I was always a crafty kid. From clothespin reindeer with sequin noses to potholder looms to God’s eyes made with colorful yarn and popsicle sticks, I always had some sort of arts and crafts project going. Around the third grade, I taught myself to sew because I wanted to be Princess Leia for Halloween (though the bedsheet I used wasn’t quite enough fabric, so I basically made a hobble skirt and not very full capelet, but I was proud!) and that was the beginning of my journey into more advanced crafty skills. Since then, my sewing skills led to my career, but I’ve also branched out into various forms of fiber arts, such as knitting, spinning, tatting, weaving….really, anything that involved yarn.
As a result of my fiber arts journey combined with my love of vintage, I started collecting any vintage fiber arts tools I could find. It started with a Speed-O-Weave from the 1940s that I found in a thrift store. It’s what is sometimes referred to as a Hexagon Loom (though there was a square version as well), to be used to make things like placemats and trivets. The technique isn’t EXACTLY weaving, more wrapping layers of yarn at angles and tying them off with little knots, but the results are very pretty. You’ve likely seen projects made this way at thrift stores, especially since there was an as-seen-on-TV version by a company called Love and Money back in the 1970s/80s. Very popular with the granny crafters selling their wares at the church craft fair back in the day.
It always makes me laugh when I see words like “quick!” and “easy!” used to describe the use of some of these tools. I mean, once you figure it out they’re usually pretty straightforward, at least to do the most basic things, but the instructions can be a bit unclear and there isn’t really anything “quick” about it by modern standards. Granted, as a fiber artist, I’m accustomed to even basic projects being time consuming so I can certainly apply that as a comparison, in which case some things seem a bit speedier. But don’t expect a completed afghan in 20 minutes!
I’ve added a number of other vintage craft tools to my arsenal, including a couple of Weave-It looms, Polk Spider Web cards, and something called a Palm Loom that I haven’t experimented with yet. As someone who works with costumes for a living, I feel justified in learning all of these weird mid century adjacent craft techniques, because you never know when you’re going to have to recreate something that is made in an unfamiliar technique. Plus, it’s fun! I think, in a way, I’m reliving my childhood dreams of getting all the neat-o craft kits I used to see on TV. I’ve also come full circle in my feelings about acrylic yarn, which was banned from my stash for a long time while I was being snobby about only having natural fibers. Now, I troll eBay and Etsy for vintage acrylic lots, to keep my projects “authentic”. I’m sorry I judged you, acrylic yarn, you DO have a purpose.
So, when you’re out in the thrifting world, keep an eye out for those old crafting tools and kits. Pick one up, give it a try. Give your projects a modern spin! There’s something to be said for Netflix and Craft, sitting on the sofa watching Stranger Things and making the pieces to be assembled into an afghan. If nothing else, it’s a great way to feed your creative mind and keep your hands nimble. Join the Grannycraft Brigade! All are welcome!