Pot Holders, Potholders, Pot-Holders . . . You know what I mean!

(Totally random starting rambling . . . the word(s) potholder/pot-holder/potholder drives me nuts.  I can't find a definitive answer online right now.  It seems like everywhere I turn there is a different "correct" usage.  I'm going to say that since there is disagreement I am free to use whatever version I prefer!)

One of the iconic toys for little girls is a pot holder loom.  Most of us had them.  The higher quality ones where/are made of metal and then the cheaper models were/are made of plastic.  I had a red plastic loom as a child.  I remember going to Michael's to buy loops with money I won at the county fair.  I made quite a few pot holders for my Mom and Grandma.  My Mom still has some of them floating around--a little faded, perhaps.  I have a larger place-mat size one that I use regularly.  It is great for hot serving dishes on the table.

I finished this Green on Green Pot Holder
last week.  I really love the nine different
striped squares.  Two colors + Under-over
weaving = So many possibilities!

I now have a higher quality metal loom.  I love it!  The metal spokes don't bend or give the way the plastic one used to.  I've also been using Harrisville Design Loops, which are a lot better than the ones that I used as a kid.  These are 100% cotton.  They also go through a more rigid quality control process.  I remember being frustrated by the number of loops that didn't fit on the loom as a kid--I've made about a dozen pot holders and have yet to come across a loop that doesn't fit.  (Also, you have to watch out for the cheap imitation jersey loops.  Those make pot holders that are for decorative purposes only.  They offer little protection from heat.  Even worse, when exposed to extreme heat--like a cookie tray, or something from the oven--they can melt.  Yes, that's right MELT.  Not a good characteristic of a pot holder.)  Anther fabulous plus for making pot holders is that it is a project that from start to finish can be completed during Catherine's nap time.  Which is great, because lots of colorful loops and a toddler don't really mix well.

Besides using "crafting time" to make a useful product and the soothing quality that weaving has, I absolutely love coming up with patters!  It is amazing how many things you can come up with just doing a simple over and under weave.  Combining and alternating colors to make an appealing design can be a bit of a mental game.  It isn't always easy to visualize how a pattern will turn out.  Of course, it you don't like it you can always unravel it and start again.  (And yes, I have done this!)  Anyone that knows me knows that I love color--this is a great way to add color to a boring apartment kitchen.  (Or any kitchen!)

Bottom line, I love making pot holders!  I make them for me, I make them as gifts, I make them to sell.  I try to post photos of my various creations on Facebook.  (And it would totally make my day if you "liked" me!)

Be sure to check out some of my potholder tutorials!
"Houndstooth"
"Pattern #2"

I am linking to a couple of "link parties" such as the following:

A Yarn of a Girl

A long time ago, in a 4-H office far, far away a little girl learned how to crochet.

I still remember struggling to get my pink (of course!) yarn to glide around my hook the way the instructor showed me.  Eventually, I managed to produce a workable chain and even the basic single stitch.  It took me almost a week to complete that pink potholder.  It wasn't quite a square and it wasn't quite anything else, but I finished it and got a red ribbon at the county fair.  But, to use a (really) bad pun, I was hooked.  I got books out of the library and had the opportunity to observe a family friend--one of the moms at our homeschool co-op--work magic with a hook and yarn.  As a kid I mostly made baby blankets, pot holders, doll clothes, and a handful of (basic) doilies.  I improved drastically from that first pink potholder.  I even won a couple of trophies.  (I think they are still on a shelf in my (pink) childhood bedroom).  Then I went away for college and got super busy working.  That pretty effectively put a damper on my crocheting time.    I started a handful of projects, but only a couple ever got completed.


Fast forward a number of years to now . . . I am (almost) all grown up, my husband only has a dissertation standing between him and his doctorate, I have a little girl of my own, and once again have a little time on my hands.  (In the midst of the craziness that comes from having a toddler!)  I found one of my old hooks (strangely enough, the only one of my old set I could find was pink!).  I found a couple of half-finished projects and began finishing them.  Once again, I was hooked.

Crocheted Lemon Ruffle Scarf
Currently for sale in my Etsy shop.

It took a couple of projects to get my skills back, but I think I found them.  I received a high quality set of hooks for my birthday and lucked into a couple of really good yarn sales.

Here is my craft fair display after I sold a potholder,
four scarves, and  a handful of cards.

In November, I happened across a notice about a local craft fair and halfheartedly thought about renting a space.  I put the notice in a pile and forgot about it until the week of the fair.  I emailed the contact person and at first it looked like I was too late, but the Wednesday before she emailed me and said there was a cancellation and if I wanted I could participate.  That Friday night before the fair, and the morning of, I was so nervous!  I had never sold any of my things before, would anyone even be interested in what I had for sale?  It would be a shame if I didn't make my deposit back, or even worse, what if none of my items sold?  All my worrying was for naught, as I sold much more than I ever hoped I would.  It was so much fun!


My success there led me to start an Etsy shop, Scarves, Cards, and More.  I also have a Facebook page; (I think I figured out how to add a like button.  It should be to the right of this post.  I'd love it if you "liked" me!)


I am really enjoying learning my craft again.  It is so fascinating to turn a ball of yarn into something usable.  Between the local library and the plethora of internet sources I have hundreds of ideas that I can't wait to try!