A photo of Pete the cat

Pete's Toy Box: Weaving

Friendly Loom Potholder Pro Weaving Kit | 10”x10” Sturdy Metal Loom and Quality Cotton Weaving Loops | Complete Kit to Weave 2 Large, Durable Potholders | Made in The USA

By: Harrisville Designs

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has procured what is called a "Friendly Loom Potholder Pro Weaving Kit" from Harrisville Designs. The purpose of this contraption appears to be the systematic entanglement of perfectly good, brightly colored cotton loops on a cold metal grid. The goal is to produce a thick, useless square mat for handling hot kitchen items, a task I feel could be accomplished with a simple, folded towel. From my superior vantage point, the entire enterprise seems a tragic waste of potential. The metal loom is a bore, and the finished potholder is an object of profound inertness. However, the raw materials—the soft, perfectly sized cotton loops—show immense promise as individual, high-quality batting toys. The human's "screen-free activity" will provide a delightful opportunity for me to "assist" by liberating these loops before they are forever imprisoned in a non-playable form.

Key Features

  • Larger 10”x10” Loom – Features a 10”x10” sturdy metal loom that holds loops securely for easy, no-slip weaving, perfect for bigger potholders.
  • Quality Cotton Loops – Includes cotton loops in vibrant rainbow colors (additional colors sold separately) are soft and strong for weaving durable potholders.
  • Complete Weaving Kit – Includes metal loom, cotton loops to weave 2 large potholders, weaving hook, crochet hook, and instructions.
  • Screen-Free Sensory Activity – Encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination for all ages.
  • Made in the USA – Trusted quality craftsmanship for generations of crafters.
  • Makes 2 Usable Potholders – Weave two large potholders for practical kitchen use, personalized gifts, or creative craft projects.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

It arrived in a box, as all new disappointments do. The human, with that familiar glint of misguided enthusiasm in her eyes, unpacked the contents onto the living room rug. My initial survey revealed a collection of parts: two shiny metal sticks, a bag of colorful rings that smelled faintly of dye and possibility, and a square metal frame that looked like a window to a very boring, grid-like dimension. I yawned, displaying my utter lack of interest, and began to wash a paw. This was clearly another human folly, destined to collect dust. Then, the ritual began. She sat cross-legged on the floor, the metal grid in her lap, and began stretching the little cotton rings—the "loops"—across the frame, one by one. A line of red. A line of orange. My washing paused mid-lick. This was not the chaotic fumbling I was used to; there was a pattern, a quiet deliberateness to her actions. The soft *thwump* of each loop seating itself on the metal pegs was a hypnotic rhythm. I crept closer, my belly low to the ground, my gray fur a shadow on the floorboards. This wasn't crafting. This was some sort of coded message being laid out before me. The metal weaving hook, the "stylus of fate," came out next. She began to weave it through the colorful latticework, pulling and tucking. I watched, transfixed, interpreting the patterns as they shifted. A block of sunny yellow next to a sliver of sky blue? A clear prophecy of a warm sunbeam appearing by the window in the next hour. A chaotic jumble of green and purple? A sign that the mysterious pot of catnip on the high shelf would soon be accessible. I saw our shared future being written in this cotton tapestry, and I even tried to influence it, batting gently at a loose red loop to suggest an earlier dinner time. When she was finished, she used the crochet hook to bind the edges, lifting the completed prophecy from the loom. It was dense, solid, and strangely... silent. The vibrant, living message I had been reading was now a compressed, lifeless mat. She held it up, proud of her "potholder," utterly oblivious to the story it had told. She placed it on the kitchen counter, where it now sits. A useless artifact. The magic, I realized, wasn't in the finished product; it was in the telling. A worthy distraction, I suppose, but I do wish she hadn't sealed the prophecy shut. Now I'll have to find another way to know when the sunbeams are coming.

Hapinest Make Your Own Potholders Weaving Loom for Kids, Weaving Loom Kit, Pot Holder Loom Kit for Beginners, Potholder Loops Arts and Crafts Kit for Kids Girls Boys Ages 6 7 8 9 10-12 Years Old & Up

By: Hapinest

Pete's Expert Summary

It appears the human has acquired yet another "kit," this one from a brand called "Hapinest," which promises to create woven squares they call "potholders." My initial assessment is one of profound indifference to the primary goal. However, the pile of 250 "vibrant nylon loops" presents a certain... opportunity. These small, stretchy rings are almost certainly destined to be batted under the refrigerator, fished out of the water bowl, and presented as offerings on my human's pillow at 3 a.m. The metal loom itself is a cold, hard square, perhaps useful for a chin scratch, but the true value lies in the inevitable mess and the scattered, hunt-able loops. The finished product, a lumpy mat, will likely serve as a subpar napping spot, but I suppose I will deign to test it for structural integrity.

Key Features

  • Complete Potholder Loom: This weaving loom kit includes a 7x7 inch metal loom, 250 vibrant nylon loops, weaving hook, crochet hook, 4 rubber bands, and step-by-step instructions. Perfect for beginners learning to use a potholder loom.
  • Create 6 Unique Potholders: Kids can mix and match 12 colorful pot holder loops to design and weave 6 custom pot holders with this easy-to-use loom kit. Perfect for encouraging creativity while learning the craft of weaving for kids.
  • Fun Craft Project For Groups: Ideal for birthday parties or playdates, this loom kit for kids allows multiple children to weave their own unique creations. A great way to bond and explore creative skills with friends and family.
  • Perfect Gift For Young Crafters: A fantastic kids craft kit that encourages creativity and craft skills. An engaging gift for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, suitable for kids ages 6 and up.
  • Easy To Use Weaving Loom: Follow simple instructions to create colorful patterns. Ideal for kids’ craft kits, this loom set includes everything needed for fun and creative weaving projects.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The ceremony began in the stark light of the afternoon sun pooling on the living room rug. My human, with an air of grave importance, unboxed the components of the ritual: a metal grid that looked like a gate to a very dull dimension, a small plastic wand, and pouches filled with brightly colored tributes. I observed from my post atop the armchair, a silent, gray-furred god watching a novice acolyte prepare an offering. They stretched the first loops across the metal altar, their movements clumsy but deliberate. A line of lurid orange, followed by an aggressive purple. A pattern was forming. This was no mere craft; this was an invocation. My initial cynicism began to wane, replaced by a deep, scholarly curiosity. The human was weaving. The little plastic hook became a scepter, dipping and pulling, binding the loops together in a slow, hypnotic rhythm. Was this a tapestry meant to record my great deeds? The time I heroically slew the rogue sunbeam on the wall? The epic saga of my confrontation with the vacuum cleaner? The colors were gaudy, of course—humans have such pedestrian taste—but the intent seemed pure. They were creating a physical manifestation of their devotion, a sacred square woven with the threads of their servitude. I watched, my tail giving a slow, approving thump-thump against the upholstery. After an age, the final loop was pulled, the rite concluded. The human carefully detached the woven object from the metal loom, holding it aloft. It was... imperfect. A few loops were clearly looser than the others, creating a subtle, almost pathetic waviness along one edge. For a moment, I considered registering my displeasure with a withering glare. But the human seemed so pleased with their lumpy, multicolored sigil. They placed it on the coffee table, a clear presentation for my divine judgment. I descended from my throne with practiced grace, my paws making no sound on the hardwood floor. I approached the offering, circling it once. It smelled of plastic and concentrated effort. I extended a single, perfect white paw and tentatively prodded the center. It was firm, yet yielding. I pushed it. It slid, skittering across the polished wood with a satisfying whisper. A worthy token. Not for napping, certainly not for handling hot things—what a ridiculous notion—but as a ceremonial floor-skittering disc? It would suffice. The human was learning.

Friendly Loom 7” Traditional Potholder Weaving Kit | Sturdy Metal Loom and Quality Cotton Weaving Loops in Rainbow Colors | Complete Kit to Weave 2 Functional Potholders | Made in the USA

By: Harrisville Designs

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has procured a metal grid and a pile of colorful fabric rings, which they call a "Potholder Kit." They believe they are engaging in some noble, "screen-free" act of creation, weaving little squares to protect their delicate paws from hot things. I, however, see it for what it truly is: a high-quality, deconstructed cat toy. The sturdy metal loom is a passable observation perch, but the true prize is the bag of soft, vibrant cotton loops. These are prime batting and chewing material. While the human's tedious weaving process might be a bore to watch, the raw materials are of an acceptable quality for my amusement. It is, therefore, not a complete waste of my napping schedule.

Key Features

  • Sturdy Metal Loom – 7”x7” metal loom holds loops securely for no-slip, easy weaving.
  • Quality Cotton Loops – Includes cotton loops in vibrant rainbow colors (additional colors sold separately) are soft and strong for weaving durable potholders.
  • Complete Weaving Kit – Includes metal loom, cotton loops to weave two potholders, weaving hook, crochet hook, and instructions.
  • Screen-Free Sensory Activity – Encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination for all ages and skill levels.
  • Made in the USA – Trusted quality craftsmanship for generations of crafters.
  • Makes 2 Usable Potholders – Weave two potholders for practical kitchen use, personalized gifts, or creative craft projects.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The contraption appeared on the coffee table one evening, a metallic lattice that gleamed under the lamp light. My human, the Warden of this comfortable prison, laid it out with a reverence usually reserved for the opening of a can of premium tuna. Beside the grid, she spilled a treasure trove of soft, colorful rings. My initial assessment was one of territorial offense. This was a new structure, an unknown artifact, placed squarely in my domain without my written, verbal, or telepathic consent. I watched from the arm of the sofa, my tail a metronome of deep suspicion, as she began stretching the loops across the frame, creating a warp of color. I interpreted her actions as a form of ritualistic claim-staking. She was building a strange, soft fence on my table. With a silent leap, I landed beside the operation, a silent protest in tuxedoed form. I sniffed the metal loom; it was cold, impersonal, and smelled faintly of the cardboard box it came from. Unimpressive. Then, my nose grazed the taut cotton loops. They were soft, with the faint, promising scent of unprocessed plant fiber. The Warden used a plastic hook to begin her weaving, pulling a blue loop over and under the established pattern. This was a slow, deliberate invasion. To disrupt this incursion, I selected my weapon: a single, brilliant yellow loop from the bag. I hooked it with a claw, flicked it into the air, and pounced. It was a worthy adversary, yielding yet resilient. I subdued it with a flurry of kicks from my back paws before carrying my prize under the sofa for a more thorough interrogation. From my dark lair, I watched the Warden continue her work, oblivious to my strategic sabotage. She was so focused on her colorful fence that she failed to notice the breach in her supply lines. Hours later, or perhaps minutes—time is a construct I rarely acknowledge—she finished. She pulled the woven square from the loom, a miniature, pliable version of the fence she had been building. She held it up, admiring her handiwork. Then, she did the unexpected. She placed it on the kitchen counter and set her hot mug of tea directly upon it. It wasn't a fence. It wasn't a claim. It was a… coaster? A throne for her hot beverages? My verdict was swift and absolute. The final product was a triviality, a mere mat. But the process, and more importantly, the pile of unguarded, brightly-colored, perfectly battable cotton loops left behind? An undeniable triumph of recreational engineering. The Warden could have her little square; I had claimed the far more valuable spoils of war.

Friendly Loom 7” Traditional Potholder Plus Weaving Kit | Sturdy Metal Loom and Quality Cotton Weaving Loops in Rainbow Colors | Complete Kit to Weave 6 Functional Potholders | Made in The USA

By: Harrisville Designs

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has acquired a box of what appears to be a disassembled piece of modern art. It involves a square metal grid, a bag of brightly colored rings made of what seems to be high-quality cotton, and some pointy metal sticks. The stated purpose is to create "potholders," which are utterly useless squares of fabric from my perspective, unless they happen to be left on a particularly sunny spot on the floor. However, the true value of this "Friendly Loom" kit is not in the pathetic end product. It is in the process. The human will be forced to sit still for an extended duration, concentrating, which creates an ideal, stationary, and warm napping platform. The little cotton loops also hold a certain appeal; their texture and colors suggest they might be satisfying to bat under the sofa when no one is looking. A mixed bag, but the lap-time potential is significant.

Key Features

  • Sturdy Metal Loom – 7”x7” metal loom holds loops securely for no-slip, easy weaving.
  • Quality Cotton Loops – Includes cotton loops in vibrant rainbow colors (additional colors sold separately) are soft and strong for weaving durable potholders.
  • Complete Weaving Kit – Includes metal loom, cotton loops to weave 6 potholders, weaving hook, crochet hook, and instructions.
  • Screen-Free Sensory Activity – Encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination for all ages and skill levels.
  • Made in the USA – Trusted quality craftsmanship for generations of crafters.
  • Makes 2 Usable Potholders – Weave six potholders for practical kitchen use, personalized gifts, or creative craft projects.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The contraption appeared on the coffee table one dreary afternoon. A metal frame, cold and sterile, a skeleton waiting for flesh. I observed from my velvet cushion, unimpressed. My human, with that familiar, focused glint in her eye that usually precedes a lengthy and boring project, began to stretch colorful cotton loops across the frame, one by one. First vertically, then horizontally, a vibrant web began to form, pulled taut across the metal. It was a grid of silent potential, a tapestry of tension. I yawned, feigning disinterest, but my tail gave a slight, involuntary twitch. When the human was called away by the shrill summons of her pocket rectangle, I seized the opportunity. I leaped silently onto the table, a gray shadow with a white tuxedo front. I approached the loom not as a toy, but as an instrument. The stretched loops, a rainbow of soft cotton, resembled the strings of a bizarre, miniature harp. Tentatively, I extended a single, perfect paw and gently tapped a sapphire-blue loop. *Thwump*. A satisfying, muffled note. I tried a crimson one next. *Thwump*. A slightly deeper tone. This was not mindless destruction; it was a composition. I began to play, my paws dancing across the woven surface. A staccato rhythm on the yellows, a slow, deliberate press on the greens, a quick flurry across the purples. I was a maestro, conducting a silent symphony of my own creation. The loom was my orchestra, and the soft cotton strings sang a song only I could hear. I was lost in my art, a pioneer of a new percussive form. My human returned, catching me mid-performance. "Oh, Pete," she cooed, "are you testing my work?" She didn't understand. This wasn't a test; it was a recital. She picked up her hook and began to pull the loops through each other, dismantling my instrument and transforming it into a dense, flat square. The resulting potholder was a chaotic muddle of my symphony, a visual record of my sonic masterpiece. She saw a functional object; I saw the frozen echo of my music. My final verdict is this: The loom itself is a fleeting stage, but one of magnificent, if temporary, acoustic properties. The cotton loops are of a superior quality, both for musical expression and, as I later discovered, for clandestine chewing. The human remains blissfully ignorant of my genius, but I will permit her to continue this "hobby." After all, every great artist needs a patron, even an unwitting one.

Harrisville Designs Lap Loom Kit, Hand Weaving for Kids and Adults (Style A)

By: Harrisville Designs

Pete's Expert Summary

So, my human has acquired what appears to be a torture device for string. It’s a rigid wooden frame they call a “lap loom,” which is an immediate declaration of war, as the lap is my sovereign territory. The entire purpose seems to be to methodically tangle colorful wool yarn into a flat, patterned rectangle. While the sheer volume of high-quality wool is undeniably appealing—offering tantalizing possibilities for batting and unraveling—the core activity seems dreadfully tedious. It’s a human-centric distraction that will occupy both prime real estate (the lap) and prime resources (the yarn), likely culminating in a coaster or a small, lumpy mat that could never hope to rival the exquisite texture of my own fur. A noble effort, perhaps, but a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes a surface truly comfortable.

Key Features

  • Harrisville Lap Loom kit makes beautiful and colorful tapestries.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

It began with an scent on the air—not the usual aromas of my salmon pâté or the human’s burnt toast, but something earthy, ancient, and deeply compelling. The smell of sheep. My human sat cross-legged on the floor, a new wooden idol between their knees. From a crinkly bag, they pulled forth hanks of yarn, not the slick, plastic-y kind from the craft store, but thick, soft, glorious wool in shades of twilight blue and mossy green. My initial disdain for this new lap-usurper softened into a professional curiosity. I observed from my perch on the armchair, a silent, gray-furred foreman. The human’s hands, usually employed for petting me or fumbling with a remote, moved with a strange, clumsy grace. They separated the vertical strings with a flat piece of wood, creating a little tunnel. Through this tunnel, they guided another piece of wood, this one sharp, trailing a long tail of blue wool. Then came the most curious part: a wooden comb-like thing they used to *thwack* the new blue thread down against its predecessor. *Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.* It was a slow, deliberate rhythm, a stark contrast to the chaotic jangling of most of my toys. This was not play; this was... construction. My skepticism warred with my instincts. I leapt down, landing with a soft thud, and padded over. The human was so engrossed in their work they didn't even notice me until my nose was an inch from the growing patch of color. I sniffed the wool. It was authentic. I could almost hear the distant bleating of its original owner. I extended a single, careful claw and snagged the trailing end of the green yarn. I gave it a tug. It was springy, resistant, alive. The human finally looked down, not with annoyance, but with a soft smile. "You're my little helper, aren't you, Pete?" they murmured. Helper? No. I am a quality control inspector. When the thing was finally cut from its wooden prison, it was a small, imperfect rectangle of woven warmth. The human laid it on the hardwood floor like an offering. I circled it once, twice, my whiskers twitching as I assessed its texture, its scent, its very soul. It was lumpy, the edges were uneven, and a single one of my gray hairs had been woven into the blue section—a clear mark of my oversight. I stepped onto its center, kneaded it with my paws, and settled into a loaf. It was not as soft as a cashmere throw, nor as warm as a sunbeam, but it was made of pure focus and good wool. It was a worthy, if primitive, shrine. I closed my eyes, accepting their tribute.

Clover 8440 Fine Weaving Sticks (6-Pack), Brown

By: Clover

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with what appears to be a bundle of six identical, slender sticks. They are made of smooth birch wood, a material I find acceptably neutral on the palate, should I deign to chew on them. The packaging, which my human carelessly left nearby, suggests these are "Weaving Sticks," some sort of baffling tool for a tedious human craft. From my perspective, they lack the fundamental requirements of a toy: no feathers, no erratic movement, no tantalizing scent of catnip. They are the very definition of inert potential. While I appreciate the sheer quantity, offering multiple targets for a coordinated swatting attack, their profound stillness means they are likely to be a colossal waste of my energy unless the human is willing to personally wiggle them for my amusement.

Key Features

  • 6 Weaving Sticks per package
  • Smooth Birch wood
  • Fun and easy weaving
  • Country of Origin: China

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The ceremony began under the dim light of the evening lamp. The human, my large and generally well-meaning warden, unwrapped the artifacts with a reverence I typically reserve for the opening of a fresh can of tuna. Six pale wands of polished wood were laid bare upon the rug. I watched from my observation post atop the sofa, tail twitching, analyzing the ritual. She wasn't preparing them for me, that much was clear. She was weaving some sort of strange, colorful yarn between them, her hands moving in a rhythmic, perplexing dance. This was not play; this was some sort of strange magic. When she finally abandoned her post for a cup of tea, I descended. The air around the half-finished weaving still hummed with her peculiar energy. The six birch wands stood like silent sentinels guarding a nest of tangled rainbow entrails. I gave one a tentative sniff. It smelled of wood and human hands, a mundane combination. I extended a single, perfect claw and gently tapped the nearest wand. It resisted, held fast by the tension of the yarn. This was not a simple stick to be batted under the furniture. This was a component of a larger, more complex system. Intrigued, I nudged a different wand with my nose, one at the edge of the construct. It wobbled, and the entire structure shimmered. The threads tightened and loosened in a wave. I did it again, harder this time. *Thunk*. The wand popped free from its yarn prison and rolled across the floor, coming to a stop pointing directly at the door to the kitchen. I looked at the fallen wand, then at the kitchen, where my food dish resided. It was an omen. These weren't toys; they were divining rods. I had misinterpreted their purpose entirely. I then batted another free, which rolled and pointed towards the softest blanket on the armchair. A prophecy of a nap. I had my verdict. As mere playthings, these sticks were a failure. But as tools of prognostication, as a means to chart the course of my day—from meals to slumber—they were indispensable. The human could keep her silly weaving. I had stolen two of her sacred wands of prophecy, and I would use them to ensure my future was filled with maximum comfort and minimal effort. They were worthy, not for play, but for power.

DDAI Elastic Cloth Band Bracelet Making Toy - Arts and Crafts Kit for Kids Weaving Loom Bracelets Kit 1000+ Colorful Fabric Loops - Birthday Gift for Girls Boys 6 7 8-12 Years Old

By: DDAI

Pete's Expert Summary

My human, in her infinite and often baffling wisdom, has acquired what appears to be a containment unit for miniature, multi-colored segments of an unfortunate rainbow. This "DDAI" kit is ostensibly for creating trinkets to adorn her clumsy human appendages, but the box features two key elements that concern me directly: a rather crude effigy of a feline, which I find insulting, and the mention of "pet collars." The loops themselves are made of soft cotton, a significant improvement over the ghastly, fur-pulling rubber of lesser craft kits. While the prospect of being decorated with the fruits of my human's fumbling labor is horrifying, the soft texture of the loops holds a certain tactile promise. They are also, I note, the perfect size for batting under the sofa, should I be able to liberate one from the garish pink prison in which it arrived. It is a device of great potential, both for my amusement and my humiliation.

Key Features

  • Create Multiple Loom Crafts, from Hair Ties to Bracelets: Our versatile DIY loom kit allows you to craft more than just bracelets! Make stylish hair ties, wristbands, headbands, pet collars, and a variety of other fun accessories with ease.
  • Soft Elastic Cotton loops, comfortable and Durable: Our DIY bracelet making kits features vibrant, skin-friendly cotton loops that stretches easily and feels soft. A fantastic alternative to rubber band kits, providing comfort and style in every creation!
  • Portable Carry Case for On-the-Go Creativity: With a cute and practical pink carry case, you can take your loom kit anywhere! Perfect for crafting at home, at a friend's house, or even on the road—craft anytime, anywhere.
  • Complete Loom Craft Kits for Endless Possibilities: Everything you need is included - a cute cat-shaped loom, colorful loops, crochet hook, easy-to-follow instructions, and a portable pink carry case for crafting anytime, anywhere!
  • Perfect Gift for All Ages: This all-in-one kit is an ideal gift for creative girls, boys and adults, allowing them to explore endless DIY possibilities. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
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A Tale from Pete the Cat

The ceremony began at dusk. The Human, my designated staff member, presented a glossy pink coffer upon the floor, her face alight with a fervor I typically only see when the treat bag crinkles. She unlatched it, and a strange, sweet, plasticky scent filled my nostrils. Inside, nestled in neat little compartments, were hundreds of soft, colorful rings. And there, sitting like a deity in the center of its own bizarre pantheon, was The Idol—a grotesque, smiling, plastic caricature of one of my kind. It was an effigy, and I knew at once a ritual was about to take place. I watched from the arm of the sofa, my tail twitching in a rhythm of pure disdain, as she began her work. With a hooked silver wand, she plucked the little cloth offerings from their cells and began stretching and weaving them over the pegs of the plastic cat-god. She was clumsy, dropping a vibrant green loop to the floor. An offering for me, perhaps? I descended silently, my paws making no sound on the rug. I batted it. It was soft, yielding, with a satisfying elasticity. It skittered across the hardwood, a worthy prey. The Human, however, retrieved it with a stern "No, Pete," and returned it to her profane task. Clearly, these sacrifices were for The Idol alone. For what seemed like an eternity, she looped and pulled, her brow furrowed in concentration. A chain of interlocking colors began to grow, a vibrant serpent slithering from the base of the effigy. It was, I had to admit, a rather handsome serpent. The colors were vibrant, and the cotton material looked infinitely more comfortable than the stiff collar with the noisy bell that I had previously managed to "lose" behind the refrigerator. My skepticism began to war with a nascent curiosity. What was the purpose of this woven tribute? Finally, the ritual was complete. The Human detached the finished object from The Idol and held it aloft. She approached me not with a command, but with a humble offering. "For you, my handsome boy," she cooed, presenting the soft, woven chain. I held my ground, sniffing it cautiously. It smelled of her, and of clean cotton. There was no jingle, no stiff leather, no buckle to pinch my pristine white ruff. I lowered my head, a gesture of royal assent. She slipped it over my ears. It settled around my neck, light as a whisper and soft against my fur. It was not a shackle. It was a proper piece of regalia. I gave a slow blink of approval. The Human’s strange cult was disturbing, but its tributes, I decided, were worthy. For now.

Pepperell Weaving Loom Retro Craft Kit, Red, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

By: Pepperell

Pete's Expert Summary

Ah, another offering has been presented for my consideration. My human seems to believe my opinion on their trinkets is paramount, and in this, they are entirely correct. This appears to be a "craft kit" from a brand called Pepperell, which sounds like something one sprinkles on food, not a purveyor of fine goods. It consists of a strange metal grid, a pointy silver stick, and, most importantly, a veritable treasure trove of colorful, stretchy rings. The stated purpose is for the human to weave these rings into a "potholder," a flat, useless square destined to be singed by hot metal. While the act of weaving seems like a tedious and pointless human endeavor—time better spent napping in a sunbeam—the individual components, specifically the 120 vibrant loops, show immense promise for being batted, chewed, and strategically hidden under the furniture.

Key Features

  • This classic hobby set is fun for everyone, ages 8 to 88! This weaving loom set completes two potholders
  • This 8x8x2 inch package contains one metal loom, one metal hook, 120 loops and instructions
  • Meets CP'sA Requirements
  • Conforms to A'sTM D4236 and EN71
  • Imported.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The Tuesday afternoon was proceeding with its usual, impeccable slowness when the human returned from an outing, carrying a flat, rectangular box. My supervisory duties compelled me to approach as she placed it on the floor. The contents were, to be blunt, baffling. A metallic grid, like a tiny cage for a creature I had not yet had the pleasure of hunting. A sharp, silver hook, like a vulture's talon. And a pile of soft, colorful loops, smelling faintly of dye and potential. My initial assessment was bleak; this was clearly another one of her projects, designed to occupy her clumsy paws and distract her from her primary purpose: attending to my needs. I watched from my observation post on the arm of the sofa as she began the ritual. She stretched a blue loop, then a yellow one, stringing them across the metal grid with a focused, almost trance-like expression. It was a bizarre ceremony. She was building a cage of color, a vibrant prison. Was she trying to capture a sunbeam? A scent? The very concept of joy? Her movements were rhythmic, hypnotic. Then, she produced the silver talon, using it to pluck and pull the strands, weaving them into a tight, confusing pattern. I confess, a flicker of interest ignited within my sophisticated soul. This was not random; this was deliberate. This was a spell. My skepticism, while still profound, now had an undercurrent of curiosity. I descended from my perch and padded silently toward the ritual site. The human, sensing my powerful presence, paused. She held up a single, bright red loop, dangling it before me. An offering? A test of my worthiness? I accepted her challenge. With a flick of my paw, I hooked the loop and sent it skittering across the hardwood floor, a flash of crimson disappearing into the dark dimension beneath the credenza. The human let out a soft laugh, which I interpreted as acknowledgement of my contribution to her magic. Eventually, the spell was complete. With a final tug, she peeled the finished object from the loom. It was a dense, warm, multicolored square. She placed it on the floor, an offering to the household god she had just appeased. I approached it with the gravity the moment deserved. I sniffed its edges. I prodded it with a single, cautious claw. Then, with the ceremony concluded, I settled my magnificent tuxedo-clad form directly upon it. It was surprisingly comfortable, a perfect little throne for my afternoon meditation. The loom itself was a bore, but the final tribute? Acceptable. The human, it seems, is a moderately competent sorcerer after all.

Friendly Loom | PegLoom - 7"x10" Wooden Tapestry Loom Weaving Kit for Kids

By: Harrisville Designs

Pete's Expert Summary

My human, in their infinite and often baffling wisdom, has procured a "PegLoom." From what I can gather, it's a small wooden rectangle with plastic teeth, designed to trap perfectly good string. It comes with cotton warp string and, more importantly, 100% wool yarn. The entire endeavor seems to be an exercise in turning superior-quality napping and playing materials into a lumpy, useless coaster. The human seems to think this is a "fun activity," but I see it as a tragic misuse of resources. While the promise of premium wool yarn is almost enough to make me twitch a whisker in interest, the prospect of watching it be slowly and methodically imprisoned on a tiny wooden rack seems like a colossal waste of my valuable supervision time.

Key Features

  • The award-winning Harrisville Designs peg loom offers tapestry weaving for beginners
  • Youngsters can learn real tapestry weaving for projects measuring up to 5.5" X 9"
  • Includes hardwood 7" X 10" Loom with nylon pegs, cotton warp string, 100% wool yarn, plastic needle and instructions
  • Preserves the New Hampshire tradition of handmade textiles produced exclusively in the USA
  • Suitable for ages 6 and up

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The contraption arrived in a cardboard box, which was, as always, the most promising part of the delivery. I had barely settled in for a preliminary nap upon its corrugated surface when my human unceremoniously evicted me to reveal the contents. It was a wooden frame, studded with dull nylon pegs. I gave it a cursory sniff, registered the faint, uninteresting scent of wood and disappointment, and turned my back on it. Another piece of human nonsense, destined to gather dust in a corner. I was wrong. Later that evening, the human sat down with the frame and began to dress it. They stretched cotton strings vertically across the pegs, creating a taut, miniature harp. My ears swiveled. The strings hummed with a low, tempting thrum whenever my human's clumsy fingers brushed against them. Then came the main event: a bundle of luscious, colorful wool yarn. The scent hit me from across the room—rich, earthy, and wild. They took a clumsy plastic needle and began to slowly, painstakingly weave the wool through the cotton harp. It was a tedious, agonizing process to witness. A vibrant, beautiful serpent of wool, being methodically suffocated. I watched for what felt like an eternity from my velvet throne, my tail-tip flicking with a mixture of pity and predatory intent. The human was creating... a block. A flat, lifeless block of color. They had no vision, no passion. When they finally stood up to fetch more of their foul-smelling bean water, I saw my opportunity. This was not an act of destruction; it was a rescue mission. An artistic intervention. I leaped from the chair, a silent gray shadow descending upon the sad little project. A single, well-placed claw was all it took to liberate the first strand of wool. Ah, the glorious release! I did not merely tangle the yarn; I sculpted it. I batted, I bunny-kicked, I wove a chaotic new pattern that spoke of midnight hunts and the fierce joy of a full food bowl. I incorporated a bit of my own soft, gray fur for texture and authenticity. When the human returned, they let out a small, choked gasp. They saw a mess. I, the true artist, saw what it was always meant to be: a masterpiece. This "loom," I've decided, is not a toy. It is a canvas, and it is worthy, but only when placed in the paws of a true master.