Friday, April 12, 2013

K is for Knitting Looms


     While I know how to knit using straight and circular needles, I had never used a knitting loom until recently.  Every time I went to Michaels I found myself pulled to the yarn section where all the knitting looms could be found as if by a gravitational force.  They intrigued me.  Still for the longest time I held back from buying any.  I had taught myself to knit several years back and knitted several projects before giving up when carpal tunnel flared.  My knitting projects were left unfinished and forgotten.  I brought out my crochet hooks and crocheted instead.

      The knitting looms continued to pull me andfinally I broke down and bought myself a set of round looms.  There were 4 different sizes in a set, a special tool, and instructions.  I bought some yarn and hurried home and went to work learning how to use my new purchase.  After I made my first hat, I decided I had to have one of the straight looms.  Away I went back to the store to buy one and then I started straight away to knit a panel.  So far the plan is to knit the panel till the ball of yarn is gone and then either change colors and keep going or start a new panel with a fresh color.  Eventually when I have many brightly colored panels I intend to sew or crochet them together to make a blanket.  At least that is the plan.

       It is weird.  For the longest time I went through a period in my life where I had no desire to test the waters of anything new.  I reveled
in my children and their successes.  For a while it was enough and then it wasn’t.  I needed more.  All of sudden I am embarking on new horizons, learning new things, exploring photography, and taking web design classes.  It makes me feel as if maybe life isn’t over after all even if I am almost 45.  Maybe there is more to life than wiping snot noses, butts, and cleaning up vomit!

24 comments:

  1. That's cool that you can knit. Almost 45, huh? You're such a babe!

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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    1. Joyce, I have tried knitting the traditional way and it really flared up carpal tunnel. So far this method has not had that effect. I am having a blast learning the ins and outs. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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  2. Replies
    1. Tayla, if I could say I had a true bucket list my entry would be to become proficient in it or at least as proficient as I am as a crocheter. It is a goal. They have such things as sock looms and I have my eyes on one of those for my birthday. I even eyeballed some sock yarn. Would love to learn to knit socks. That would be so cool! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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  3. I didn't know knitting looms existed so this was a very interesting read. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Suzy, they have them in various shapes and sizes. I hope to become proficient in them all. It may take me a while, but I have the determination. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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  4. I love knitting - tried the loom aeons ago - but it didn't work out. Good for you, Kathy!

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    1. Corinne, I am just going to keep at it! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments!

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  5. I learned to knit as a child and now a friend is re-teaching me. I have always been interested in these looms...maybe I will have to check them out! Very exciting!

    Shannon
    The Other Side of the Equation

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    1. Shannon, Very cool! You should! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments!

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  6. I learned how to crochet as a child, but I never learned how to knit. It looked hard. But the knitting loom you have here makes knitting look more accessible.

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    1. Cynthia, I love to crochet! I have found knitting frustrating. Loom knitting, not so much. I will tell you that when you screw up either fixing it is a nightmare from hell. To me it is just easier to rip it all out and start over. With crocheting, I am more proficient and know how to fix it. Knitting? I am still pretty clueless. LOL Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments!

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  7. Cool stuff. Never used a knitting loom.
    Your dancing dog cracks me up every time I stop by.
    Visiting from GBE 2: Blog On.
    Happy weekend!

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    1. Linda, I love my dancing dog too. He looks just like my Jolly dog. I am so pleased you stopped by. Thank you for the kind comments!

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  8. Good for you branching out and learning new things. I read an inspiring article the other day of an 81 year old woman learning to play drums. You're never too old to learn something new.

    Knitting looms sound more fun that straight knitting. Go for it. I hate knitting and sewing and have a negative attitude towards both. Must get therapy for that negativity towards them one of these days. At least I love writing and see that as my therapy of sorts. :)P

    Being 45 isn't very old. Try 53. EEK! You're still a young'un!

    Cattitude and Gratitude

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    1. Writercat59, I doubt I would waste money on therapy. LOL Different strokes for different folks. That is what makes the world go round! So far the looms are fun and a lot less daunting than the needles. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments!

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  9. Good for you trying out new things. I love knitting but can I only achieve reasonably simple patterns, nothing too complicated.

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    1. Sally, you and I seem to be in the same boat! LOL

      Kathy
      http://gigglingtruckerswife.com

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  10. I'd never heard of a knitting loom. New experience for me. On the other hand, we had several weaving looms in our house for years. That was an experience.

    Also glad you tried something new!

    Blessings and Bear hugs!
    Bears Noting

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    1. Rob-bear, thank you for stopping by and for your comments! I haven't tried anything new in years and have found it is invigorating.

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  11. I don't dare try this craft too.....as you know I have a lot on my crafting plate! lol

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    1. JoJo, I think you should! You are the queen of crafting and it just wouldn't be right if you didn't take a knitting loom for a spin.
      Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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  12. I think I might try this come next winter because I have trouble with knitting and crocheting the regular way. I pull some of the stitches too tightly. I think all of us need to keep trying new things. We can get "stuck in a rut" and bears to be around, if you know what I mean. Let us know how your projects go.

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    1. Betty, I have really enjoyed learning to use the loom. I had problems with pain in my hands and shoulders from the repetition of regular knitting. I have started with the basics and once I get each step down I will figure out something a little more difficult until I am proficient. I am currently working on simply knitting flat panels in brilliant colors which I will eventually sew together into a big blanket. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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