Anniversary Looms: EquiTri R and F

Posted on April 19, 2024 by texasgabi

Seven years ago today we listed our first hexagon pin loom on Etsy, and the list of new looms has grown since then. Today we’d like to add two equilateral triangle looms, the Original EquiTri R and F.

Greta Holmstrom used the fine sett EquiTri triangle loom when she designed her Lotus Mosaic Runner that is published in “Easy Weaving with Little Looms” Summer 2024. Of course you can use the Jewel loom to weave equilateral triangles (see Weaving Triangles on the Jewel Loom). However, if you need more than a few, it will go faster and is more enjoyable to use a dedicated loom.

Find the new looms in our Etsy store: Original EquiTri R and Original EquiTri F

The triangles can be used for many project ideas, either on their own or together with other “Original”-sized TURTLE looms like hexagons, diamonds, and jewels.

Are you wondering what to do with equilateral triangles? Here is a short geometry insight to inspire you:

One equilateral triangle makes a great gap filler to smoothen borders.
Two equilateral triangles make a diamond shape.
Three equilateral triangles make a half hexagon.
Four equilateral triangles make … a larger equilateral triangle.
Five equilateral triangles make a pretty flower shape.
Six equilateral triangles make a hexagon.

Now add color to the mix, and you have a great building block for a sheer endless number of projects. Find more ideas in the quilting world and on this Pinterest board.

A quick “first project” is to make a kaleidoscope table topper … It’s easy: Grab 6 colors from your yarn stash, weave 6 hexagons and 6 equilateral triangles. Sew the six triangles together into a hexagon, then surround that hexagon with the 6 hexagons.

If you are new to triangle weaving, we have prepared something special for you: We’ve added instructional videos to our YouTube channel that show triangle weaving for left- and right-handed weavers!

Enjoy the show and weave on!

Remember to Get the Carrots!

Posted on February 27, 2024 by texasgabi

Experts recently pointed out that “While for centuries people have enjoyed that bunnies deliver beautifully decorated eggs and treats to people all over the world, it has been neglected to provide adequate nutrition for such a strenuous job. This is of great concern, compared to the tradition of cookies and milk for Santa or snacks for the reindeer.” Therefore, we should take this important research to heart and provide such nutrition in form of carrots. It has been said that fiber-rich carrots are not only healthy, but also favored by those little busy hoppers.

Here are some fiber-rich carrots that you can quickly make at home … for each carrot you will need the Original Jewel R, about 14 yards of yarn for the carrot, and about 10 yards for the greens (I used dishcloth cotton).

Weave two jewel shapes.

If you want to use woven greens, weave one hexagon on the Original TURTLE Loom R.

Bunnies like variety … feel free to use any colors and designs, for example these stripes:

Weave two rounds in orange
Weave one round in red
Weave four rounds in orange
Weave one round in red
Finish weaving in orange.

You can also use the Original Jewel Loom F to weave carrots in finer yarns.

For the carrot, sew two jewel pieces together along four sides as shown.

Stuff the carrot with Polyfil and a bouncy ball or beans.

Thread a string through the top of the carrot for pulling it together.

Leaf options … weave and fold a hexagon, make a green tassel, crochet corkscrew leaves.

Woven leaves

Fold hexagon in half.
Fold again into a quarter.
Hold the tip of the fold as shown.
Spread the leaves apart.
Secure the tip with a thread.
Stuff the tip of the leaves into the carrot opening, Pull the carrot opening close. Use the ends to secure with a few stitches.

Tassel

To make a tassel, wrap some green yarn around your hand about 10 times or to taste. Tie and cut. Stuff and secure as described previously.

Crocheted Corkscrew Leaves

To crochet each corkscrew:

Chain 21
work three single crochet stitches into the top leg of the second chain. Work three single crochet stitches into each of the following chains.
Bind off.
Tie the ends together as shown.
Attach the leaves as described above.

These carrots make a great toss game, or you can just use them for decoration … Enjoy!

Disclaimer: The research is as true as Santa and the reindeer, verified by the turtle professors at the turtle academy.

Welcome 2024 with Flowers!

Posted on January 6, 2024January 15, 2024 by texasgabi

I can hardly think of a better way to start the new year than with a fun, creative, purposeful pin-loom project.

Let’s beat the winter blues by weaving a Flower Top for warmer days to come!

In a nutshell:

Sleeveless, easy-to-weave, comfortable tee, suitable for beginning weavers.
Finished garment size: 24″ (M-L) or 27″ (XL-XXL) wide and 27″ long.
Loom: Original TURTLE Loom F-fine sett for sock/fingering weight yarn.
Yarn: A total of 926 / 1059 yards + about 50 yds for the crocheted borders, light-weight yarn.

The pattern is available on the Bluebonnet Crafters Etsy store, click HERE.

As so often, the Flower Top pattern comes with a story:

A couple of springs ago I noticed a Berroco knitted top pattern named Fleurine, which is worked in one of my favorite summer yarns “Remix Light”. I instantly fell in love except … I wanted to weave it! The idea for the Flower Top was borne.

I also love to sample yarns, and Berroco offers small samples of their new yarns twice a year in the form of “Yarn Tasting” kits. These samples are perfect for many crafts, including pin-loom weaving. In most cases the amounts for each yarn are just enough to weave one hexagon “flower”. That’s why each flower of the sample model is woven in a different Berroco summer yarn that I gathered from past Yarn Tasting kits.

While this is the story of how the Flower Top came about, the pattern can be woven in any yarns you like or might have at hand. Make all flowers in the same yarn, or “go wild” and make each flower different, for example in precious hand-spun or go crazy with scraps.

The example is woven on the Original TURTLE Loom™ F-fine sett for sock/fingering weight yarn, but you could use the R-regular or XF-extra fine sett looms as well … or mix and match!

The pattern is provided in two sizes that can be worn by many. Shown in the photos is the smaller size. Model Josephine is very petite, and she wears the top with a good amount of ease. I’m an XL, and I wear the same top with little ease. The pattern includes the chart for a larger size and some suggestions for further adjustments, and as usual, pattern support is provided to assist with your needs.

This garment will qualify if you want to participate in the Garment Challenge or get your Weaving Buddy badge!

You can find the pattern on the Bluebonnet Crafters Etsy store, just click HERE.

Special thanks go to Gale Zucker, www.gzucker.com, on Instagram @galezucker, for her amazing ability to bring out the best of hand-crafted items in photography, and to Josephine Ankrah, Instagram @sweetjsphn, who once again convinced with her ability to perfectly model the Flower Top.

A Cozy Candle Cozy

Posted on December 24, 2023 by texasgabi

Recently, I sampled Lion Brand’s Local Wool yarn and fell in love with the rustic character. Even more, I noticed how nicely it fulls after a run through the laundry machine. Perfect features to make little candle cozies!

You will need the Original TURTLE loom kit, R for worsted weight yarn, and Lion Brand Local Wool or a worsted weight yarn of your choice. Choose any colors/ combinations you like, one “petals” color and another one for the “leaves” bottom.

Weave 3 hexagons each in those two colors.

To assemble the leaves, weave in the end tails. “Secure” the thread with the first stitch by stitching through the yarn (splitting the yarn), then weave along one side of the hexagon. Clip the yarn.

Layout the three hexagons with the starting tails in the center. Use each starting tail to sew adjacent hexagons along one side, then weave in the end. Clip the yarn.

The finished leaves bottom looks like this. For the further assembly it doesn’t matter if you have the wrong or right side facing towards you.

To shape the petals cup, layout the remaining three hexagons the way they come off the loom (starting tail facing away from you towards the top, ending tails to the right).

Use the end tails to whipstitch together adjacent hexagons along TWO sides as shown (you start at the center bottom of the cup and work your way out, then up the cup sides).

Turn the right side out. Your petals cup will look like this.

Now fold over each tip and secure the tips with 2-3 stitches as shown.

Next you will attach the petals cup to the leaves bottom. Use a separate end of yarn in the petals color and start between the cup and the leaves. Leaving a tail, work small running stitches in a circle to connect the cup to the bottom. At the end of the round, double-knot the ends and clip. The following pictures show some details:

At this point your candle holder is ready to use (shown), or you can choose to full your project for a more rustic expression. I washed my finished candle holder together with some towels in my top loader laundry machine on a regular cycle. After that I tugged it into its desired shape and let it air dry on a flat surface.

For lighting, you can use a variety of LED lights with your new candle holder. I’m showing a few, they are all about 2″ in diameter.

If you are not into candles … the flowers will hold treats, too!

Make your candle holders in different colors for different occasions … so far I’ve used

Maple (orange) and Moss (green) for fall/Thanksgiving.
Apple Pie (red) and Moss (green) for traditional holiday colors
Blue Jeans (blue) and Vanilla Bean (natural) for a winter wedding table decoration.

And if you only have time to weave one hexie or only have small tea-LED-lights … we’ve got you covered with this project from our 2017 Advent Caldendar WAL …

Merry Christmas to All … Happy Holidays!

Ta-Da! The Original Jewel F – Fine Sett is Here!

Posted on November 28, 2023 by texasgabi

The first batch of Original Jewel F looms is ready, and we know that some of you have been really, really waiting for it.

Without further ado, here is the new Jewel F loom, “Original” size, which means it works well together with other “Original” TURTLEs like the hexagon and diamond shapes. “F – fine sett” for sock/fingering yarn … American weight 1 – 2 and British weight DK with a knitting stitch gauge of 24-26 work best. Slightly thicker/thinner yarns will make beautiful denser/lacier fabrics.

This wheel sampler shows just a few examples of yarns that work very well on the new Jewel F.

Here’s a closer look at the sampler yarns:

Inspirations Patons Kroy Socks yarn is a sturdy, squishy sock wool that comes in many solid and variegated colors.
Desert Garden by Dyelicious Yarn has some colors that are dyed with TURTLE looms in mind. I used Lupine for this sample.
Many of Berroco’s yarns are perfect for (pin-loom) weaving. I am in love with Lumi, which creates a solid fabric with a festive sheen.
Holst Garn Titicaca is a lace weight yarn. Two strands held together create an amazing, super-soft fabric. I found this yarn at the Yarn Barn of Kansas.
Another Berroco yarn, Vintage Sock, is a very pleasant to weave, sturdy and easy-care blend that comes in many colors.
Fine-sett TURTLEs can’t be without one of the best cotton yarns that I know of, Scheepjes Catona.

If you miss out on the first batch of Original Jewel F looms, don’t worry, there will be more. Batch 2 is in the making and will be ready before Christmas. You can signup on Etsy to be notified when we list more, or you can contact us to get onto our list. That way you will keep your space in line and we will let you when your loom is ready.

When you get your Jewel loom, a great first project is to make some tree ornaments!

The yarn I used here is Chaos Fiber Co Christmas Time, a variegated green/red fingering weight yarn that creates a plaid-like effect while weaving.

How To Make A Tree Ornament:

Weave two jewels on your new Original Jewel F loom (or use your Jewel R with thicker yarn).
Sew the shapes together along the edges, leaving an opening for stuffing.
To give the ornament more strength, insert a piece of cardboard or plastic canvas (you can find the cutting template here).
You could also bend into shape or weave a fairy light chain, which will ad a romantic lighting to your ornament. Or use any stuffing of your choice for a more 3D effect.
Add a hanger.
Embellish with anything you like: Bows, bells, garlands, or embroider a name or a date.

Ready to make, give, enjoy!

Don’t Forget the Kitchen Twine!

Posted on November 12, 2023November 12, 2023 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 September 24, 2023 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!

Easy Polka Dots with Hexagons

Posted on September 17, 2023September 18, 2023 by texasgabi

Designing with hexagons can be tricky, but it is also full of amazing surprises: This blog is about how easy it is to achieve Polka dot effects with hexagons!

Let’s start with looking at a small block of six hexagons (top left of the following graph). They are arranged in two rows, three hexagons each row. The first row has the sequence of “background, background, dot”. If you feel like dancing, you could say “skip, skip, dot”. The second row starts with a dot and has two background hexagons that follow.

Because of hexagon geometry, the dots between the rows are offset just right to make a classical Polka dot pattern.

Now you just need to repeat those “steps” within each row, and repeat those two rows, to any size you like. There you have your polka dot pattern!

To demonstrate, I made a Polka Dot Cowl in autumn colors … and did I mention that cowls are perfect medium size pin-loom projects, perfect for trying out crafting ideas … and perfect for gift giving?

The Autumn Cowl was woven on the TinyTURTLE™ Loom F-Fine sett with a yarn that is unfortunately discontinued (WEBS Camp Color Fingering, colors Audiophile and Somewhere Over the Rainbow). You can substitute any sock/fingering weight yarn or use the TinyTURTLTE™ Loom R-Regular sett with worsted weight yarns.

If you like the background plaid effect of the sample cowl, look for a yarn with “micro stripes”. Here are two examples:

Tempe Yarn’s Desert Garden is dyed with TURTLE looms in mind.

The variegated yarn on the left is Dusty Miller, on the right is Lupine. A suggestion for the dots is Desert Shades in Merlot (the “real” colors are actually more vibrant than in this photo).

Call the store for assistance at 480-557-9166 while they are updating their online shop.

In my stash I had these yarns from the Chaos Fiber Co.

The Micro-Stripe color is Birthday Party, combined with “dots” of Tonal Minis in Turquise Pop, Hot Pink, Hot Orange, and Lemon Drop. Use one or all!

The cowl measures about 21.5″ in the round and is about 9″ tall. You can easily change the size by adding/subtracting rows and repeats. The modeled cowl for example has one extra repeat, which brings it to 27″ in the round.

Here is the chart for making the cowl:

For your own Polka dot projects, and no matter which hexagons you’re using, here is a Hexagon Polka Dot Design chart for you. Print it in landscape layout for best results. If you need a larger chart, print and tape together as many copies as you need.

HexagonPolkaDotDesignChart-V10 Download

I hope that you enjoy this little lesson in “Designing with Hexagons”. There’s more to explore in these articles on the Handwoven/Little Looms website.

Lastly, if you are curious (like I was) about the origins of Polka dots, here is an article that I enjoyed reading about the history of polka dot patterns.

I want to thank Gale Zucker, www.gzucker.com, on Instagram @galezucker, for her amazing ability to bring out the best of a hand-crafted item in photography, and to Josephine Ankrah, Instagram @sweetjsphn, for perfectly modeling the Polka Dot Cowl.

The TURTLEs are looking forward to seeing your Polka dot projects!

Car Coasters are a Thing!

Posted on September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 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.

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 August 29, 2023 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 …