Book Review! Locking Loops

I’m so excited by this book! I recently received a signed copy of Theresa Pulido’s book, “Locking Loops” and there are so many projects and techniques in it that I want to do! Theresa Pulido’s enthusiasm for locker hooking and all it has to offer comes through in every sentence. It’s catching and made me want to pull out my supplies at midnight! Even if you don’t know what locker hooking is, keep reading! It’s easy, and you might want to learn after this. 

If you are a beginner, the projects in “Locking Loops” will be beyond your comfort level, but if you’re an adventurous crafter you could definitely tackle some of these as even a second project. If you think you are an experienced locker-hooker, this book will offer you plenty of sideways options… you know, not harder, but fun sideways detours based on the skills you have.

I thought *I* had an imagination for coming up with new ways to do things — when it comes to locker hooking, Theresa Pulido definitely has both the imagination and the know-how to fill this book with new, fun, useful, beautiful, creative projects. (Choose at least 3 of those adjectives for any project in the book!) There are ornaments, embellishments to use on whatever you choose, bracelets — think fiber art and mixed media here, not just rows of fabric loops. There are a few large projects like rug patterns and placemats. There’s even a large trivet where the locker hooking frames a ceramic tile. 

I’ll be working up one of her kits soon — I’m very interested to try some of the precut batik that it came with. I usually tear my strips and don’t splurge on batiks!

You can see some of my locker hooking adventures here, and here, and here, and here (more than I thought!) Google it for explanations and videos, but I recommend a good book with clear color photographs for getting started, which are included and well-done at the beginning of “Locking Loops” even though this is meant to be an advanced book. There’s also a get-started video on the author’s website, colorcrazy.com that you can check out.

Super how-to photos, and enough of them! … 

 

In brief, locker hooking is somewhat like old-fashioned wool rug hooking except done with larger, looser strips of (usually cotton) fabric. There is a “locking” twine that runs through each loop to “lock” them onto the top surface of the canvas mesh, hence the name “locker hooking.” 

Back to the book and the projects I love, OK? OK… 

There’s a gorgeous little evening bag hooked using silk strips from sari fabrics on page 43. I happened to buy a bundle of those with locker hooking in mind a few months ago! Alternating rows with rustic, soft cotton osnaburg gives the sari silk a special glow. And BONUS! You cut and locker-hook a piece which you then gluuueeee over a purchased small clutch in the style and price point you want! I’m thinking one of those orphaned (unattractively colored) little bags from a clearance table or thrift store would be perfect! 

Then on page 53, I’m really liking the individual flat flowers for embellishing things! Some of the ideas include using varying lengths of fabric loops for dimension,  fringed yarn in the centers of these flowers, or even large vintage flashy buttons — they look really cool! Hats, coats, totes, and purses need some of these! 

There are a couple of Christmas ornaments with charts that remind me of counted cross-stitch in their detail, but how cute is a santa face made made from cotton fabric loops with a beard made from unspun locks of mohair? A touch of gleaming rayon seam binding and some red glitter or sparkly buttons keep him cute and interesting beyond his beard. 

Graphs for every project for those who want to reproduce them exactly… (and I had to sneak that brown/turquoise bag in again — so many cool techniques on it!)

But my favorite project is one that surprises me. Maybe it is the color combination, maybe it is the simplicity, maybe it is the natural fiber look, but I love the Meadowlands Fibers Purse the best. The handle and top edge are a deep rose color flannel, and the sides of the bag are done by holding a strip of printed flannel along with a fringed yarn. This particular fringed yarn doesn’t look all shiny and flashy, but matte and GREEN!

The print fabric which the strips are torn from looks to be rose, ivory, and green, don’t you think? I’m not sure I’d ever make it or use it, but I sure like admiring it in the time I’ve had this book!

OK, well I could go on because there are quite a few more cool locker hooking techniques I’m looking forward to trying. You’ll see them here when I do! But it is time to finish this up and share it!

As you can probably tell, this book is one I would definitely recommend — I love it! 

Happy LOCKER hooking…

Gail