Looming....

Right before I decided to officially start this blog, I entered my name in a drawing to receive an advance copy of Red Hearts new booklet, Loom Knitting Made Easy and guess what???? I won a copy of my very own. Always so cool to win something, especially if it has to do with knitting of any kind. I actually picked-up my first loom in order to knit chemo caps a little faster. What I found was that many people that are afraid (for whatever reason) to knit in the traditional way, are eager to loom knit as it looks the same, is easy to do and for some reason holds much less terror for the beginner. I also found that many traditional knitters like myself, love looming just as much. How nice, there's a little bit of something for everyone. So, I have concluded that reviewing this little booklet hot off the presses will be of interest to many.

Loom Knitting Made Easy - Published 2010 - This was published late in 2010 and to be honest I'm not sure it's in the stores yet. I have not been able to get an answer. Be on lookout, I'm sure you'll start seeing it soon. The booklet covers six projects from beginner - intermediate skill levels. The projects cover home decor, lace, children and adult scarves and hats. I have to say that I am working on the lace shawl now. I have a vested interest in a lace shawl for a special wedding taking place in the summer and I'm going to see if I like this one as much as the one I'm knitting in the traditional way.

The first several pages of the booklet walk you through the basics of loom knitting - just as with traditional knitting it covers, cast ons, knits and purls, bind offs, flat vs round looming, different stitch patterns and finishing techniques. The instructional pictures are very clear and easy to follow. After the instructional section comes the projects and at the very end of the book there is a page on blocking, gauge and yarn choice, then a page with abbreviations and skill level information. For only 33 pages, the material is covered in a good amount of detail. The projects are fun and relevant for today's lifestyles.

In the end I will offer this, if you do not loom, this would be a great place to start. If you do loom, this a great reference and I think you'll enjoy working the patterns. If you want to get someone involved in a fiber craft - this booklet, a set of looms (can be purchased at most craft stores) and a couple skeins of yarn would make a wonderful gift.

Knit on, Read on....
The Knitty Scribe