Any weaver should know their way around a reed. This week’s episode of A Handwoven Experience will help you do just that. My “Weaving Reed Compilation” features four videos that help explain what a reed is and how to use it. Happy weaving!

Weaving Reed Compilation

Show Notes

Reed Selection & Care: I found this installment of Tom Knisely’s “Notes from the Fell” column in Handwoven magazine very helpful. In this article, Tom shares tips for how to choose and care for your reeds. Check it out here.

Weaving Equipment Guides: the long list of weaving equipment can be daunting, especially for new weavers! That’s why I created two handy FREE resources to help get you started: a Weaving Equipment Guide and a guide to Parts of a Loom. Click here to learn more and request yours today!

Online Weavers’ 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. Click here for more details. We’re saving you a seat!

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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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You see, I’m not a technical weaver, and technical weaving chats are normally not my jam (it’s just not how I’m wired, I’m afraid!). But I kept hearing about turning a weaving draft, and while it’s a more technical trick, it piqued my interest. It turns out that turning a weaving draft is a pretty handy trick to learn. It not only helps solve some common weaving snafu’s, but it opens up some pretty cool creative opportunities too. Happy Weaving!

Turning a Weaving Draft

Show Notes –

Madelyn van der Hoogt has a wonderful article in Handwoven magazine all about turning a weaving draft. Click here to check it out.

Need to review some weaving draft basics? Check out this episode of A Handwoven Experience: Reading a Weaving Draft.

Reading a Weaving Draft Class

Are you new to weaving? Do you need help figuring out what a weaving draft is and how to read it? Friends, I’ve got you! Check out my online Reading a Weaving Draft course. This self-paced class will walk you through the in’s and out’s of reading a weaving draft so that you will be able to tackle any weaving draft that comes your way. The best part is once you buy one of my classes it is yours to keep; you can refer back to it anytime. Ready to check it out? Click here to learn more and sign up.

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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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When you hear the word “sleazy”, it may bring to mind a slimy used car salesman, or a hotel of questionable reputation. But the history of the word goes back to the textile industry!

And while it isn’t nearly as common these days, you can still apply “sleazy” to a fabric description. Watch today’s episode to see what that means.

The Infamous “Sleazy” Fabric

Show Notes –

Handwoven Magazine to the rescue! – It is really wonderful how many corners of the weaving world Handwoven Magazine has written about over the years. Case in point, researching sleazy fabric on the internet pointed me directly to an article Madelyn wrote that is exactly what I was looking for! (By the way, it’s Madelyn van der Hoogt. But to me, she’s on par with any other 1-name celebrity. Cher has nothing on her.) Check out this interesting blog post right here! 

Let’s talk about sett – In this episode, I mention that when running into a sleazy situation, it is helpful to change the ratios. And if tweaking your weft won’t do it, you may need to adjust the sett. Sett is the spacing between your warp yarns. Take a look at this vintage episode that talks you through the world of weaving sett. 

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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Show Notes –

Schacht looms – As you may have noticed, I am the proud owner of 2 Schacht looms. I have a 15″ 4-shaft table loom, and a 36″ 4-shaft floor loom. They’re really wonderful looms that I find to be immensely comfortable. If you’d like to hear more about Schacht, their mission, and how they came to make looms, I’ve got a great link right here for you. 

Identify your style of loom – In episode 126, I take you on a little field trip to show you around a few looms to help you identify yours. Once you know what style of loom you have, it will absolutely help you when interpretting someone else’s draft (and just make you smarter all around). Click here to give it a watch. 

Acton Creative Insiders

Ready to take your weaving to the next level? Become an AC Insider today! Join the Resource Center tier for free weaving tips, weave along patterns, bonus Handwoven Experience episodes, and discounts on Acton Creative classes. Or become a member of the Online Weavers’ Guild and get access to monthly meetings, quarterly weaving challenges, and the support and friendship of a community of weavers. Can’t pick just one? Join the Combo tier and do both! There’s something for everyone! Come join us at https://patreon.com/actoncreative

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So, I brought in the lovely and talented Ellen Grenier Bevill to show us the ropes! In today’s episode, she will walk us through this unique tool and show us how she uses it in her process. Then, you can decide if it’s a tool that will help you with yours!

Show Notes –

How to make a raddle – I found a great post from Yarny Curtain that walks you through the process of creating your own weaving raddle. Being a not-so-handy weaver, I would simply call up our family friend, Carl, and ask him to make one for me. But if you are brave and knowledgeable, dive right in, my friend! Here’s the link to show you how. 

Speaking of tools – Recently, I invited another friend, Caryl Bohn, to show us the weaving temple and how it works. (You’re sensing a theme here, right?) She gave us the ins and outs of why you may want to incorporate a temple into your future projects. Check it out here.

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

p.s. Want to learn more about Ellen and her incredible work? Be sure to check out her website and pick up a few beautiful handwoven wearables for yourself or a friend. Type in “OWAL2025” to get FREE shipping! 

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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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But, there ARE signs that your method of dressing a loom may not be working for you. In this episode of A Handwoven Experience, I share 3 signs that it may be time to tweak how you dress a loom. Because the best part of dressing a loom is that it lets you weave, and friends, that’s what it’s all about. Happy weaving!

Show Notes –

Back-to-front vs Front-to-back – My future bestie, Madelyn van der Hoogt, has a great post about comparing these two contrasting approaches for dressing a loom. She offers an unbiased look at back-to-front versus front-to-back right here. (You’ll love it!)

Sleying the reed – Do you have a favorite step when putting the warp yarns into your loom? I do! Hands down, my favorite part of the process is sleying the reed. Oooh, I just love it! There’s something so satisfying about putting each yarn where it is supposed to go. Just in case that isn’t your favorite part and you’d like to learn more, here’s a great episode from me to you!

The Dress Your Loom Course is open!

Do you need to tweak how you dress your loom? Friend, I’ve got you! In honor of all the kids returning to school, we’re having a very special Back-to-School Registration for the Dress Your Loom Course! Yes, the doors are now open for the Solo version of the Dress Your Loom Course and they’ll stay open through Friday, September 5th at 4 pm CST.

If you are a beginner learning the ropes, or a weaver coming back after a hiatus, or simply someone who wants an easier, simpler, healthier system, the Dress Your Loom Course is for you! Click here to read more about it.

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