Hello! I haven’t been around in forever it seems! I hope everyone’s doing well 🙂
I’ll make this post a fun one! Full of pictures and happy thoughts.
I took a bit of a break to focus on school and to also deal with some personal stuff. I’ve also been thinking a lot about creating a super awesome wrist warmer pattern and putting it for sale in my Etsy store. It’d be at least 10 pages of awesome pictures and instructions along with additional comments on how to make changes! Thoughts?
Moving onto the fun pictures! First, the latest slouchy berets! The San Martine one is available in the stores if you wish to take it home with you.
San Martine Slouchy beret
Custom Slouchy Beret
Now, I’m part of a loom-a-long group on Facebook. So many fun patterns to do and try out! Right now I am working on a 10-stitch blanket to be given as a gift when I am done. I am also starting a 10 stitch twist one which is being released in sections so the first section is the inner circle. Whew!
10 stitch blanket progressInner Circle
I have some of the sweetest friends too ❤ My friend sent me surprise mail and inside was a gorgeous new hook! I can’t wait to get started using it!
Lovely new hook!
If you want to keep up even more, join me on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram. I post there very frequently and always enjoy meeting new people there ❤
I thought it would be so cute to have a Valentine’s Day sale, and have the discount be 14% off! From February 1st through February 15th you can use this discount on both my Etsy store and Storenvy store (whichever platform suits your shopping needs and wants!). Here’s the pretty graphic I made up for it 🙂 Feel free to share this graphic on your social media! Happy Shopping!
Recently, I have been giving a lot of advice and recommendations to people about looming, what looms to use and things to do. Helpful resources are something I am always willing to share, and I am going to start a small series here on my blog regarding different aspects of loom knitting.
For this first in the series, I am going to start with looms! There are so many looms to consider, different brands and also different shapes and types of looms. Depending on where you are in your loom knitting journey, you may or may not have looms already. Also, depending on what you want to make can help determine where you start in your loom journey and what looms to get first.
To anyone starting out, I highly recommend to start with a round loom set. My favorite round loom set is by a brand called Loops and Threads. The set has four round looms in different sizes, comes with a loom hook and a needle and basic instructions. If you use a coupon you can get this set for as little as $7 which is a price you can’t beat! I got this set and here is what they look like:
Loom knitting set from Michael’s
These are by far my favorite round loom set. I own the Boye Loom knitting set (available at many places, even Walmart), and have had issues with them in that the pegs do not stay in easily and are always falling out. I also find it more difficult to use than the Loops and Threads brand. I also think the loom hook used for the Loops and Thread brand is better and easier to use than that in the Boye Loom knitting set.
Once you have the round looms you can do so many things with them. Hats, scarves, bags, fingerless gloves, socks etc. So starting out with these will allow you to start up making hats and learning the basics, to doing more complicated pieces like this Wesminster Eyelet Scarf I made (and yup, made it on a round loom!).
Long looms are also great. I have the Knifty Knitter set, which I have no qualms about. It works great, there are four different sizes that come in that set. The smallest one is great for basic scarves that are just the perfect size, while the longest one can make a good sized blanket. Long looms allow you to make things such as scarves and bags. If you use loom clips (they sit in the middle of the loom and allow you to make something in the round), you can even make hats or fingerless gloves, or anything that is round.
Knifty Knitter long loom set Image source: google.com
Another loom to note is the flower loom. This loom is the smallest of all and is primarily used to make flowers. However, this loom can also be used for other projects such as baby booties. They’re small and affordable so having one to keep on the side is definitely a safe investment. I would suggest a Knifty Knitter brand or a Loops and Threads one. The Boye brand one I got came with bent pegs and is crooked.
Flower loom Image source: google.com
All new looms, even single looms, do come with the loom hook from that brand. By buying different brands you can try out the different hooks and see what works for you. I did recently get a custom hook from Gipson Wands, they took a Loops and Thread’s metal hook portion and created a gorgeous wooden handle! It is so lightweight and perfect for looming. Here is the one I have:
Custom hook from Gipson Wands
If you do not want to start with just a round loom set, or just a long loom set, you can always look into the Martha Stewart Loom set. It is a set where you can make a lot of different configurations because the loom is not put together. You put it together yourself and also use whatever number of pegs you need for whatever it is you are making. This loom is a bit pricier, even using coupons it was close to $30. However, with this set, you have a long loom set, a round loom set, and also can make so many configurations that it is cost effective. It is a bit of a challenge and can seem overwhelming but there are a lot of great resources online on how to learn to use it and stuff. The hook that comes with this set is very nice, and it fits the pegs as it should. I cannot use the hook with any other looms though, as it works mostly only with this set. I have this set, and am using it now to make a Clapotis shawl which I will hopefully be debuting soon. I am also using a portion of this loom to make a ruffle scarf:
Martha Stewart loom portion to make a ruffle scarf
There are a few other looms, an afghan loom which is a large s-shaped loom that you use to make bigger pieces but on a loom that is more space efficient. There are socks looms of two different gauges that are perfect for just socks or when you want to make something with a very small gauge. All in one boards are also popular, I have never used one, but it is something to consider. There are mini looms now which are small enough to be called pocket looms.
I hope this has been helpful to see major differences in looms, and also to see what just one person recommends. Loom knitting as a whole has come such a far way since I started, and I can only hope to help spread some of this wisdom!
If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment. I am happy to suggest or recommend other looms or give my opinion on other parts of loom knitting.
Such a long time since I’ve been around! I have tons of new projects listed and put up on my store! If you’ve been following, you’ll see there are lots of fun and comfy items ready for you to take home 🙂
I wanted to take a few minutes to let you guys know about the shipping and custom orders during this holiday time. I know this is a great time to get presents, it’s early enough you don’t feel rushed yet! I haven’t gotten much ready myself for my family but we’ll get there 🙂
For custom orders, the final date to place a custom order is December 1st. This will ensure it is done and ready to ship before Christmas. So if you want a custom item before Christmas, order before then. If you order after December 1st, there is a good chance it will not be done in time for Christmas time. If this is not an issue, I will gladly accept your custom order and will let you know of turnaround time.
That said, there is also the topic of shipping. Shipping dates are as follows:
For those wanting to order items already in the store the cut off date for international orders is December 2nd. Any orders placed after this for International orders will not or may not arrive before Christmas.
For all domestic orders, the last day to order and get it shipped in time for Christmas is December 20th, meaning your orders need to be placed by the 19th of December to insure I can send it out the 20th.
Please remember that during the holiday season shipping times vary and can take longer. Unfortunately I have no control over this, but will try my best to get everything sent off to you in a timely manner.
So there you have it! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, I’ll be happy to help you out.
If you have a spare moment, check out the holiday gift guide I am a part of for the A-list! It’s quite fantastic and full of awesome shops with great discounts!
I know I haven’t been around much! So much catching up to do with everyone, but first I need to share this new creation!
I decided to come and show you this amazingly gorgeous new creation of mine! I’ll bore you with a story first though!
I was walking around one of my favorite craft stores, when I found a pattern book called “How to loom knit fashionable scarves.” Now the title may throw you off a bit, scarves are ALWAYS fashionable 😉 In this book was a pattern that was just too pretty not to try! Come home, armed with this book and I picked some gorgeous rainbow yarn to start this project. This scarf is called a Westminster Eyelet Scarf, and it is reminiscent of lace work. I’m amazed at how gorgeous this turned out. I have listed it in my store, it is ready to go home with anyone who feels that need to have it (which is everyone!). You can find the scarf listed in my shop Melli’s Yarn Works on storenvy.
I’ve been slacking on updating! I have a few posts lined up, just have to type them out 🙂
My latest in loom knitting is this messenger bag! Made from yarn called Jazzy Stripes, this is a jazzy messenger bag! It is what I consider to be a “small” messenger bag in that it is made with my smallest long loom. I think my next project will be a medium sized messenger bag. The small messenger bag has been double stranded and is a bit thicker. This bag is big enough for you to carry the essentials when you go out, or if this is a gift for your daughter, niece, cousin, etc, they can carry around a few toys and must have items while you’re out and about!
tab liftedThe bag bodyyarn!!strapButton close up
I also just got a dress form model 🙂 Here’s a semi-decent example of what’s to come!
P.S. If you LOVE this bag and have to have it… you can get it HERE 🙂
Influenster is a new site I just signed up for a few months ago! I signed on shortly after seeing people raving about VoxBoxes and showing off goodies and sharing the news that they were rating things! Soon after joining (and realizing I had a decent score yay me!), I was asked if I wanted this box! I said yes and soon found out I was one of the lucky ones who received this VoxBox! It’s my first one and I can easily say I was totally psyched! Here’s an Instagram pic I got when I first opened by box! It is called the Sweetheart VoxBox 2013 and was full of epic goodies to try out!
I was excited! And maybe the pic cut out most of the Skinny Girl bar I got, but never fear I still had it!
First up I took out the Olay Fresh Effect, which included the cleanser AND the Contour cleansing system thingie. It is really easy to use! It made my face feel very refreshed and nice. The system even included a battery! I love it when items that need batteries come with some, I don’t like searching throughout the house LOL. I don’t have a pic of it in use unfortunately (my face is NOT camera friendly lately!) but it was really nice to use. The cleanser did not smell weird either! Some cleansers and acne stuff just smell funny and leave your skin feeling weird. This Olay stuff did not!
Next item up was the Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. I normally don’t do anything fancy with my hair. Just throw it up into a ponytail and call it good! So I gave this a try before a shower just to see how it went. It defitinitely gives you beach waves! I looked like I had just stepped off of the beach after playing in the water for a while! I don’t think I’ll ever buy this product thought, I really have no interest in making my hair like that. I usually cannot wait to get back and shower and get all the salt water out of my hair and the sand off me.
Now I have to say, the Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response deodorant was my favorite item. It’s so hot in AZ, I mean c’mon it’s the middle of the desert, so finding the right stuff that works for you is hard sometimes. I find that this one works really well! We had some really hot days lately and this deodorant really worked well. It smells like citrus too which is honestly a very nice smell 🙂 My one gripe? It’s more on the expensive side, so unless I have coupons, I will not be able to get this. I really recommend this though for those who are able to afford it or find coupons! When I went back to my old deodorant it just didn’t feel the same. I used this when I had my craft fair, and I was outside all day (I have a sunburn/tan to prove it!) and it did not leave me stinky or feeling like I needed to reapply some quick and spritz myself with body spray!
The SkinnyGirl Daily On-The-Go Bars are pretty good! Only 180 calories and it appears they come in a lot of different flavors! I got a blueberry one, which was really yummy. It was about the same size as average granola bars are, and had yogurt on one side. It was a good snack. You can get a pack of 5 for $9.99 which is my only complaint about this bar. Again, unless I have coupons I will not be getting these! They’re comparable to the Quaker Yogurt granola bars which are 6/under $4 at Walmart. So all in all, it was yummy, but too expensive for this girl to get on a regular basis!
This VoxBox was super fun and I really enjoyed testing out all these products! I can’t wait to see what they send out next 🙂 Thank you Influenster for sending this box!
If you’re curious about this, check out http://www.influenster.com and see how your score is! Sign up and give reviews, it’s actually really fun 🙂
*NOTE*
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. This review is my opinion and my experience with the provided products.
I love custom orders! There’s just something about making a custom special item for someone that gets me excited! My latest two were done in the same yarn, Cold Mountain, which meant I was super happy when I found out I had just enough for both projects lol. Since then I have taken down my custom listings until I get all my yarn pictures updated, but never fear, they’ll be back soon!
First up, custom wrist warmers! These are special because the person ordering asked if they could be a bit shorter, and have a smaller thumb hole! I said “no problem!” and got to work 🙂
Next is this hat. I have not updated all the pictures, so this is the only one I have right now. I will of course come back and update this 🙂 The order was for a custom ear flap hat with tassels! I love me some custom hats 😉 This hat is also special because it is not just an adult sized hat, it is an extra large hat to accommodate large hairstyles! *as a side note, no I do not charge more for an extra large hat, just let me know if it’s needed!*
With these two done and sent to their respectful owners, I am now working on my random projects! I always have at least two in my desk that are WIPs. I have also started working on some birthday gifts 😀 I cannot wait to show them off (after the person receives them of course!).
For this tutorial you will need:
Largest round loom in the set (mine is a 41 peg round loom)
Loom Knitting Hook
Crochet Hook (I used a size J)
Yarn (you can double or single strand, any size yarn will work)
To do this tutorial you will need to know how to make the following stitches: E-wrap method, knit stitch, purl stitch, and how to bind off/single crochet off (all of these stitches have been linked to YouTube tutorial videos for your convenience).
To begin, cast on and e-wrap your first row. E-wrap your second row and start your project just like you would a hat.
Continue e-wrapping and creating rows until your project reaches between 14 and 18 inches in length. The length is up to you, the cowl will just be shorter the less rows you make.
To finish your piece, simply take your crochet hook, and crochet off your project. Because it is a cowl, you do not want to completely shut off the other end. Be sure to make your stitches as lose as possible! This end will be a bit tighter than your beginning opening, but the looser your stitches, the more it will remedy this problem.
Make sure to tie off both ends. The two ends will have a rolled brim to them. If you do not want this to happen, you can do four rows of knit 2 pegs purl 2 pegs at the beginning of the piece and at the end. This will reduce that curling/rolled brim effect. I have done it both ways, and honestly prefer to the rolled brims on both sides!
And there you have it, and easy cowl/infinity scarf made on your round looms! If you want to make a children’s size you can always go down round loom sizes.
If you have any questions feel free to ask!
Here are some of my finished cowls to give you a small example 🙂
One of them on the loom
Finished- Double Stranded with two colorsBright Blue one, single stranded one color
Hello there!
If you have been on facebook or twitter the last few days you may have noticed my name change! My store name changed and received a new look! It is now called Melli’s Yarn Works, and rebranding this blog is still being decided upon!
Until then… I did finish these two pieces! I was waiting for my new logo to be made to list them up and I have also been working on taking better pictures! Here they are, one is a cowl/infinity scarf and the other is a toddler hat! They are both available in my shop starting today! Enjoy and thank you for reading!
Melli's Mish Mash 