I haven't done loom knitting since I was a child, and even then it was only a teeny tiny tube - French knitting I think it was called. I couldn't really see the point in making a teeny tiny tube, so have barely thought of it since & it hadn't occurred to me that it might be useful. Little did i know that you can actually make useful things with it.
I'll admit that I'm a fairly hopeless knitter - I've always lacked the patience to learn how to do it properly. I can cast on and off, do a few basic stitches, and quite quickly, but that's the lot - patterns make me confused and angry. It's always been on my to do list to learn but I haven't quite gotten around to it yet, and now I've discovered it's not possible with Ivy on my lap as I keep poking her with the sticks, which makes her confused and angry.
I should mention that Ivy is a girl who gets very lonely, very quickly. She likes to spend as much time as possible on my lap, either sat up looking around, or more often draped over, fast asleep. This means that I spend a lot of time sat around only able to do stuff I can either put on the sofa next to me (laptop, reading) or hold over Ivy's head (sewing). Well, I can loom with Ivy on my lap! And what's better, unlike sewing there are no loose little bits of thread that she can get her hands on (she always does), and no sharp scissors or needles to drop.
I did make my first attempt at a sock by just figuring it out, and was very impressed with myself for working out how to do a heel and toe, however when I took the sock off the loom I discovered it was comically long and thin, and certainly won't go on anyone in this house's foot - a friend suggested it might be a good fit for their dog... I have since ordered a sock loom and a book about looming socks as am certainly not going to trust my judgement again. I have started working on my sock loom, but initially had some trouble as it is very fine (48 pegs for a ladies sock) and the hook that came with it was just too blunt. Once I tried a sharper hook I really got going, however that has since died. I've now ordered a better quality hook (hopefully sharp) so am just waiting on that before I carry on.
In the mean time I have been making socks on my 14cm round loom. My first pair (below) I made without using a hook and just using my fingers as I found the hook too clumsy (I think I've figured out a technique now), however the stitches on it are a little loose, and the socks I'd intended for myself actually fit Will instead, which is fine. I duffed the toe a bit -the stitch is too baggy where it joins up, so for the next pair I've finished with a tighter flat stitch just before the join, which is a bit neater.
I was also making Will a pair of yoga socks (no heel or toe) as he does yoga in a church and I was worried about his feet getting cold, until he told me that the room they use is actually really baking, so these ones have gone to me. I actually really love them and am going to make a few more pairs - they're ideal for wearing over tight with sandals or clogs now that it's gotten colder.
Now I'm working on a pair of welly socks for Will (essential as it's really started coming down now). I have finished one which I'm really pleased with & is a good fit for Will, and started working on the second. Once I have finished these I will make a pair for myself too.
I also have plans to make some slippers for Will and myself, some legwarmers & knee socks that I need, a waistcoat, and I have a crochet pattern for a napsack that I want to make as well. I would also like to try knitting socks on needles, perhaps in the evening once Ivy has gone to bed as it would give me more freedom in shaping it than the loom I think (although on the loom you can change the stitch to give you a bit of control over size)
I can't exactly say that we're now self-sufficient in socks as the wool has to come from somewhere (although usually charity shops), but I am feeling very pleased that I'm now able to make something at home that would be difficult to find second hand, saving us from going to the shops when we need socks etc. I have a few different sizes of round looms so am also planning to pick up a book of patterns for other things too, and I think I would also like to get ahold of some long looms better suited for clothes. Just need to find some sewing patterns for pants now and we'll be made.
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