i had forgotten all about my knitting doll. it's been so many years ago that sylvia and i each got one (we called them strickliesel, one of the german terms for it). then, on a recent trip to denmark, i rediscovered the knitting doll (called haekledukke in danish) when i was trying to find useful souvenirs for some small girls i know.
this rediscovery first resulted in a revival of knitting dolls in my life, figuring out again how they work and then teaching others how to use it. since i didn't like the unpractical fat needle that came with the ones i purchased, i went to the craft store to get crochet hooks instead (which ultimately lead to me starting my new hobby of crocheting two weeks ago).
to introduce or re-introduce you to knitting dolls or looms, here are some suggestions:
you can either buy a nice one that's ready to go on etsy, or make your own, following the instructions you find in the links at the end of this post.
taking knitting nancy to a whole new level
and absolutely worth checking out: janet of "a fool for spool"
inspired?
here are some tutorials on how to make and use knitting looms:
how to make your own:
• rhythm of the home, article by kristine
how to make and use one, incl. step by step instructions:
• hinterland mama
you're more the video type? no problem, that's what youtube is for:
• tutorial #1 with good ideas of what can be done with the knitted strings
• tutorial #2 with more great ideas of what can be created with a knitting spool
have you also used a knitting doll before?
are you inspired to introduce them to the children in your life?
i hope you are, since no matter if you decide to buy one that is ready made or hand craft your own, it will bring many hours – if not years – of enjoyment to whoever is up for trying it out!
6 comments:
Yes, when I was a very young girl, my grandparents sent me a "Strick-Liesel" in one of their yearly parcels. Later we worked with them in elementary school (girls as well as boys). Later I used them to knit handles for my home-knitten handbags.
Well, much, much later I introduced them to my daughters. And maybe one day little Lizbeth will sit next to me on the sofa, holding her "Strick-Liesel".
I had one of those when I was a little girl. I had forgotten about it, but you have just inspired me to get back at it and introduce it to my little man, thanks!
I had one as a child but it was not decorated with a pretty face :( I would make such long icord yarn pieces and did not know what to do with them except to make bracelets, necklaces, or a mini rug for my barbies.
I was given a knitting doll last year and other than take her out of the box to look at her, I have never used her. I put the box in my knitting basket and there it still sits...shame on me!
Yep, the two of us also had them! But we only could make cords and I think lost interest pretty fast :(. If I ever have lots of time on my hands I might try to revive it and learn to make something useful with it.
I never had a knitting doll - now I must hurry on You Tube and discover how to use it. Never mind, they are soooo beautiful, I think I will buy some for Christmas and make my own. Thank you for the detailed resources!
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