{"title":"Crafts › Fiber","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-colonial-loom","title":"Historic Folk Toys: Craft, 'Colonial Loom'","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eColonial Loom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Colonial Loom (4301) is our larger beginner's hand loom. This set includes a hardwood loom frame measuring 10-3\/4 inches by 13 inches, wooden shuttle and separator (shed), card comb, detailed instructions, one-ounce skein of acrylic yarn, cotton yarn for the weft, and a brief history. The loom itself makes a pretty frame for your weaving if you choose to leave the weaving on the loom. Children love to learn the art of weaving with this loom. It is a good tool for museum education programs as well as art classes in elementary schools.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Early American colonists wove with flax and cotton even though weaving was against British law. Unfinished flax and cotton were supposed to be sent to England and the colonists were expected to buy the finished goods, such as fabric, from England. England would not allow their colonists to import sheep or to even have wool! Sheep were eventually brought to America from other countries allowing for the production of wool threads for weaving.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore wool fibers could be woven, they had to be washed, carded to get the long fibers all lengthwise, and then spun into thread with drop spindles or spinning wheels. This spun thread or yarn could then be dyed with berries, tree bark, flowers, or herbs. Weaving fabric for clothing for the entire family was a demanding job. Children helped out with many of these chores even when they were very young. Weaving was considered a necessity rather than an art in Colonial America. Weaving prospered until about the latter half of the 18th century. The Industrial Revolution caused many young women to leave their homes and work in the factories. By 1828, power looms were being used in American and European factories and mills.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore the American Civil War (1861-1865), weaving looms were still a common item in many households -- especially in the Appalachian Mountains. Some families were fortunate enough to have a special room or shed just for the weaving loom. Otherwise, a loom might be set up during the cold winter months, when women had more time to weave, and disassembled and stored during the summer months. Weavers used cotton, flax, and wool to weave fabric for clothing. As manufactured cloth became more available in this area, weavers used their looms to make decorative items for the home, such as coverlets. Weaving became a lost art by the 1890s due to the vast availability of manufactured cloth. It has become prevalent again, and there are many weaving guilds today restoring the popularity of this ancient craft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe development of the frame loom meant that a weaver could have a portable tool that could be taken almost anywhere. Frame looms are a wonderful piece of inexpensive equipment that can be used to teach weaving to children. A floor loom is not always available for demonstrations, but with the availability of the small frame looms, children can have their own and some fun recreating this ancient craft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 10.75 x 13 x 1.5","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583429701709,"sku":"CRAFT1HF202","price":28.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF202.jpg?v=1537126153"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-e-z-weaver","title":"E-Z Weaver","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eE-Z Weaver\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur E-Z Weaver Kit is a fun beginner's project that teaches the basics of weaving. This kit includes a weaving card, large plastic yarn needle, acrylic yarn, comb card, instructions, and the history of weaving. Makes a 5 inch by 3-1\/2 inch weaving which can be used as a coaster. E-Z Weaver is a great group project for young children when the expense of a wooden loom may be a factor in teaching this lesson. It is also a fun craft for kids to do while traveling in the car and makes a great souvenir from any historic site which features weaving.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Early American colonists wove with flax and cotton even though weaving was against British law. Unfinished flax and cotton were supposed to be sent to England and the colonists were expected to buy the finished goods, such as fabric, from England. England would not allow their colonists to import sheep or to even have wool! Sheep were eventually brought to America from other countries allowing for the production of wool threads for weaving.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore wool fibers could be woven, they had to be washed, carded to get the long fibers all lengthwise, and then spun into thread with drop spindles or spinning wheels. This spun thread or yarn could then be dyed with berries, tree bark, flowers, or herbs. Weaving fabric for clothing for the entire family was a demanding job. Children helped out with many of these chores even when they were very young. Weaving was considered a necessity rather than an art in Colonial America. Weaving prospered until about the latter half of the 18th century. The Industrial Revolution caused many young women to leave their homes and work in the factories. By 1828, power looms were being used in American and European factories and mills.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore the American Civil War (1861-1865), weaving looms were still a common item in many households -- especially in the Appalachian Mountains. Some families were fortunate enough to have a special room or shed just for the weaving loom. Otherwise, a loom might be set up during the cold winter months, when women had more time to weave, and disassembled and stored during the summer months. Weavers used cotton, flax, and wool to weave fabric for clothing. As manufactured cloth became more available in this area, weavers used their looms to make decorative items for the home, such as coverlets. Weaving became a lost art by the 1890s due to the vast availability of manufactured cloth. It has become prevalent again, and there are many weaving guilds today restoring the popularity of this ancient craft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe development of the frame loom meant that a weaver could have a portable tool that could be taken almost anywhere. Frame looms are a wonderful piece of inexpensive equipment that can be used to teach weaving to children. A floor loom is not always available for demonstrations, but with the availability of the small frame looms, children can have their own and some fun recreating this ancient craft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.5 x 5.5 x 075\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583430029389,"sku":"CRAFT1HF203","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/files\/cts_crsdler_6.jpg?v=1769791930"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-lucet","title":"Lucet","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eLucet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Lucet package includes a 6-1\/2 inch lucet made of hardwood, cotton yarn for a beginner, illustrated instructions, and history. The directions in our kit show how this simple craft tool makes a single-strand, braided cord that was used in many Early American and Victorian-era homes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The lucet is used to make a square braid much like that of the spool knitter. Yarn or pearl cotton is the choice for beginners but silk thread or floss is sometimes preferred by advanced workers. Once the basic technique is learned, intricate patterns with two or three different colored threads and twisted stitches can be employed. The possibilities are endless. The end product can be used for drawstring bags, decorative cording on jackets, button loops, lacing for clothing, or anything one can imagine!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA lucet is a small handheld tool used to make a braided cord. It is sometimes referred to as a \"lucet fork\" or \"chain fork.\" It is shaped like a miniature lyre with a small hole in the center. The resulting cord can be simple or, with more technique, a fancier cord can be produced. The lucet is thought to have been used during the Viking era as archeological research has discovered man-made bone objects shaped like lucets. This craft tool was commonly used in Europe during the 16th century, and most women would have had one in their own sewing basket. When machine-made cords came into use during the 1830s, use of the lucet diminished. This small tool has had a few popular revivals, first in the mid-19th century and then later during the Edwardian era (1901-1910). There is more lucet information available today than ever before and because of this, the lucet is making yet another comeback.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLucets have been made of natural materials such as bone, wood, or horn (which was usually used by less-affluent families). Wealthier women had fancy lucets made from ivory, tortoise-shell, or mother of pearl. Some surviving examples of lucets have beautiful metal inlays, with steel being a favorite at the end of the 18th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.25 x 8.5 x 0.5\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583430062157,"sku":"CRAFT1HF204","price":15.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF204.jpg?v=1769789993"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-my-first-crochet-set","title":"Historic Folk Toys: Craft, 'My First Crochet Set'","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eMy First Crochet Set\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur My First Crochet Set comes with a Boye 6-inch Size G crochet hook, acrylic yarn, illustrated instructions, and history. This is a fun beginners' set that will get you hooked on crochet! Nice for group instruction and for beginners of all ages. Crochet is one of the easiest types of needlework to learn. Give it a try and you'll see why.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe word \"crochet\" comes from the French word \"croc,\" meaning \"a hook.\" Crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes. The smallest crochet hooks are used with fine cotton or silk thread to make laces and finery. The regular size is perfect for personal items, such as blankets and clothing (sweaters, scarves, hats, mittens, etc.). Jumbo crochet hooks are available for use with jumbo yarn and to create heavier items such as rugs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFew examples of old crochet remnants remain because of deterioration, but some have been located in Africa, China, Europe, Turkey, North America, and South America. Crochet is similar to knitting in the formation of loops, except that knitting uses two needles and crochet only uses one. Crochet is called \"shepherd's knitting\" in Scotland because of the caps and heavy cloaks worn by shepherds made from this dense type of crochet. Pioneers in early America reused wool from worn-out clothing and devised the \"granny square,\" which could be pieced together to form a patchwork blanket, or made into clothing or bags.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tiniest of crochet needles and the finest of threads were used by nuns in Italy during the 16th century to make lace for altar cloths and church garments. It became known as \"nun's lace\" and quickly spread to Spain and Ireland. One particular French émigré, Eleanore Riego de la Branchardiere, moved to Ireland and became fascinated with the lace work of the nuns at a convent in Dublin. She popularized this craft probably more than any other person by publishing her work, including newly devised stitches, in her magazine, The Needle. Two other women taught this craft to women during the first half of the 19th century in homes set up for the poor, and their work from these \"homes\" is still popular and named after their origins: \"Carrickmacross lace\" and \"Clones lace.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnitting and crocheting are grouped together in many publications. Many women's magazines began to promote these kinds of leisure work for Victorian-era woman as a form of usefulness. Women had more free time due to the technological advances of the day. Since a woman must be doing something useful, she could crochet or knit for charitable organizations or simply for her own personal use. Some of the magazines included patterns for: table scarves with crochet lace on the ends, yoke patterns to be used for a camisole or nightgown, a tuxedo collar with matching cuffs, chair backs, table cloth and napkin sets, and household linens. (The list is long!) These \"ladies of leisure\" had to find something to do with their hands. This might explain the frilly appearance of Victorian homes decorated with lacy items covering all sorts of furniture tops, sofa backs and chair arms.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOther forms of crochet, which resulted in lacy appearances, are Filet crochet, Hairpin crochet, and Broomstick crochet. Filet crochet became so popular that a deviation from it was thought nice. The May, 1928, Needlework Magazine features \"A Handsome Border for Luncheon-Cloth or Centerpiece, with Matching Napkin-corner, Tulip Design\" and is described as being a \"pleasing change from the persistently popular filet-crochet.\" Surely this became a most popular pattern! Hairpin crochet is worked on a two-pronged steel loom, which looks like an enlarged hairpin. The crochet hook works the thread or yarn loops between the prongs of the tool. The prong is turned left to right after each stitch is made. There are many beautiful variations and finished hairpin lace can be used as an inset in fabrics near a hem or sleeve edge, or it can be used to join other needlework pieces together.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Broomstick lace\" is made with a crochet hook and a giant knitting needle. The size of the giant needle and crochet hook determine the size of the stitch pattern. An entire garment can be made with a broomstick lace pattern and it is fairly easy to do. There is really only one stitch (one set of stitches, that is) which is used in broomstick crochet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEven if you are a beginner in crochet, it is easy to make a small, pretty and\/or useful item. There are so many choices to make: small thread for doilies and Victorian pretties, two-ply yarn for baby items, four-ply yarn to make a scarf, or rug yarn for your very own personally designed rug. Our My First Crochet Set will be a great beginning for anyone!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.75 x 7.5 x 0.5\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583430094925,"sku":"CRAFT1HF205","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF205.jpg?v=1537126518"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-my-first-knitting-set","title":"My First Knitting Set","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eMy First Knitting Set\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe My First Knitting Set includes two of our exclusive 8-inch long by 1\/4-inch diameter wooden knitting needles, acrylic yarn, and illustrated instructions. For all those people who say, \"I wish I knew how to knit.\" Well, here is your chance! This is the perfect beginner's set! Our knitting set is also great for group instruction and beginners' workshops.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Knitting needles are available in various sizes (from 2mm to 9mm) and in many lengths -- from about 7 inches for small needles up to about 15 inches for jumbo needles. Not all knitting needles are straight! Some are circular and are joined together by a flexible piece of wire or plastic. These are used for knitting large tubular items without seams, such as sweaters. Circular knitting needles made of nylon come in lengths up to 36 inches, depending on the \"size of the needle.\" They are normally used in pairs. Knitting needles either have a bob at one end or they are double pointed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePieces of knitted works that date back to the 7th century have been located in Arabia. It is believed that sailors, soldiers, and tradesmen spread this craft from the Middle East to Europe. The first knitting guilds were set up in 1527 in Paris, France, and were dominated by men. Women did the spinning and men did the weaving and knitting. The art of knitting spread throughout many European countries, and each country seemed to adopt its own special emphasis. Southern Europe concentrated on church work. France, Spain, and Italy specialized in fine, lacy stockings, gloves, and knitted jackets, while German and Austrian knitters utilized the wool available and became known for the their wall hangings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnitting popularity continued to grow, and William Lee invented the first knitting machine in 1589 when he realized that the process of knitting could be done much faster. Knitting guilds began to decline by the mid-1700s, but domestic hand knitting, which had now been adopted by women, continued.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlice Mores Earle states in her book, \"Child Life in Colonial Times\": \"Knitting was taught to little girls as soon as they could hold needles. Girls four years of age could knit stockings and mittens.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the 19th-century wars, soldiers needed knitted items to protect them from the cold so this need provided work for knitters. Circulating libraries and women's magazines promoted knitting. Knitters living in remote areas still practiced the traditional patterns that were handed down by generations before them. The Fair Isle sweater was one of these. The popularity of the authentic Fair Isle hand knitted sweater began in 1920 and continues today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.75 x 7.5 x 0.5","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583430127693,"sku":"CRAFT1HF206","price":12.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/files\/cts_crsdler_20.jpg?v=1769796500"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-my-first-weaving-loom","title":"My First Weaving Loom","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eMy First Weaving Loom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe My First Weaving Loom is our smaller beginner's hand loom. It includes a sturdy hardwood loom frame measuring 8-1\/4 inches by 9-3\/4 inches, a wooden shuttle and separator, card comb, one-ounce skein of acrylic yarn, cotton yarn for the weft, easy to follow instructions, and a brief history. This loom is a good size for younger children. It affords them the pleasure of learning an ancient craft and being able to say, \"I made it myself.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Weaving began with the first twisted fibers or plant leaves. Archeologists believe that weaving is probably one of the first human \"crafts.\" Basket weavings from Egypt are reported to be 10,000 to 12,000 years old. In an Egyptian tomb, archeologists found a funerary model of a weaver's workshop featuring a horizontal loom, warping devices, weaving tools, and model weavers at their looms. Woven linen fabrics from 5000 B.C. have been discovered in other Egyptian tombs. In an area that is now part of Switzerland, archeologists have discovered pieces of woven linen fabric and spinning whorls that date back to 5000 B.C. Even earlier were the Peruvian textiles and weaving tools discovered in burial sites that date back to 5800 B.C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe use of silkworm threads and the weaving of silk occurred as early as 2700 B.C. in China. This was kept a secret by the Chinese, but Vietnamese women learned the breeding of silkworms and began weaving with silk threads. Rug weaving was practiced in Persia (now Iran). There are written references of woven blankets from Nepal in the 2nd century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.25 x 9.75 x 0.75\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583430193229,"sku":"CRAFT1HF207","price":24.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/files\/cts_crsdler_13.jpg?v=1769794500"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-potholder-loom","title":"Historic Folk Toys: Craft, 'Potholder Loom'","description":"\u003cstrong\u003ePotholder Loom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Potholder Loom includes a square loom (7-1\/4 inches by 7-1\/4 inches) made of ABS plastic, a plastic weaving hook, instructions, and enough colorful cotton loops to make six pot holders. This is such a popular 20th-century craft project! Many adults will remember using a loom like this to make pot holders when they were elementary age. Once the craze for making pot holders gets you, you just can't make enough! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe potholder loom was conceived in the 1930s as a means to use \"loopers\" in a creative way. Loopers, also known as \"cut off strips,\" are a waste product of the hosiery industry. Hosiery and sock mills had vast amounts of waste from a piece of the sock tubing that was cut off. Hosiery was made on a Looper Machine, which works much slower than the \"sewing clip\" used today to make cut off strips or loopers. This is where we get the names \"looper loom\" and \"loopers.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe looper loom (or potholder loom) has been a popular item since its introduction. Manufacturers have supplied metal, plastic, \"bakelite,\" and wood looms that are between seven and eight inches square. The names of some of the older loom packages were Hi-Ho Colonial Looper Loom, Davis Adjustable Loom, Child's Looper Loom by Lily, Avalon Weaving Loom, Jiffy Loom, Weave-It Hand Loom by Donar Products, Stephen's Looper Loom, Happy Folks Weaving Loom by Pyramid Mills Co., Weaving Loom by Lisbeth Whiting, Handicraft Weaving Loom, and Hand Weaving Loom by WNC.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome manufacturers also utilized yarn for these looms and included needles. Donar Products made a small two-inch square loom to use with yarn. A long metal or plastic hook is included with most Looper Loom packages to assist with the weaving of the loopers, but fingers can also be used. The Davis Adjustable Loom was metal with three extra slots on opposite sides for varying the size of rectangular weavings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Folk Toys is pleased to offer this product to today's children. Many schools and art teachers use this loom to teach their students basic weaving principles. Happy weaving!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.25 x 7.25 x 1.5\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583430225997,"sku":"CRAFT1HF208","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF208.jpg?v=1537126912"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-potholder-loops","title":"Historic Folk Toys: Craft, 'Potholder Loops'","description":"\u003cstrong\u003ePotholder Loops\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse these colorful Potholder Loops with our Potholder Loom, or weave the loops on your hand. Our package of potholder loops includes five ounces of cotton loops and instructions for weaving with your fingers. Cotton loops are a byproduct of the sock and hosiery manufacturing industry. What a wonderful idea it was to find a use for all these unwanted scraps! Weaving on the fingers is not a new idea, but weaving your own jump rope or headband with just your fingers can be a new and fun craft activity for many children. Don't pass up this opportunity to teach yet another aspect of weaving.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe potholder loom was conceived in the 1930s as a means to use \"loopers\" in a creative way. Loopers, also known as \"cut off strips,\" are a waste product of the hosiery industry. Hosiery and sock mills had vast amounts of waste from a piece of the sock tubing that was cut off. Hosiery was made on a Looper Machine, which works much slower than the \"sewing clip\" used today to make cut off strips or loopers. This is where we get the names \"looper loom\" and \"loopers.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe looper loom (or potholder loom) has been a popular item since its introduction. Manufacturers have supplied metal, plastic, \"bakelite,\" and wood looms that are between seven and eight inches square. The names of some of the older loom packages were Hi-Ho Colonial Looper Loom, Davis Adjustable Loom, Child's Looper Loom by Lily, Avalon Weaving Loom, Jiffy Loom, Weave-It Hand Loom by Donar Products, Stephen's Looper Loom, Happy Folks Weaving Loom by Pyramid Mills Co., Weaving Loom by Lisbeth Whiting, Handicraft Weaving Loom, and Hand Weaving Loom by WNC.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome manufacturers also utilized yarn for these looms and included needles. Donar Products made a small two-inch square loom to use with yarn. A long metal or plastic hook is included with most Looper Loom packages to assist with the weaving of the loopers, but fingers can also be used. The Davis Adjustable Loom was metal with three extra slots on opposite sides for varying the size of rectangular weavings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Background: The potholder loom was conceived in the 1930s as a means to use \"loopers\" in a creative way. Loopers, also known as \"cut off strips,\" are a waste product of the hosiery industry. Hosiery and sock mills had vast amounts of waste from a piece of the sock tubing that was cut off. Hosiery was made on a Looper Machine, which works much slower than the \"sewing clip\" used today to make cut off strips or loopers. This is where we get the names \"looper loom\" and \"loopers.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe looper loom (or potholder loom) has been a popular item since its introduction. Manufacturers have supplied metal, plastic, \"bakelite,\" and wood looms that are between seven and eight inches square. The names of some of the older loom packages were Hi-Ho Colonial Looper Loom, Davis Adjustable Loom, Child's Looper Loom by Lily, Avalon Weaving Loom, Jiffy Loom, Weave-It Hand Loom by Donar Products, Stephen's Looper Loom, Happy Folks Weaving Loom by Pyramid Mills Co., Weaving Loom by Lisbeth Whiting, Handicraft Weaving Loom, and Hand Weaving Loom by WNC.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome manufacturers also utilized yarn for these looms and included needles. Donar Products made a small two-inch square loom to use with yarn. A long metal or plastic hook is included with most Looper Loom packages to assist with the weaving of the loopers, but fingers can also be used. The Davis Adjustable Loom was metal with three extra slots on opposite sides for varying the size of rectangular weavings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Folk Toys is pleased to offer this product to today's children. Many schools and art teachers use this loom to teach their students basic weaving principles. Happy weaving!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5 x 6 x 2\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583430258765,"sku":"CRAFT1HF209","price":7.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF209.jpg?v=1537126941"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-spool-knitter","title":"Historic Folk Toys: Craft, 'Spool Knitter'","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eSpool Knitter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Spool Knitter Kit includes a 2-inch by 1-1\/4 inch diameter wooden spool, a 5-1\/2 inch wooden needle, acrylic yarn, illustrated instructions, and a brief history. This fun kit will show you how to knit a tubular cord which can be used to make a variety of items, such as a belt, jump rope, doll house rug, hot mat, or coaster. Warning: Spool knitting can be addictive!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eIn the past, spool knitters were used to make horse reins. The spool knitter has a variety of names, including \"corker,\" \"peg knitter,\" \"knitting knobby,\" \"knitting spool,\" \"knitting mushroom,\" Knitting Nancy, and Bizzy Lizzy. The process of knitting on a spool or similar piece of equipment is also called \"French knitting.\" Most spool knitters have four or five pegs (or brass nails) around the edge of the spool. Other spool knitters may have many more pegs, from 16 to over a hundred! This type of knitting was done on large pieces of wood and were referred to as frame knitting, rake knitting, loom knitting, and peg knitting. These knitters were not made from spools but from wood frames that could be circular or rectangular. The same process used in spool knitting was also used on these frame knitters. The spool knitter was aptly named since they were made from large empty wooden spools of sewing thread that used to be commonly used.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 x 5.5 x 1.5\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583430783053,"sku":"CRAFT1HF212","price":12.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF212.jpg?v=1537127064"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-wool-roving","title":"Wool Roving","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eWool Roving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExtra Wool Roving is available separately and packaged with a nice hang tag. There is approximately one ounce of premium wool roving which measures about one yard in length. This wool may be spun on a spinning wheel or with our Wool Drop Spindle. You can also use this wool for other projects, such as doll hair or other craft work. This Wool Roving can be easily dyed with Kool-Aid or Easter egg dye. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe first sheep did not produce wool. Modern sheep evolved from \"mouflons,\" which were wild-grazing animals from the Mesopotamian area. The first \"merino\" sheep possibly appeared in Spain over 3,000 years ago, but tests show that a piece of \"woollen\" cloth found in Denmark was made over 3,500 year ago. Other wool cloth was found in Greece and Babylon, which is said to mean \"Land of Wool.\" Sheep were first bred for their meat and hides. Today, sheep are bred primarily for their wool. There are many breeds of sheep which produce nice wool. Some of these are Corriedale, Cheviot, Cotswold, Lincoln, Merino, Romney, Southdown, and Suffolk. Actually, wool comes in a variety of natural colors: pure white, off-white, yellowish-white, silver to charcoal gray, jet black, tan, or reddish brown. Of course, wool can be dyed other colors after it is either washed or spun.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore wool can be spun into yarn, it must go through several processes. The first process is to scour the grease, dirt, lanolin and squint (dried sheep sweat) out. After the wool is washed, it is removed from the wash water and spread out to dry. Next, a time-consuming process called \"picking\" or \"teasing the fleece\" is done to pick out the tangles or any other leftover substances. Then, these cleaned fibers need to be combed with carding brushes to align the fibers and make the lengths straight. The wool is now ready to spin after all this work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne can twist the wool fibers between the thumb and forefinger or use a drop spindle to spin yarn. Medieval spinners also used a \"distaff\" to hold the fibers of wool, which were then twisted by hand before the thread or yarn was wound on a spindle. A distaff, which is held under the arm, is a wood stick about 3-feet long that has a fork or ornate comb at one end to hold the wool fibers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmerican colonists began raising sheep in Jamestown, Virginia, even though England tried to control the trading of wool with rigorous laws. These were not the first sheep in the Americas. Columbus took sheep to Cuba and Santo Domingo on his second voyage in 1493. Cortez took flocks of sheep into what is Mexico and Southwestern United States where his expedition introduced sheep to Navajo tribes -- who, centuries later, became famous for their Navajo rugs and other types of weavings. In the early 1800s, Merino sheep were brought to America from Spain to improve the domestic stock.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWool is used to make many articles -- from knitted sweaters, mittens, and hats to woven blankets, rugs, and fabric.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome wool terms are: \"raw fleece\" (wool that just been sheared from the sheep before it is washed), \"a single fleece\" (the wool that is produced by one sheep in one year and can weigh between four and twelve pounds), and \"wool top\" (a long, continuous strand of the longest wool fibers).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFun Fact:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson imported sheep from England and wore wool suits at their inaugurations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKool-Aid Dye Recipe: This recipe is reprinted with the permission of Chris Gustin, Homestead Weaving Studio, Nashville, Indiana.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse 1\/2 to 1 pack* of non-sugared Kool-Aid or similar product. (*Dye intensity depends on flavor!) Dissolve in 2 quarts of water and bring to a simmer in enamel or Corningware pan. Add 1 cup vinegar and stir. Add wool roving, but do not agitate (just push it under the water). Simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes until water is clear or nearly clear. Remove from heat. Let cool in pan until cool enough to handle, then drain and rinse gently until water runs clear. Dry on towel, turning a couple times a day until dry. For fun, try sprinkling different colors on to the wool roving once it's in the vinegar bath. Sprinkled colors will strike and bloom. Remember red plus blue plus yellow equals brown. Try to keep the colors separated. Similar effects can be achieved with Easter Egg dyes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.75 x 8 x 0.5\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431438413,"sku":"CRAFT1HF215","price":6.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/files\/cts_crsdler_12.jpg?v=1769794533"}],"url":"https:\/\/store.benningtonmuseum.org\/collections\/crafts-fiber\/kids.oembed","provider":"Bennington Museum STORE","version":"1.0","type":"link"}