Wordless Wednesday – More Cool Tools
Tag Archives: crafts
Red Heart Laptop Knit and Loom
When I first saw a photo of a ‘Red Heart Laptop Knit and Loom’ posted on a loom forum, I knew I had to have one. I had high hopes for this loom. It’s rated for children ages 6+. I figured since it’s rated for young children that the quality would be better than average.
I ordered The ‘Red Heart Laptop Knit and Loom’ online because it wasn’t available in my area yet. Coincidentally, a week after I ordered it, our local WalMart got them in. The shelf price was $24.97. I got mine for $19.97 and I didn’t have to pay for shipping since I had some other stuff to order that totaled their minimum for free shipping. I was surprised when I received my order a week before it’s predicted arrival date. ~happy dance~
What’s in the box:
Instruction Booklet
3 soft skeins of yarn
Collapsible storage bag
Loom set – outer case, loom circles and rectangle loom
52 pegs
Knitting Hook
Large plastic needle
*I like that The ‘Red Heart Laptop Knit and Loom’ is bigger than I thought it’d be, it’s about 15″x12″.
*The instruction booklet is adequate for learning the basics. In my opinion the Comprehension level of the booklet is more for older than 6.
*The yarn is soft and lovely. (I haven’t used it yet)
*The rings of pegs rotate and makes handling the project easier.
*The collapsible storage bag falls off the 4 rectangle-side-pegs too easily, but even so, it’s a good idea to use it to help keep the project cleaner and neater. Or use it like a basket to hold extra yarn and things.
*The side compartments of the loom case doesn’t always open smoothly.
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*My number one issue with the ‘Red Heart Laptop Knit and Loom’ is the pegs fall out of the holes on their own. I declare it’s worse than using a Martha Stewart loom. Even if you’re skilled in loom knitting and are careful, the pegs continually fall out. It’s frustrating and disappointing.
The pegs falling out slows down progress because of having to take time to stop and replace the peg. Also, if you’re not careful it could cause drop stitches.
This is a very sad flaw in an otherwise potential fun creative experience for a child.
I don’t know what the inventors/manufacturers were thinking to allow such an important part of the set to be so low quality.
*The pegs falling out can be managed to an extent by using masking tape or painters tape. I’ve read some folks use a piece of yarn to help secure the pegs.
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I made a hat using the inner 36 pegs of the green ring and double strands of Red Heart 4ply yarn.
It fits my head snugly. If I make another one, I’ll probably use the next size up.
I free-handed it and my basic pattern is:
Drawstring Cast On
45 rows of e-wrap
6 alternating rows of e-wrap and purl stitch
Chain 1 Bind Off
I hope this review helps if you’re thinking about purchasing a loom like this.
Happy Looming!
Recycle a plastic cola bottle – scouring pad bowl & bell jar
I originally was going to make a post about using the scalloped shaped bottoms of plastic bottles as a holder for a scouring pad. I discovered that the scalloped design helped the scouring pad dry better.
It’s not 100% fool proof, occasionally I’ll find a bit of rust in the bowl from steel wool scouring pads.
It’s only a temporary holder for the yarn scrubbies because they’re so thick they won’t dry out before souring.
None-the-less this is something I wanted to share on my blog.
The other day when I was washing out a plastic bottle, it occurred to me that I should also post something to recycle the upper portion of the cut off bottle.
A bell-jar was my first choice because it’s simple and useful,but I needed to think of something handy to use as a base. After thinking on it awhile I decided to use a bowl lid, cardboard and contact paper to make a base.
So, now, this post is about more than a scouring pad bowl, it’s also about recycling a bottle and a couple other things as well.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Click on photo to open a larger image
Shades of Purple Finished Project
4-24-2014 I made a post “Shades of Purple“, in it I posted a photo of some purple yarn that I was planning on making a project out of.
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My next update on the yarn was 5-16-2014 in my post “Blackberry Winter & Misc” I posted a photo of a blanket I had started crocheting using the crazy crochet stitch. It was pretty, but I wasn’t happy with the blanket. I unraveled the yarn and balled it up and decided to wait until I found a pattern I liked.
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I found a pattern called corner-to-corner crochet on RedHeart.com. It’s basically the crazy crochet stitch only it’s diagonal. I absolutely love this stitch with my purple yarns and the way it worked up. It was fun to make too.
Before I washed and blocked the blankets, I took a couple photos of Shelibean posing with the them. Unfortunately, his dark eyes didn’t show up in the photos, but I think he looks fairly cute anyhow.
I’m glad to finally have this project finished.
Here’s wishing you all much success in finishing projects
and many happy surprises along the way.
WIP Wednesday – Loom Weaving Place-mats
I’m trying to make some bright new place-mats. I enjoy weaving. This particular weave reminds of gingham.
Martha Stewart Looms ability to be made into different sizes is a big plus with projects like this.
I’ll post an update later on.
Joys Of Creating 