Last fall, I was hosting a brunch for some friends and went to grab a potholder from the drawer…
Hmm, that was embarrassing. How had I not noticed that my favorite potholders had seen better days. I probably made these as a mother daughter craft with Emily at least 15 years ago and they’ve seen almost daily use since. Seemed like a good time to replace them, so off I went to the store to buy some new potholders. But I left empty handed. Nothing seemed as comfortable or useful as what I had in the drawer. I guess it was time to make new ones instead.
I had tried to make some at one time a few years back, but all I could find were polyester loops and and plastic looms. Bad experience; polyester isn’t very useful around hot things, and plastic looms just broke under the tension. I was hoping things had improved in the intervening years.
Success at Amazon! Harrisville Designs makes exactly what I was looking for. This Made in the USA company makes a kit that contains a sturdy metal loom, weaving and finishing hooks, and high quality, beautifully colored cotton loops.
I ordered the kit and plenty of extra loops in all my favorite colors. When they arrived, I got to work. I forgot how fun it is to weave potholders, especially with all the great colors Harrisville Designs offers.
These aren’t hard to make. Pick you favorite colors and start weaving. For help with pattern ideas, there’s a great Potholder Pattern Wizard on the Harrisville Designs website.
When they’re done, it’s time to use them!
I brought my weaving supplies up to my mom’s to work on during my last visit. At one point, she disappeared to the basement and came back with a very old Fay’s Drug bag containing bags of cotton loops bought at a local store, Pleasure’s and Pastimes. My friends back in Buffalo will recognize these places, and how old those loops must be 🙂 I’m guessing 20 years minimum.
While the colors are nowhere near as fun and bright as the new ones from Harrisville Designs, I may make some for old times sake.
I’m doing this! Thanks!
You’ll love the colors! Warning–everyone’s going to want some for their kitchens too 🙂 I already have a request from one of my boys for his apartment next year.
Thanks for the memories. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent making these as a kid.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Susie. It definitely brought back memories for me too.