Trying out the Inkle Loom

My husband made me an inkle loom for Christmas, so I have been teaching myself how to weave on this small loom.  Great fun. Now I have to figure out uses for these narrow strips; so far I've done them all with handspun yarn, which is tricky to work with.  It's fun to be using up some of my huge stock of handspun!

Three different warp faced patterns

 

Mug Rugs - crochet over jute

Using jute and yarn, these mug rugs have been created and are fun and easy, quick to make. Wool yarn would be best. So far I have done stripes and hearts with a tapestry technique. To find out more about this technique, visit this blog   http://www.leisurearts.com/enews/archive/05_2010/YarnLink/InTheKnow.html .

Crochet Over Jute - a landscape rug design

This rug pattern was discovered in a recent book  by Lena Maikon, Unexpected Crochet for the Home. She called it Field of Farms. I have adapted it somewhat, but the idea comes across. Finding good jute for rugs took some doing. Blocking the rug will help it lie flatter. The pattern has been put onto a spreadsheet so that other patterns can be created for smaller rugs. It was heavy on my lap when working on it, so smaller rugs are planned. Following the pattern, I used Lionbrand Woolease, but would not recommend this in the future, too soft. Rug wool is the best way to go. 

 To find out more about this technique, visit this blog   http://www.leisurearts.com/enews/archive/05_2010/YarnLink/InTheKnow.html