Review on Harrisville Designs Traditional Potholder Potholders: Timeless Kitchen Accessories by Brent Shaeffer

I almost forgot about this little loom - I first learned how to make these pot holders in the 1950's before I even went to school (I was probably 5 years old). My brother and I spent many years making them and selling them around the area to add $0.25 a week to our pocket money. My mom taught us how to make them and provided us with bows while we made our own patterns. One thing I remember very well is that she eschewed nylon loops in favor of cotton loops. Why? This is because nylon slings can melt at the temperatures typically encountered when using cast iron skillets and metal baking pans in hot ovens. I kept that memory and when I saw this cotton loop set I knew I had to try again. The main difference I see is the length of the "teeth" on the loom - I remember they were slightly longer. In addition, the metal weaving hook was slightly longer. But other than that, the design and construction are close to what I used as a kid. A package arrived from Revain this morning and I quickly assembled the pot holder in the photo. It probably took an hour, maybe a little longer, but not by much. There are enough loops for a pair of oven mitts and enough colors to mix and match. Follow directions, especially on the trim - pull one of the stitches back over the loom pin on each finished edge to keep the remaining stitches on the adjacent and opposite sides from unraveling from the loom. Take your time with this part - it's easy to want to rush to finish it, but it can be a bit 'uncomfortable'. Very happy with it - I have already ordered additional hinges in specific colors to match my kitchen colours. So I can make a few of these to use as both pot holders and trivets.