Creating with Looms

While the boys were out for football, the 8 and 3 years old girls were busy creating.

They sat and figured out how to work their new tools. My 3 year old ended up making a “ball” and my 8 year old was able to make a few stitches on her own. I think it is a great introduction to crochet and knitting. But an over all great idea for a handicraft.

I’ve taught my kids to hand stitch, embroider, sew with a machine, hand knit, crochet, weave… but why did I never think of buying a loom?! I got these at DAISO. Yes. DAISO. But in Japan. I’m sure they have it here as well.

Here’s what I bought.
Never mind the pink one. It’s supposed to make a ball but it did not exactly work. But if you see something like those purple ones, grab them. I think they are perfect for little hands. My 3 year old “helped” her older sister make a few stitches and she beamed with pride as she hooked the yarn and made it go over several times.

Any work which employs the creative instinct to good purpose and produces a reputable and artistic result (not mere exercises which waste the children’s time and material for nothing) finds favour with us.

Basket work, wood carving, etc., all so adapted to the children’s age and capabilities that they may be able to attain a habit of perfect execution, and that sense of the mastery of our spirits over matter which is surely part of our divine heritage…” Parent’s Review

Take note:
– not mere exercises or what we call “busy work”
– habit of perfect execution means giving all their attention and doing it as best as they could even if it is just 1 stitch. (1 well done stitch is better than 50 sloppy ones.)
– adapted to children’s age could also mean just doing it for 10-15 minutes or even less.
– sense of mastery gives the child an accomplished and fruitful experience.