I still don't go out super often, because I am still tired a lot, but it has made a big difference in my agency. (People will say "oh no, wheelchair so tragic" but fuck them. Wheelchairs are a goddamned blessing. Being unable to get out of bed sucks, and wheelchairs are the magic that lets you move around.)
   
   
3. Acceptance. For me, a really huge thing was accepting that the condition I have (EDS/POTS) is lifelong. It cannot ever be cured, only managed. There is so much going on in lack of control of your life, and as I am mildly a control freak, that was REALLY hard for me to adjust to. We are taught a lot of negative things about being disabled, but in truth humans are extremely adaptable. Much more than we realize. We can enjoy life even with extreme restrictions on us. We can adapt! This too, shall become normal. And that's actually a good thing. When you accept that your body may just suddenly quit on you, you can make better decisions on how you spend the energy you have on good days. You can enjoy life with what you have, and know that it may not last. But that's okay. This too shall pass. Roll with the blows. Making friends with other disabled people, disabled people with conditions all over the spectrum, can help you see that being bedridden is just another way of life. It's normal, and a lot of people live normal, happy lives while mostly being in bed. And that's okay.
   
   
4. Don't overdo your good days. Many conditions have good and bad days. If this is true for you, you'll be able to do more some days than others, and it can be tempting to get everything crammed in that you can. For folks who are generally healthy but have been bedridden due to a temporary illness, pushing through can help them get rid of deconditioning. If, like me, your illness affects bodily functions necessary to sustain life, then pushing yourself on good days will actually damage your organs and make you sicker over time. And man, did I push lol. Instead, do **less** than you are physically able to do on good days. Leave yourself a lot of comfort cushion. The goal is to try to do just a little bit every day, whether good or bad, and hold on to that. Don't ever start doing more until you can go two weeks in your routine without any problems. This will protect you from huge backlashes and help you stabilize your baseline health. (This was a really hard lesson to learn!)
   
   
5. Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies. Seriously, connect with things you love that you can do while sick. It is so easy to lose sight of yourself and the things you love when you are perpetually in a crisis. Read. (With brain fog, I can't read well anymore and I've always had a hard time understanding audio, so I do both at once and that seems to work for me.) Draw. (Get a drawing tablet, Bamboo Create is a good start, or get a scanner for traditional arts.) Write. (If you like to write, you can do it on your own or start working on a project with others online.) Learn to program. (I develop a type of video game called a visual novel!) Knit. (I can't get ahold of the tension, but I use a mechanical knitting machine-- this is the best one for the price and it saves a lot of fatigue as well.) Try needle felting. (You can make cute 3D animals with wool while working out your anger/frustration by stabbing things with needles.) Learn to mold clay sculptures. (I eventually want to make to-scale Pokemon figures.) Watch movies/shows. (I watch a lot of anime on crunchyroll or from nyaa torrents.) Try tabletop gaming! (Like Dungeons and Dragons type stuff, but there's lots of different genres. Ryuutama is a really nice, relaxing one! Exalted is about being a demi-god badass. Blue Rose or Queen's Cavaliers are both really neat and diverse worlds. There's something for everyone, plus can get a lot of social activity in without much physical requirements.)

I tried looking for the one I bought on amazon but it looks like they no longer sell it. But I did some searching and found two:

1. This one looks pretty similar to mine and has good reviews so if it’s anything like mine it’ll be great.
   
   Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2WO5BbZCAERFF
   
   
2. If you’re looking for a fancier one, this one is more expensive but the reviews say it’s the best thing ever.
   
   Stanwood Needlecraft Large Metal Yarn/Fiber/Wool/String Ball Winder, 10-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078T6KQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5NO5BbBJGNRE5
   
   The one complaint I have about mine (and I’m not sure there’s really a product that would do any better) is that sometimes when you’ve wound a big cake if you try to wind too much the whole thing will just fly off...so I wish it had some sort of cap that would keep it from doing that. But I mean as long as you slow down once it starts getting big it’s fine. I suppose it wouldn’t be too hard to come up with a quick fix at home, I just haven’t put any effort into that myself.
   
   Good luck!!! 😀

My daughter is that age and also loves to finger knit. She has the best luck (and the end product looks the nicest) with worsted or aran weight wool. Bulky is a little too much for her little fingers and the fingering/sport weight ends up looking like mesh.

My daughter regularly uses up the ends of my knitting cakes that are in colors she likes. She even stole one full hank of bright pinky-orange yarn. I would grab a yarn ball or two in colors that she likes. Check out Michaels or JoAnn's shops near you, both are having pretty big sales at the moment.

You may even consider something like a Zippy loom or a circular loom. Both work similarly to the finger knitting, so she should pick it up pretty quickly to make full size scarves and hats!

Noro has some pretty good yarn and prepare for a snotty comment, but red heart is crap. starting out with knit/crochet go cheap, but once you are pretty good, step up to better yarn and it's better to work with per my wife.

We got this drop spindle kit for my niece for christmas. the only 'complaint' she had about it was there is no notch to hold the yarn when you wrap it. I notched one with a dremel for her and that helped.

http://www.amazon.com/Heidifeathers-Starter-Spinning-Kit-Blended/dp/B00METGJLO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1464271762&sr=8-4&keywords=drop+spindle

This way you'll only be out $27 if it's not something you enjoy. I'd recomend just watching youtube videos on how to do it, the instructions are not very clear if you don't know terms. watch videos on drafting the roving as well, those will really help get the most yarn out of your roving while keeping it strong.

I had success teaching a five year-old cousin to finger knit after he was frustrated seeing his older brothers able to crochet and not having the motor skills to do it himself. It doesn't really give you a useful end product but it can be fun for little ones :) Using a single strand of a thick yarn is probably best for someone that age.

https://www.wikihow.com/Finger-Knit

Another option is what we used to call a Jenny Loom or, for a smaller option, a knitting spool. In the eighties, I had wooden ones with nails driven in but these days they make plastic versions in multiple shapes and sizes. What is great about the looms is that you can make an actual usable object like a scarf or hat. Here is an idea, although you probably don't need a whole kit:

https://smile.amazon.com/Long-Loom-Round-DIY-Kit/dp/B01MA6HT2Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1537553273&sr=8-8

The spool gives you a mostly useless knitted tube, like the finger knitting but it works up quickly and can be fun anyway.

https://smile.amazon.com/Clover-3101-Wonder-Knitter/dp/B000WUY7YI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1537553418&sr=8-9

NO! Do not use WD40 if you value the piece! It will never dry, and will seep out of the wood for months or years onto whatever surface it sits on, or your hands every time you pick it up.

If you are going to oil it, I would not suggest putting a finish on top of it at all. Get an oil that is for wood (like Boiled Linseed oil, or Tung oil) and follow the directions on how to use them. You will end up with a deeply oiled box, with a nice finish. You can always put a coat of paste wax on it if you want some extra protection and shine (google "finishing with [insert oil here]" or "paste wax finishes" for how to do it).

All that said, an easy way to do it (that won't last as long) is to use a furniture oil or oil/wax mixture.
Howard Feed-N-Wax or orange oil are made for wood (specifically furniture). I use them a lot in restoring old pieces and keeping things looking nice. You might need to apply the feed and wax a few times, if your wood is really dry, before the wood is fed enough.

Good Luck!

I wouldn't use an acrylic sealant. If you are set on using a spray, use some shellac. You have to make sure that the bottom coat of oil is DRY before you seal it, though, whatever finish you use. Let the box dry for at least a week, probably two, while wiping it with a rag every few days. You really want to make sure that the oiled surface is dry, or you will have problems with the top coats of finish.

I also recommend starting on a drop spindle! It's cheaper than a wheel and it helps you get a really good idea of things like drafting without worrying about the different mechanics of a wheel. Kits are relatively cheap on Amazon and elsewhere. For example, this, this, and this kit all contain a drop spindle and some fiber that is good for beginners. Check out YouTube for some tutorials that are more detailed than the paper instructions that may come with the kit.

If you want to try a wheel later (or if you would prefer to start on a wheel!) you can see if a local knitting/weaving/fiber arts guild or a yarn store near you rents out wheels or has extra wheels that they can teach you on. Some stores and guilds offer classes, so do a little research on your area and you might find an awesome class!

If you want more fiber/want to try more varieties, The Woolery has a good selection.

A ball winder and swift is the best investment I’ve made! Especially now that I buy lots of hanks. Here is the ball winder I have and here is the swift I use.

You can watch any YouTube video for instructions, but a very important tip. Never cut the ties before you put the hank on the swift!! Good luck!

Your best bet is Amazon. I'm in the UK so hobbycraft would be my go to if I was looking for a physical shop or wool warehouse, lovecrochet and Amazon for online. I find Amazon better for your hooks and accessories rather that yarn itself, hope this helps.

Edit: yarn winder on Amazon, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Knitting-Crochet-Operated-Hand-operated/dp/B00C4THS6O

Another thought would be a yarn bowl, loads of diffrent styles and there are some nice ones on etsy.

Honestly, though, I got a super inexpensive swift on amazon, and a KP winder. Best investment ever.


https://www.amazon.com/Cutehill-Umbrella-Operated-Knitting-Winding/dp/B00VGD39O4/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=ppx_yo_mob_b_inactive_ship_o0_img

https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=yarn+winder&qid=1573524391&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-4

So if you have prime, or know someone with it, for $30 you've got your setup

Happy 21st! May it be awesome and fun!
Lately, as it's been cooling down here in VA, I've been really wanting either this knifty knitter set or this one! I want to make everyone I know scarves and hats for winter!

U-nitt Red Handle Metal Jumbo Large Yarn/Wool/String/Fiber Ball Winder Hand Operated 10 oz ML702 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JMO8A10/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KlwWBbHQ8QYBC

I've had this for years and its served me well! Its large and a bit clunky, and a little loud, but maybe I like it so much bc I can relate to it hahahaha. Seriously though, it really works well and its built solidly.

There are also cheaper versions but I like the extra arm on this one, it helps keep the cakes spooling correctly.

Well, this is what I do and then I make these (though those are made with commercial yarn).

What I find REALLY cool are these guys which would be sort of a time commitment project, but you can make beautiful, interesting things with a mini loom that are 100% one of a kind and not pinterest-generated.

I have a biggish table loom I wish I used more, so I'm seriously eyeing these mini ones!

Craft me like one of your french girls

I have the Knit Picks winder, which works wonders for me.

Recently got a swift and it's not the most amazing thing but it was $16 which is right in my price range! Here is the Amazon link.

I got this swift because another reddit user commented that they got it and it's worked for them for three years. Obviously because it's plastic and thin metal you need to be careful when using it and store it safely, but it fits right back in the box and I love it so far.

I have this one and this one and they're pretty amazing. Worth it to me for perfect pom poms every time, and they're not expensive

I have owned two yarn winders before finding my true love. The first was from Knit Picks, it broke after seriously 3 balls. Knit Picks was pretty reasonable and gave me a full amount store credit. The second was some cheap-o off Amazon, which ended up teaching me about exposed gears eating yarn. Yeah, expensive LYS hanks got eaten. I cried and died a little on the inside. The Knitters Pride is amazing! Smooth turning, so far has lasted through rewinding all my stash plus it makes really even cakes.

For a swift I own Knit Picks it has lasted without issues.

Also, I travel a lot which means limited room for yarn/goodies so owning a winder helps me manage packing yarn up better for travel. Plus, once caked I can store more yarn at home too.

(Edit: To suggest winders are worth every penny)

Probably Knifty Knitters, which is hard to find now, but this one I got recently is a super nice quality. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GAHFHY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Came with lots of different sizes too!

I have this one and I love it, I found mine on ebay used for only 10 bucks. Just be careful not to go too ridiculously fast otherwise nice softer yarns can fly off. It works like a charm though.

https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=yarn+winder&qid=1550710566&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1

You can make flat panels/scarves and such on a round loom. All you do is not knit in the round, you would knit to the last peg and instead of connecting it to the first peg you would turn and knit back the opposite way.

Most of the people I know start with a set like this: https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Plastic-Knitting-11-inch-9-inch/dp/B001GAHFHY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1541170279&sr=8-10&keywords=loom+knitting

That way you can make different size items more easily since it comes with different sized looms. I use the smallest to make socks/slippers and the largest to make panels for blankets. I started with a set like that, then bought some long rectangular looms, and also an infinity/afghan loom. I think the circle ones are a good starting point for people just getting into this. Double knitting with the rectangle looms is good for when you want something thicker and warmer, but you could also achieve that by using a thicker/chunkier yarn on a round loom.

Loomahat.com has a load of tutorials for casting on, using different stitches, fixing mistakes, and finishing a project. She also has a youtube channel with easy to follow guides.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions, I've been doing loom knitting for a decade now lol.

i used this tutorial for the scarves and a knitting loom like these for the hats. i used lion brand hometown USA for the yarn on all of them, they are easy to find for about $3 a skein from walmart. Hope this helps 😁

Get a knitting loom! Like this!

https://www.amazon.com/Darice-1171-58-Round-Plastic-Knitting/dp/B001GAHFHY

That way you can set it down and don't have to worry about dropping stitches. It's really simple and relaxing :)

You need these! They are totally worth the money. Hat looks great. I like the floppy pompom.

https://www.amazon.com/Pompom-Pom-pom-Knitting-Decoration-Knewmart/dp/B01IOEE84C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480940816&sr=8-3&keywords=pom+pom+maker

The pattern is here. The print out doesn't say much on it, but the youtube video it links to is excellent and really easy to follow.


You'll need a hairpin lace loom. I used this one.

Hey! I got my budget swift on amazon for $17
It's admittedly not perfect--yarn snags a lot on the cheap pieces and I've had to jury rig a few things that broke very quickly. But it gets the job done, especially when you don't have the money to spare on a more expensive swift! Good luck!

Hi! Thanks! I use this It’s $19.99 on Amazon, very affordable. It’s nice to have the right tools.

$50 is for a fancy wooden one. I've had this $16 one for about a year now, and it's worked great on hundreds of cakes. Staci Perry had this slightly more involved $18 one in the past, though she does have a nice wooden one now.

I actually got it at my LYS. It came in a generic white box that says wool winder without a particular brand stated. I am pretty sure they sell the same/similar winders on amazon, though.


Here is a link to one I found on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00R7GGTCI/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1502738012&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=wool+winder&dpPl=1&dpID=41ep3AiS-tL&ref=plSrch

A swift is only necessary if you are winding hanks of yarn. I would be afraid the yarn would tangle without a swift if winding a hank. There's a relatively inexpensive swift on Amazon here: Umbrella Swift I have it and while no, it isn't as visually attractive as the nice wooden ones, it works very well and stores easily.

I just got this about 2 months ago. It's not fantastic, but it wound a whole Rubbermaid tote packed full of tangled and partial skein of yarn into nice little easily stored cakes without a problem. It's cheaply made, but gets the job done.

http://www.amazon.com/Housweety-fiber-string-Winder-Hand-operated/dp/B00DORAE9I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394586394&sr=8-2&keywords=yarn+winder

Thanks for answering. Is this beginner kit on amazon good for doing beanies?

https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Carryi-Round-Knitting-7-inch/dp/B001GAHFHY

Thanks! I use the knitpicks ball winder. This one in particular! I do hold tension on my yarn while winding and I bent the metal holder to fit the large ball lol Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p.HPCb2F75KKG

I asked for a set of pom pom makers, a yarn winder, a nice-looking yarn tote, a set of blocking mats, and some awesome crochet books!

It’s actually sold by Knit Picks through Amazon, just FYI, but good to know anyway!. Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_75X3Cb6KH6JBT

I get mine to look like that using this:
https://www.amazon.ca/Housweety-fiber-string-Winder-Hand-operated/dp/B00DORAE9I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523916415&sr=8-3&keywords=yarn+winder

It's especially handy for when yarns don't come with a centre pull! Neat little yarn cakes every time!

alternatively, there's some cheap yarn swifts on amazon - I bought this one https://www.amazon.com/Cutehill-Umbrella-Operated-Knitting-Winding/dp/B00VGD39O4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1539610044&sr=8-2&keywords=yarn+swift . Its definitely not the greatest swift in the world but it does the job surprisingly well

When buying from Amazon, the first pens that come to mind would be the Zhigao pens. This and this are apparently the "better" Zhigao pens. These are quite heavy (probably too heavy for you if this will be your first pen mod), in about the same weight class as the Dr. KT. You could also try finding any pens from the SpinZ line but they are rather low-quality.

Generally, the pens on Amazon aren't good for beginners. If you can buy from other websites, www.penwish.com has pens in your price range, albeit they are rather light (RSVP MX, ballsign, etc)

Penwish also sells mod parts so you can put together your own mod and give it a weight you feel comfortable with.

EDIT: If the description of this item is to be believed, then this Zhigao pen is better-suited for beginners

I loom! And by that I mean I crochet/knit with a circle loom. Here's a little guide for stitches and getting started with looms. Personally, I make hats, scarves, and sometimes bracelets and anklets. You can get a cheap set of looms on Amazon and yarn isn't too expensive. Once you get the hang of it, it can actually be pretty addictive. I sold one of my work friends a scarf for $20, but mostly I just make gifts rather than selling them. I made myself several hats, and my siblings hats for their new born babies. :)

Yarn Swift. There's two kinds: an Umbrella swift, and an Amish swift. The ubmrella swift has a mechanism that "opens up" like an umbrella, and holds your hank in a loop. They usually attach to a surface like a countertop or tabletop. The Amish swift doesn't attach to a counter or table, but rests upon it, and has little "arms" that holds your hank in an open loop. You stick your hank on the swift, then cut the ties (don't cut the ties before it's on the swift, that's asking for trouble), then use a ball winder or your hands to form your ball/cake/whatever.

As long as you cut the ties AFTER the yarn is on the swift, you should have a relatively easy time. Though, that assumes that the dyer/manufacturer of the hank didn't screw it up when dyeing and or tying the hank. But if the dyer/manufacturer screwed up, there's not much you can do about that, swift or no swift.

I bet! Mine looks similar to this and makes little center pull cakes you can stack.

Marrywindix Bobbin Winder Yarn Winder Table Clasp, Hand Operated Manual Wool Winder Holder for Swift Yarn Fiber Ball https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R7GGTCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xnjvDbN7GP0VX

I have this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Vktech-String-Winder-Holder-Operated/dp/B00DKW9F6A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408078928&sr=8-2&keywords=yarn+winder Its under $18 US.

I love it. I when I am done with a ball of yarn and there is a space in the middle I just wind it into a ball again. It works so well. I have not had to deal with tangled yarn since.

Buy a spinning pen and teach yourself how to do this. You'll undoubtedly be a hit with members of your preferred gender. Oh, you need a bit of help? Some lessons maybe? Here you go!

Thanks! I used the Susan bates one..I bought it from amazon. It cost around $7. Here is the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004BP21H0

I bought a pompom maker on Amazon. It's super easy to use. You just pick out your yarns and wrap them around this little contraption and then you cut it around the edge and tie it together.... Sounds a little complex but it's quick to pick up!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4BKCC5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5L6ODbA9T0FNY

I have a swift similar to this one: Amish Style Wooden Yarn Swift

It isn't the fanciest thing in the world, and generally I prefer using the upright ones, but it gets the job done, and it's really portable since it breaks down into individual straight pieces and can be kept in a bag.

As for a winder, I would *not* recommend this one or anything similar: Marrywindix Ball Winder

It's extremely unsteady, the yarn feeder needs to be held in place while you're using it, and yarn constantly slips and winds up wrapping around the top/bottom, and generally becoming a tangled mess.

Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3GHFA0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I've used this pretty frequently and it's amazing for the price. I've had no issues with it and I've done my whole collection of yarn with this.

I always put yarn like that on this to wind it into a ball:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VGD39O4/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1526908602&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=yarn+winder&dpPl=1&dpID=5171tQEelnL&ref=plSrch

I don't know about specific brands, but I know the style where its angled is preferred (like this https://www.amazon.com/Vktech%C2%AE-String-Winder-Holder-Operated/dp/B00DKW9F6A ). The one's where its straight the the guide arm moves have a tendency to pop out of place.

I got one yesterday! This one:
https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0

It's working fine for me so far :) There are picture of the cakes in the reviews

I recently purchased this one from amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JMO8A10/?tag=sewingdeals1-20 this one is on my wishlist, and came recommended by a few fiber arts sites I frequent, but I haven't actually used it yet.

Knit picks https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549167430&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=knitpicks+yarn+winder&psc=1#

This one -> https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O3GHFA0?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

My first was a basic Michaels, $29.99 winder. It fell off the table, and some tiny connecting piece snapped on the inside.

What are your suggestions for my second winder?

EDIT: I was looking at this.

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BP21H0

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble.

Is this the one?

https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Yarn-Ball-Winder/dp/B00O3GHFA0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=knitpicks+yarn+winder&qid=1554558644&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

To throw out one that is not great, just so you know what to avoid -

I went real cheap with this one from Amazon and while it technically works, it's really not a pleasant experience. The little wire piece that you run the yarn through before it goes onto the actual winder part just doesn't stay put. It's collapsible and likes to collapse midway through all the time. Basically have to hold it in place with one hand and crank the thing with the other.

EDIT: Apparently it was my own silly user error! I did not realize how firmly I need to pull it out, until it clicks a second time to lock it in place. I retract my previous statement. That cheap winder works just fine in light of this new information!