My new Hobby-- Loom knitting hats

I recently picked up a new hobby- loom knitting!  Not sure how I missed it before, the hats are done quickly and easily and turn out beautifully!!  I had seen a loom knit hat at a local craft show and the lady running the booth showed me her loom and how she was working a new hat. 

So, armed with my handy dandy Michael's 50% off coupon headed out and got myself a Knit Quick Knitting Loom Set by Loops & Threads.   I have tons of yarn at home, so my first round was with some red and beige Red Heart yarn from the closet.    The kit came with four different sizes, I used the orange loom, the second largest size (9.5 inch/24cm.)  the other sizes were 5.5 inch, 7.5 inch and 11.3 inch.

I am no expert, but here is my condensed version of how to make a hat.  There are plenty of videos out there if you need more information..     

I used two strands of yarn together, my red/beige combo.   

Start by slip knot and attach the yarns to the side peg, then wrap the yarn around each peg in an "e" all the way around, then continue around a second time so each peg has two loops (of the red/beige combo loop) on it.  Then I used a clothespin to secure the yarn ends so it does not unravel. Then using the hook provided in the kit, slide the lower two loops over the top two loops, up and over  to the middle.. leaving one red/beige loop on the peg.. do this all the way around.   This makes a row of "Knitting."  Repeat .. these two steps over and over... 

I ended up doing my counterclockwise, but you could do it clockwise.   

If you want a brim, and I do like the way the brim looks, that takes a few extra steps.  So once you do enough rows to measure about 3 inches ( or however twice as big as you want the brim to be) go inside the loom and bring up the first row and place the loop from the bottom row over the corresponding peg, then the second loop on the next peg and so on.  This folds up the bottom to form the brim.  Then pull the bottom loop over the top loop all the way around, the continue looming until you get it big enough.  I did mine about 9 inches long.

ENDING---Once big enough/long enough,  measure out about 18 inches of yarn and cut it.  Using a plastic craft needle on the yarn, use the yarn and  slide the needle under the yarn loop and up through the first red/beige combo loop.  Then next stitch then continue all around.  You can lift the loop off the peg once it it threaded.  At the end, pull the yard through to the inside and pull to tighten up the top of the hat and secure with square knot and weave in the ends.  Make your pom-pom and apply!!!    

I liked it so much, while my first love is crochet, if you want something with no counting or keeping up with stitch changes, this if for you!  I liked it so much, I made a blue one of some soft yarn that I had used some for Baby items.  I used two strands again.  It was soft, but not as thick or firm as the first one.   If feels a little flimsy to me, but looks great.  I didn't time how long it took, but started one evening and finished the next evening after work.    I really want to try one strand of bulky yarn and have purchased aqua colored Yarn Bee super bulky "6" weight.    I can't wait to get started.. 

 Let me know what you think!  

Refinsihed table -Bird design

Got this at a local thrift store.  It was in fair shape.   Cleaned it up, lightly sanded.

First the white paint, rethinking should have done Kilz. then painted. Took several coats.



Tape Bird template in place (Michaels)

Get acrylic paint in blue and stencil brushes ( had stored in garage.)

Apply paint with stencil brush.  After you load your brush with paint, dab on paper towels so you don't have too much on your brush.  Start on one edge on stencil, work over the wood and go from there to fill in  the rest of the stencil.  You can make as light or dark as you want.   I  liked my darker.  If you want sharp corners, make sure your press down on the stencil near there when applying the paint. Resist the urge to 'check' under the stencil.  When completed, carefully lift off stencil.   I wash mine with dish detergent to keep it somewhat clean/    



I repeated on the bottom shelft.



I applied several layers of Mod Podge over the shelves

The final results!!

Another view

Inspirational Jar-- "You collected all my tears in your bottle."

Start with glass jar. Paint with craft paint on the outside

Let dry

Apply Bible Verse with glue.   Absolutely love this verse that God takes care of all our sorrows. I printed it off my printer. 

Coat with Modge Podge.   I did several layers OK, the print smeared a little, but you can still read it.  Now wished I would have just done the first two verses.

Not perfect, but holds tall items in my office. 

Pretty Plates--This house is for the bids!"



Start with a plate, I picked up these at a local Thrift Store.  Make sure clean, can also wipe with alcohol to make sure no oily spots.  Need template (Michaels), Paint ( used enamel), stencil brush, spray adhesive and tape.   Love my disposable paint container!!!! (yogurt container ran thru dishwasher--easiest clean up ever-- straight to the trash can. (Don't know why the photo is sideways - it was correct until uploaded here, but you get the idea.)



Follow directions on spray adhesive-- spray, allow to dry several moments, the place on plate.   It did OK, but on some plates I had to use some tape around the edges to hold on place.  Stencil with paint.It takes just a little, maybe 5cc's.  I used FolkArt Enamel acrylic paint by Plaid in Cobalt.   I just love the deep dark blue shade.  The most important point to remember is that after you load your brush to dab it on paper towels so the brush is not too heavy with paint. 

Once done, carefully remove the template and set aside. I used dish detergent to wash off the paint in between plates and dried it very well. 

Next plate!! Repeat

With sharpies, personalize.   I thought about letter templates, but too much to do all that..   If you make a mistake, you can wipe it off and start again. 

Here's all the plates I did this day after adding the words.   Had a hard time deciding if I liked the words closer to the bird or closer to the edge. 

Another view

Follow directions on paint.   Place in COLD oven, turn to 350 for 30 minutes and let cool in the oven.  Could do last thing at night and just leave in over overnight. Remember no direct contact with food, use a doily, cupcake wrappers, etc.  Hand wash or top dishwasher rack.
 

The final project!! One for my Mom, Mother in law and myself.   My mother is a HUGH bird watcher and her house is full of bird décor.   This is the first time I tried this and I think it turned out great. If to again, will get brown and green to make the branch and leaves the correct color.