The current joy of inkle band weaving

Current joys
For this month, I have decided to write down my little joys, moments of magic, and gratitude and blessings. One of those that I’ve been meaning to talk about here is my Inkle woven bands. The type of loom is called an Inkle loom, and it weaves pretty long straps, depending on how big the loom is. I took a class at the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair on this type of weaving, which included a mini loom and a lesson on how to get it started and what to use the bands for.
Writing that, it feels relatively reasonable to say, “well, why would you make them if you don’t know what they were for?” Okay, so #1– I do know a few ways to use them, #2– people alllll the time make things just because they like them. That’s my main consideration now when I make things. I’ve completed 180 projects so far this year. If I created all of those with no purpose, that would not really be a useful use of my time. While some of my projects are multiple completed parts of the same ultimate project, it’s a lot of projects. Some I give away, and that’s another thing to consider; if you give people presents, what are they going to do with said present?
Some times, it’s definitely reasonable and wonderful to make things for which their purpose will be beauty and pleasure. But I think, after much meditation and personal experience, too much STUFF of beauty and pleasure is just, when it comes down to it, too much STUFF…
So the reason I create this much is for many reasons. I sell it, I gift it, I donate it, and I use it as my daily wardrobe and personal household use. And I was thrilled to be able to put these Inkle bands to use, as they can replace a lot of commercially store-bought items such as backpack straps, purse straps, shoelaces, hat bands, suspenders, sandal straps, Christmas ribbons, hair ribbons. A really wide one can make a pouch. And I’m REALLY excited to make camera straps and dog and cat collars with them. So, they are one of the most useful things I can create. Already I have had five commissions for hat bands, guitar straps, and bag straps. I’ve even been able to squeeze in some present bands and a hair ribbon for myself into my schedule (I have MANY irons in my personal fire 😂). Which, come to think of it, I really should get back to my other work. I have some wool to process! Anyhow, orders for commissions are open and I’ll start listing finished available products in January. Blessings!