This summer has been quite unusually hot for Oregon! One of our “pros” on the pro/con list for moving to Oregon was the mild seasons, but this summer is not living up to that promise. This past week was over 105* F for 3 days straight!! It has been quite the challenge to survive, let alone keep 35 campers happy outside in the heat. We had a few “water altercations” (there’s no fighting at camp), swam in the river, and did crafts in the shade. Another counselor taught how to make these great woven yarn pouches, and I thought I would share it with you all.

1. Create your loom. The great thing about these pouches are that they are woven on a loom made of scrap cardboard. You can really cut your cardboard to any size you want. Mine was 4.5″ x 8″.

2. Cut slits in loom. Measure and cut slits every 1/4″. You need to have an odd number of slits.

3. Thread warp yarn. Tape end of yarn to one side of the cardboard, then thread the yarn through a slit and down to the other side. Wrap around and through next slit and bring yarn back to the top. Keep all of your warp yarn on one side of the cardboard. When you finish, cut the yarn and tape to the inside of the loom.

Fold cardboard, keeping one side longer for the top flap.

4. Weave. Cut an 8′ piece of yarn to use as your weft. Using a yarn needle, weave over and under through your warp starting at the bottom. Turn over, and continue to weave on the back.

When you get to the top flap, just weave back and forth on the one side.

5. Slide off loom. When finished weaving, slip loops off of slits and pull pouch off of your loom. Thread ends of yarn back through your work. You now have a woven pouch! This is a good place for kids to stop, but you can keep going to give your pouch a more finished look.

6. Finish. If desired, add a line of crochet along the loops.

7. Add button. If desired, add a braided piece of yarn and a button. I just added a straight braid to wrap around my button, but you could also make a loop.

Fill with change. Stash your makeup inside. Fit a gift card inside and give it as a gift. Collect odds and ends. Marvel in the cuteness made from a piece of cardboard and some yarn.

Stay cool everyone! And if you’re in one of those lucky places having an unusually cold summer, send some my way!