Don’t Forget the Kitchen Twine!

Posted on by texasgabi

This year, when you do your grocery shopping for the holidays, make sure to get some extra kitchen twine. Together with the Original TURTLE Loom R it may serve as a holiday emergency kit …

Weave up a stack of hexagons on your Original TURTLE loom (R – regular sett). Each hexagon requires about 6 yards of twine. Remember to weave loosely, since the twine has not stretch.

Now you will be prepared to:

Have some coasters for the beer.

Just weave single hexagons and weave in the ends. Done!

Have a basket for the dinner mints.

You will need three hexagons. Follow the instructions for the Easy Tassel Basket but skip the crochet border, and tie the flaps with simple single-string bows.

Battle the gravy spills.

Sew four hexagons together to make a puzzle block. Instructions can be found in this video.

Have a welcoming restroom.

Use single hexagons for make-up pads or wipes, offer four-hexagon puzzle blocks as guest towels.

Keep the kids busy with a bean bag toss.

Sew two hexagons together. Before closing the sides completely, fill the pouch with a handful of beans. Use any basket or bucket as target. (Idea from Paint Drop Toss Game)

Tip: Decorate the hexagons.

Optionally, you can decorate any of the projects with washable markers … another way to keep kids of all ages entertained while waiting for the meal.

Using dotting motions to apply the colors works well.

Do the dishes.

Seven hexagons make a nice flower dishcloth! Instructions for making a flower dishcloth can be found here.

Of course, you can still use the twine to tie the turkey or the roast! Most of all: Stay calm and weave on.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

All supplies and props – except for the loom of course – were obtained at a HEB grocery store.

Quilt Weaving 201

Posted on by texasgabi

If you own just any one pin loom, quilt-style project opportunities are endless. However, the growing number of pin-loom shapes and a better understanding of how to weave them opens the doors to even more, playful quilt designs that all seem to call “Pick me, pick me!”

This blog introduces one of those more complex designs, the “Flowers, Stars, and Hearts” table topper.

The design uses three looms: The Original TURTLE Loom™ (regular hexagon shape), the Original Jewel (jewel shape), and the Original Diamond (tumbling block shape), all in R-regular sett. Now take a closer look at what you will get … Do you see the flowers, stars, and hearts?

For this autumn version of the table topper I used Hobby Lobby “I Love This Cotton” in 336 Cinnamon Cedar (a variegated yarn resulting in red, yellow, and green jewel weavies, 2 balls), and one ball each of 18 Bruschetta, 40 Sage, and 14 Gold.

The design may look overwhelming, that’s why I put together photo-guided step-by-step instructions for weaving and assembling the table topper. The pattern will be half-off in our Etsy store this week, no coupon required.

Go get the “Flowers, Stars, and Hearts” pattern HERE.

But wait! We’re not done yet … imagine that you use the same design and start playing with different colors … you may get a classic holiday design, or radiant stars , or a kaleidoscope, or … That’s why the pattern not only includes a chart for the autumnal table topper and some more examples, but also a printable blank chart, so that you can design your own.

Happy quilt weaving!

Car Coasters are a Thing!

Posted on by texasgabi

I hope that I’m not the only person who was not aware that people use coasters for the cup holders in their cars … It took Tammy Anderson’s recent Facebook post with a picture of her newly created coasters to inspire me that woven hexagons would perfect for that purpose.

Photo credit: (c) 2023 Tammy Anderson. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

I’ve been using napkins for years, particularly during this hot summer.

Napkins no more! From now on, I will have handwoven coasters for all cup holders in my car, and just because I can, they will be seasonal!

MATERIALS: Let’s start with some autumnal coasters, woven on the Original TURTLE Loom™ R-regular sett and using Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Cotton” in color 336 Cinnamon Cedar.

HOW TO: This is probably the most perfect beginner project with a purpose that I can think of: Just weave a hexagon … weave in the ends … DONE!

I decided to weave the ends back into the weaving, which maintains an even edging all around. The “extra threads” are barely visible and just add to the coasters ability to soak up a few more drops of condensation.

After weaving the tails back in, just clip them.

Applications are endless, here are a few suggestions:

  • Make a set of 4-6 coasters as a great gift for someone who gave you a ride or is on the road a lot.
  • Think ahead and make stocking stuffers for friends, family members, colleagues.
  • Make those coasters in team colors, or make a set in someone’s favorite or car colors.
  • Great little something for a new driver? First car?

Start with transforming your car today …

The 5-Point Ooops Story

Posted on by texasgabi

Fellow pin-loom weaver Teresa Evans recently acquired the new Original Diamond F loom, because she wants to make Greta Holmstrom’s amazing Star Shawl from the Little Looms Fall 2023 magazine.

Teresa posted this picture, excitedly showing her sampling efforts.

“Oh, that looks pretty” I thought instantly, and then “Wait a minute … there are five points, not six! And it still looks awesome!”

I had to try it, so I “re-purposed” some diamonds from another project and made a 5-point and a 6-point star. Both work just fine, and the reason is that the flexible bias edging allows for both layouts to settle as needed!

I shared my observations with Teresa, and after a good laugh about her not-intended 5-point star, we instantly started brainstorming Christmas decorations …

What started as an “oops” is turning into a great holiday crafting opportunity.

And Abby the Tabby will make sure that Teresa is getting it right this time … for both projects, the shawl and the Christmas decorations …

Photo credits: All photos except the two-star sample picture are provided by Teresa Evans. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

A Jewel Christmas Tree Ornament

Posted on by texasgabi

As a teacher or parent, you may be familiar with “writing prompts”. Well, consider today’s project suggestion to be a “weaving prompt”! In short, two jewel weavies make a perfect base for a Christmas tree ornament, and I leave it up to you to decorate yours any way your imagination will lead you …

How to make a basic tree ornament:

  • Weave two jewels on the Original Jewel R loom.
  • Use the starting tails to sew the sides together, leaving a small opening to stuff the ornament.
  • Slightly stuff the ornament with Polyfil, yarn ends, or any stuffing that you have at hand. Do not overstuff.
  • Close completely.
  • Thread the end tails of the jewels in a tapestry needle. Make a couple of securing stitches through the tip, so that the yarn doesn’t pull in. Knot the tail ends together … this loop can serve as the hanger for your ornament.
  • Decorate the tree any way you like with charms, beads, embroidery (you could also embroider before sewing the jewels together), ribbon, mini ornaments, …

The first example ornament is slightly stuffed with Polyfil. I left it largely undecorated, but threaded a wooden star bead onto the end tails for a topper.

For the second ornament, I used a fairy light string as stuffing!

Everything, including the battery pack, is inside the ornament (you can feel for the switch through the fabric).

Consider also use just one jewel and stiffen it!

Christmas craft items don’t seem to be in the stores just yet, but I think it is never too early (and never the wrong time) to think of holiday crafting. I hope you agree!

… humming “Oh, Tannenbaum!” …