Ashford Skeiner 2

A great skein winder and swift

I was upgrading from a cheap Amish-style swift to the Ashford Skeiner 2. The Ashford is so much better and easier to use. It turns smoothly and the tensioner at the base works well. It leaves my other hand free to count the revolutions as I turn. I keep track of multiples of 10 using a row counter. I like the notches for making pre-measured skeins (1m, 1.5m, 2m). It measures in meters, which I also like. The skeiner can also be used to unwind skeins. The bars can be adjusted to any point on the arms to fit the skein. No more floppy skeins threatening to jump out of the Amish swift as I wind a ball. Another plus: no need to treat the wood -- it comes lacquered.