October 2024 Weave Along

The October 2024 Weave Along is here! Are you ready for a month-long weaving adventure?

Here are the 2 guidelines for the 2024 October Weave Along (OWAL) –

1. All participants will start and finish a weaving project in the month of October, and
2. We’ll all use the same pattern – or in this case, the same theme! Diamonds are a Weaver’s Best Friend!

The Weaving Theme

This time around instead of a single weaving pattern, we are using the theme of diamonds. So no matter what pattern you choose to work with, the only requirement is that your fabric must showcase a diamond shape and you can complete the project before the end of the month. On September 18, I’ll release an episode of A Handwoven Experience to give you some creative ideas.

The OWAL Facebook Group

In order to provide a place for the community to talk about all things “Weave Along”, there is a limited-time Facebook Group you can join. The doors will open on Monday, September 23 and remain open through November 8. 

Acton Creative Projects

If the prospect of designing a project feels completely overwhelming, no worries! There are 2 official Acton Creative October Weave Along Kits available to you! Both are a pair of towels in 8/2 cotton that measure 15″wide in the reed & 30″long in the loom (for 1 towel). You can choose whether you want the multi-shaft project or the rigid heddle project.

The multi-shaft project is based on a point twill threading and features bold fall colors, while the rigid heddle project showcases a diamond twill sampler in gorgeous grays and lavender. Simply select your type of loom below and order what you need for the project.

The Acton Creative kit is sold in 2 parts so you can mix and match. The yarn and the instructions are sold separately.

Multi-Shaft Project (4-Shaft Loom)

OWAL 4-Shaft Instructions Only: 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 these instructions are for a 4-shaft loom. Click here to get your 4-shaft instructions for $15!

OR,

OWAL 4-Shaft Instructions PLUS Video Tips: You’ll receive the .pdf and more! There is an extensive video 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 4-shaft instructions and so much more for $25!

Rigid Heddle Project

OWAL Rigid Heddle Instructions Only: Michele’s instructions for the rigid heddle loom include everything you need to create the OWAL towels, plus a library of images to walk you through any tricky spots.  Just a reminder that the instructions are for a rigid heddle loom. Click here to get your rigid heddle instructions for $15!

OR,

OWAL Rigid Heddle Instructions PLUS Bonus Video Tips: Michele’s got you covered! There is an extensive video 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 rigid heddle loom. Click here to get your rigid heddle bundle for $25! 

OWAL Yarn

We’re so happy to once again be partnering with Cotton Clouds for the project yarn! Simply click here to zip over to their project page and select the yarn you need to make gorgeous diamond towels! 

Special October Weave Along Tote Bag!

We are trying something new for this Weave Along – we have swag! Yes, we’ve printed large commemorative tote bags for our weavers to remember this unique experience by. Simply click the link here to claim yours today. 

Please note: there are a limited quantity and when they are gone, that will be it!

The Acton Creative Insiders

As a hefty bonus for my Acton Creative Insiders, each member at the Boat Shuttle Tier ($10/month) and above will receive a FREE copy of the multi-shaft October Weave Along Project Instructions! Just insert your own yarn to be off and weaving!

There is always room for you at the Acton Creative Insiders and I’d love for you to join us! Just click here to become part of the membership.

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.)

What width loom do I need for the Acton Creative Weave Along Project? The project is set at 15″ 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.

I want to participate, but don’t do Facebook. I get it! And that is absolutely no barrier for participating in the October Weave Along! Each Monday in the month of October, I will release a new video giving you your homework for the week in order to stay on target to finish your project before the 31st. Work steadily on your diamond project at home and please send me a photo once you have completed it! I would love to include you in the final Gallery Show.

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. And if you’re a hashtag kind of person, feel free to add #owal2024 to your beautiful announcement!

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 October! 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!! – Chris