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Permalink Reply by Tangled Macrame on August 15, 2009 at 7:19am

If your tubing is still tightly wound on the coil pull it loose so the plastic can "relax" a little before you work with it. I've realized few hoops are a perfect circle. Some days it really bothers me, but the next day I'll pick that same hoop up and won't notice it at all. Usually I just push the hoop into shape. They become more pliable when they're warm, so if you leave a hoop in the sun for a while, then just spin it, gravity will do most your work. Your hoop will even out...or you'll get use to the wobble.

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Permalink Reply by circularlogic on August 15, 2009 at 9:23am

I took a hoop making workshop with Caroleeena recently, & she had a couple of suggestions for this. Definitely let the tubing relax before you begin, as Tangled Macrame said.

Then just after you've inserted the coupling, while the tubing is still warm, gently "milk" the tubing, running it through your hands to coax the connection into a smooth curve. Be careful not to bend too hard, because that can cause a crimp. Just gently encourage it to take the proper shape. Also, while it's still warm, lay it on the floor to make sure it's all on one plane, & if not, gently press the offending part down and hold it there for a bit. If the hoop is oval shaped, hold it vertically the tall way & gently press down & hold for a couple of minutes, checking from time to time to see if it's right. It's best to do all this while the hoop is still warm from the boiling, but if you notice the problem after it has cooled, a hair dryer or time in the sun can restore flexibility.

Hope that helps!

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Permalink Reply by SaFire* on August 15, 2009 at 10:27am

One of my collapsible hoops is pretty wonky lately. The only time it really has an impact is during isolations, the illusion isn't as effective. Generally speaking though I'd hoop with a square if it was the only thing I had. ; )

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Permalink Reply by Chantal Dings on August 15, 2009 at 5:35pm

Thank you all, hooping in the sun most definitely helped ! ! I was pretty much hooping with a square but it's decided to round itself out ! !

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