Before Lojan even launched the 3-in-1 Inkle Loom, Jan, Loes, and I had already been talking about a smaller version. Sure, it sounded nice, but was it actually feasible? Some of the advantages of the larger loom could also be incorporated into the smaller version—like the screwed-in rods, the caps, and the little Velcro strap for the shuttle. But fitting a tablet weaving board? First, we’d focus on the big Inkle loom, and then we’d see where things went from there.
Still, Jan couldn’t quite let go of the idea of a small loom. And in the middle of the development process for the Flex, I suddenly got an email: “DPD is on its way with Inkeltje.” Could it be? But it was there: the very first prototype. Absolutely adorable, especially with the name Inkeltje. Time to start test-weaving!
With all the experience from the larger loom, developing Inkeltje moved quickly. Within two weeks, I had the “final test version” in my hands. The loom was ready—but what about the name? Inkeltje was perfect in Dutch, but what would we call it in English? Tiny? Junior? We weren’t quite sure.
Then the Lojan dealer newsletter arrived, announcing Inkeltje. And, as it turns out, Inkeltje would remain Inkeltje in English too. Loes had named it after Pinkeltje, a beloved character from the Dutch children’s book series by Dick Laan. And who from our generation (or the ones before and after us) didn’t grow up with Pinkeltje? So Inkeltje it is, although it doesn’t sound that international.
Just like Pinkeltje, Inkeltje is small, clever, and versatile. Another detail: Pinkeltje wears a blue hat and a red sweater, and the books are always yellow, so that’s why the shuttle that comes with Inkeltje is also yellow.
I bet Pinkeltje never imagined he’d one day gain worldwide fame thanks to a little inkle loom. 🙂
Inkeltje can be pre-ordered from now, please contact your dealer nearby. You can find the list of resellers on Lojan’s website.
Inkeltje and his big brother