Martha Stewart Cotton Hemp Yarn: Reviews and Where to Buy Online

Martha Stewarts' Knit and Weave Loom
I just saw a little weaved washcloth sample at the local craft store. I really liked how it turned out it was made using Martha's Lemon Drop Cotton Hemp Yarn. I've not used this particular loom but the idea of having a set of looms that you can alter depending on the project intrigues me. When looking at the display I was overwhelmed with all the little pegs. I know I would lose one or twenty pieces or worse step on them.

I think for ease of use the kniffty knitter is a good choice but if you've been loom knitting for a while this might be a great investment. I've found the price of this knit and weave loom averages $40 but I've also seen it as high as $60.

Unlike the kniffty knitter this set has separate frames which you interlock to make the shape you need. You then proceed to stick the pegs into the holes and when I tried this with the display for the most part it was pretty easy. I did find a few didn't fit as snug yet others were so snug they were difficult to push into their slots - Not something I would be happy dealing with on a regular basis.

The Knit and Weave kit comes with instructions for a hat, a scarf and a blanket. If you go on the Lion Brand site you'll find a series of videos tutorials that will instruct you in various stitches, how to use it to weave and how to make a rosette.

Kniffty Knitter Loom Set
Having owned a set of Kniffty Knitter Looms I can say these are great for beginners and advanced alike. I've seen people who struggle with crochet use a loom with ease.

They are made of sturdy plastic and even children find they can make a hat in less than a day. Each set comes with a 5" small loom, a 7" medium loom, a 9" large loom and a 11" extra large loom. These looms do use bulky weight yarn or just double up on your yarn because if you don't you'll end up with a very loose knit stitch.

It includes a hook to pick up stitches and instructions however the instructions only cover making a hat. You can make flat and round fabric with these looms but you'll have to do some research online via groups, youtube, or loom company sites to locate patterns and detailed instructions.

Now that you have your yarn and your knitting loom you'll need to learn how to use it. Although these patterns weren't specifically made for the Martha Stewart loom they do cross over to other looms. You'll probably want to work a gauge swatch first to be sure.

This book is filled with color photos explaining each stitch. The variety of stitches in this book will please those who are ready to make more than a basic hat. For beginners it does have three hat patterns to get you going on the loom so if you want to invest in a book that will take you from beginning to intermediate Kathy Norris' 'I Can't Believe I'm Loom Knitting' is it.

Projects you'll find in this book:

• Beginner Knit Hat


• Next-Step E-Wrap Knit Hat


• Garter Stitch Brim Hat


• Sampler Afghan


• Corn on the Cob Hat & Scarf


• Honeycomb Hat & Scarf


• Felted Basketweave Tote


• Hooded Vest


• Lattice Pillow


• Bejeweled Fingerless Gloves


• Robin's Hood


• Garter Wedges Baby Blanket


• Ridged Lace Hat


• Lace Wrap


• Felted Candy Cane Stocking


• Panda Hat

When comparing Sugar n Cream cotton with Martha Stewart's Cotton Hemp I think I would use MS Cotton Hemp for projects like hats or tops or other projects that need less stretch. MS cotton hemp does have some stretch but let's say you're adding a bodice to a dress - I think that this yarn would be perfect because the hemp makes the fabric more firm but not stiff. Sugar n Cream would be stretchy and get stretchier with use.

I would crochet with both brands for bath and kitchen projects as they both work up well. I haven't used MS Cotton Hemp long term so don't know how it stands up to repeated use and washings. From the ply of the hemp and the cotton I have a feeling that it might fray upon repeated washings but only time will truly tell.

Sugar n Cream has a larger variety of colors than MS cotton hemp but if you're looking for a more subdued look or even if you're crocheting for baby, Ms Cotton hemp's palette of blue icing and pink taffy will work nicely. I actually like Martha's yarn solely on the creativity of the yarn names.

I remember a few years ago when I finally learned how to do cable stitches - it was a joyous day. No, that isn't an exaggeration. I was really excited to have learned this technique.

I purchased a pattern from CrochetDad.etsy.com and after hours of frogging my work [aka ripping out the work and reworking it] I finally understood how to make a cable. Yipee!

Reviewing knitting looms and these patterns books for this article makes me wish I still had my set of kniffy knitters. [I did see them on sale for less than $15] Maybe one day I'll buy another set but this year my fiber goal is knitting a pair of socks.

Back to cables - This book is for loom knitters who are past the basics. You already know how to use your loom and want to be challenged.

Learn how to:

• chain cast on


• knit


• purl


• garter stitch


• stockinette stitch


• twisted knit stitch [single stitch]


• increase


• decrease


• cast off


• cables over 2 stitches


• wrap and turn short rows


• cables over 3 stitches


• cables over 4 stitches

Use these stitches to make projects like a cabled scarf, cabled socks, Cable purse, hat, sweater, fingerless gloves and a cozy afghan.