Because it suits our personality and serves our larger goals, our library is not just a depository of books, but it is also a “non-coop, coop.” In other words, we offer a wide variety of classes and clubs on an a la carte basis for our patrons. One of our easy handicraft classes that we are offering this fall is simple loom weaving. This class is easy to teach and easy for the even the youngest library patrons to do well. Just about anyone can make a potholder in a short amount of time. And, it is easy to host with little setup and mess.
For those who are curious: each participant is paying a $10 material fee for this class. Included in that fee is the loom and 72 loops which will make 2 potholders. We are also selling small kids of 108 additional loops for $5 for families to take home with them to make additional potholders.
The hard part was finding good supplies at an affordable price. Plastic looms are cheap but they twist and break. Metal looms are expensive. Some loops are scratchy and stiff. Some loops are too tight and are hard to work with. After a lot of trial and error, we found lovely loops and fantastic metal looms that are a steal.
This loom makes it so easy to be successful! The metal frame is strong and easy to weave on. And, the metal teeth are curved outward which helps the loops to stay in place while weaving. Sturdy, strong, and well made, I cannot believe the loom is under $9.
These loops are soft, stretchy, but also strong. They are a joy to work with, very forgiving, and come in delightful colors. Also, in bulk, they are affordable.