This is my brand spanking new Fancy Kitty Kitten drum carder! I ordered it from Ron's etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=68456 . I was at a loss to what drum carder I wanted to buy. I had considered a Strauch Petite, but was really not happy with a smaller drum width-6 1/2 ". Not to mention it was more expensive. I had heard good things about Fancy Kitty Kitten drum carders, so I looked Ron up on Etsy, and checked it out! Hmmmm, well for startersthe Kitten has a 8 1/2 inch wide drum. It also comes with the brush attachment. (The Strauch you have to pay extra for! ) The drums are adjustable...yes, I like that feature. So I emailed Ron to check out what his response would be, and he was ever so nice and very prompt. (Good to know in case I needed to get a hold of him!) So there you have it! I ordered my Kitten!
I was sooooo surprised! It got here in 3 days!!! And it was packaged up like a ming dynasty vase... that baby could have fell off a moving truck and still made it intact!!! I was soooo impressed with the workmanship! It's not a cheapo throw together home made object. It is professionally constructed with great attention to detail! My Kitten was a fine tuned machine and I was estastic!!! What a bargain!!! (Let's just say the money I saved bought a whole lot of fiber, OK?) Mr. Ron did a follow up after it arrived to make sure everything was ok, and to give me his number in case I should have questions! ( Whaaaat? He still is supportive after the sale???? These days and times, that is just about unheard of!)
Ok, now for the nitty gritty!
I had to give her a test run, so here we go! The first pic is my first pass with some yellow merino and some white wool roving I got from the sheepshedstudio.com . I took my roving and fluffed it up and added thin layers until I got this. The drum carder works like a dream and was very smooth. Note I do not have it clamped down....didn't need too. I had no problems at all, and went through the first carding with ease. Say....this is fun!
On the second pass, I added some red/purple roving and some gold angelina. Wow, the carder is doing a great job, huh?
This is after the 2nd pass, let's run her through just one more time! I want it a bit more blended, and with my new drum carder...that won't take but a minute!
Here is my first batt! In this photo, the angelina isn't showing up as well in this photo, but trust me...It is really sparkly throughout. I am pleased with the results of my Kitten and I give the Fancy Kitty Kitten a 10 out of 10! I'm please with the transaction, and the customer support. The product is exceptional, and I had it up and running in minutes. It is completely as advertised. Ron is a bit modest though....I was married to a wood worker once, and let me tell you...he didn't just throw this together. There's a wole lot of detail put into the Kitten. All edges are smoothed, joints are precise, the tray slides with ease, I could go on and on....Ron is a master craftsman. So if your in the market for a drum carder...this is it! You won't be disappointed at all! You could pay a whole lot more...but why? I'd rather buy more wool...and I did! ( Some choice Angelina fiber from Loop on etsy too!)
10 comments:
Congratulations on both new babies ;) I'm completely sold. Going to buy one right now...
Glad I could help! I'm always for enabling!!! Hope you love yours as much a I love mine! I've got some serious blending to do, trying to get enough together to make a baby surprise jacket for Addi!
Thanks for that wonderful review! I've been shopping for a carder to buy in January (gotta organize my craft room first - I got fiber multiplying like tribbles!) and have been contemplating the Fancy Kitty. I've already purchased a few wheels and about time I get myself a drum carder. Handcarding can only go so far :)
Wow! What a great review and so helpful too! I've been considering possibly purchasing a Strauch Finest, but after reading your review, I would agree that it's a better choice to get the Fancy Kitty and spend the extra money on fiber, of course! Thanks for taking the time to post this info!
Mary
I am close to buying a kitten versus a used Patrick Green. I like the idea of being able to contact the maker so easily. I am curious--did you get the 90/120 or 72/90? Are you mostly blending already prepared fiber?
thanks for your helpful discussion on your blog
Hi Sandy,
It's the 90/120, and I've recently drum carded some churro with it successfully. I plan to order somemore unprocessed fleece to card up to.
Oh my goodness. I just came across your site by googling kitten card drum. I am soooo glad to hear how much you like it. I plan on ordering one this week! Best price around, thats for sure! Ok, I'm off to check out the rest of your blog...oh, where do you get your angelina fibers
Thanks. Laurie http://lauriescharmingdesigns.blogspot.com/
I also thank you for the carder review. I'm saving my pennies now for this carder and it's nice to read that others are satisfied with Ron's products and customer service.
Hi all, I am seriously considering buying a Fancy Kitty Kitten drum carder (motorized with brush). Do you still enjoy yours and would you still recommend it?
I'm so sorry to hear about Averie. Such a darling boy. I can't even imagine.
Hi Alpaca Joe,
Thank you! I still have my Kitty and use it exclusively. I've haven't had any problems with it and find it handles everything from coarse wool to fine alpaca. I like to spin from batts, and so I love it as much as my spinning wheels! Ron is great to work with, and is always a phone call away!
I highly recommend the Kitten!
Mary
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