Weave up a gorgeous pot holder this Sunday

I bet that almost anybody in their forties and up will fondly remember potholder looms. Some remember plastic peg frames, while others, myself included, recall using the heavy metal frames. I remember, only too well, stretching the colorful nylon loops onto the metal prongs to create the warp, and then weaving loops from the opposite side of the frame through.

Most times this worked well, unless you were unfortunate enough to get some long skinny loops in your package. They were just way too long to use. Of course there were also the loops that were short and fat, and impossible to stretch from one end to the other. The loops weren’t the best quality, and could frustrate a young potholder weaver, especially if the imperfect loops made you just short of finishing your potholder.

I recently saw some truly lovely potholders at a holiday craft show that employed the potholder loom, only they were actually large enough to cover the entire hand, keeping it from being burned when using it.

I was also amazed at how gorgeous the colors were, and the beautiful designs that were created. The loops used in the potholders were 100 percent cotton, and the potholders were very firmly woven due to the fact that these loops, custom made in the U.S.A., were made exclusively for the very large frame. The same company also makes the smaller loops to go with the traditional sized potholder frame.

In Sheep’s Clothing is happy to be carrying these extra large looms, and the loops come in glorious designer colors as well as festive holiday colors.

This Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the shop will be offering a free class to make these nostalgic potholders. Participants will have the opportunity to try out a computer program to design and actually see what the pattern will look like before actually weaving.

Of course, the old school method of simply jumping in and weaving is also encouraged. Participants will need to register and order their loom. Call 860-4823979 to sign up.

Photo by Ginger Balch This Sunday, Dec. 17 from 11-12, In Sheep's Clothing is offering a free class to make these nostalgic potholders.