Instead of working with wool roving like I had initially intended this week (to go with our Wool Unit) we ended up starting a weaving project. We have not finished them yet but I wanted to share some photos. I will be leaving them out for the next week or two so they can sit down and work at it when they like.
First I cut out approximately a 4″x8″ rectangle of card board (the flaps of an Amazon box actually). I then cut seven 1/4″ deep notches along both the top and bottom… about 1/4″ apart. I taped a piece of yarn to the back and then wrap the yarn from bottom to top through the notches. I cut the yarn and taped down the end to the back as well.
Then I let the kids pull out a bunch of yarn from my stash and cut about 8″ long pieces. I think this is their favorite part… getting to take scissors to my yarn (I did lock away the really good stuff). They love the fuzzy fun furs and the nubby yarns that I have left over from making our farm mat.
Bug and Fairy had no problem figuring out the weaving process. I thought it was going to take a lot more demonstration then it did. One quick example and they were at it.
I will post an update when we finish them.
I am sharing some photos of a loom demonstration we saw with Grandma and Grandpa a few weeks ago. It was given at a Historic Village nearby. The kids were enthralled with all of the artisan crafts (pottery, glass blowing, weaving, etc). We got to see some very old and very large looms, as well as quite a few spinning wheels. Although this was a field trip we took several weeks ago the kids were able to make the connection this week when we started reading and talking about “Pelle’s New Suit.”
Bug asked lots of questions. He actually explained the spinning process to the guide, based on the farm visit we had in the Spring to watch sheep sheering (there were many women spinning there and selling the most beautiful yarn). He was very interested in some of the completed projects they had on display and figuring out which loom they were made on.
They really are soo cool. I can’t help but think that I need to make room for a loom… eventually. 😉
Thanks to Grandma for the great photos to share!