Invisible Loom and Craft

Looming Inspirations

2012-01-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some wonderful projects that are inspiring my own looming. Color and texture are two areas I hope to improve this year, and both are a challenge for me. My first inspirational loomer is Sarah of Dye Your Yarn. Sarah is a fabulous loom knitter who makes the most creative, beautiful hats I have ever seen. But, that is nothing compared to her wonderful blog - and blog is a poor word for it. Sarah has created an amazing encyclopedia of fiber dying. Everything you could ever want to know she has tested and tried, written out and shared. The first photo is a little taste of the yarn color guides you will find at Sarah's blog.

Brenda, the loom lady, at Loom Lore is always inspiring my loom knitting, with beautiful projects, and creative new techniques. The second photo is a collage of Brenda's 2011 projects, and I am just overwhelmed with the creativity and beauty of each and every one.

Helen at My Heart Exposed and her lovely daughter Angelica, created this wonderful Mario-themed blanket - a loom knitting masterpiece. Helen individually loom knit each of the mitered squares, and Angelica seamed them together, a nearly 1 year long project. Sarah, Helen and Brenda inspire me to loom knit in ways I never even dreamed of, and I hope they will inspire you as well.
Copyright 2012 by Invisible Loom, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Looming for the New Year

2012-01-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how it happened, but my looms are full, so first on my to-do list will be to finish these projects. The first photo shows a shawl made from Beaverslide wool in a fingering weight. It is a rustic feeling and looking shawl, with a purl eyelet detail. It is off the loom and blocking, so almost done.

The second shawl is a little change for me, made from Jojoland Rhythm worsted weight yarn. I'm on the third skein, and still enjoying new color combinations. The shawl itself is a loose variation of textural stitches, including the wave stitch and linen stitch. I'm about 1/3 of the way through this project.

This third photo shows a needle design I converted for the loom so I could be part of a knit-a-long in the Small Shawls Group in Ravelry. I'm using a 90 peg 1/2 inch gauge loom with a pretty variegated fingering yarn from Shibui.
There are also some great January group knits happening. The Loom-a-long group at Ravelry is working on the "Bee Bopper Bag", a cute tote bag. The Loom Class at yahoo groups is making a darling sweater for an 18 inch doll. And the Markman Looms group at yahoo groups has its annual beginning loomers course, a great class for learning stitches and reviewing basics.

Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime $10.00 ebook, 5 patterns with variations
Copyright 2012 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Travel by Rail Shawl Pattern

2011-12-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

The Travel by Rail Shawl is a shawl for every loomer. It may be loomed on a large, regular, or small gauge loom, with worsted, DK, or fingering weight yarn. And if you want, you may even use lace weight on your Martha Stewart 3/8 inch setting. The pattern includes peg numbers and yardage for four looms sizes, including the new Martha Stewart looms.

The shawl itself is a mid-sized shawl, worked in two colors of yarn, and trimmed with ribbon around the edges. It sits nicely on the shoulders without slipping, and does not need a shawl pin.

There are a few new, very simple techniques in the pattern for colorworking the rows while increasing and decreasing to create an eyelet edge. The basic fabric of the shawl is garter stitch, using the ewrap knit to create the proper ease for blocking.

The shawls in the photos were made on my favorite CinDwood 1/2 inch gauge loom, using 48 and 50 pegs, but a 40 peg large gauge loom, or 48 peg purple hat loom, or Martha Stewart small peg configuration of 75 pegs will all work with this pattern. Best of all, the shawl is loomed entirely in one piece, with no seams.

As always, the pattern is in a large print format. I hope you all enjoy this pattern. Please let me know what you think, and whether you have liked the "Travel by" collection.
Travel by Rail Shawl $4.00 US

Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime

$10.00 US ebook

Wrapping up a Year of Looming

2011-12-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

I saw a topic on Ravelry this week for planning knitting goals for 2012. Instead, I've taken stock of 2011, which was a pretty busy loom year for me.
The year started with an ocean-inspired pattern collection that included:
Coral Reef Cap - January
Sea Glass Wrap - February
Abalone Lace Shawlette - March
Leafy Sea Dragon Scarf - April
Pink Pearl Wrap - May
April was a very special month, with the publication of Jane's Shawl for the Loom, and with the help of my friend Helen Jacobs-Grant, Jane's Shawl for Needles, both designed from photos of a shawl in the Jane Eyre movie, and seen in the photo at the top of this post.
The next few months were spent putting together the shawl booklet with 5 patterns, plus variations:
Sweet on Ruffles Shawl
Hydrangea Petal Lace Shawl
Peaceful Days Shawl
Diamonds in the Ruff(les)
My Fair Faroese
The end of the year brought the "Travel by" collection:
Travel by Rail Beret
Travel by Rail Cuffs
and later this week, the Travel by Rail Shawl.

I'm happy to say that 8 of these patterns were free, and I hope you have enjoyed all the patterns as much as I have enjoyed sharing them with you. Check back this week for the last pattern of 2011, "The Travel by Rail Shawl," seen in the second photo.
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Looming around the Net

2011-11-29T10:33:00.000-08:00

December will be filled with many loomy gifts, and the loom blogs have many possibilities for us. At the top of my list is Brenda the Loom Lady's wonderful blog, Loom Lore. Brenda has shared two new patterns, a darling "Acorn Tawashi" and a lovely "Indian Corn Hotpad". The hotpad is beautifully made in a reversed-sided linen stitch. Brenda's pattern box is filled with holiday patterns, including angels, stars, bells, candy canes and stockings. And, best of all, Brenda has an updated edition of her wonderful book from Boye, "I Taught Myself to Loom Knit."
For more looming fun, the Ravelry Loom-a-long group will be making Robin McCoy's "McCoy Mitts" pattern, with Robin hosting the loom-a-long all month.
Another sweet pattern has been shared by JEC of NEPA, at her blog "I Share With You." The "Little Girl Bag" is a perfect small gift for the holidays.
I hope to see you all over at the loom-a-long.

$10.00 "Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime"
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Travel by Rail Cuffs

2011-11-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

Today I have the second pattern from the "Travel by Rail" collection. These pretty ruffled cuffs are a fast gift to make. They may be worn several ways. The first photo shows them as a jacket or shirt cuff.

The second photo shows them worn as a boot topper. My daughter liked them best this way.

The third photo shows them as a cuff under a pair of jeans, over a pair of heels.

In the last photo you will see the eyelets and ribbon details. I hope you will enjoy this little pattern. Travel by Rail Cuffs for the Loom
download now

$10.00 "Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime"
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

A Morning with Martha

2011-11-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I had a very special morning outing. I went to Google to watch one of a series of author's interviews. This was with Martha Stewart. Since I rarely go out at all, the combination of Martha and being at Google was a pretty big day.
First I had to get all my security passes and be allowed into Google. Google was filled with mostly young people who have something electronic in one hand, and food in the other. I had hoped my electric chair might be "cool" enough, but I think I need to have an ipad stand attached for real pizazz ☺ I watched a wonderful interview with Martha. She was asked all about her life, her new book, and her views on all things Google. She looked just lovely in person. After the interview, 200 people were given a certificate from under their chair for a free copy of Martha's new book, "Entertaining". Since I had brought my own chair, some nice Google employees found an empty chair nearby and gave me the certificate. Martha signed all the books, and was very charming and gracious. It was such a delightful morning! I could do this all the time. I you are all have a nice adventure now and then, too.

$10.00 "Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime"
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Travel by Rail Beret

2011-11-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

I'm very happy to give you this new pattern today. The "Travel by Rail Beret" is a simple but elegant beret, perfect to wear when you want to be warm and comfortable, yet still stylish with a touch of elegance.

The beret features a relaxed band that will not pull on your hair, with a lace edged cast-off.

It has a gentle swirl that ends with a tassel. I used a home-made velvet ribbon tassel, but a long tassel of any kind adds a lovely touch to this beret.

Enjoy this free pattern, and please let me know how you like it. download now

$10.00 e-book "Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime"

Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

On and Off the Loom

2011-11-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

November is here, and that means time to get the gifts finished (or in my case, started.) I have a few things just off the loom, and the patterns are almost ready. In the first photo, a sweet tasseled beret.

The second photo shows a shawl using two colors of natural alpaca yarn. This was such a pleasure to loom! The shawl has an eyelet edging that will have a ribbon woven through it once the blocking is finished.

The last photo shows a ruffled cuff also made from a soft, undyed alpaca yarn. The cuff may be worn under a jacket, or on your ankle topping a pretty shoe.
What is on your loom?

Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime $10.00

Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-10-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

$10.00 US

Tea on Tuesday

Little Lemon Ginger Cookies

A sweet little gem of a cookie, my girls can not get enough of these. The cookies may be made a few days ahead of serving and stored in a sealed container between waxed paper or parchment paper. For an extra treat, sprinkle the tops with a little lemon sugar.

1 stick (8 TBSP.) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
zest of 1 lemon, finely grated
1/4 tsp. lemon extract
1 and 1/3 cups flour
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup candied ginger, finely diced

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with silicon baking mats or parchment paper. In bowl of a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the egg and beat to combine. Add the zest and lemon extract and beat in.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, salt and candied ginger. On low speed, add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture until just combined. Drop teaspoons of batter onto the baking sheets (a small sized cookie scoop or melon ball scoop works well for this and gives you very even, round little cookies.) Sprinkle tops with a little sugar or lemon sugar. Bake 7 - 9 minutes, until bottoms have browned. Centers will be a little soft.
Makes 3 dozen cookies.
Copyright 2000-2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime

2011-10-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Finished! I hope you all will enjoy "Loom Knit Shawls: From Simple to Sublime".

$10.00 US ebook

Five loom knit shawl patterns and their variations will take you from a simple small shawlette on a large gauge loom, to a delicate lace weight yarn confection made on a ½ inch gauge loom. All the patterns may be made on a single 60 peg ½ inch gauge hat loom.

Variations include yarn weights of lace, fingering, DK, worsted or bulky. Designs vary from simple garter rows to beautiful flowers and geometric treasures. Shape your shawls in a classic full V-back, a long ruffed crescent, a Faroese half circle, or a petite shawlette.

$10.00 PDF download includes multiple files: a 52 page, large print version; 20 page, 12 point paper saver; and a separate photo gallery file, to let you print the patterns the way you like to use them.

The Patterns
1. “Sweet on Ruffles”
This sweet little shawlette is a great way to loom knit a shawl if you are not quite ready to work with finer weight yarns, or want a fast, simple project. The shaping techniques used for a larger V-back shawl are the similar to the shaping used for this shawlette, but you are working with bulky or worsted weight wool, depending on your loom size. This pattern is perfect for learning short row ruffles, practicing blocking, and enjoying working with a pretty variegated yarn. The shawlette may be worn with the point in the front, tucked into a jacket, or with the point in the back, showing off your ruffles. The “simple” version of the pattern omit’s the ruffle.

2. “Peaceful Day Shawl”
Peaceful is a large, one piece V-back shawl made on a 60 peg, ½ inch gauge knitting loom. After blocking, a small crochet edging may be added to the shawl. The lace rows may be placed any where you please within the shawl pattern, or omitted entirely in the “simple” version.

3. “Diamonds in the Ruff(les)”
Diamonds is a long, crescent shaped shawl that wraps around, and around your shoulders. It is made on a ½ inch gauge loom with 59 pegs. Diamonds may be loomed “simply” without the diamond lace panel. With the lace panel, a beautiful design is centered across your back, topped by gentle ruffles. Without the lace panel, softly shaped crescent shawl with a gentle ruffled edge is created.

4. “Hydrangea Petal Lace”
Light as air, Hydrangea may be made in lace weight yarn using 58 pegs on a ½ inch gauge loom. Hydrangea is a full V shaped shawl that will fold delicately into a lovely neckerchief or wrap around all the way around your shoulders and back. If you are not ready to work with lace weight yarn, make a “simple” version of the Hydrangea with fingering weight yarn and use the 50 peg option given in the pattern.

5. “My Fair Faroese”

My Fair Faroese is a half-circle shape made in 5 sections. To create a Faroese on a knitting loom, the shawl is loomed from one corner to the other, using 4 triangles and a straight center section. My Fair Faroese createsDK weight yarn.

Photos are in the previous post, "Almost".
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Almost

2011-10-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Diamonds in the Ruff(le) crescent shawl

Hydrangea Petal Lace Shawl

Sweet on Ruffles Shawlette

Peaceful Days Shawl

My Fair Faroese

The patterns are almost ready. All will have some variation, to make them a little more simple or fancy, lighter weight or heavier weight yarn, smaller or larger size. One loom will make all of the shawls - a 1/2 inch gauge with about 66 pegs. I hope you like the photos. PS to Kathie: I used my CinDwood 66 peg, 1/2 inch gauge, hat loom to make the shawls. The Shawlette was made on both the CinDwood and the Purple KK hat loom. Any 1/2 inch gauge loom will work, including the Markman half size and the DA regular sett. And all are made in one piece.

Looming on the Net

2011-10-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

October will be a wonderful month for looming! The first photo shows what the loom class group at yahoogroups will be featuring; two beautiful new patterns from the Loom Lady, Brenda Meyers. The first is a lovely "Falling Leaves Scarf", and the second project will be sweet pumpkin "loom"iaries. Brenda is a wonderful teacher, and it will be a treat to have her patterns for the class.
Over at Ravelry, the Loom-a-long for October will be a beautiful Fall themed table runner. The pattern is from Bethany Daily of Gettin' It Pegged, who will also be hosting the loom-a-long. Bethany's sweet new book, "Loom Knitting for Little People" has just been published, another treat for October loomers.

Just off of my loom, a faroese shawl in a pretty half circle shape. The photo shows the shawl being blocked.
Happy Looming!
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy, all rights reserved.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-09-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

No time for tea today! We have a holiday dinner tomorrow night, and a very large chocolate mocha honey cake is in the oven, a pizza on the way home with my husband. I do have a few more shawl photos to share with you. The first photo shows the Peaceful Day shawl blocking. After it blocked, I added a little crocheted ruffle to it in a contrasting purple.

The second photo shows the Fareose shaped shawl on the loom. It is coming along very nicely, although I banged my head on the wall pretty well over this one. I think it will be a lovely shawl now, and it is the last pattern to be written for the shawl project. A little more testing on the small ruffled shawl, and then editing and photos - and finally patterns!
Thank you to all of you who have sent me such wonderful, encouraging notes about the shawls. It keeps me working hard ☺
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy, all rights reserved.

On and Off the Loom

2011-09-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have more photos of "the shawl project" to share with you today. The first photo shows the pink Hydrangea Petal Lace Shawl being blocked. It was made from 50 pegs, and blocked to 64 inches by 28 inches.

The second photo is shows a large V-back shawl on my 66 peg 1/2 inch gauge CinDwood loom. The center point of the shawl is at the bottom right of the photo. The yarn is Knit Picks City Tweed in Plum Wine, a soft blend of merino and alpaca in a DK weight. The shawl has simple lace rows that will follow the "V" shape when it is blocked out. I'm planning to add a little crochet edging in a contrasting color.

The last photo shows the Diamonds in the Ruff(les) shawl being blocked. This shawl was made on 58 pegs, and blocked out to over 75 inches. It wraps around and around for a wonderful effect, with the lace displayed nicely across the back.

I'm about to cast on the last of the "shawl project" shawls. I've made the doll size model, and I just have to decide on the yarn.

A Loom Mystery

2011-09-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Just off my loom, the first photo shows an unblocked pink Hydrangea Petal Lace Shawl. This version was made from a fingering weight yarn, using only 50 pegs on a 1/2 inch gauge loom. The second photo is my loom mystery. The pegs and loom piece are from the new Martha Stewart loom. The mystery is what size and gauge is this loom? There are two peg sizes. The pegs come separately from the loom, and fit firmly into the peg slots. I've lined them up in the photos with my tactile measuring tape to give you a general idea of how the pegs measure in different configurations.

Starting from the left side: Two large pegs next to each other have a very narrow opening for yarn. A fingering weight will fit between them, but the pegs are very large, so I'm not sure what kind of fabric this combination will make.The next combination is two large pegs with an empty peg slot between them. This appears to be larger than the yellow Knifty Knitter, about 7/8 inch gauge. One large and one small peg have about a 3/8 inch spacing, but the peg sizes are different enough that the fabric made will be uneven. Two small pegs with one empty peg space between them are 3/4 inch space, and are pretty close in size to the pegs on the old long Knifty Knitters. Last, the two small pegs have about a 3/8 inch space, similar to the "small" gauge.

For comparison, I've lined up the Martha pegs with my Markman Adjustable looms. The Markman large gauge (3/4 inch) is smaller than the large pegs on the Martha.

The Markman 1/2 inch gauge is larger than the two small Martha pegs. There is no 1/2 inch equivalent on the Martha loom, which disappoints me, as this is my favorite gauge.

The Markman small gauge is similar to the Martha loom with two small pegs next to each other. So, is our mystery solved? Maybe. Martha's loom appears to have a 7/8 gauge, a 3/4 gauge, and a 3/8 gauge (extra large, large and small). The Martha loom is "semi-adjustable", allowing for you to make a fixed loom in many different configurations. It is not an adjustable loom - it will not let you change the number of pegs you are using while you are working on a project. But it does give you a greater number of pegs and options. Hopefully there will be a few more configurations and peg sizes coming to fill in the gaps between the peg sizes. Overall, I'm pleased to have this loom, and look forward to trying some of the lace pieces I've been working on in the 3/8 inch gauge on the Martha loom.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-08-30T09:45:00.001-07:00

Tea this week includes a beautiful skein of Alpaca yarn sent to me by Regina of Howling Wolf Herbs. 375 yards of a deep brown fingering Alpaca that is soooooo soft! Regina is an avid loom knitter, who has a beautiful site with wonderful herbal products and yarn. Thank you so much Regina! On my loom, but nearing the end, the diamond and ruffle shawl is shown in the second photo. This pattern is part of the "shawl project", and will have both a simple and more challenging version. This version has a lace inset, and is made in fingering weight yarn. A simpler version can be made in heavier weight yarn without the lace inset, to make a simple crescent shawl with a gentle ruffle along the edges.

Here is a close-up photo of the diamond lace inset, which makes the pattern a little more challenging (but not too hard, I promise.) And now for tea: this past week, we enjoyed this pear pie with Bartlett pears right off our tiny pear tree.

Our Pear Tree Pie

dough for a double crust deep 9 inch pie

8 - 9 ripe pears, peeled and cut into small chunks

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tablespoon sugar

Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a pie pan with dough (I like a deep dish clear glass pan,) chill until needed. Combine the pears, brown sugar, nutmeg, almond extract and salt. Taste for sweetness, add a little sugar if needed. Add flour and mix well. Pour pear mixture into prepared pie pan. Dot with butter. Cover with top crust. Place on a lined baking sheet. Bake in lower part of the oven for 20 minutes at 425 degrees, then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake 40 minutes more, until pie crust is lightly browned and filling is bubbly. Cool and enjoy!

Tea on Tuesday

2011-08-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Loom knitters love tea ♥

Today's recipe is a favorite of mine. If you have never rubbed the leaves of a scented geranium, you have missed an herbal treat. Substitute mint if geranium leaves have not favored your garden. There is a lovely KAL at Ravelry in the Jane Eyre Fans group. The theme is "Tea on the Moors", and the patterns are open to any tea cozy or mitt pattern you would enjoy making. Prizes and a virtual tea party will be at the end of the KAL for anyone who has shared a finished project. I'm contributing 2 tins of Harney's Tea, winners choice.
Rose Scented Geranium Cake

Like tasting a wonderful aroma! A beautiful cake for a special occaision, or for your special family. This cake keeps well and can be made a few days ahead, or frozen, if need be.

1 1/2 cup sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
6 large egg yolks
3 1/2 cups cake flour
1 cup (whole) milk
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 TBSP. finely chopped rose scented geranium leaves -stems removed

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and sugar a 10 inch bundt or tube pan. For an extra special treat, use rose vanilla sugar for the pan. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks one at a time. On low speed, add cake flour alternately with milk. Beat in baking powder and vanilla. Beat in rose geranium leaves. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees, until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out on to a platter and cool completely.
Copyright 2000- 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

Vacation

2011-08-19T12:02:00.001-07:00

We are back from a very nice vacation. The photo shows my yarn "souvenir". I splurged on one giant hank of hand dyed fingerling wool - 1700 yards from "The Drop Spindle". The colors are a very deep magenta and purple. Now, what to make with it? I'm thinking it may be time for a cardigan pattern. After the shawl project is finished.
I have to admit, I did not work much on the shawls while we were gone, but with school starting next week, I will have time to fill, and it will be back to work. 4 patterns are in draft form, two are photographed. Maybe October for the e-book?
A little late, but a few August loom doings: the Ravelry loom-a-long group is making Helen (myheartexposed) Jacobs-Grant's beautiful "Wavy Feather's Shawl" this month. Here is a photo of my version: I made two of these lovely shawls last year, one in worsted weight wool, and one in mohair. Both have been a delight to wear. The Loom Class Group at yahoogroups is making a number of kitchen patterns all month, great for a start on holiday gifts.
Happy looming!
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, all rights reserved.

On and Off the Loom

2011-08-01T10:19:00.001-07:00

The Hydrangea Petal lace shawl is off the loom, blocked, and if I say so myself, gorgeous! Lace can and will be made on a knitting loom. I've ordered the lace, fingering and sock yarns to prove it! The first photo is a close-up of the blocked lace. The second of the finished shawl. It blocked out to a very large size - 70 inches by 35 inches, which is pretty amazing when you consider it was made in one piece on a 59 peg knitting loom.

On the loom, another of the "shawl project" pieces. This is a shawl inspired by one my friend Karen asked me to design. She wanted a simple curved shawl with a ruffle, that would wrap around her. For the "shawl project" I'm working on a version with a lace panel of diamonds. The loom is the 59 peg 1/2 inch adult hat loom from CinDwood, and the yarn is a fingering weight from The Great Adirondack Yarn Co. in the colorway "machalite", lots of teals, greens, and purple.
Other projects for August will be a pair of fingerless mitts for the Ravelry "Jane Eyre Fans" knit along, "Wandering the Moors", and, of course, another lace shawl. What's on your loom?Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, all rights reserved.

In love with lace

2011-07-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

The lace shawl is 3/4 of the way completed, and I am totally in love with it. It amazes me to see such a delicate piece coming off of the loom, yet the stitches are sturdy and holding together as beautifully as if they were made out of a heavy yarn. I know the shawl will "bloom" even more when it is blocked and the lace opens up. I started with several lace pattern ideas, but in the end, chose to make the shawl with only one, that I'm calling "Hydrangea Petal."

This shawl is being made on a CinDwood 1/2 inch gauge hat loom with 59 pegs. The yarn is Knit Picks Shadow Tonal in Blue-Violet. It will take 1 skein of yarn to make the entire shawl, and the entire skein fits in a teacup. I'd love to hear what you think - are you going to start stashing some lace yarns?
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, all rights reserved.

On and Off the Loom

2011-07-15T10:27:00.001-07:00

My looms are busy, and the shawl project is moving forward. The first photo gives you an idea of what it looks like when a lace piece is in the works. I start with the idea in my head, then place it on special graph paper for the visually impaired. This creates a huge map of the idea, but usually not the actual pattern. From the chart, I create the first written draft of what I think the pattern will be, using my favorite giant legal pads and 20/20 pens. From this draft, I begin the looming. I'm thrilled to show you the start of a shawl made with lace weight yarn!

Even this early into the project, I will be writing a second draft, trying to get the pattern into an easy to read format, and adding in the changes to the pattern that are being made as it is loomed. The second photo is a close up of the lace work. It will look very different once it is blocked out, but you get an idea at least of the first layer of lace with a little flower in it.

A nice break from the lace pattern is the JulyRavelry Loom-a-long, here in the third photo. I'm making the Leafy Sea Dragon Scarf in Chroma worsted in the Sunrise colorway. The loom is a CinDwood 1/2 inch gauge loom with 35 pegs. The lace is also being made on a CinDwood 1/2 inch gauge loom. There are a very nice group of loomers in the loom-a-long, and we will be working on the scarf all of July, so you have lots of time to join us.

Off the loom is the June Loom Class project, the Sea Glass Wrap, made from Anny Blatt Fine Kid in Arctic. With our cool, foggy summer, this has been my favorite wrap to wear right now.

Also off the loom, a small chunky scarf with a V-back. I know I've shown you this before as a shawl, but the first versions were frogged, and this little scarf is the keeper. It was made on the purple KK hat loom with Wool of the Andes Bulky in the Garden Party colorway.

What is on your loom?

Farewell to the Knifty Knitter

2011-07-13T11:41:00.001-07:00

Love it or hate it, most loom knitters started with a hat on the big yellow ring of the Knifty Knitter round loom set. We complained about its bulky pegs, limited size, and the need to double our yarn, yet it has always been a staple of loom knitting.

Now, the Knifty Knitter looms are gone, and I am a little sad about it. Yes, I've hoped for more inexpensive options, and especially more sizes, and a better nylon instead of the scratchy plastic, but I never hoped that the Knifty Knitter would disappear altogether.

What are the new options? For the original round set, Michaels has a version that is very similar, and in some ways, better for the vision impaired. The round set has the same number of pegs, and is made in a brightly colored plastic that is much better for working with light colored yarns. The gauge on these is still "large", but the pegs have been moved slightly to the center of the ring, changing the overall position of the pegs a little, and making the gauge slightly smaller than the old KK. The plastic appears smoother than the KK looms, but only time will tell as to how they hold up.

Boye is producing a set of rings as well, with the peg count changed so that all the rings have an even number of pegs. The difficulty with these looms is that the looms come with all the pegs loose, and they have to be inserted into the looms. Martha Stewart also has put out a loom (looking much like the old "Dream Loom") with multiple pieces for different loom configurations. This set also has the pegs loose. The pegs in the Martha set have a very small "top", which lets the yarn slip off very easily.

As for my favorite KK loom, the 48 peg purple hat loom in the nice, smooth nylon, 5/8 inch gauge, it looks like this loom is not being replaced. What a shame, as this was a very nice loom to work with!

The KK long oval looms have also disappeared. Michaels has a new set with squared-off ends, that look like they are a wider gauge than the old KK looms. Boye is putting out a set with ends that unlock and open to allow for single knitting. I have not seen these yet, but they sound like a very nice option for loom knitters, and would help with some of the awkwardness in single knitting on a long loom.

If you have used any of these new looms, I'd love for you to share your comments with us.
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All rights reserved.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-07-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Deep Dish Blueberry Pie

A July tradition, fresh blueberry pie!

PIE FILLING:
6 cups fresh blueberries, washed and dried
6 TBSP. sugar
3 TBSP. flour
1 TBSP. butter
1 tsp. Kirsch
pastry for a double crust 9 inch pie

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a 9 inch deep pie pan with the pastry. Chill. In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar and Kirsch. Taste for sweetness, and if ok, add the flour and toss gently. Pour into the prepared shell and dot with the butter. Top with the second crust, and cut vents on the top. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes. REDUCE TO 350 degrees, and bake another 25-35 minutes.
Copyright 2000-2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy, Renee's Tea Party. All Rights Reserved.

July looming is here!

2011-06-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

July is going to be a great month for looming on the net. Tomorrow the Ravelry loom-a-long group will start my "Leafy Sea Dragon Scarf" pattern, seen in the first photo. This is a fun and free pattern, and you know I love company at the loom-a-long, which will last the month of July.

The loom class at yahoogroups is finishing up the Sea Glass Wrap. The photo here is my class project, about 2/3 of the way done.

One of the really great ideas that came out of the class was to add shell beads, seen in this photo. I've also added small frosted beads that look like sea glass. It is a lot of fun, and has added to the "Sea Glass" theme of the wrap.

Brenda the Loom Lady has some very cute "Can Koozies" for your 4th of July weekend, great for your cans and bottles in a patriotic stripe. While you are visiting, you can also pick up Brenda's brilliant loomchet pattern for Baby Gran Hexagons.

Kelly from KellyKnits will host the loom class for July, and teach us how to loom mitered squares. Kelly is a wonderful designer and teacher, so this should be a great class. Looking forward to looming with you in July.

A Golden Grand Slam

2011-06-26T18:05:00.001-07:00

Our girl had a spectacular weekend at the Northern California Special Olympics Summer Games. She was entered in 4 events, and took home 4 gold medals!

A medal for the 25m backstroke;

A medal for the 50m freestyle;

Her team medaled in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay;

and a medal in the 25m freestyle. Thanks for letting this proud mom boast. If you ever have a chance to attend the games in your area, they are a wonderful example of pure sportsmanship and a pure love of competition.

Winner of set number two

2011-06-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Christa H. has won the jade green yarn set for the Sea Glass Wrap loom class. Congratulations Christa!

And the winner is

2011-06-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Nancy F. Congratulations Nancy (Crocheting Mamaof2). I hope you enjoy making the Sea Glass Wrap.

Yarn Giveaway

2011-06-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

Next Monday, June 20, 2011, I am teaching the Sea Glass Wrap pattern in the Yahoogroups Loom Class. I'd love for you to join me, so when you sign up for this free two-week class, I will enter your name in a drawing for your choice of yarn to make the wrap. Just pop on over to the Loom Class Group, and sign up for the class (you may have to join the group - why aren't you a member already?!) I'll draw the name on Monday, and hopefully you will have the yarn by Thursday June 23rd, US Priority Mail. You will have a choice of 2 skeins of Knit Pick's "Aloft" and 1 Skein of Dale of Norway "Ara". As seen in the photo at the top of the post, the colors are Aloft in Pennyroyal ( a pale lavender) with Ara in lavender, sea greens and blues. The colors at the bottom of the photo are Aloft in Jade (a deep blue-green), with Ara in Sea greens and blues. Both sets are gorgeous.
I hope you will sign up for the class, which is really a nice loom-a-long. I like to have company in the loom classes ☺ If you have any trouble signing up, leave me a comment here with your email, (it won't show to the public) and I will sign you up and enter you in the drawing. My younger daughter will preside over the drawing to ensure it is fun and fair. You see her often as my pattern model.
If you need a plain text pattern for your screen reader, please send me a note, and I will send one to you. The pattern as written is a large print pdf file. Good luck and I'll see you all on Monday!
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

June Looms

2011-06-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

June is here, and looms will be busy! The Loom-a-long group at Ravelry has two new patterns to work on. A lacey shawl and a pair of mittens. The Loom Class group at yahoogroups will have a class the second half of the month, and it is my "Sea Glass Wrap" pattern. This is such a fun pattern, a little different, but not too challenging at all. It is made with DK weight mohair yarn, and then some nice, chunky handspun yarn is woven in and caught up in the mohair. I hope you will come and join the class!

The photos here are of my current looms. The first photo shows more work on the V-back shawl pattern, now adding in lace panels, and increasing the size. The second photo is a blue version of the "Pink Pearl Wrap". Both of these have been very popular with the kitties, who like to sit on them as they are loomed.

I forgot to identify the items in the photos I used for "The Right Tools" post last week. The cream lace is from the Daisy Chain Sweater . The grey and blue fabric with eyelets is from Lora's Tea Cozy, and the pink-multi is the V-back shawl pattern I'm working on currently, made with Wool of the Andes Bulky yarn in Garden Party. The last photo is of my CinDwood Universal S loom.

I'm very sorry for some posting problems; Blogger and Internet Explorer 9 do not get along, and I am not able to adjust the text size or use the spell checker right now.

The Pink Pearl Wrap

2011-05-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

The Pink Pearl Wrap pattern for the loom. A lovely lace confection made from lace weight yarn. The pattern offers two sizes (photos show the small size.) This pretty wrap is perfect for warmer weather, and is made with lace weight mohair and silk yarn on a 1/2 inch gauge loom with 30 or 44 pegs. The pattern is a large print pdf download. If you need a plain text version, please leave a comment with your email in it (your email will not be posted.) Please let me know you like this pattern. Pink Pearl Wrap $2.50
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved.

The Right Tools for the Job

2011-05-28T09:49:00.001-07:00

Needle knitters have their tools by needle size, in US and European, and by millimeter. They have needles in different textures such as plastic, glass, bamboo, wood, nylon, metal etc. Crocheters have their hooks in the same wonderful array of sizes and materials , and a choice between Tunisian style and conventional hooks. Pattern designers and stitchers alike recognize that there is a tool for every stitch and yarn combination in these needle arts, and as a result, they have a bounty of patterns to choose from, and the choice of yarn is unlimited. Why then, are some loom knitters and some pattern designers resistent to loom knitters having the right tools and access to the same variety of patterns and yarns as needle knitters and crocheters?
Do loom knitters have a choice of tools? Yes, we do, although it may take more than a trip to the local yarn or craft store to find them. Currently, (just a sampling here) there are metal pegs made by Authentic Knitting Board, Kiss and Markman Looms; nylon pegs made by CinDwood, DA Looms, and Knifty Knitter; Wooden Pegs by Markman Looms; hard plastic by Knifty Knitter and Martha Stewart, and soft plastic by In The Attic. In sizing, there are fine/extra fine gauge looms made by Markman Looms, AKB, Kiss and DA Looms; 1/2 inch made by CinDwood, DA Looms, Markman Looms, Martha Stewart, and Kiss; Large and Extra Large made by Knifty Knitter, Martha Stewart, Markman Looms and CinDwood; and super size for rug making by Markman Looms. Plus, many more looms are made by wonderful small loom crafters. Do loom knitters have a wide variety of tools to choose from? Yes, we do.

Do loom knitters have a choice of patterns? Not as many as we should, but one look at the design files on Ravelry shows that the variety of pattern design has and is continuing to expand for loom knitters, and that many loom pattern designers offer their patterns for free. Do these patterns use a wide variety of yarn? Again, not as much as is possible. There is room for improvement, because we have the tools.

So, back to the original question. Why are some loom pattern designers now claiming wrongly that patterns should only be designed for one brand of loom? Why are they trying to limit loom knitting to only large gauge looms? Some of them are or have recently been employed by manufactures of those looms to promote them. They have had books, phampletts, and patterns published by manufacturers of those looms, and will be continuing to promote and write for those companies. But, they are not saying this. I hope loom makers and pattern writers who work for them will be more forthcoming before they disparage other brands and sizes of looms and worse yet, claim that any stitch or pattern may be made on their gauge of looms. How disappointed will the loom knitter be who believes this and tries a pattern only to have it fail? Stitchers know that there are a variety of tools and yarn, and with the right tool, the right yarn, and the right pattern they will make a beautiful creation. There is no reason that loom knitters should be told anything different.

Looming Up Hill

2011-05-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

The uphill loom. Yes, it seems I was due for a round of challenges. First, most sadly, an allergic reaction to two lovely yarns. They both had Angora (bunny, I'm so sorry) and I had hives all over my face and neck. I was able to finish the second project with the help of a very strong cortisone ointment, and by being careful to wash my hands as soon as I stopped looming. No more soft, pretty Angora yarns for me!

My second challenge is in the photo above, a new pattern I'm working out for a pretty V shaped shawl. I used a nice chunky wool called "Garden Party", all shades of pink and green stripes. While most of the shawl is beautifully stripped, the left side has a large pink pool. Blocking has helped some, because the pink pool is distributed over the shoulder, and less obvious when worn. The pattern is coming together nicely, and the next version will be loomed in a solid color, lighter weight yarn.

I hope your looms are being more cooperative than mine!
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved

On and Off the Loom

2011-05-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

It is all about size this week. Spring is here, and my loom knits need to shrink to fit the weather.

On my loom this week is a little sister to "Jane's Shawl". I scaled the pattern to fit two very pretty skeins of Noro yarn that were a birthday gift. The yarn is more of a bulky weight, but the tweedy look fits the pattern well, and the colors give an entirely different take on the original. Just off the loom, the "Vive La Difference" from the May Ravelry Loom-a-long. I made a narrow scarf version, again scaling the pattern to the yarn. When blocked it made a very pretty lace scarf, which I wore on Mother's Day.

Next? Another version of the "Pearl Wrap", and then the pattern will be available. I'm testing the new "Aloft" yarn from Knit Picks for this wrap, in a sky blue, and debating about having two sizes as well. The first few tries for a larger size wrap did not go well, so I may stay with the original size after all.

What's on your loom?

May Looming on the Net

2011-05-05T10:33:00.001-07:00

Oops. There is an errata page for Jane's Shawl. The corrected version is number 4, and both the needle and loom version have been corrected.

May is a wonderful month for looming. The Ravelry loom-a-long group is hosted this month by Helen Jacobs-Grant myheartexposed . The pattern is the beautiful "Vive Le Difference", a lacy shawl or scarf consisting of 3 sections that may be loomed in any combination you like. The photo above shows the start of mine, a narrow scarf version made out of "Sylph" from Artfibers in a deep plum color. I cannot wait to finish it and block the lace to see it open up. The loom-a-long will also be hosted in the Knifty Knitters Loom Group and DA Loom Group at yahoo groups.

Made by Telaine has finished her beautiful "Friendly Scarf Project" with a wonderful stitch conversion, the "Lacy Wasps Nest Stitch." I love this project, and hope that there will be more like it. Anyone up for a round-robin friendly scarf project? Thank you for all the beautiful stitches, Tanya.

Working Out Kinks and Fingering Yarn continue to amaze me with their wonderful tutorials and articles. A must read is the article about the Hyperbolic Crocheted Community Reef displayed at the Smithsonian. Although this is not a loomed project, it is a beautiful needle art display, and the article is a delight to read. Thank you Crystal and Ana!

Loom Class at yahoogroups has two great May projects: The Mother's Day Illusion Cloth taught by Brenda, The Loom Lady, and The Needle to Loom Bunny, taught by Pat Hathaway.

And last ... I'll be teaching the loom class the last part of June with my "Seaglass Wrap" pattern, and the Ravelry Loom-a-long for July, with the "Leafy Sea Dragon Scarf". I hope you will all join along.
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

From Loom to Needles

2011-05-02T09:47:00.001-07:00

A funny thing has happened to "Jane's Shawl for the Loom". The needle knitters wanted the pattern.
A well meaning Ravelry member thought it was wonderful to see a loom knit shawl pattern in the "Jane Eyre Fans" knit-a-long, and she posted about it in the main discussion group - with 9000 readers. Needle knitters began grabbing the loom pattern without reading the notes, and then were baffled by such strange terms as "peg" and "loom". Some were very nice and asked if the pattern could be converted. Helen Jacobs-Grant (My Heart Exposed) was kind enough to write a wonderful conversion of the pattern for them. "Jane's Shawl for Needles" was created and offered as a companion to the loom pattern. $2.50
Apparently, loom patterns are just as good as needle patterns, because the needle knitters went crazy for it! Helen and I were surprised and delighted. The needle knitters are telling me they like the pattern because they feel it is the closest pattern to replicate the shawl from the movie.
Now, a few needle knitters have not been so kind in their comments. They cannot understand why the pattern is made on a "machine", why it has the words "peg" and "hook" in it, or why it is a "conversion", and they need to look at the loom pattern for photos and complete information. Apparently, our loom knitting is too complicated for them! One needle knitter even wondered why they could not convert it themselves. Yes, finally, we loom knitters can have a smile at the needle knitters. No longer is our loom knitting "not real knitting", "too easy", and "only for hats."
I would like you to know, I have on the official "I told you so" smile. I hope you are all enjoying "Jane's Shawl for the Loom."
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Jane's Shawl

2011-04-25T18:24:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, a discussion began on Ravelry about a small shawl seen briefly in the new "Jane Eyre" movie, and the photo above. Loving the book, and loving shawls, I listened in on what became a very active discussion. It was learned that the shawl had been knit by a costume designer, with no pattern and no hints. What followed was a very descriptive discussion of the structure of the shawl. I realized that I could follow the discussion and create a pattern because the structure of the shawl was so clearly discussed and debated. Some elements were clear to me from the start - the short row shaping and short row ruffles were all things I had used in my patterns before. Other parts were a lot of experimentation and trial and error.
The shawl is small in the front and just covers the shoulder, but then extends in the back, with shaping at the shoulders that help it "stay put". The edges are soft ruffles, that widen across the back. A rustic hand spun or tweed is the perfect yarn for "Jane's Shawl".
The pattern is available in large print pdf format at Ravelry, free through Mother's Day, May 8, 2011. There is a wonderful Knit-a-long at the Jane Eyre Fans group, where you can see many beautiful needle knit interpretations of the shawl. Please contact me if you need a plain text version for your screen reader.
Jane's Shawl $2.50 US
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-04-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Our tea table this week will be filled with Passover baking. We started last night with the first Sedar, and all the favorite homemade cookies : Vanilla Coconut Macaroons, Chocolate Chip Macaroons, Orange Almond Macarons, and Chocolate Walnut Mandelbrot. All are in the photo above.

The second photo is the Sedar table. The main meal had our familiar favorites: Matzo Ball soup, Apple and Pecan Charosis with matzo and Matzo Muffins, a Spicy Brisket, and Carrot Tsimmes.

The last photo is the china. This is not the family china, but a wonderful second-hand find. I love the flowers on the plates. They always seem just right for a Spring celebration.

The recipe for the Coconut Macaroons is under the recipes tab, March 30, 2010.

Tea on Tuesday, and some looming on the net

2011-04-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Just a few fun loomings to share with you before we have tea. The Loom Class Group at yahoo groups is making a darling bunny washcloth designed by KellyKnits this week. Brenda the Loom Lady has posted her amazing "LoomChet" patterns for granny squares. Tanya at Made by Telaine has shared two more beautiful stitch patterns from her Friendly Scarf Project, (the drop seed stitch is especially nice,) and Helen at My Heart Exposed is having a one year anniversary contest, with wonderful prizes, to celebrate the first year of her fiber dying business. Happy Birthday and congratulations Helen!

Chocolate Amaretto Biscotti

Although biscotti are traditionally made crisp to dip in coffee, this softer version will be perfect on the tea table. This cookie is rich in chocolate and walnuts, and flavored with just a hint of Amaretto, with a delicious result. The biscotti can be prepared up to 4 days ahead if kept in a well sealed container between sheets of waxed paper or parchment paper.

2 cups flour

1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder

1/4 tsp. (kosher) salt

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 TBSP. vegetable oil

1 TBSP. Amaretto

1/4 tsp. vanilla

2/3 cup walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted

powdered sugar

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder, walnuts and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla, oil and Amaretto. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry with a fork. Stir until a soft ball of dough is formed. With your hands, gently knead the dough a few times. Divide the dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a log about 3 inches wide and 8 inches long, and 3/4 inch thick. Place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove biscotti from the oven and let stand a few minutes on the baking sheet. With a serrated knife, slice off the ends. Cut the logs into 10 slices each. Lay the slices on the parchment cut side up, and bake an additional 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on the baking sheet. While the biscotti are still warm, roll the tops in a dish of powdered sugar.

On and off the loom

2011-03-28T13:19:00.001-07:00

Just off the loom, this sweet pink lace wrap made from 2 threads of lace weight mohair/silk yarn held together as one. The doubling of the lace weight yarn worked wonderfully, and shows off the lace pattern very well. I'm in love with this little wrap, especially the soft ruffled edge. This version is about 10 inches wide, but the pattern will have an option for a wider 15 inch version as well. The lace pattern may look much more complicated than it is - just 2 rows of lace work out of a 16 row repeat. On my loom is a scarf/small wrap using the "Wave Stitch" pattern. What a fun stitch! You vary the drop stitches creating "eye" shaped sections within the rows, each row mirroring the one before. I'm making it in Knit Pick's Chroma, a self striping worsted weight yarn. What is on your loom? Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Abalone Lace Shawlette

2011-03-20T10:18:00.001-07:00

The pattern for the "Abalone Lace Shawlette" is now ready for you to enjoy! I hope many of you will give it a try. Please be sure to let me know how you like it.

The pattern is available at Ravelry as a large print pdf file. Please contact me if you would like a plain text file. I have tried the new shorthand out with my screen reader, and it is reading the arrows as "greater than", for the move forward notation. If your screen reader is not as cooperative, please let me know, and I will adjust the pattern.

The pattern will be free throughout March. Enjoy!

Abalone Lace Shawlette: $2.50 buy now

A New Shorthand

2011-03-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

This photo is a close up of the Abalone Lace Shawlette being blocked. The lace points in this shawl are made with all the old familiar stiches: ewrap knit, purl, eyelet, increase and decrease. I hope that any loom knitter with a few rows of knit and purl under their belt will be able to make this pattern. The challenge for me was how to write it. There is not a shorthand for loom knitting lace. Needle knit terminolgy does not work, because loom knitting has several variations to each needle knit term, and there is also not always a consistency in the definitions for the loom.

In my past patterns, I have worked through these difficulties by writing a step-by-step movement of the yarn. For example: "Move loop on peg 3 to peg 4; knit peg 4." As the detail of the patterns has increased, this has become more difficult. With the Abalone Lace, there is a 22 row repeat that needed a shorthand to be reasonable for all loomers to follow.

Here is what I have done, and what you will be seeing in the pattern. I am already writing a second pattern using this shorthand, and hope to go back to revise some of my older lace patterns as well.

K-> : knit and move the loop forward to the next peg
K<- : knit and move the loop backward to the previous peg
Or
<-P : move the loop back one peg and purl
K/K : used where a peg has two loops - knit the peg, then wrap and knit again ( a "knit/knit")

All may be done as knits or purls, but I wanted you to get the idea. Because loom knit lace can have several steps on the same peg within the same row, I thought the use of directional arrows would simplify writing the moving of our loops. The other change I am making is to the end peg (slip) stitch. This name seems to confuse needle knitters who have switched to loom knitting in particular. I will call it an "Half Stitch" and follow it (in most cases) by a slipped (skipped) stitch at the start of the next row. I am still not sure this is the best way, but we will try it out and see. The Half Stitch will be combined with increases and decreases to look like this:

M1/Hs1 : wrap a new peg once and make a half stitch on the new peg to add a stitch at the end of a row
D1/Hs1 : decrease one stitch and make a half stitch on the new end peg

The pattern will have a detailed key to the shorthand, and I promise once you have worked 2 repeats, you will find the lace comes easily.
Look for the Abalone Lace Shawlette tomorrow!
Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Looming Around the Net

2011-03-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

March has some wonderful projects for loomers. At Ravelry, the Loom-a-long group is working on "The 29th Street Stole", designed and hosted by Jenny Stark. This lace beauty is made of self striping yarn, and may be made as a scarf or a wrap. The Loom Class at yahoo groups is just starting a very inovative project, a loomed postcard, designed and hosted by Vanessa Bell. The cards will be swapped at the end of the month. Helen at My Heart Exposed has a lovely new headband pattern (pattern page 3.) Greg the Loom Dude has made a beautiful pink shrug for his daughter, along with his other fabulous creations. Made by Telaine has shared another stitch pattern, "Raised Diamonds", from her Friendly Scarf Project. Brenda the Loom Lady has shared the pattern for her beautiful Pansies, and a wonderful square/washcloth called the "Irish Washerwoman".

Leafy Sea Dragon Scarf

2011-03-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a Leafy Sea Dragon? There is a wonderful exhibit of them at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium in California. They even have high definition large screen magnifiers, that let me see the little creatures. They are truly a combination of plant and animal, and a wonder to the human mind - a body with branches and leaves attached!

The Leafy Sea Dragon seemed like a good namesake for this ruffled scarf. The pattern is not hard to loom; an easy pairing of knits, purls and short rows. I used my favorite 1/2 inch gauge loom, but the purple Knifty Knitter hat loom will substitute. The yarn is Chroma Worsted from Knit Picks, in the Galapagos color. Long color repeats work very well with the pattern. Use peg markers, and it will fly along effortlessly. The pattern is available as a large print pdf file. Let me know if you need a plain text file. I'd like to hear how you like the pattern. Enjoy! Leafy Sea Dragon Scarf:download now .

A note to Anonymous: If you leave your email address in your comment, I can contact you directly about your questions. Your address will not be published.

Working Out Kinks and Fingering Yarn

2011-03-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

A wonderful new on-line resource for visually impaired knitters is: "Working Out Kinks and Fingering Yarn" put together by Ana and Crystal from the BlindKnitters group at google. Every knitter will benefit from the simply stated tutorials for knitting techniques, how to use Ravelry, and other resources Ana and Crystal have put together. Best of all, these two amazing ladies have included articles by many very talented people within the blind stitching community, and are sharing their own teaching talents. They are building a wonderful resource for visually impaired knitters, but truly it will be a great resource for all knitters. Thank you Ana and Crystal!

On and off the loom

2011-02-25T12:42:00.001-08:00

Quite a few projects to share with you today! The first photo is of the Abalone Lace Shawlette, now blocked and modeled by my youngest.
The second photo shows another version of the same lace shawlette, but in a lighter weight Noro DK yarn. Even on the loom, the stitch pattern appears much more open in the DK. This is a great example of how a change in yarn may reshape a pattern entirely. I get a kick out of how the lace points look as they appear on the loom.
This third photo is another lesson in change the yarn, change the pattern. I'm making a "Sunflower Spring Shawlette". When I wrote the pattern last year, it was for the lovely Tencelino (merino wool, tencil blend) that Helen Jacobs-Grant dyed for me. It was made from 2 strands of sock yarn held together for a dk weight. This time, I'm using another hand dyed yarn, but in all wool, worsted weight. The stitch pattern is much harder to see, although the shawlette is looming up very nicely. It will need blocking, and to accommodate the blocking size increase, I decreased the pattern from 33 to 27 pegs.
The last photo is a little ruffled scarf with the working title "Ivory Shell Scarf". It is made from the new Knit Pick's yarn, Chroma worsted, in the Galapagos color. This is such a fun scarf to loom. I often make scarves when I'm testing a new technique, and this will be a test for a loomed ruffle edging. The long color changes in the yarn work perfectly for this pattern.
What's on your loom?

Tea on Tuesday

2011-02-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

A very dear friend recently treated me to tea at two different, yet very lovely, tea rooms in San Francisco. The first, in the photo above, was The Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon. Everything about this tea room was delightful. Their motto is "A Room with Tea and Wit." As you lift your teacup, each saucer is revealed to have its own clever saying. The Crown and Crumpet lived up to its name with delicious crumpets, sandwiches, and sweets. The teas at the Crown and Crumpet were also outstanding. Crown and Crumpet is located on the Bay, in Ghiradelli Square. The second, different but equally enjoyable, was Lovejoy's Tearoom. The location was nothing special, but the room was very welcoming, overflowing with cushions and comfortable chairs. The scones and tea sandwiches were particularly good at Lovejoy's, and the addition of a fruit plate was very nice in a full tea. Both rooms had shops that were, again, different but delightful. Lovejoy's was a second hand shop, with vintage tea cups and tea wares. Crown and Crumpet had new, stylish tea ware, with the official Crown Teapot being my favorite. Both tea rooms have web sites that you can view to learn more about them.

On and off the loom

2011-02-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

Almost off my loom and ready to block is this lace edged shawl. I'm thrilled with how it is turning out, after many many tries and failures. The pattern will be more of a challenge than others I have written, with a 22 row repeat. But I found that after 2 repeats, I had it all memorized and could work without notes. The yarn does not photograph well, but after blocking you should be able to see the lace details in the stitch pattern.

Speaking of stitch patterns, Made by Telaine has some recently posted stitch pattern conversions for the loom as well as a fun shared knitting project she is moving from needles to loom and back again. Brenda, our Loom Lady has outdone herself with Valentine loom projects, and Helen MyHeartExposed is justifiably honored to have her incredible sweater, all loomed, all homespun, all hand-dyed, published. What great inspirations they all are! Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

The Sea Glass Wrap

2011-02-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

The fabric of this soft wrap takes inspiration from the colors and contrasting textures of the sea shore. The soft mohair yarn has an open, wavy stitch that “catches” the hand spun in its threads. The hand spun is left with loose ends to mingle with the lacy threads. Opposites play together to make a soft wrap or scarf that is a delight to wear.

This is a project I truly enjoyed making for the loom. It shows once again that thin yarns will work beautifully on a loom. Here, the 5/8 inch gauge purple Knifty Knitter hat loom was used. A 1/2 inch loom will also work. I also liked playing with the e-wrap stitch to create a fabric that has the look of unstructured lace, while it is made in a very structured way, and making a new stitch pattern as well. The wrap itself is very enjoyable to wear both as a shawl or a scarf.

The pattern is available free from Ravelry as a large print pdf download. If you need a plain text version for your screen reader, please leave me a message and I will send it to you.
Sea Glass Wrap download now

Please let me know how you like this pattern.

Following The Everyday Beret

2011-01-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Everyday Beret pattern has been very popular. As a result, I have received much more feedback from loomers than on other patterns, and I would like to pass on some of the questions and the answers that have come up.

1. Yarn weight: while a variety of yarns and looms can be used, if the yellow knifty knitter is used, a dk weight single strand will make a lace hat that is very open, and while decorative, not a warm winter hat. Worsted or bulky weight yarns are best for the yellow knifty knitter.

2. When you reach the end of a row, you will have 1 extra peg. The new row starts on the "extra" peg, not where the previous row started. This will continue throughout the pattern, and create the spiral design. If your hat is missing the spiral, you may have loomed the "extra" peg.

3. Do not forget to turn your hat inside out at the end, so that your knit stitches are inside the hat. The shaping of the hat is intended for this reverse, as well as the stitch pattern you see in the samples.

I'm so glad you are enjoying this little hat!

Coral Reef Cap

2011-01-27T10:14:00.001-08:00

This is a very sweet little cap that is made with super bulky yarn on the purple Knifty Knitter hat loom, or on a 1/2 inch gauge hat loom. The bulky wool and close gauge give the fabric a wonderful texture and style.

You can play with the cap by adding a little button, or turning up the brim in the back.

It is a fun little cap that is easy to make and a treat to wear. Please let me know how you like the pattern. Enjoy! download now

Tea on Tuesday

2011-01-25T11:31:00.001-08:00

A little follow up to "Which loom to loom" post. No, I have yet to find a small gauge loom that I can use with my vision and neurological problems, but I have not given up! I have the AKB sock loom and the Markman adjustable loom in small gauge, and I'm hoping that one or both of these will work for me. In the meantime, I'm working on a few patterns. One is for a little cap, and the other for a diagonal scarf for using up your "scrap" yarn (a loom version of a popular needle knit pattern.) I've also tried to improve the links on the pattern pages for those of you who do not belong to Ravelry. Hopefully you can download the patterns easily now.

Continuing with the Lavender Tea theme, one of my favorite cookies for your tea table:

Lavender Lemon Ice Box Cookies

Lavender and lemon pair well to make this delicious cookie. These cookies will keep for up to a week - I think. They’ve never been around long enough in our house to know for sure. I have used organic dried English lavender flower buds (unopened flowers) in this recipe. If you use a different variety or if you use fresh lavender, you may get a stronger or weaker lavender flavor.

1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
3 TBSP. light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 tsp. vanilla
zest of 1 lemon, finely grated (about 3 tsp.)
1 and 1/2 tsp. dried lavender flower buds
2 cups flour
1/8 tsp. salt

Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicon baking mats. In a mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. (Don’t skimp on this step.) Beat in the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. Combine the flour, lavender and salt. Add to the creamed mixture on low speed, until just blended. Divide the dough into two, and roll into logs 1 1/2 inches thick in plastic wrap. Chill until firm, about 1 hour. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the logs into 1/4 inch rounds, rolling the logs as you go to keep them round. Bake one sheet at a time for 8 - 10 minutes, until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on racks. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Which loom to loom?

2011-01-23T18:11:00.001-08:00

Melissa left me a great comment, and a great question about which loom I would recommend. I have had the same question a number of times at Ravelry, so I thought I'd post about it.

"Is it question and answer time? I like those! Also, if it is, which particular CinDWood loom(s) do you recommend? I like hearing recommendations from other loomers before I make an investment, so if you are ever looking for a post idea, I may have just given you one. ;) "

This is a wide open question, and to make a specific loom recommendation, I would want to know what kind of patterns you like to make. Instead I will tell you about the looms that I have and how I use them.

All my CinDwood looms are in the 1/2 inch gauge. I like this gauge best of all. It makes the nicest fabric in a large peg format. The looms sit well in the hand (they have a rounded base with no hard edges) and the pegs are sturdy, yet have a slight give and a nice flat top that keeps the yarn from slipping. The pegs have not shown any wear, and I have used them quite a lot.

The photo above shows the 51 peg youth hat loom with the Dandelion Shawlette on it. This loom is about the same diameter as a green Knifty Knitter loom, but has many more pegs, which creates a much nicer fabric and allows you to use much thinner yarn than a large gauge loom. It was part of a set of 4 round looms, which have 66 pegs (adult large), 51 pegs (youth), 35 pegs (newborn) and a baby bootie loom.
This next photo shows the Daisy Chain Sweater on the 35 peg CinDwood newborn hat loom. It is used to make the sleeve for this sweater.

Here the photo is showing the body of the sweater being made on the 66 peg adult large hat loom. This is a great example of how having more pegs (smaller gauge) can create a nicer fabric. The 66 peg CinDwood is about the same diameter as a yellow Knifty Knitter or purple Knifty Knitter, which have 41 and 48 pegs, respectively.

This last photo shows one of the two large round CinDwood looms that I have. It is the large afghan loom in 1/2 inch gauge, with 124 pegs. The project is a new one I am working on right now. This loom made the Flower Garden Afghan, using the loom version of the feather and fan stitch. The narrow peg distance lets the feather and fan stitches slide between the pegs; the larger gauges do not. This large loom has loads of potential with all of the pegs, but if you are not going to make afghans, then the baby afghan loom in 1/2 gauge is a great loom. It has 90 pegs, and fits nicely in your lap. For knitting in the round, it made the Cotton Cowls. I'm hoping to make a felted knitting tote on it, too.

Some of you have asked me how I liked the 36 inch Universal Loom from CinDwood. Well, I have not used it enough t0 give you a full opinion. I'm still playing with it and I will let you know as I go along.

There are a number of companies making the 1/2 inch gauge, so you can find variations in the number of pegs and the construction of the loom. Decor Accents has the "regular gauge" and Markman Looms has the "half gauge". Both also offer adjustable looms. The closest Knifty Knitter is the purple hat loom in 5/8 inch gauge with 48 pegs.

Questions from the Comments

2011-01-21T09:17:00.001-08:00

I've had a question about changing looms for the Lightly Laced Cowl pattern. Since the pattern is from a post that is a year old, I thought I would answer it here. The question is how to do the crochet cast-off. For this kind of tutorial, I like Loom Knitting Help

The site has detailed instructions and written explanations that do not rely on photos or videos.

But, it was the rest of the question/comment that I have been thinking about. The loom knitter loved the pattern, but wanted to use a long Knifty Knitter instead of the round yellow Knifty Knitter. The pattern was designed for neither loom. It used a 1/2 inch gauge Decor Accents hat loom with 60 pegs. Similar looms are made by CinDwood. Changing to the KK looms will change the entire fabric of the cowl, and will not create the same pattern. It would involve an entire recalculation of the lace as well. I'm asked very often to change my patterns to work on large gauge Knifty Knitters. I do have several patterns written for these looms, and many more written for the 5/8 inch gauge purple hat loom, but I write very often for the 1/2 inch gauge looms because the smaller gauge lets me manipulate the loom stitches in ways not possible on a KK loom. Far greater yarn options are available for the 1/2 inch gauge as well. So, back to the cowl. If any of you have made it on a KK, I would love to hear about it and share your experience with this loomer.

Tea on Tuesday - on Thursday

2011-01-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

I forgot what day of the week it is! Here is a tea treat, by special request from Karen, some Lavender for your tea table.

Lavender Honey Biscotti

Lavender, honey and pine nuts combine to make an elegant biscotti that will please everyone. And it’s simple to make. I have used organic dried English lavender flower buds (unopened flowers). If you use another type of lavender or fresh lavender, you may get a stronger or weaker lavender flavor.

2 and 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 TBSP. vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. dried lavender buds
2/3 cup toasted pine nuts

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicon baking mat. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and lavender. In a separate bowl, combine the oil, honey, eggs and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Stir the liquids into the flour mixture with a fork. Stir in the toasted pine nuts. Stir gently to form a soft dough. Knead lightly a few times by hand to form a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a log on the baking sheet, about 8 inches long, 2 and 1/2 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Leave the oven on, and remove the biscotti. Cool a few minutes and remove to a cutting board. Trim off the ends, and slice each log into 10 pieces, about 3/4 inch wide. Lay the biscotti on their sides, and return to the oven for 10 minutes more. Cool. This makes a softer biscotti. If you like a very dry biscotti, extend the time for the second bake.
Copyright 2000-2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All rights reserved. Personal use only.

On and off the loom

2011-01-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Here is my work in progress, in one of what will be several versions before a pattern is settled on. The working title is "Sea Glass Wrap". The fabric is loomed from a DK weight mohair (what a joy this is to work with!) and the contrast is a homespun hand dyed yarn, in a thick/thin weight. The two are so opposite, they really created a challenge to combine.
In the second photo, you can see the fabric a little better. There is a randomness to the appearance of the knit, but it is actually quite structured. I've made the second version in a bulky mohair, which I did not like as well - the open stitches were lost, although the scarf is soft and wonderful to wear. On the loom right now is a fingerling weight, with a narrow lace ribbon.

The weather is chilly enough now in California for an afghan project, so I'm starting to think about what it should look like. We have enjoyed the two afghans I made for us last winter very much. What is on your loom?

Copyright 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-01-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

Orange Poppyseed Oatmeal Mini-Muffins

These muffins are quick ( and a little healthy,) and always a hit with kids. You can make 3 dozen mini-muffins, or 1 dozen full size muffins.

1 and 1/2 cups flour
1 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup sugar
4 tsp. poppy seeds
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 large egg
2 Tsbp. fresh orange juice
zest of 1 orange, finely grated

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease muffin cups. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder and baking soda. Mix together the milk, oil, egg, juice and zest. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened. Fill muffin cups just over 1/2. Bake 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool on a rack.

Copyright 2000, 2011 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All rights reserved. Personal use only.

Ringing out the old year

2010-12-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

Time to take stock of my loom knitting year, and see where I have been, make plans for where I am going.

I have come much farther than I ever expected or planned one year ago. I have one month left in my braille classes, and I will graduate. I've learned that even though I can now read, write, and type braille, the world has very little of it for me to read. But I would not give up the ability to read and write, to be literate, for anything.

I am going to continue transcribing needle knit stitch patterns into loom patterns. I know I have said this before, and I have a small start (unpublished). I tend to get sidetracked with an idea and this year, I've gone off track with several new loom stitches. These have been very satisfying to me, although it is hard to tell if anyone else likes them.

Loom-a-longs and classes - I've hosted 3 loom-a-longs and a loom class. The loom class taught me not to assume my pattern will transfer to another loom with a *similar* size. The more complicated the stitch, the more precise the loom specifications.

Patterns - I've learned that some stitchers will take a pattern, change it completely, and blame me when it doesn't turn out the way I said it would. These are the people who will not ask me questions, and then post negatively about the patterns on Ravelry. So, for next year, I need a thicker skin to continue publishing patterns.

BUT - and this is the best part - most stitchers and readers of this blog, have been wonderful, sending me comments and questions, and making this a very enjoyable sharing experience. I get excited when I think of a new pattern idea, work through it, make myself write it out (always the hardest part,) edit, edit, edit, make the girls pose for a photo or two, make the cats pose for a photo, and then...publish and wait to see what happens.

January 2011 will start off with a nice Loom Class featuring one of my favorite patterns, "Miss Maddy's Capelet", inspired by the character of Miss Maddy in the PBS Cranford series. It is a charming little knit, and I think it will be a fun project to do as a group. I hope you will consider joining me in the class. It is so much easier to have a few friends there!

Happy New Year to you and your families. I'm looking forward to looming with you this next year.

2010-12-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

To end 2010 with a smile, I have the pattern for this sweet beret to give you. The "Everyday Beret" is simple, beautiful and easy to wear. It can be made on any round or adjustable loom with multiples of 5 plus 1 pegs. Yarn is also flexible, from dk to chunky weight, although the lace shows best in dk and worsted weight.

As always, if you need a plain text version of the pattern, please let me know and I will send you one. The large print pdf is over at Ravelry: Everyday Beret . Please let me know how you like this little Beret. I think it is a fun way to take advantage of loom knit stitches to shape a beret.

Frosty Snowmen

2010-12-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

A quick gift for a toddler, Brenda Meyers the Loom Lady has this adorable Frosty Hat (along with many other wonderful holiday patterns) on her site. Tigger is posing with my version. It is made on the red Knifty Knitter loom, with bulky yarn.
Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Tea on Tuesday

2010-12-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

Double Ginger Cakes

This is a cake for chocolate and ginger fans. Not dry like ginger bread cookies, but moist and full of ginger flavor. Can be baked a day ahead. The heart shaped mini pans make a nice presentation, but a 10 " bundt pan would also work (extend the baking time.)

2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup molasses
2 large eggs
1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp. dry ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup dutch process cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 3/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. flour
1 1/3 cup milk (low fat ok)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and sugar 12 mini heart cake pans. Cream butter and sugar. Mix in eggs, molasses, and fresh ginger. Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture, alternating with milk. Bake in the mini cake pans at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then remove and cool on racks.

Dandelion Shawlette Pattern!

2010-12-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

At last, the pattern for the "Dandelion Shawlette" is ready for you. I hope you all enjoy this pattern. I think it brings lace knitting on the loom a few steps further along, and shows once again, that we can keep up with the needle knitters! I've written a lot of notes explaining the pattern, trying to anticipate questions, but the pattern itself is not difficult. I've loomed it in several yarns with good success, but this is a pattern that needs to be made in a light weight yarn (DK or light worsted) wool or wool blend that can be blocked.

A simple blocking is essential to bring out the lace border on the shawlette, and open up the knit stitches in the center panel.

The pattern is available for $2.50 from Ravelry. It is in large print pdf. Please contact me if you need a plain text version for your screen reader. I hope you all enjoy this pattern.

December Loom-a-long

2010-12-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

December is here! I hope you can come join me for the Ravelry loom-a-long. We are looming, the Poppy Neckerchief (now you know why I have been testing it in so many yarns and gauges.) This is a fun and fast knit, that makes a wonderful gift.

You can make it on a 1/2 inch gauge or 3/4 inch (like a blue or red Knifty Knitter) using about 1 skein of yarn (125 yards) in DK, Worsted or Chunky weight, wool or acrylic. The pattern is free at Raverly. If you need a plain text version, or can't get the Ravelry pdf, please let me know and I will send you the pattern.

Hope you will come and join the Loom-a-long!

On and off the loom

2010-11-23T11:15:00.001-08:00

Many thanks to Helen for featuring the Daisy Chain Sweater on the home page of her yahoo Knifty Knitter Loom Knitting Group. It is always a privilege to be chosen for the home page. Thank you Helen!

Just off the loom, I am continuing to knit as many small gifts as possible for the holidays. My favorite has been the Poppy Neckerchief, which has proven to be a versatile pattern, working well in DK, Worsted and Chunky weight yarns, as well as 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch gauge looms. The photo today shows it in James C. Brett Marble Chunky yarn, Autumn, worked on a 1/2 inch CinDwood hat loom.

Something new as well, a floppy beret that swirls with a lovely lace pattern. This will be a great pattern, as it works on at least 6 different sized hat looms, in 3 gauges, and in yarns from DK to chunky. The purple hat is worked in Knit Picks DK City Tweed, and has a wonderful soft drape to it. The striped beret is the same pattern, worked in the Brett Marble Chunky to match the little poppy neckerchief. In the chunky, it still has a nice drape, but the lace shows less, so a striped yarn gives the pattern its swirl again. I've shown these to a few friends, and now have more to knit. As always, I'm working on writing the patterns.

Thanks for stopping by, and please leave me a note letting me know how you like these loom projects.
Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Delphinium Lace

2010-11-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

A little surprise which I hope you will enjoy. I have a new pattern for you, with a new stitch pattern that is elegant, lacy, and very easy to knit on the loom. The stitch is called Delphinium Lace, and the cowl, the Delphinium Lace Cowl. This pattern will make lovely holiday gifts. It uses a nice, soft worsted weight wool yarn, although a blend or acrylic would also work. The pattern is available on Ravelry (go to my pattern page for all the pattern links) in a pdf large print format with photographs. If you need a plain text version, please email me and I will send it to you.
I would love to know what you think of this stitch and pattern. I think this is a great new loom stitch that will work well in scarves and shawls as well as a little cowl.
Copyright 2010 by Renee Van Hoy, Invisible Loom and Craft. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Tea on Tuesday

2010-11-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

Today I am sharing my favorite "Maple Pumpkin Butter", perfect for autumn tea tables. It is simple to make, and delicious to eat. Use the best canned pumpkin and maple syrup you can find, and a good, strong cinnamon.

Maple Pumpkin Butter

Maple syrup and pumpkin combine to make this a richly flavored butter that is simple to prepare. You may want to make double, as it tends to disappear quickly! The butter would also make a delicious tart filling.

2 cups pureed, cooked pumpkin
1/4 cup plus 2 TBSP. pure Grade A maple syrup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of mace
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a 2 quart heavy bottomed sauce pan. Cook on lowest heat, stirring often, until very thick and no excess liquid remains, about 30 minutes. If you are using fresh pumpkin, you will have a longer cooking time, because it has more liquid.
Cool and refrigerate for up to 1 month in clean jars.

Poppy Neckerchief Re-do

2010-11-04T11:54:00.001-07:00

I've re-done the Poppy Neckerchief pattern on the Knifty Knitter, and it came out very nicely. It is larger by virtue of the larger gauge loom (I used the red hat loom) and it uses a little more yarn (250 yards worsted weight) but it worked out perfectly. The photo shows it made from Knit Picks Andean Silk yarn in Flamingo.
Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Alpaca treat

2010-10-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here is another version of my "Peony Cape" pattern, knit in a wonderful natural alpaca yarn. The yarn was a gift, and is raised and spun on an Alpaca farm near La Center, WA. The pink edging it Knit Picks Andean Silk. Now that our weather has cooled, I am enjoying wearing this cape very much!

On and off the loom

2010-10-26T09:52:00.001-07:00

I know it is Tuesday, but I'll have to owe you a tea recipe. I wanted to thank all of you for the kind reception to the Daisy Chain Sweater. I cannot wait to hear how it knits up for you. I also wanted to show you my latest "off the loom", "The Dandelion Shawlette." I am very excited about this pattern for several reasons. First, it is a "small shawl", using only 250 yards of yarn. Second, it is made in DK weight yarn on a "regular" gauge loom - 1/2 inch, and I believe can be made on a large gauge in worsted weight. It has a true lace shawl feel and look to it because of the lighter weight yarn. Finally, and this I am very happy about, it is knit from side to side, with the top band, center panel, and the lace border, all knit at the same time. It was many tries to make this pretty shawl, and I am so happy with the result! I am working on writing the pattern - always takes longer than the knitting some how. I am in love with the yarn, too. "Knit Picks City Tweed DK" in Lemon Curd. I like tweeds, but they always seem scratchy and heavy to me. This yarn is a merino/alpaca blend, and it is soft and a pleasure to wear.

Let me know what you think of this little shawl.

The Daisy Chain Sweater Pattern

2010-10-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

I am delighted to announce that I have finished the pattern for "The Daisy Chain Sweater." This will be my first for sale pattern, after 30 plus free patterns. It is available at Ravelry in a large print pdf download for $2.50 US:

"The Daisy Chain Sweater is a lacy sweater made in one piece, with minimal
seaming. This pattern includes a new loom knitting stitch pattern, “The Daisy Chain”, as well as detailed written directions for making an adult size 8 sweater
on a round or flat ½ in gauge loom. Sizing can be easily adjusted by measuring and increasing or decreasing pegs and length. Two looms are needed for this pattern, one that is flat or round with at least 56 pegs, and one round with about 35 pegs.

Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Special Olympics Scarf Project

2010-10-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

This photograph is from the Northern California Special Olympics Summer Gamers, 2010. My "baby" girl is in the poster.

There is a project to make scarves for the 2011 Special Olympic Winter Games (we do not have Winter Games here) using a pretty blue and turquoise. Coats and Clark Yarns has information, photos and pattern suggestions for this project:
http://tinyurl.com/25b443k

The Special Olympics is a great program, and our girl has benefited from it very much. I hope you can knit a scarf for these great kids!

On and off the loom

2010-10-02T11:51:00.001-07:00

Off the loom at last, the "Daisy Chain Sweater." I'm very excited about this sweater, both because of the new lace stitch (named "Daisy Chain") and the knitting process, which uses a large loom, and then a smaller loom for the sleeves. The sweater is nearly seamless. The stitch has a wonderful give and drape to it that is flattering to the figure as well. I made it out of Cottontots Cotton yarn, but the stitch lets the cotton relax and drape very nicely. I'm working on writing the pattern, then I have a few more of these sweaters to make. I think a cardigan version for myself would be nice too :)

On the loom, I have a deep sapphire "Blue Rose Shawl" for one of the teen girls. Even more enjoyable, I have a capelet that I'm making from a gift of hand spun alpaca. I've never had 100% alpaca, and hand spun to boot. It is such a treat to work with! The yarn is undyed, and a soft oatmeal shade. Such a treat. I hope your looms are just as happy as mine are!
Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, all rights reserved.

Welcome Autumn Tea Recipe

2010-09-22T13:06:00.001-07:00

Apple butter is a real treat for the Fall. It takes a little time to
make, but it is so worthwhile! Not only can you serve it for tea and
breakfast, but you will have extra for gifts or for making Apple Butter Tartlets. This recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish, which is much shorter than the cooking time called for in most apple butter recipes. I think you’ll be very happy with the delicious result.

Apple Butter
3 and 1/2 pounds apples, mixed sweet and tart apples
2 cups apple juice
2 and 1/2 to 3 cups dark brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
zest and juice of 1 lemon
6 half pint canning jars, lids, and a water processor, if preserving

Peel, core and quarter the apples. Place them in a large dutch oven with the apple juice. Bring to a boil and simmer until the apples are soft and can be pierced with a fork. Since you are using a mixture of apples, some may cook faster than others, so you may need to remove them to keep them from disintegrating into the juice.
Remove the apples with a slotted spoon and discard the juice. Process the apples in two batches in a food processor fitted with a metal blade, until the apples are thick and smooth.
Before returning the apple puree to the pan, measure it into a liquid
cup measure. For each cup of puree, add 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar to the pan. You should have 5 to 6 cups of apple puree. Add the vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg* to the pan, along with the lemon zest and juice. Be sure the zest is very finely grated.
Cook over the lowest heat setting for about 45 minutes, stirring now
and then to prevent sticking. The heat is too high if the butter is
bubbling. The butter is ready when it looks dark and is thick enough to mound up on a spoon.
Pour the butter into clean, hot jars and process in a water bath for
10 minutes. Refrigerate after opening or if not canning.
*Quality ingredients can make a big difference in this recipe. If you
can use a whole vanilla bean sliced in half and grate a whole nutmeg,
the flavor will be more intense. The Vietnamese Cinnamon
is also wonderful.
Copyright 2000-2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal use only.

Tea on Tuesday; September Looming

2010-09-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

We are still in love with "Paris" tea from Harney & Sons, with "Vanilla Comoro" and "Peach" coming in for close second choices. Our summer has been cool, so we have been drinking our teas hot, and have had only a few iced tea days.

September is already half over, and it seems time to plan for holiday gift giving. The Loom Class group at Yahoo has a wonderful "Lily Dolly" this week that would make a lovely gift, and the Loom-a-Long group at Ravelry is working on a "Snake Hat" that would make any child very happy. The Snake Hat is a good way to learn to knit cables as well. The Loom Dude continues to amaze me with his creativity, and has absolutely wonderful "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Little Bo Peep" dolls. Perfect holiday toys! Finally, the Markman Farms group at Yahoo has a wonderful stitch sampler class, and more great class scheduled for the rest of the year.

Happy looming!

The Poppy Neckerchief Pattern

2010-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

The Poppy Neckerchief pattern is available now available as a free Ravelry download. Please email me with any questions or if you need a plain text version of the pattern.

Errata: Add line 10 for the start of the pattern, before the lace repeats begin:

Row 10: s1/p3/s1
pdf has been updated to reflect the correction.

I've also tested the pattern on a large gauge Knifty Knitter (red hat loom) after several requests. The pattern can be used on the large gauge loom with about 250 yards of Worsted Weight yarn (a smooth yarn recommended) as written. The larger loom gives a longer, looser scarf, but all the details of the stitch pattern and design are preserved. Enjoy!
Copyright 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Loom Class

2010-08-31T22:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the votes. The "Blue Rose Shawl" pattern was a winner in the Markman Farms contest, and I'm getting a new loom ! Come keep me company in the Loom Class this week and next and loom the shawl.

New projects

2010-08-30T21:49:00.001-07:00

Here is my newest little project, the "Poppy Neckerchief". I made it with a new yarn from Knit Picks, called Capra. It is a wool and cashmere blend that is very soft and also very nice to loom with. It is a DK weight, usually a little light for a standard loom, but I had no problems with it.

It is a nice little scarf that can be wrapped and worn several ways. I'm writing up the pattern and should have it up at Ravelry and here soon.

Classy Looms

2010-08-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

The looms and I went to the beach for a little vacation. We took along a tote filled with cotton, and managed a washcloth, and the re-do of the "Daisy Chain Sweater", still in progress. Started a very cute apron, but decided I had the wrong loom with me, and frogged it. Not the most productive vacation, but that's what vacation is all about after all.

I've been invited to teach the "Blue Rose Shawl" pattern for the yahoo Loom Class group beginning August 29th. If you would like to join us, the supply list is available in the group files, and the pattern is at the Markman Farm site on the contest page.

Tea on Tuesday - on Wednesday

2010-08-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Cheddar Chive Biscotti

Sharp cheddar cheese and cornmeal give this biscotti a lovely color and a nice crunch. This is a nice savory for your tea party, or a delicious accompaniment to a luncheon salad or appetizer tray. For spreading on this savory biscotti, try some herbal honey.

1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 TBSP. sugar
2 TBSP. finely minced fresh chives
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
3 TBSP. vegetable oil
1/8 cup water

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients, chives and cheddar cheese. In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, oil and water. Pour the liquids into the dry mixture. Stir with a fork until moistened and crumbly. Mix by hand gently to form a ball of dough. Let rest a minute. Divide the dough in two, and shape each half into logs 3/4 inch thick. Place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes until firm to touch. Remove the sheet from the oven, but leave the oven on. Let cool two minutes on the baking sheet. Transfer the biscotti to a cutting board with a large spatula. Carefully trim off the ends and slice each log into 8 slices. Lay the biscotti cut sides up on the baking sheet and return to the oven for another 10 minutes. Cool on a rack. Makes 16 biscotti.
Copyright 2000-2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

August Looming

2010-08-02T18:03:00.001-07:00

August marks the time of year I switch my thoughts to gift giving projects for the Fall, but my yarn bag is over-flowing with summer cotton. I have finished all but 1 "on the loom" project, and I'm ready for a little summer vacation with bright cotton colors for a few weeks. The photo is one of my recently finished projects, an asymmetrical scarf, knitted from side to side. It wraps around and around to make layers, each layer getting smaller as you wrap.

The loom groups have some great August projects: Loom Class at Yahoo is making a pull-over baby sweater; Loom-a-Long at Ravelry has two projects this month, a child's poncho now, followed by a Kool-aid dye tutorial by Helen Jacobs-Grant!

Give the Rose a little love

2010-07-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

The pattern contest voting has started, and I'd like to ask you to consider voting for my entry, the Blue Rose Shawl. You can see the pattern and vote at Markman Farm: http://www.markmanfarm.com/contest/2010-patterns

You can download the pattern for free at the same link. It makes a nice shawl or lap robe, a great idea for gift giving (if you are planning ahead.)

Thank you!!!

A Bookish Monday

2010-07-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Books about Loom Knitting are few, and this summer is giving us a bounty of new books from wonderful authors.

Brenda, the Loom Lady at Loom Lore has announced the publication of her book by

Boye & Simplicity Creative Group called: "I taught myself to Loom Knit" in Walmart & other craft stores .

Pat Novak and Kim Novak from the Authentic Knitting Board have written: "Knitting Board Basics: A Beginner's Guide to Using a Knitting Board with Over 30 Patterns" which is due for release in August.

Anne Bipes has a new book out titled: "Learn to Knit On Long Looms".

Hopefully these books will be made accessible to the visually impaired quickly, through Bookshare or BARD. In the meantime, the rest of you must promise to review them and tell us all about them.

Violet Carpet Shawl

2010-07-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

I hope you will like this shawl as much as I do. It is very nice to wear - the horizontal lace rows and garter stitch combination give the shawl a drape and ease that is "wrapable". I like to wear it a bit off to the side, then wrap it around and hold the ends with a nice brooch.

The pattern is over at Ravelry as a free pdf download. Go to my pattern pages for the link. Please let me know how you like it.

Violet Carpet Shawl

Worked from side to side in garter stitch with rows of lace horizontally.

Supplies: Loom with at least 64 pegs in ½ inch gauge (CinDwood Large Adult Hat Loom with 66 pegs used for sample.)

Peg markers or scrap yarn

Loom tool

Crochet hook

480 yarns WW wool and silk blend (Plymouth Yarn Mushishi color 4, 95 % merino wool, 5% silk used in sample.)

120 yards WW wool for edging (Classic Elite WW wool in lavender used for the sample.)

The “Lace Row Ridge Stitch” pattern

Tea on Tuesday

2010-07-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

This is a favorite cookie recipe of ours. I keep pots of mint growing fresh all year to give us the chance to bake these - the fresh mint makes all the difference.
Peppermint Shortbread
Source of Recipe
"Along the Garden Path" by Bill and Sylvia Varney

12 TBSP. unsalted butter, softened
9 TBSP. sugar
1 1/2 TBSP. brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. peppermint extract
1 TBSP. finely chopped fresh peppermint leaves
1/8 tsp. salt
2 cups flour

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. In a mixer, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and extracts. Add the flour on low speed. Stir in the peppermint leaves and salt. Divide dough into three portions. Place on plastic wrap and roll into cylinders 1 1/4 inch in diameter. Wrap in plastic and chill until firm. (1 hour) Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap dough and slice into 1/4" thick slices. Rotate the cylinder to keep it round. keep the slices even and thin. They do not spread much, so you can place them close together on the sheet. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes until the bottom edges are just barely brown. Remove to rack to cool.
For cut out cookies, divide dough into three portions and place on a large sheet of plastic wrap. Place another sheet on top and pat or roll the dough out into a very thin sheet. Chill the sheets of dough until firm, about 30 minutes. Remove and cut quickly with miniature cookie cutters. Bake 8 minutes - watch these little cookies can brown very quickly. Remove immediately to rack and cool. For square cookies, shape logs with flat sides and chill and slice as above.
This dough can be made and frozen unbaked. Thaw slightly in refrigerator before baking.
These little cookies are especially pretty in miniature butterfly shapes surrounding a piece of cake. Enjoy!

Copyright 2000 - 2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

On and Off the Loom

2010-07-15T12:30:00.001-07:00

The "Rib-it Washcloths" from the July Loom-a-long group were very cute, and a huge improvement over last summer's cotton cloths. The rib stitch makes a much softer cloth. I tried several cotton yarns, and Lily Sugar 'n cream and Bernat Cottontots were the winners for softness. Lily is much better priced and has a better choice of colors, so that is what I have stocked up on. However, Teen girl has requested an openwork sweater, so I have some cream colored Cottontots for that. The pattern is drawn up in my mind; just have to transfer it to the loom.

The pattern for my Peppermint Tam is up at Ravelry now. This is a great pattern if you are starting to think about holiday loom gifts.

July Looming

2010-07-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

My pattern for the Blue Rose Shawl is now available: http://www.markmanfarm.com/contest/2010-patterns

I had a very good time with the Simple Lace Wrap loom-a-long group at Ravelry, and there are some more good loom-a-longs this month:

At Ravelry, the July 2010 Loom Along - Loom knit Rib-It Dishcloth by Tanya Goen. This is a cute dishcloth that can be worked on a knitting board or on the long knifty knitter looms. It is a great way to learn the rib stitch on a board style loom.

At Yahoo Groups Loom Class group:

Reversible Towel Topper with Christine Clauto

Wavy Water Shawl with Anke Van Doorne

Stitch Sampler with Lynn Markman

Christmas in July - Santa Hat Cloth

Tea on Tuesday

2010-06-29T14:11:00.001-07:00

We are still enjoying lots of lavender from our garden, so here is another wonderful lavender recipe, with blueberries and nectarines.

Lavender Nectarine-Blueberry Cobbler

This is a truly delightful combination of flavors. If you don’t have any vanilla sugar, use regular sugar and 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract. I have used organic dried English lavender flower buds (unopened
flowers) in this recipe. If you use a different variety or fresh lavender, you may get a weaker or stronger lavender flavor.

COBBLER TOPPING:
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 TBSP. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
6 TBSP. unsalted butter, chilled
1 large egg
2/3 cup whole milk
COBBLER FILLING:
4 cups sliced nectarines, 1/2 inch thick slice
1 and 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
6 TBSP. vanilla sugar
1 tsp. dried lavender flower buds
3 TBSP. flour

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the nectarines, blueberries, vanilla sugar, and lavender. Taste for sweetness. Stir in the flour and pour into a 1 and 1/2 quart ceramic baking or gratin dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and cut it into the flour with a pastry blender or two knives. Combine the milk and the egg, and stir into the dry ingredients. Stir to form a soft dough. Spoon or shape by hand rounds of dough on top of the fruit. The dough should cover the entire top, but leave spaces between the dough to let the fruit bubble up during the baking.
Bake for 40 minutes at 375 degrees, until the topping is cooked through and lightly browned, and the filling bubbles up. Serve warm (with a little vanilla ice cream).
Copyright 2000-2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Poster Girl

2010-06-26T17:52:00.001-07:00

There was a big surprise today, along with two gold medals! After the competition, the kids and coaches all went to the Olympic Village, where they saw this poster - with our girl on it. We knew her photo had been used on the website for some time, but had no idea she was now this year's Summer Games Poster Girl. I'm hoping the proud Dad will bring home a couple for me. It is so hard not to be there, but my health leaves me home to be the biggest fan instead. It will be great to have the poster, too. Everyone is having a wonderful time, needless to say. Tonight the kids have a dance, and tomorrow morning the final events.

Going for the Gold

2010-06-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

Our Golden Girl

Tonight is the start of the Northern California Special Olympics Summer Games. Our youngest is completing for the 3rd year. The photo above is from the 2008 games, when she competed in track and won 3 gold medals.
This next photo is a medals award ceremony from the 2009 games. State law enforcement officers from all over Northern California support the games, and attend the games to award the medals.
This year our girl is competing in aquatics. Sadly, the team size has been cut in half from 2 years ago because of funding problems. It is impossible to say just how wonderful the program is for the athletes and their families. I hope you will all keep your fingers crossed for the tiny Richmond Buffaloes Team, and of course, our little swimmer.

Tea on Tuesday

2010-06-22T13:42:00.001-07:00

Our garden is full of wonderful herbs, and the lavender is especially nice. We have four different varieties blooming. The white lavender is lovely when cut and bunched with the purple and blue varieties. Here is a simple recipe using lavender.

Lavender Cream

This is the perfect way to pamper yourself at tea time. Try this cream with scones and fresh berries. It pairs especially well with blueberries and blueberry jam. I have used organic dried English lavender flower buds (unopened flowers) for this recipe, as that is the most commonly found variety. If you use a different type of lavender, you may have a stronger or weaker flavor. If the cream’s flavor is too strong, whip a little unflavored cream and add it to the
lavender cream.

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. dried lavender flower buds
2 TBSP. confectioner’s sugar

Combine the cream and lavender and let chill overnight. Strain out the lavender. In a mixer, whip the infused cream and the confectioner’s sugar until it is very stiff and a spreadable consistency. Chill until ready to serve. Can be made several hours in advance.
Makes about 1 cup whipped cream.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Renee Van Hoy, Invisible Loom and Craft. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Flower Garden Afghan for a Loom

2010-06-14T19:54:00.001-07:00

Today I have the pattern for my "Flower Garden Afghan". I hope you enjoy it. The pattern is available in a pdf file free on Ravelry. Go to my pattern pages for the link.

Flower Garden Afghan
Supplies: Knitting Loom with at least 118 pegs in ½ inch gauge (CinDwood Large Round Afghan Loom used in sample, ½ inch gauge.) 975 yards Super Bulky yarn (Wool-ease Thick and Quick used in sample) in four colors, three skeins of one color, two skeins each of three colors; (sample used 3 Raspberry, 2 Fisherman, 2 Lemongrass and 2 Apricot.) ***Yarn should have good spring and flexibility for this stitch pattern.

Loom tool

Crochet hook

Stitch markers or scrap yarn

Embroidery needle to weave in ends

Finished Size: 40 x 55 inches

Feather and Fan Stitch

Looming around the Net

2010-06-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

There are lots of great projects and new ideas happening for loomers around the net:

The June Loom Class group at yahoogroups has a great batch of projects, starting right now with a darling octopus taught by Kelly Jones, and following up with "Baby Gran Squares" taught by Brenda Myers.

The Loom Dude has a wonderful pattern to make for a soldier, a garrison cap, which folds flat like an envelope for easy packing.
My Heart Exposed Yarns continues with amazing dyes from natural plants, with colors that are very inspiring.

The Buzzzzzzz today: an adjustable fine gauge (3/8 inch) sock loom from Authentic Knitting Board, with grooved metal pegs. It is shipping in July, only $27. Will this be the answer for all the sock loom challenged loomers?

Tea on Tuesday

2010-06-08T20:25:00.001-07:00

Tigger is posing next to the June Loom-a-long "Simple Lace Wrap". The colors seem much more vivid in the photograph than in person.

For this very nice summer day, something apricot for your tea. This has long been a family favorite.

Apricot Gratin

Bake this luscious dessert while the main meal is being served. It will smell heavenly and taste even better.

10 large ripe, firm, apricots
1 cup flour
1 cup almonds, finely ground*
1/2 cup sugar
1 stick (8 Tbsp.) butter, softened
pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Halve and pit apricots. Place in a shallow gratin baking dish (about 1 1/2 - 2 quart size).
Grind almonds in the food processor with the sugar. In a large bowl, combine almond mixture,flour, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or fork. Cover apricots with topping and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serve warm.

*Grind the almonds with the sugar to keep them from becoming too
paste-like.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Invisible Loom and Craft, Renee Van Hoy. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.

Looming Up Hill

2010-06-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes looming, surprises me by going from wonderfully simple to just plain impossible. I am always taken aback, especially when it is a pattern I have made over and over - and when it is a pattern that I have written! This is looming uphill.

Right now, it is yarn that is confounding me. The “Simple Lace Wrap” for the June Loom-a-long was made with Nashua Wooly Stripes. This was a wool yarn that varied in width from worsted to heavy worsted. It was wonderful to work with, and made a nice, soft wrap that was just warm enough for the transition from winter to spring.

Thinking that our warmer days needed a lighter wrap, I cast-on with Knit Picks “Comfy” in worsted weight. UGH! Even though I had just made my Aunt a gorgeous cape (The Peony Cape) with this yarn, it refused to work for the Wrap. I swatched several other lighter yarns with no success. I even tried switching between the CinDwood and the Knifty Knitter purple hat loom. Uphill all the way.

At last I pulled out an inexpensive, but similar yarn, Lighthouse Waves, a 70% wool, 30% soy yarn. It has the same varied thickness as the Nashua. Now I am happily looming-a-long. I may be a little short in the yardage (350 yards) but I will see how the wool/soy blocks out, and add a border if needed in another yarn.

What baffles me is how I can make a pattern over and over in several yarns, and have not a problem, and then, have days where nothing seems to work. I think this is not at all unusual, and hope that newer loomers won’t be put off by the occasional day of uphill looming. The downhill is pretty nice.

On and Off the Loom, Sunflower Spring Shawlette

2010-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

There is just not enough to say about the "Sunflower Spring Shawlette" made from the gorgeous hand dyed yarn from My Heart Exposed Yarn. It is a dream to work with and to wear. I love this yarn, and the shawlette! The pattern link is below, and please let me know how you like it. It includes the new stitch pattern "Diamond Box". $2.50 More photos are below.

I just finished this sweet baby blanket. It is made from Knit Picks "Comfy Bulky", a 75% cotton, 25% acrylic yarn that is very soft, and also easy on the hands to work with. The pattern was a simple 3 stitch rib, made on the 90 peg CinDwood small 1/2 inch gauge afghan loom.

June Looming

2010-05-29T16:38:00.001-07:00

June has crept up on us quickly, and I am hosting the June Loom-a-long. You can find the pattern here on the blog, or in a pdf down load on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-lace-wrap

This is a very easy loom pattern, and a great first step into lace. The wrap is made with worsted weight wool, but could also be made with a cotton blend for summer weather. You can join the loom-a-long on Ravelry, and also at the DA Accents yahoo group. Hope you will come loom with me!

Looming Up Hill

2010-05-26T09:05:00.001-07:00

While needle knitters call it "visiting the frog pond" or "frogging", because you "rip-it", I think of the less successful loom adventures as looming up hill. For me it feels like there is always a period of "up hill" before I find the rhythm of a project, and slide down the hill to completion.

My up-hills take on many forms. Recently, it has been finding the right loom for the yarn. I had the yarn, "Comfy Bulky" cotton for a baby blanket. But, cotton can be tricky, and I had to try two looms before I found the downhill. I had my hopes pinned on the new Universal S Loom. The cotton did not have the "spring" needed for this loom, and the stitch was loose and sloppy. I can see the potential of the loom - with the right yarn - but this was not it. I tried the CinDwood small round afghan loom next. Right loom, but wrong stitch pattern. Finally, an "ah-ha" moment, and a lovely ribbed pattern made this all come together. Three inches down, I could see the pattern, I could feel the rhythm of the yarn and the loom, and we all work together to slide down the hill, smiling all the way.

On and Off the Loom

2010-05-23T18:22:00.001-07:00

All of a sudden, projects are everywhere! The first photo is a peek at my almost finished afghan. It is on the CinDwood large round afghan loom.

The second photo is of the shawlette I am making with the lovely hand-dyed yarn from My Heart Exposed Yarns. This has been just incredible to work with, and the shawl worked up very quickly. It is off the loom now, and I am finishing up the edging.
Also on the loom is a "Baby Cozy" for a baby shower coming up in June. I'm using James C. Brett Marble Chunky yarn for the cozy, and it is just so soft and babyish - a nice switch off from the afghan, which has become heavy as I reach the end.

Tea on Tuesday - on Wednesday

2010-05-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

The pdf files of my loom patterns seem to be well received over at Ravelry. I have almost all of the patterns available now. Let me know how you like them.

For our tea table today, one of my favorite cookies. From the herb garden, Chocolate Tarragon Biscotti. Enjoy!

Chocolate Tarragon Biscotti

You will be delightfully surprised how the tarragon brightens the chocolate in these biscotti. These are a softer biscotti, but if you like a very crunchy dipping cookie, extend the bake time of the second bake another 5 -10 minutes.

2 cups flour
1/4 cup dutch process cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. (kosher) salt
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 TBSP. finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 TBSP. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with a silicon baking mat or parchment. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and tarragon. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, extract and oil. Add liquids and chocolate chips to dry ingredients and stir with a fork until all are combined. Turn dough out on to a sheet of plastic wrap, and divide in two. Knead each portion a few times, and place on the baking sheet. Form each portion into a log 8 inches long, 2 inches wide, and about 3/4 inch thick.

Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and let stand a few minutes. Place on a cutting board and trim off the ends. Slice the logs into 3/4 inch thick slices. Lay biscotti on their sides on the baking sheet, and return to the oven for 5 minutes (longer for a very crispy cookie). Cool on rack. Makes 20 biscotti. These will keep several days in a well sealed container.
Copyright 2000 -2010 by Renee Van Hoy, Invisible Loom and Craft. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only.

Miss Maddy's Capelet

2010-05-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Ravelry meet-up was a delight. I wore my "Miss Maddy's Capelet", and was treated to making 3 wonderful new friends. We sat and knitted - and LOOMED! Yes, a sweet lady from San Jose was there with her loom. We hit it off right away, and the afternoon flew by. Everyone drew chairs into large circles, and knit and talked. A very nice afternoon indeed.

Miss Maddy's Capelet Pattern $2.50
This loomed capelet has a Victorian feel to it. The eyelet lace pattern gives it a pretty elegance, yet it sits and drapes nicely around the shoulders of a denim jacket. Size can be easily adjusted to the shoulders by adding more or fewer rows, making it a lovely gift pattern. The finished size here is about 9 inches long, and 68 inches wide measuring the bottom edge.

Copyright 2010 by Renee Van Hoy, Invisible Loom and Craft. All Rights Reserved. Personal Use Only.