A Story About Broomsticks, Turkey Basters, and Woodworking
So here it is, the big reveal of the TOP SECRET project:
Crocheters might be able to guess what this is . . . It’s a broomstick lace pin. TaDa!
A while back, I got interested in broomstick lace. Since then, I haven’t been able to find the perfect tool for making said lace. So I made my own. Interested? Read on . . .
Let me tell you a story:
As the name states, one can use the handle of a broomstick to make this lace (which is also called jiffy lace and peacock lace). This was the first “tool” I tried . . . and it was a disaster. Picture me flailing about on the couch, waving around a clunky broom and getting all tangled in yarn. Fail.
Next, I tried a turkey baster, because that’s what I had on hand that was similar in roundness to a broomstick, but wasn’t quite so unwieldy. This worked better, but it wasn’t ideal. And I certainly thought there must be a better tool than this.
I did a search for “broomstick lace pin.” The only thing I found was basically a single fat knitting-needle-looking thing. “Okay,” I thought, “This must be the holy grail for broomstick lace.” But wait, it has a little ridged stopper at the end. What if I want to make something wider than the length of this pin? Then what? Lame.
And yes, you can use a fat knitting needle. But, I didn’t need two knitting needles. Also, every honkin’ needle I found had a fat stopper end on it, so same problem as the broomstick lace pin.
So, I set out to make my own needle! It’s short enough that I can easily manipulate it, using just two hands rather than two hands and two knees (as most need to do with a long broomstick or piece of pipe). It’s nice and fat, yet lightweight – perfect for big, loopy lace. And finally, it has an eye hook at the end to attach a “lifeline,” making long rows easy and working in the round attainable! Here’s a peek at my latest project:
Easy, portable, versatile, and way less questionable than a turkey baster. I’m loving this right now, and I hope to have a broomstick lace pattern or two posted here soon. So, what do you think of my little Frankenstein? I’m thinking of putting some of these broomstick lace pins up in the shop soon, so I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Would love to see a picture of it with a “lifeline” attached. I’ve only done broomstick lace for a scarf and was wondering how to do it for a full baby blanket.
Becky
Hi, Becky!
I’ll have some photo tutorials here soon . . . But, basically, you tie a cord (that is a little longer than your finished row will be) to the eye hook. As you work the row, you’ll pull the pin through your loops, and the ones that “fall” off the end will have the cord “lifeline” still running through their centers. You can just carefully leave your loops dangle, as well, but the lifeline is a good place holder.
Wow, this is awesome! I have wanted to try broomstick lace but the tools (broomstick or giant knitting needle) have put me off. I would definitely like to try this. Also, I didn’t know you could do a lifeline with it–very cool!
I know! I was so surprised at the lack of an actual tool for this — I mean, you can find hairpin lace looms easily, so what the heck! . . . unless there’s a secret broomstick lace guild I haven’t heard of? At any rate, I’ll have them in the shop as soon as I can figure pricing, shipping, and production (and photos).
Hi Speckless, you are such a genius. Will wait for you to post your broomstick supplies for sale. Beautiful work. elisa
Aw, thanks! Hoping to get all this work done within the next week or so . . . I’ll have updates!
so pretty! i purchased some large knitting needles for a cardigan in broomstick lace. i haven’t quite mastered how to get the stitches uniform as you have. beautiful broomsticks,too, and not too long, which is good, easier to work with! so look forward to your tutorial. love your blog!
btw, love the colors in your granny square blanket! so, so pretty.
Thank you so much! I plan to have the tutorial up by next week!
That is lovely! Thanks for the tutorial. So fun.
XO
ok How did you make it and out of what. Are they dowls and what size did you use. Thanx and you are a GENIUS!
Yes, they are dowels, about an inch in diameter: cut, lathed, belt-sanded, and hand-sanded!
can’t wait for your tutorial. Would love to see how it is actually done. Shanda
How long is the pin? What a great idea.
It’s about 5.5 to 6 inches long. Much better than a big, long broomstick!