Tonight I went to Hancock Fabrics and while there I spotted a bag of neon nylon loops like these:
and I created this neon looped bracelet using my fingers as a loom!
I think it was third or fourth grade when I learned how to do this. We were given the craft to do as a part of Vacation Bible School at Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Church (the church I attended growing up). Anyway, I became a little addicted with making these finger loom bracelets that summer. I remember taking the loops with me and working on them on my way to swim meets. I rode with another family to the meets and one of the little girls I rode with totally stole them from me and then lied saying she didn’t! At the time it totally burned me up!
I find that my young crafty self is a lot like myself now. I go through phases in my crafting. After I made these loom bracelets, I made macrame friendship bracelets and hair bows. I made them while watching television and I made this little bracelet tonight while watching Project Runway (shout out to an old friend Cody Critcheloe who I saw wearing an outfit in one of the designer’s portfolios).
I do want to mention that I still struggled with finishing the bracelet off tonight. Ha. Weaving, knitting, crochet has never been my thing so the fine tuning throws me for a loop (pun intended).
I don’t know that I’ll actually wear this, but it was fun to make and revisit. It’s the type of thing I think my niece would love, so I might send her a baggie full of loops and instructions, so that she can discover a new craft just like I did back in the day!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
very cool! I found an old loom at my grandma’s house and was wondering what else I could make with it 😉
Ya know those potholders we used to make with these loops were just the best ever. All the other types I’ve had since fall apart quickly and are not sufficient;y flexible.
The closest I have come is to sew my own from double terrycloth.
The technique is interesting. Maybe some updated fiber might create more of an adult look?
Ok I give up! Would you be willing to send me the directions or publish them? I would love to teach my students how to do these.
Found your blog through Vickie Howell’s. Very cool!
Did those loopy things as a kid. Thanks for reminding me of some great memories!
I remember these neon bands from my days at Arts and Crafts camp! Ahh, the memories. I, too, find that once I start working in one medium, I get hooked for a little while. . .well, until I lose interest.
On the loom topic, I just went to a workshop at the Museum of Art and Design in NYC, where designer Megan Nicolay recrafted old t-shirts into woven wonders. It was amazing!