June Weave Along

Welcome to the June Weave Along! This is my first time out, organizing this type of group project. So, I’m very excited to dive in!

Here are the parameters –

• Hopsack is the pattern we’ll incorporate into our handwoven fabric, and
• We’ll weave it during the month of June.

But that’s where the similarities end! Pick colors, fibers, and a finished item that you want to work on. And let’s weave!

Let’s talk about FAQ’s –

Why participate in the June Weave Along?

• If you have been uninspired lately, or you keep saying you’re going to get back into weaving, this is a perfect re-entry!
• Weavers are solitary people. Why not join a group of other weavers all working on a similar project?
• I specifically chose an easy pattern so everyone can do it!
• Let’s face it – deadlines can be good for us! One month to plan, start, and complete a project? Yes, please!

Do I HAVE to finish it in a month?

• Absolutely not! Take this at your own pace.
• However, here is my suggested schedule to keep you moving –
  • Week 1 – Dress the loom during the first week.
  • Weeks 2 & 3 – Weave the project throughout the middle of the month.
  • Week 4 – Finish the project at the end of the month.

What do I need to know about Hopsack?

• If you have The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory, by Anne Dixon, I’m using the information on pages 46-47. If you don’t, I’ve included images here for your reference.

• It is a straight draw. This means that when you are threading the heddles, you do it in a 1-2-3-4 sequence.
• It works great with any fiber. But, you’ll be able to see the pattern more clearly if you select something that isn’t overly fuzzy.
• My recommendation for your weaving epi (ends per inch) is to go with a twill spacing. I’m including some typical fibers and their epi below.
• Include a pair of floating selvedges to catch your weft yarn as you throw the shuttle back and forth. Why? Because when you weave the pattern, it will direct you to toss the shuttle with the same warp yarns lifted, multiple times in a row. Without floating selvedges, the weft yarn will pull right out.

Where can I ask for help and post my progress?

• If you get stuck at any point in the project, you are welcome to ask a question here or send me a note at chris@actoncreative.net.
• Yes, please share your progress photos! We would love to see them! You can share them will be on the Acton Creative Facebook page. I’ll have a post right at the top! If you don’t have Facebook, feel free to send them to me at chris@actoncreative.net.
• With your permission, I would love to share images with our fellow weavers throughout the month! But, I will always ask before I use your photo. Always.
• Every Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. (CST), I’ll be live on Facebook for “Live at the Loom”. There, I’ll share how my Weave Along project is going and be able to field questions or concerns.
• UPDATE! I’ve just created a “Weave Along with Acton Creative” Facebook page we can all join in! This will give us a central location to share our images, question, and successes. This link will take you right to it! Can’t wait to see you there!

What should I make?

• If you aren’t sure what to make, go with something simple. I love a short table runner, personally. It doesn’t need to be anything long. No need to weave 13 yards. The goal is to try out the pattern and kick it around to see if it’s something you’d like to do again.
• Keep in mind that you don’t have to make anything specific. If you want to dress your loom with 2 yards and simply weave some fabric? More power to you!
• Perhaps you don’t have a specific item in mind? Ponder what you’ve always wanted to try. This is the ideal time to attempt new things!
• If you think this sounds like a great idea, but the thought of developing your own project plan feels very daunting, I have an easy option for you. I’m posting my exact project plan and giving access to all the Acton Creative Insiders! Every level of membership will be able to download my details and walk in my exact footsteps through the project. That way, you can happily participate while not worrying over how to get started. And the goal is to get started and to get weaving! (If this option is right up your alley? This link will take you to the Acton Creative Insider page to register.)

Things to remember –

• There are no grades – only joyous experimentation!
• There is no Weave Along police to make sure you do the specified pattern exactly the way everyone else does it. You do you!
• This is supposed to be exciting and fun! If the idea of participating is adding stress to your life, please re-evaluate. It’s okay, really. This blog post will live on well past June so you can revisit it later on your own timetable.
• I am here for you! If you get hung up on something, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will try my best to assist you!

Let me know if you’ll be participating in the June Weave Along! I can’t wait to hear all about your gorgeous projects! Keep going to read suggestions for various fibers and their epi. Happy Weaving, friends! – chris

Common fibers and suggested epi (ends per inch)

3/2 Cotton – 15-16 epi

5/2 Cotton – 20 epi

8/2 Cotton – 24 epi

10/2 Cotton – 30 epi

8/4 Carpet Warp – 12 epi

8/2 Tencel – 27-28 epi

Shetland Wool – 15-16 epi

Highland Wool – 10 epi

(Let me know if I’m missing the fiber you want to use and I’ll add it to the list!)