Just Weave It -- Donar Pin Looms

Donar Weave-It Looms, Wood from ThreeOldKeys

     "Looming Shadows".    I almost used that as a title for this post, but there's no gloom or doom here.  These first shadowy pictures show two Weave-It looms. 

Weave-It Looms and Shadows, ThreeOldKeys

     Although I have no experience in any form of weaving (except basketry), these spiky little frames keep following me home from antique stores and flea markets.  Maybe it's time I learned to use one?  Here is what I know about them:

     This is the Weave-It loom.  Donar patented its configuration, with groups of three pins, around 1935. Over the years, it was produced with other manufacturers’ names, such as Hero. Most are 4-inch looms, but there were 2-inch, 5-inch (for rugs), and possibly more.  Weave-Its were made in wood, bakelite or plastic.

     All of the examples I've seen had a version of this stamped or molded into the bottom:

WEAVE-IT

U.S. Pat. No. 2,011,916

Canadian Pat. No. 358,058

Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.

Mfd. by Donar Prods. Corp.

Medford, Mass. U.S.A.

Weave-It in Bakelite, ThreeOldKeys

      Although they all came boxed with a 6 inch needle and printed instructions, the bakelite version was packaged in a nicer box.  Mine had no box or accessories when I found it in a thrift store.  But it was yummy caramel-butterscotch. 

Hero Weave-It, Pink Plastic, ThreeOldKeys

     The looms have indicators at the corners to help weavers get started.  On wood versions all the stamped printing is nearly gone.  But the numbers and arrows are still distinct on this pink plastic.  The molded manufacturer info is slightly different:

Hero Mfg. Co.
Middleboro, Mass, U.S.A.
WEAVE-IT
Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.
U.S. Pat. No. 2011916
Canadian Pat. No. 358058

Butterscotch Bakelite Donar, and Pink Plastic Hero, ThreeOldKeys

Weave-It Originally Purchased 1949, ThreeOldKeys

     
     This plastic version still had the box, needle, 2 instructions sheets, an order form, and the packing slip/receipt showing Donar Product No. 1000 was purchased on March 17, 1949.   The mailing address was in Winchester, Mass.
    

Donar Weave-It Loom with Sample, ThreeOldKeys

     Although I've found others, here is the last Weave-It for today.  There were four completed pieces in the box.  Someone finished the fine wool squares but did not assemble them.

     If you have read this far, you might wonder how many of these little hand looms I possess?  Well, I seem to be a Donar Dealer, because after taking lots of pictures, I have sold each of them in my Etsy shop.

     Surely, I'll spot a few more.  With or without boxes, needles, or instructions.  And yes, maybe I'll keep the next one.

     There are many other small pin looms, handmade and commercial.  As far as I know, the 3-pin style is unique to the Weave-It.   Keep your eyes open; maybe you'll become a Donar magnet, too. 

     Do these little tools intrigue you?  Run, run to eLoomaNation. There you will find
"Big Ideas from Little Looms" and all kinds of information about pin looms, yarns, projects, links, and even vintage Weave-It patterns to download.   It's a lovely, generous website.

     Thanks for stopping by ThreeOldKeys, where today's post is inspired by a little Massachusetts company called Donar.   If anyone cares to add to my information or correct me, please leave me a comment.

     My first 2 photos have wonderful shadows, thanks to the loom pins.  I am linking to Shadow Shot Sunday.   Check out HeyHarriet ... she's a photographer in Queensland, Australia and she has a weekly shadow-fest.  I enjoy the world-wide variety -- pics from everywhere.