Craft with (or without) Kids: Potholder Loom!

While on vacation in Bar Harbor, Maine last week, we went into a toy shop and let the kids pick one small toy each. Colton predictably chose a cool little white car. To my complete surprise, Annabel wanted a potholder loom! I could not wait to get it home and make one. Er, I mean show her how to. I had one of these as a kid. Mine was probably plastic instead of metal, but I fondly remember churning out potholders as I learned to weave.

This loom is made by Harrisville Designs. They make AMAZING big floor looms. I have one. It's in the basement, waiting for when the kids are older and I can return to the click click whirr of the beater, treadles and yarn unwinding off the shuttle. It's no rush; I've got plenty to do until then. For now, I'm thrilled Annabel is interested in weaving a potholder with me.

I had Annabel close her eyes and choose each loop. She put the warp (first layer) on by herself. Instead of using the metal hook to weave the loops we used our fingers to pull the weft (second layer) over and under. 

It became tight near the end so I finished the weaving and used the crochet hook (included with the kit) to bind the edges off. The kit comes with enough loops to create two potholders. We have one more to make.

The play kitchen now has two new bright and cheery potholders! I might borrow them for the real kitchen at some point, but I'd rather let Annabel experience playing with something she proudly made. I was surprised to discover that she'd slept with it under her pillow last night. 

I hear Spirographs are making a comeback, too. . . 

xo Karin