You may be familiar with the old saying "A good workman always takes good care of his tools." This is true for your spinning and weaving supplies, too. The better condition you keep your supplies, the longer they will last, and the better they will work.

Taking care of your materials is not difficult. With most of your supplies, it is nothing more than common sense. Keeping them clean, free of debris, and stored safely when not in use is the only care that most of your supplies require.

Some supplies do need some extra attention. You should carefully check your loom on a regular basis to be sure that it has not accumulated any rust. You can clean your loom's metal parts with a standard sewing-machine oil. This will help to ensure that your loom continues to operate smoothly.

Lemon oil or linseed oil can be used to keep the wood of your loom clean and fresh. Some people find linseed oil a little difficult to manage, but both work equally well.

Lemon oil is also excellent for cleaning your spinning wheel. As keeping your spinning wheel in good working order means keeping it properly maintained, you should make a point of cleaning it on a regular basis.

Both a spinning wheel and loom should be checked frequently to be sure that all of the parts are secured in place. Parts must be replaced whenever they begin to wear out. Using a spinning wheel or loom with parts that are worn out can damage your entire machine, as well as making it less effective.

Dyes need a certain degree of care, also. First, if you have dyes which are no longer in excellent condition you should dispose of them. If they are kept too long, they can deteriorate. Their composition can change, and they will no longer be useful. Your material may be ruined if you try to use dye that is no longer fresh.

Second, most dyes lose their effectiveness after they have been opened. If you only use a portion of a dye, dispose of the remainder. No matter what kind of dye it is, proper disposal is important. The original package should provide instructions on how to dispose of it safely.

Caring for your materials also means keeping them out of your children's reach. Some supplies have the potential to be dangerous to children. Children, on the other hand, can easily ruin your supplies. While teaching them not to play with your spinning and weaving materials is important, ensuring that they are not accessible to your youngsters without your supervision is equally important. As pets can pose the same issues as children, they should not be allowed around your supplies. It can be beneficial to make the room where you do your spinning and weaving off-limits to young children and pets. This basic decision can prevent unnecessary accidents from occurring.

When not in use, your spinning and weaving supplies can be safely stored where they will not be disturbed. A room or large closet that is free from moisture, dust, and other residue is best. It is a good idea to have coverings for your loom and spinning wheel, if possible.

Keeping your supplies clean, safe, and in good condition is the best way to have them ready for many years of use. The small amount of time it takes to care for your supplies is well worth the effort. When you do not have to worry about broken or damaged supplies, you can focus on enjoying them. With just a little effort on your part, you can enjoy them for many years to come.