April 2023 Weave Along

(The April 2023 Weave Along is over, but we had a BLAST! And you know we will be doing it again soon. Feel free to peruse the notes below to see what’s involved in an Acton Creative Weave Along and enjoy our gallery show with everyone’s beautiful projects! Happy Weaving!)

The April 2023 Weave Along is here! Are you ready for a month-long weaving adventure?

Here are the 2 guidelines for the April 2023 Weave Along (AWAL) –

1. All participants will start and finish a weaving project in the month of April, and
2. We’ll all use the same pattern – Herringbone!

Easy peasy, right?

April Weave Along Group

To help us stay on track and connect with each other throughout the process, I’ve set up a Facebook group specifically for us! The group will be a safe space for us to show our work, ask questions, support each other, and find inspiration. (The group is now closed.)

April Weave Along Pattern

One of our 2 guidelines for the month is that we’ll do the same pattern, which is herringbone. This classic 2/2 twill is a fun adventure with lots of angles!

The key components of a herringbone twill are using a broken twill threading, adding a pair of floating selvedges, and incorporating a 2/2 treadling. Check out episode 120, “Very Hip Herringbone” right here to watch how it all comes together. 

April Weave Along Project

There are no restrictions on what you can do for the April Weave Along. The sky is the limit! Just make sure it is something you can complete in one month. Otherwise, go crazy!! Anything is fair game. There will be no weaving police watching you. So, go to town, my friend!

April Weave Along Project Kit Materials

However, if the prospect of designing a project feels completely overwhelming, no worries! I’ve created an Acton Creative April Weave Along Kit that is available to you! My project is a sweet, 12″ x 40″ table runner is soft Easter-y colors! This kit is designed for a 4-shaft loom, and requires just one shuttle.

This year, I’m partnering with Cotton Clouds, who will be providing the yarn for the kit! (Thank you, Jodi!) The kit includes 3 tubes of 8/2 pastel cotton – everything you need to complete the project!

Just click here to order your kit materials today.

(Even though the 2023 April Weave Along is over, you can still purchase the kit, along with the instructions!)

April Weave Along Project Kit Instructions

Please note that the project instructions are sold separately. This will allow you to easily insert your own yarn, but not worry about making up your own project! And, there are 2 options ready for you!

AWAL Kit Instructions: You’ll receive a thorough, downloadable .pdf that will include all your dimensions/numbers, the pattern with how to weave the project, and details about how to finish it. (The kit does not include details on how to dress your loom. It is tailored to this project, only.) Just a reminder that the instructions are for a 4-shaft loom. Click here to get your instructions for $15!

OR,

AWAL Kit Instruction PLUS Bonus Tips: You’ll receive the .pdf and more! I’ve recorded a series of videos to help you through some of the key stages of the project. So, if you are a visual learner, this is a fabulous option! Just a reminder that the instructions and videos are geared towards a 4-shaft loom. Click here to get your instructions and so much more for $25!

FAQ’s

Is everything included in the kit from Cotton Clouds? All the yarn you’ll need (and then some!) is included in the kit. However, please note that the instructions are sold separately. This will give you lots of options if you’d like to use one, but not the other. (See the notes above for more about the instructions.)

Can I do herringbone on a rigid heddle loom? Yes! My rigid heddle friends tell me that you can pretty much do all the things that a 4-shaft can do – isn’t that wonderful? But I am not a rigid heddle weaver. So, use the fabulous YouTube to learn more about weaving herringbone on a rigid heddle loom.

What width loom do I need for the Acton Creative Weave Along Project? The project is set at 14″ wide in the reed. However, if you want to make it wider or narrower, it is simple to repeat or cut out a few inches to your desired width.

Can I use my own yarn for the Acton Creative Weave Along Project? You absolutely may use your own yarn! It would be beautiful in all sorts of colors and textures. The project is designed for 8/2 cotton, but you can easily substitute that with another fiber. In order to really appreciate the lovely pattern, I wouldn’t recommend anything too fuzzy. Otherwise, go to town!

I want to participate, but don’t want to do this pattern. While I would love for you to try the pattern, there is no weaving police monitoring weavers who choose to do your own thing. This is simply meant to give you inspiration and encourage you to get weaving!

What if I get stuck during the project? You have options, my friend! First of all, there is an entire Facebook group of weavers all going through the same thing. So, reach out and ask for some feedback/suggestions/answers. It’s a fabulous and generous group who will run to your rescue, I promise! However, if you want to do things more privately, you are always welcome to reach out to me directly at chris@actoncreative.net. I LOVE connecting with other weavers and will do my darnedest to help you out of your pickle!

How do I share my progress and the finished project? Please post photos of your progress and the finished project in the Facebook group. I will pull together a parade of projects at the end of the month so we can all ooh and ahh over our weaving brilliance! If you choose not to participate in the Facebook group, you are welcome to share your project with me at chris@actoncreative.net.

What if there’s already a project on my loom and it won’t be empty in time to participate? First of all, I love that you are working steadily on a weaving project! Yay you! While you may not be in a position to weave along, there is still value in participating in the Facebook Group. You never know what information you might learn or connections you’ll make. We’d love to have you!

Happy Weaving!

I’m so excited to share this weaving adventure with you, during the month of April! My hope is that this experience will spark lots of project and weaving ideas for the future, plus introduce you to a few new weaving friends online! Cheers to you & our month-long weaving adventure! Happy Weaving!!