Sunday, June 28, 2015
Class is part of summer enrichment sessions
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VILLA MARIA, PA.
A class titled “Feeling Loopy” might make a participant feel that way, but in a positive sense.
Sisters Debbie Barker and Kathleen Lackamp of Cleveland instructed the recent session as part of the “Energize Your Spirit Summer Enrichment Series” at Villa Maria Community Center. They are nuns in the Humility of Mary order.
The sisters used a simple round loom to create hats and headbands, probably a different device than what usually comes to mind. There are a variety of styles from hand looms to power ones of many shapes.
Sister Kathleen said a friend introduced her to the round loom. “It’s something you can do while you’re watching TV,” she said.
There are multiple sizes that produce different size hats – small, medium and large. Two contrasting or complementary colors of yarn may be used.
The premise is simple, as the sisters said: Take two skeins of yarn and wrap yarn around each peg, until all pegs are wrapped. Use a loom or crochet hook to pull the bottom of the last peg wrapped over the top of the peg. That creates a knot. Repeat until all pegs are done.
The looms come with instructions and a hook. Go online and search for “round loom” and you’ll find more resources and patterns for such projects as hats, scarves, bracelets, umbrella holders, ties and belts.
“It’s mindless. I have no talent for handicrafts, and it’s something I can do,” Sister Debbie said.
But the sisters pointed out, though the technique is simple, the result is a cozy hat that keeps the wearer warm. The two said they started last winter and so far have made some 300 hats.
Sister Kathleen said they donated hats to the Emanuel Community Care Center in Girard and West Side Catholic Center in Cleveland.
Sister Claire Young, who has been a Humility of Mary nun for 61 years, said she is always interest in “learning something new.” She is retired from ministry.
Sister Barbara Noble, another HM nun, said she likes to crochet, so she thought she would try this craft. “It’s fun,” she said. “That’s what summer is about.” She also is retired from active ministry.
Other classes offered included visual language in movies, counted cross stitch, applications for iPad or iPhone, crocheting, homemade candy, retreat evenings, labyrinth and animal balloons.