NYR staffers and their kids—representing three generations—count themselves among those who loved/love making potholders. This writer fondly remembers spending an entire summer (in the 1950s) with loom and loops. Another staffer, the mother of a Brooklyn fourth grader, reports that her daughter is “obsessed.”

Weaving is a quiet activity that encourages concentration and helps one to understand spatial relationships and patterning while strengthening fine motor control. And it is so much fun.

We all agree with the makers of this loom that there’s something very special about teaching children to work with their hands and that “When a child is able to say, ‘I made this myself,’ the pride in achievement is not only felt in that child’s mind and heart, it is represented in a tangible form by something beautiful and practical to own or give as a gift.”

“In this fast-paced world where children are being forced to grow up too quickly, we believe that it is essential to help them slow things down and experience their creative abilities by introducing them to the joys of working with their hands.”

The set includes a sturdy 7" x 7" metal loom, a metal weaving hook, a crochet hook for finishing, instructions, and enough cotton loops in mixed bright colors to make six traditional-size (6” x 6”) potholders. These are quality cotton loops, not the synthetic loops available elsewhere. Also included in the kit is information about the company website that has free patterns and tutorials.

The kit is a winner of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association Best Toys for Kids award, the Dr. Toy Gold Award, and the Oppenheim Best Toy Award.

Additional loops in mixed colors are available separately here. Ages six and up.