This has been an incredible year for Easy Weaving with Little Looms. We put out four fantastic issues and countless web items chock full of gorgeous projects, helpful tips, and interesting techniques. As I was going through the back issues and web articles, I decided to compile just five of the fun things we’ve learned in 2024 at Easy Weaving with Little Looms.
1. The Lovely Lucet
The Summer 2024 Medieval issue was an absolute blast to put together. I think I learned something new from just about every article and project, but what I really want to highlight is Catarina Ferreira’s articles about lucets. First of all, I loved reading the murky history of this ancient fiber tool and seeing all the photos of possible lucets. Then, of course, Catarina’s tutorial on how to use a lucet was the perfect follow-up. Her step-by-step instructions were incredibly clear, and I know I was inspired to try it out for myself and braid a bunch of lucet cord.
2. Incredible Inkle Tips
When I asked Elisabeth Hill to write up some of her tips for inkle weaving, I had no idea just how good her article would be. Back in February, we published her web article “Inkle Weaving on the Fly,” and it was absolutely life-changing stuff. Elisabeth’s tips on warping and weaving certainly made my first forays easier, and I’m sure even some experienced bandweavers learned something new!
3. New Take on Hemstitching
Sara C. Bixler’s Modular Block Runner from the Spring 2024 issue (and shown at top) blew my mind when I first saw it. I assumed the squares within squares were inlay or embroidery, but no, they were hemstitched! The technique was so cool, we also featured it in our Do it by Hand for that issue.
In her article, Lauren Puchowski documented how she takes photographs of her neighborhood and turns them into simple tapestry. Photos by Lauren Puchowski
4. Tons of Tapestry
We had a ton of tapestry content in Little Looms throughout 2024, partially thanks to the Tapestry Weaving series by Elena Kawachi and Claudia Chase where they covered a different tapestry technique in each issue with a fun project to go with it. As if that weren’t enough, Lauren Puchowski’s article, “The Loom as Artistic Tool,” from the Winter 2024 issue was full of artistic inspiration when it came to turning photographs into simple weavings. Reading Lauren’s article made me want to get out my tapestry loom and start weaving right away.
5. Pretty in Plaid
As a lover of both pin looms and plaid, I have to mention Gabi van Tassell’s article on weaving plaid on pin looms from Spring 2024. Gabi’s article is filled with tons of different variations and step-by-step instructions for getting different plaids on your pin loom, whether it’s a 3-pin setup or bias woven. She even teaches you how to weave plaid on a hexagon!
These five items are just a drop in the bucket of what we put out in 2024. I hope you enjoy taking a look back and maybe rediscovering something new.
Happy Weaving and Happy New Year!
Christina