Weaving Shuttle Compilation

Show Notes

Liz Moncrief has a very informative “Choosing and Using Shuttles” series in Handwoven magazine. From stick shuttles to boat shuttles to double-bobbin and end-feed, this series of articles has lots of great information to help you determine which shuttle is right for your project. Click here to start reading!

Want to learn more about weaving equipment? I have an entire collection of A Handwoven Experience episodes that cover everything from looms to reeds to heddles and more. Click here to start watching!

Free Resources!

Would you look at that? There is an entire collection of FREE weaving resources at your fingertips on the Acton Creative website! Everything from “Parts of a Loom”, to “6 Weaving Patterns”, to the “Beginner’s Guide to Weaving Yarn” – there’s a little something for everyone. Simply click here to pick which one (or all!) will be helpful for you!

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We’ve all been there friends. In this episode of A Handwoven Experience I give you “An Introduction to Weaving Inlay.” This simple technique can take your project from good to amazing, while opening a new world of creative possibilities. Happy weaving!

An Introduction to Weaving Inlay

Show Notes

“Patterned Inlay on a Plain Weave Background” by Nancy Peterson in Handwoven magazine is chock full of helpful weaving inlay tips. Click here to check it out.

Ready to play with some patterns? My FREE guide to 6 Weaving Patterns is a great place to start. Click here to get your copy.

Join the AC Insiders!

Ready to take your weaving to the next level? Become an AC Insider today! Join the Resource Center tier for Weaving Study Hall, free weaving tips, and bonus A Handwoven Experience episodes. Or become a member of the Online Weavers’ Guild and get all of these plus access to monthly meetings, quarterly weaving challenges, and the support and friendship of a community of weavers. Want all of these goodies AND be in-the-know about all things Acton Creative? Join the Founders tier. There’s something for everyone! Click here for more details.

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You might remember learning about the Fibonacci sequence in middle school math class. It’s a mathematic rendering of a progression found in nature, and those two things together make it the perfect inspiration for a weaving project. In this episode I discuss what the Fibonacci sequence is and share three ways you can incorporate it into your next weaving project. It just adds up! Happy weaving!

The Fibonacci Sequence and Weaving

Show Notes

Are you looking for a new pattern to try? Check out my FREE guide to 6 Weaving Patterns. It’s the perfect springboard for diving into the wonderful world of weaving patterns. Click here to get yours today!

The Cornell University Johnson Museum of Art has a great piece about the Fibonacci sequence in nature and in art. Click here to learn more!

FREE Weaving Resources

Would you look at that? There is an entire collection of FREE weaving resources at your fingertips here on the Acton Creative website! In addition to my FREE guide to 6 Weaving Patterns, I offer everything from Parts of a Loom, to the Beginner’s Guide to Weaving Yarn, and a Weaving Equipment Guide. There’s a little something for everyone. Simply click here to pick which one (or all!) will be helpful for you!

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Caryl is a tartan expert. Not only has she woven more than she can count, she has designed and registered several herself. So I knew that there is no one better than Caryl to help me understand what makes a tartan, a tartan. Join us as we explore the amazing world of tartans and plaids. May it inspire you to try weaving a tartan (or two!). Happy weaving!

Tartans vs. Plaids

Show Notes

One of my favorite things about weaving is learning from and collaborating with other weavers. Which is why I host Live at the Loom each week on YouTube. During this livestream weavers from around the world gather to share their stories. Click here to learn more and to join us!

The Scottish Register of Tartans is THE resource for tartan patterns. Click here to learn more about tartans and check out all of the patterns registered so far (including Caryl’s!).

Ongoing Classes

Want to learn more about weaving but have a hard time fitting classes into your schedule? Check out my ongoing, fully online weaving classes. I cover an array of topics, from Planning a Weaving Project, to Reading a Weaving Draft, to Weaving a Color Gamp – each class is self-paced so you can take all the time you need. Best of all, once you purchase one of my classes you have unlimited access to it so you can refer back to it anytime you need. Ready to level-up your weaving game? Click here to learn more.

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But before we dive in, let me set the scene. You’re staring at your naked loom wondering what to weave next. As you mentally flip through your list of patterns to try, you zip right past twill because you’ve done it, right?

Or have you? You see, twill is a vast category of weaving patterns that will delight and surprise you. So don’t write off twill just yet. I’ve got some fabulous variations for you try right here!

Twill Weaving Ideas (Part 2)

Show Notes –

Weaving a Rosepath Border – I found a fabulous step-by-step look at how to create your own rosepath border in a weaving project. It includes some technical notes, so buckle up. But I have full faith that you can do it! Check it out right here. 

Undulating Twill – Have you played with undulating twill, yet? It’s such a blast! Just imagine creating a twill that’s curvy. So cool! This was our official April 2024 Weave Along pattern and we have an entire project ready to go for you here.

Online Weaver’s Guild

Are you looking for a community of weavers who love weaving as much as you do? Look no further, my friend! The Acton Creative Online Weavers’ Guild is a place where you can spend time with other weavers, share your weaving stories, trade tips, and learn a few things along the way. We meet once a month over Zoom, host an ongoing members-only chat so that we don’t lose touch in between meetings, take part in quarterly weaving challenges, and more. We’re saving you a seat! Head to https://patreon.com/actoncreative for more information & links to join. See you soon!

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In today’s Part 1 video, I’m suggesting some classics – houndstooth, herringbone, and pinwheels. They are a pure delight and I know you’ll love them!

Twill Weaving Ideas (Part 1)

Show Notes –

History of Houndstooth – I found an interesting blurb about the history of houndstooth on a golfing apparel website, of all places. (Have you ever heard of a close variation called puppytooth? Me, neither!) Feel free to ignore the shopping element, but otherwise it contains some really interesting tidbits! Be sure to take a peek here. 

Types of twills – If you are new to the world of twills, I have a great video to walk you through some basic differences – perfect for any beginner! Check it out here. 

Online Weaver’s Guild

Are you looking for a community of weavers who love weaving as much as you do? Look no further, my friend! The Acton Creative Online Weaver’s Guild is a place where you can spend time with other weavers, share your weaving stories, trade tips, and learn a few things along the way. We meet once a month over Zoom, host an ongoing members-only chat so that we don’t lose touch in between meetings, take part in quarterly weaving challenges, and more. We’re saving you a seat! Head to https://patreon.com/actoncreative for more information & links to join. See you soon!

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To start, let me say that I am a weaver that uses A LOT of unmercerized cotton in an 8/4 format. I love it. Thus, it’s going to take some serious magic for me to consider any other yarn. Click on episode 222 to see how the experiment goes.

Mercerized vs Unmercerized Cotton

Show Notes –

How do they mercerize cotton? – I found a really interesting blog post about the history of mercerization and how they treat the cotton fibers. Check it out here to expand your yarn knowledge (it’s great for trivia night!). 

Canvas Weave – In this video, I mention the pattern I’m working with as canvas weave. If you’re unfamiliar with this one, I have a recent episode that sums it up quite nicely! Take a look right here. 

Online Weaver’s Guild

Are you looking for a community of weavers who love weaving as much as you do? Look no further, my friend! The Acton Creative Online Weaver’s Guild is a place where you can spend time with other weavers, share your weaving stories, trade tips, and learn a few things along the way.

We meet once a month over Zoom, host an ongoing members-only chat so that we don’t lose touch in between meetings, take part in quarterly weaving challenges, and more. We’re saving you a seat! Head to https://patreon.com/actoncreative for more information & links to join. See you soon!

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You see, a canvas weave is what’s used as the background to a cross-stitch or embroidery project.  It’s the grid-like fabric with small holes at each intersecting block where your needle can go. And you don’t have to buy it – you can weave it! So, why don’t we chat about just how easy it is to create your own cute canvas weave.

Cute Canvas Weave –

Show Notes –

Canvas Weave & Lace – Gist has a great article about canvas weave and how it fits in with our idea of lace weave structures. I think you’ll find it very interesting! Take a look right here.  

Floating Selvedges – In order to properly create canvas weave, you’ll need a pair of floating selvedges to help you along. If you aren’t familiar with this set of immobile warp yarns, I’ve got the perfect introductory video for you! 

FREE Weaving Resources –

Would you look at that? There is an entire collection of FREE weaving resources at your fingertips on the Acton Creative website! Everything from Parts of a Loom, to 6 Weaving Patterns, to the Beginner’s Guide to Weaving Yarn – there’s a little something for everyone. Simply click here to pick which one (or all!) will be helpful for you! https://actoncreative.net/free-resources/

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But enough trying to explain it! Let’s watch the video.

Show Notes –

Mingo’s Corner – Our girl, Michele Marshall, recently played with Danish Medallions and left us a lovely blog post. If you are new to Michele, she’s a weaver specializing in the rigid heddle loom and our official Rigid Heddle Consultant for our Acton Creative Weave Alongs! She’s just the best. Please enjoy her thoughts on Danish Medallions right here.  (And be sure to subscribe to her blog!)

Leno Lace – In this week’s episode, I refer to other hand-manipulated lace patterns, like Leno. If that’s a new one for you, don’t fret! I’ve got you covered with a Leno lace episode right here. While you’re playing with Danish Medallions, you might as well try a few other lace patterns, I say!

October Weave Along

You’re invited to join us for a month-long weaving adventure this October! The goal is to start and finish a lace project alongside weavers from all over the world. It’s a perfect mix of creativity and community, and we’re saving you a seat. Simply go over to the October Weave Along Central Page to see all the program details and find out how to participate – https://tinyurl.com/OWAL2025

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Show Notes –

Hand-Manipulated Lace Patterns – In this episode, I mention both Leno and Brooks Bouquet because I have a touch of experience with them. However, in this great Gist article, they refer to Danish Medallions and Spanish Lace as two other great examples of hand-manipulated lace patterns. So I say go crazy and try them all! Why not? Here’s the link to show you how. 

Case for Lace – WAY back in the history of A Handwoven Experience, I recorded an early episode all about lace. And while it’s an oldie, it is definitely a goodie! Check out “A Case for Lace” right here.  (Little bit of trivia for you – I was weaving lace when the group came up with the idea to do a Weave Along!)

October Weave Along

You’re invited to join us for a month-long weaving adventure this October! The goal is to start and finish a lace project alongside weavers from all over the world. It’s a perfect mix of creativity and community, and we’re saving you a seat. Simply go over to the October Weave Along Central Page to see all the program details and find out how to participate – https://tinyurl.com/OWAL2025

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