Lost art alive and well at MOI

The loom in the back room at Malta Opportunities Inc. is crammed full of shuttles, threads and sweeping wooden mechanics, which zig back and forth as Bobby Cole, a client at MOI, weaves fabric in and out of the huge machine before pulling the handle to tie loose fabric down.

"I like to make the blankets," Cole says, keeping his eyes on the work in front of him. "Sometimes I can make six or seven a year and I will make six this year."

The loom (a Webber Delight Loom, manufactured by the Newcomb Loom Company) was given to MOI by Linda Hoover about 14 years ago (in Cole's best estimation.)...