Isela aka Purling Sprite lives in Cache Valley, Utah with her two lovely children, Bryant and Nyah and her wonderful hubby Sam. PurlingSprite.com was born in an effort to keep track of her knitting adventures, then it evolved to include anecdotes of her daily life, including running, cycling, and swimming. Since its inception, I have divided my blog into two sections: one that houses all the loom knitting information and it is now found at www.loomknit.com and www.purlingsprite.com where I keep all my entries of my daily life including my training.
Isela began running in the Spring of 2007 after her son asked her one afternoon if she was pregnant (no, I wasn't!) my first reaction was to cry. I was sad. I had become rolly polly and I couldn't get out of it by just cutting down on food. I began running, slowly, running 1 mile killed me. My husband would take me around this area in our neighborhood and he would run ahead of me and I would drag behind, spitting my lungs out as I struggled to run 12-13 minute miles. I was really a pathetic sight. I struggled through the one mile but soon enough I conquered it. It wasn't easy but I was able to go from 1 mile to 2 miles. Mid summer I was running 3 miles, slowly, but 3 miles nonetheless. I felt so happy.
During 2007, I also got my very first bike. I learned to ride in our small cul-de-sac. Scared out of my mind, I took my first rides around the neighborhood. Mother's Day of the same year brought me a nice surprise in the form of my road bike Saphira, a Specialized Ruby Comp. Yes, with only a few hours of experience, I took a road bike and went out and rode. My first ride was a 20 mile ride that left me sore and scared of cars. My next rides were no better, I was scared, I was slow, and I was the chubbiest one from all my friends. Despite my slowness, I didn't give up. Always the last one in all the rides, I would ride and sometimes with tears, I would get to the rest stop only with enough time to get a drink and keep going. Unlike my riding friends, I am unable to get a drink while riding as I lack the balance. The month after I received my bike, my neighbors asked me to join them in this all women ride called Little Red. I signed up and joined them. With only a month of riding experience, I went out and rode 80 miles. It felt great, except when I got off my bike and realized that the feeling to my left hand was completely gone. I had damaged the ulnar nerve and I wasn't able to use my hand for a couple of weeks. Despite the damage to my hand, I was still able to ride and was able to click in a few hundred miles over the summer.
In 2008, I kept working on my running and cycling and realized that despite my chubbette look that I could run and bike far if I put my mind to it. I worked on getting my running mileage up from 3 to 5. As I neared 5, I set a goal. A lofty goal. I wanted to do a Half Marathon. I registered for my first HM, the Ogden Half. In May of 2008, I completed my first Half Marathon. In August 2008, I completed my second one. Cycling also saw some huge goals: my first two centuries. In June, I completed my first one and in July with hubby by my side I completed my second one supporting Multiple Sclerosis.
Running and cycling have allowed me to see that I can achieve my goals...I just need to focus on it and work for it. I am no longer chubbette nor a couch potato. I bike, I run, and I swim...slow at all of them. I shed 30+ lbs and I feel wonderful. The best part of it all, I am loving my new lifestyle!
My goals in this area include cycling the famous Lotoja Classic, participating in a marathon (completed!) and someday completing an Ironman.
Sept 19th, 2009: Completed 1st marathon! Time: 3:51:22
May 15, 2010: Completed 2nd marathon! Time: 3:41:11
At the end of my first marathon (TOU 9/18/09), my kiddos were so excited!
I have the mini keychain loom and love it!! Believe it or not I use it to make a scarf with Starbella yarn with it. My cousin now wants one also but I can not remember what web site I bought it from. Does anyone know where I can buy one at? Thanks
Posted by: Tori | October 27, 2012 at 06:48 PM
Hi, I just love your video's. They have helped me alot. I have made so many scarfs because of you. I was just wondering if you had a chance to work with Trellis Ladder yarns. I picked some up and I'm knitting a shawl, but If it was on a loom,I know I can do it faster. Please post a video if you do.
Anyone else work with this yarn on a loom.
Michaela
Posted by: Michaela | February 07, 2012 at 05:56 AM
I got your primer book but am confused about looming a swatch gauge on the round loom with an e-wrap. I understand e-wrap going all the way around the loom but to do a swatch when you get to the end I am assuming you just go back and forth ? Any videos to help with this I am confused.
Posted by: Sandra P. | January 01, 2012 at 10:03 PM
i am using your pattern 4 pooch parka.i have a question about the pattern directions-what does it mean when it says,"twist the mc around the cc by moving the mc over the top of the cc and all the way around"?
Posted by: linda roggie | December 22, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Isela, I just want you to know how inspiring to me you are. You are the one who inspired me to pick up the looms in the first place, and set my needles aside for awhile. Thank you so much for showing me this amazing new art, which I have fell head over heels for:) I just created my own blog, because I was inspired by your blog:) zoomandloom.wordpress.com , you should check it out sometime if you have time, I mentioned you in my very first post! Thanks again for being my inspiration:)
Posted by: Ash | September 04, 2011 at 02:48 PM
I was trying to get your scrubbie pattern but it won't let me. Is it possible for you to send it to me.
Posted by: Hazle | July 30, 2011 at 11:17 PM
I was trying to get your scrubbie pattern but it won't let me. Is it possible for you to send it to me.
Posted by: Hazle | July 30, 2011 at 11:16 PM
I was trying to get your scrubbie pattern but it won't let me. Is it possible for you to send it to me.
Posted by: Hazle | July 30, 2011 at 11:16 PM
http://www.purlingsprite.com/2005/09/a_new_loom_stit.html
Enjoy!
Isela
Posted by: Isela | July 12, 2011 at 02:07 PM
Hi,
I am looking for a certain stitch that is done on the round looms. It is called the mock crochet stitch. Do you have a tutorial for this stitch?
Thanks,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | July 12, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Tell Sam hi. I showed cows with Sam back in the day.
Posted by: Ashley | July 10, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Tell Sam hi. I showed cows with Sam back in the day.
Posted by: Ashley | July 10, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Tell Sam hi. I showed cows with Sam back in the day.
Posted by: Ashley | July 10, 2011 at 11:07 PM
I have the same question as Karen above in the simple hat practice project in the Loom knitting primer book. I am stuck on the "Crown of the hat" part, and cannot figure it out for the life of me. Could you please reexplain this? I would love to finish this beautiful project that I started :)
Posted by: Jennifersudroff | April 24, 2011 at 07:17 AM
I have the same question as Karen above in the simple hat practice project in the Loom knitting primer book. I am stuck on the "Crown of the hat" part, and cannot figure it out for the life of me. Could you please reexplain this? I would love to finish this beautiful project that I started :)
Posted by: Jennifersudroff | April 24, 2011 at 07:17 AM
I have the same question as Karen above in the simple hat practice project in the Loom knitting primer book. I am stuck on the "Crown of the hat" part, and cannot figure it out for the life of me. Could you please reexplain this? I would love to finish this beautiful project that I started :)
Posted by: Jennifersudroff | April 24, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Hi Isela,
I've been enjoying your videos! Good job! I have to ask: Where did you learn to loom knit? All others do it completely different. They just enwrap and pull bottom loop over. Is there a reason you do not do it that way? Do you find your work comes out more even? I'm a beginner and I've done a bit using the method of others, then I came across your videos. Now i am trying your way. I find it's much slower for me. I'm hoping my pace will pick up. Can you share with us how you came to learn your way and why, please? BTW...I am a fan of yours now! :)
Posted by: Kristie Austin | March 16, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I am a triathlete knitter so will be very interested in your site!
Posted by: Joanna Ransley | March 16, 2011 at 08:23 AM
I am a triathlete knitter so will be very interested in your site!
Posted by: Joanna | March 16, 2011 at 08:23 AM
I am a triathlete knitter so will be very interested in your site!
Posted by: Joanna | March 16, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Hi Isela,
I have a question about the Simple Hat pattern in your Loom Knitting Primer. This was my very first loom project and all was fine until I got to the "crown of the hat" part. The instructions say to "move every third stitch over one space to the right. 24 stitches rem with 2 loops on each peg. 12 pegs empty." This does not make sense to me. How can you have 2 loops on each (24) peg when you've only emptied 12? And then, "Move every third stitch over one space to the right. 12 sts rem, 24 pegs empty." If you are only moving every third stitch, how do you end up with 24 pegs empty? By my calculations, you would have 8 pegs empty, leaving 8 with 2 loops and 4 with one. I am very confused and frustrated at what I consider a ruined project and a waste of my materials. Please clear up this issue, I am reluctant to start another project until I understand properly what went wrong with my first. Thanks!
Posted by: Karen | January 09, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Hi Isela,
I have a question about the Simple Hat pattern in your Loom Knitting Primer. This was my very first loom project and all was fine until I got to the "crown of the hat" part. The instructions say to "move every third stitch over one space to the right. 24 stitches rem with 2 loops on each peg. 12 pegs empty." This does not make sense to me. How can you have 2 loops on each (24) peg when you've only emptied 12? And then, "Move every third stitch over one space to the right. 12 sts rem, 24 pegs empty." If you are only moving every third stitch, how do you end up with 24 pegs empty? By my calculations, you would have 8 pegs empty, leaving 8 with 2 loops and 4 with one. I am very confused and frustrated at what I consider a ruined project and a waste of my materials. Please clear up this issue, I am reluctant to start another project until I understand properly what went wrong with my first. Thanks!
Posted by: Karen | January 09, 2011 at 03:41 PM
Hi Isela,
I have a question about the Simple Hat pattern in your Loom Knitting Primer. This was my very first loom project and all was fine until I got to the "crown of the hat" part. The instructions say to "move every third stitch over one space to the right. 24 stitches rem with 2 loops on each peg. 12 pegs empty." This does not make sense to me. How can you have 2 loops on each (24) peg when you've only emptied 12? And then, "Move every third stitch over one space to the right. 12 sts rem, 24 pegs empty." If you are only moving every third stitch, how do you end up with 24 pegs empty? By my calculations, you would have 8 pegs empty, leaving 8 with 2 loops and 4 with one. I am very confused and frustrated at what I consider a ruined project and a waste of my materials. Please clear up this issue, I am reluctant to start another project until I understand properly what went wrong with my first. Thanks!
Posted by: Karen | January 09, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Hi Kristina,
The Sock book is a bad one to start with, I would recommend
something like the Loom Knitting Primer, easier projects and all the
basics are covered.
Good luck in your first half! They are awesome :).
isela
Posted by: Isela | December 28, 2010 at 01:40 PM
Where to start..?????
I want to knit so bad but I have no idea how to begin..
I got your Loom Knitting Scock..But that feels like a hard start..Any suggestions..I am really excited to be creative and I love your blog..My hubby just finished his 1st Ironman..I'm running my first half Feb 13th...
Posted by: Kristina | December 28, 2010 at 01:37 PM
Where to start..?
I want to knit so bad but I have no idea how to begin..
I got your Loom Knitting Scock..But that feels like a hard start..Any suggestions..I am really excited to be creative and I love your blog..My hubby just finished his 1st Ironman..I'm running my first half Feb 13th...I
Posted by: Kristina | December 28, 2010 at 01:37 PM
Where to start..?
I want to knit so bad but I have no idea how to begin..
I got your Loom Knitting Scock..But that feels like a hard start..Any suggestions..I am really excited to be creative and I love your blog..My hubby just finished his 1st Ironman..I'm running my first half Feb 13th...I
Posted by: Kristina Woolf | December 28, 2010 at 01:36 PM
Isela,
I want say thank you to both your husband and you for cycling for those with Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed with MS in 1995 when I was 20 and my older sister was in 1996 when 25. Both of us are severely disabled from it and the one talent that I have been able to gain and continue with for the past year is loom knitting. Thank you again and may you and your loved ones be blessed for your caring for and supporting the causes you do.
Posted by: Kathryn Collier | December 22, 2010 at 07:09 PM
Please go to the videos section of the website where you will find
videos on these stitches and much more.
Thank you.
isela
Posted by: Isela | December 08, 2010 at 08:33 AM
Hi Isela,
I just started using the knitting loom (Kniffty Knitter) and have made a few infant hats. The instruction book that came with the 4-loom kit has me simply e-wrapping counter-clockwise, then flipping the bottom loop over the top loop to complete the knit row.
I bought your Knitting Loom Cables book, but the steps for starting (with chain cast on) and the knit sequence are very different from the Kniffty Knitter booklet (working clockwise). The chain cast on was fine, but I gave up trying to figure out the basic knit - just can't understand where the yarn goes and what gets flipped. Do you have images for each step of both the knit and purl sections that could clarify exactly how the yarn is positioned and moved? Thanks!!!
Posted by: Sheri Norton | December 08, 2010 at 07:40 AM
Hi Isela,
I just started using the knitting loom (Kniffty Knitter) and have made a few infant hats. The instruction book that came with the 4-loom kit has me simply e-wrapping counter-clockwise, then flipping the bottom loop over the top loop to complete the knit row.
I bought your Knitting Loom Cables book, but the steps for starting (with chain cast on) and the knit sequence are very different from the Kniffty Knitter booklet (working clockwise). The chain cast on was fine, but I gave up trying to figure out the basic knit - just can't understand where the yarn goes and what gets flipped. Do you have images for each step of both the knit and purl sections that could clarify exactly how the yarn is positioned and moved? Thanks!!!
Posted by: Sheri Norton | December 08, 2010 at 07:39 AM
Hello Isela,
I was given your site by Beth at the Knifty Knitter Company as she couldn't help me with a tech question on knitting in the round on the Knifty Knitter.
Isla or anyone, your help would be appreciated.
I have just had hand surgery and started working on a loom as I can work with one hand. I am trying to knit a hat with stripes and I keep getting steps at the portion where I begin and end a new color. I've tried all the video's online, called 4 separate knitting stores who handle the loom and then called the company who makes them. This site has been a terrific help, but I still can't resolve my jogs in the stripes.
Does anyone have a remedy?
Thank you.
Barbie
Posted by: Barbie Guin | November 30, 2010 at 01:01 PM
Hello Isela,
I was given your site by Beth at the Knifty Knitter Company as she couldn't help me with a tech question on knitting in the round on the Knifty Knitter.
Isla or anyone, your help would be appreciated.
I have just had hand surgery and started working on a loom as I can work with one hand. I am trying to knit a hat with stripes and I keep getting steps at the portion where I begin and end a new color. I've tried all the video's online, called 4 separate knitting stores who handle the loom and then called the company who makes them. This site has been a terrific help, but I still can't resolve my jogs in the stripes.
Does anyone have a remedy?
Thank you.
Barbie
Posted by: Barbie Guin | November 30, 2010 at 01:01 PM
I am sorry. Is there something I can do to help you?
Isela
Posted by: Isela | November 22, 2010 at 08:58 AM
This thing does not let me post :(
Posted by: Ticiana | November 22, 2010 at 07:52 AM
Isela,
Im not sure if this is the correct way to contact you but if I make an afghan and do the first and last 2 rows in garter and the rest in ewrap will it still curl at the end?
Thanks
Posted by: Kathy | October 20, 2010 at 06:56 AM
I have downloaded most of your PDF's ... now to get started on making them! I'll send pics as I get them made for Christmas gifts, etc.
Blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Posted by: Jolene Torgler | August 31, 2010 at 01:55 PM
Love your blog! So fun you are amazing.
Posted by: Lindsay | June 13, 2010 at 07:47 PM