Yarn Archives - Acton Creative https://actoncreative.net/category/yarn/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:13:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 The Value of Weaving Kits https://actoncreative.net/2026/07/08/the-value-of-weaving-kits/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:00:15 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32741 Have you tried a weaving kit? I myself was late to the weaving kit game, but am now hooked. In this episode of A Handwoven Experience I discuss the wonderful world of weaving kits, and why they may be the perfect fit for your next project (or your first project!). Happy weaving! The Value of Weaving [...]

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Have you tried a weaving kit? I myself was late to the weaving kit game, but am now hooked. In this episode of A Handwoven Experience I discuss the wonderful world of weaving kits, and why they may be the perfect fit for your next project (or your first project!). Happy weaving!

The Value of Weaving Kits

Show Notes

Ready to try a weaving kit (or two)? Be sure to check out Cotton Clouds. They have a wide variety of weaving kits, yarns, and other goodies for fiber lovers. Click here to start shopping!

The world of weaving yarn can be confusing. What do the size numbers mean? Which yarns are better for the warp or the weft? Friend, I’ve got you! My FREE “Beginner’s Guide to Weaving Yarn” answers these questions and more. Click here to get your copy!

Weaving 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 & sign up.

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An Introduction to Weaving Inlay https://actoncreative.net/2026/05/13/an-introduction-to-weaving-inlay/ Wed, 13 May 2026 08:00:38 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32697 Have you ever worked on a project that was perfectly fine, but needed a little something extra? The texture is fine, the colors are lovely, the pattern is good, but something is still missing? A little pop, a little interest, if you will? We've all been there friends. In this episode of A Handwoven Experience [...]

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Have you ever worked on a project that was perfectly fine, but needed a little something extra? The texture is fine, the colors are lovely, the pattern is good, but something is still missing? A little pop, a little interest, if you will?

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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Lessons from a Multi-Fiber Warp https://actoncreative.net/2026/05/06/lessons-from-a-multi-fiber-warp/ Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:14 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32692 One of the things I love about weaving is that there's always something new to learn. I was perusing my yarn stash recently and wondered: "What if I tried using multiple fibers in my warp?" I had never tried that before, and boy did I learn some things! This week in A Handwoven Experience I [...]

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One of the things I love about weaving is that there’s always something new to learn. I was perusing my yarn stash recently and wondered: “What if I tried using multiple fibers in my warp?” I had never tried that before, and boy did I learn some things! This week in A Handwoven Experience I share some “Lessons from a Multi-Fiber Warp.” Happy weaving!

Lessons from a Multi-Fiber Warp

Show Notes

Mixing and matching different fibers is a great way to add texture and interest to your projects. Find more tips for incorporating different fibers into your weaving projects in this episode of A Handwoven Experience.

New to weaving? The vast array of weaving yarns can be overwhelming. My FREE Beginner’s Guide to Weaving Yarn is a great place to learn the basics. Click here to get your copy!

Online Weaving 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 and to sign up.

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How Much Yarn Do I Need for My Weaving Project? https://actoncreative.net/2026/04/29/how-much-yarn-do-i-need-for-my-weaving-project/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:00:44 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32688 You're planning a weaving project from scratch - yay you! You've decided on the pattern, the dimensions, the type of yarn ... you have it all figured out. Until you go yarn shopping. In this episode of A Handwoven Experience, I sit down with the fabulous Jodi Ybarra of Cotton Clouds, Inc. to answer the [...]

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You’re planning a weaving project from scratch – yay you! You’ve decided on the pattern, the dimensions, the type of yarn … you have it all figured out. Until you go yarn shopping. In this episode of A Handwoven Experience, I sit down with the fabulous Jodi Ybarra of Cotton Clouds, Inc. to answer the age-old question: “How much yarn do I need for my weaving project?”

Jodi breaks down the math (yes friends, there is some math!) required to figure out how much yarn you need in easy, manageable bites. By the end of the episode you will have all the tools you need to determine how much yarn you need for your warp and your weft. Happy weaving!

How Much Yarn Do I Need for My Weaving Project?

Show Notes

Jodi created a FREE guide to calculating how much yarn you need for your project. Click here to get your copy! Be sure to shop her beautiful collections of yarns while you’re there!

Ready to plan your own weaving project but not sure how to start? I’ve got you my friend! My Planning a Weaving Project class takes you through the technical and the design sides of the process. You’ll have everything you need to create your own unique pieces. Click here to learn more.

Join the 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. We’re saving you a seat! Click here to learn more.

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Play With Your Warp https://actoncreative.net/2026/04/15/play-with-your-warp/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:00:09 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32683 As we plan our projects, we weavers almost always add extra inches to the warp. That way we are never at risk of running out of inches before our project is finished. If you are lucky enough to finish your project with inches to spare, then you have options my friend! In this episode of [...]

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As we plan our projects, we weavers almost always add extra inches to the warp. That way we are never at risk of running out of inches before our project is finished. If you are lucky enough to finish your project with inches to spare, then you have options my friend! In this episode of A Handwoven Experience I make the case for using those extra inches to “Play With Your Warp”. Because it’s always a good idea to make time to play. Happy weaving!

Play With Your Warp

Show Notes

Before you play with your warp, you need to create a break in your fabric. Need help with that step? I’ve got you! Check out “Creating a Break in Your Fabric” on my YouTube channel here.

Need help dressing a loom? Want some pattern ideas to play with? Check out these and all of my FREE resources here.

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 and we’re saving you a seat! Click here to learn more and to join today.

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Wait – I Ran Out of Yarn! https://actoncreative.net/2026/03/04/wait-i-ran-out-of-yarn/ Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:00:03 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32646 We're troubleshooting this week in A Handwoven Experience. Because one day you'll be in the middle of a project and suddenly realize "wait - I ran out of yarn!" This week I'm sharing tips for what to do if you run out of yarn. It can happen to any of us. You're standing at your [...]

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We’re troubleshooting this week in A Handwoven Experience. Because one day you’ll be in the middle of a project and suddenly realize “wait – I ran out of yarn!”

This week I’m sharing tips for what to do if you run out of yarn. It can happen to any of us. You’re standing at your warping board and suddenly you’re short a color. Or you’re happily weaving your fabric and notice a lot of cardboard in your cone. You absolutely can buy more yarn. But you don’t have to. Join me as I share some simple steps you can take to turn a lack of yarn into a fabulous one-of-a-kind piece of fabric. Happy weaving!

Wait – I Ran Out of Yarn!

Show Notes

Want to learn more about weaving yarn? I’ve got you covered! My FREE Beginner’s Guide to Weaving Yarn walks you through everything you need to know about weaving yarn. Click here to check it out!

My friends at Hemptique published this exhaustive guide to yarn types and materials. Click here to learn more about all of the different fibers you can work with!

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. 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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The Infamous “Sleazy” Fabric https://actoncreative.net/2026/01/21/the-infamous-sleazy-fabric/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:15:03 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32610 Oooh, it's a juicy one - I'm diving into the infamous "sleazy" fabric! 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 [...]

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Oooh, it’s a juicy one – I’m diving into the infamous “sleazy” fabric!

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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How to Weave with Textured Yarns https://actoncreative.net/2026/01/14/how-to-weave-with-textured-yarns/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:48:52 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32602 Today, I'm laying down some insight on how to weave with textured yarns. In the world of fiber, we tend to refer to some yarns as "textured" - these are yarns that are really boldly textured. Think something really fuzzy, loopy, or slubby. When you look at them, the first thing you think is "Look [...]

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Today, I’m laying down some insight on how to weave with textured yarns.

In the world of fiber, we tend to refer to some yarns as “textured” – these are yarns that are really boldly textured. Think something really fuzzy, loopy, or slubby. When you look at them, the first thing you think is “Look at that texture!”.

So while all yarns have texture, when you hear someone speak about a “textured yarn”, they’re referring to something specific. And those unique yarns can be challenging to weave. But no more – I’ve got you covered. Enter, today’s fuzzy, loopy, slubby video.

How to Weave with Textured Yarns

Show Notes –

The Glamorous Chenille – Ah, chenille. I have such a love/no-love relationship with it. It makes amazing blankets and scarves. But, I’ve been unlucking in using it in weaving – at least when placing it in the warp. So I think it’s helpful to understand what goes into the structure of a chenille yarn. And my friends over at Interweave published a sweet blog post that dives into that exact topic. Give it read here. 

Weaving Design Elements – Texture is one of the big three elements included in all weaving projects. That, along with color and pattern, make up the look and feel of every handwoven item. So why not dive a little deeper into the world of texture with episode 26, “Weaving Design Elements – Texture”? Check it out here. 

January Dress Your Loom Class

You’re invited to join us for the Dress Your Loom Course! The doors are now open for the January 2026 class and we’re saving you a seat! Click here to check it out and register before January 15 at 4 pm CST – https://tinyurl.com/DressYourLoom

 

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2026 Pantone Color of the Year https://actoncreative.net/2026/01/01/2026-pantone-color-of-the-year/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:07:50 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32590 It's that time again - time to talk about the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year! This year, the lovely color experts at Pantone decided that Cloud Dancer would be the winner. Now, if you haven't had a chance to check out Cloud Dancer yet, you're in for a surprise. You see, Cloud Dancer is, [...]

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It’s that time again – time to talk about the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year! This year, the lovely color experts at Pantone decided that Cloud Dancer would be the winner.

Now, if you haven’t had a chance to check out Cloud Dancer yet, you’re in for a surprise. You see, Cloud Dancer is, well… white. Yep. White.

And while white will never be my choice for a featured color, we have a tradition here at Acton Creative to uphold and by George, we’re going to do it. So, without further adieu, I would like to present to you the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year video!

2026 Pantone Color of the Year

Show Notes –

Pantone – Never heard of Pantone before? They’re a fascinating organization that does color forecasting. And each year, it is their tradition to list a color of the year. But it doesn’t stop there! They have an entire palette of colors carefully selected through studying the trends, the state of the world, and more. So, if you’re a color geek, this is for you! Check out their website here.

Last year’s color – Let me just say that prior years’ colors have been more interesting than this year’s. Case in point, the 2025 Color of the Year! Step right into my time machine and travel back to when the color of the year actually had some personality (okay, was that too snarky?). Click here to explore the previous Pantone Color of the Year.

3 Ways to Make Dressing a Loom Easier (and more fun!)

If you are someone who loves to weave, but dreads dressing your loom, I’ve got you covered! Join me for a FREE live event where I’ll share with you some simple and effective ways to better enjoy the process of setting up your loom. Register for the session that works best with your schedule because there are no replays. Click here to save your seat.

 

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Color Compilation for Beginning Weavers https://actoncreative.net/2025/12/17/color-compilation-for-beginning-weavers/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:29:56 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32587 I have just the thing for you, my new weaving friend - a "Color Compilation for Beginning Weavers"! We can safely say that working with color as a weaver is not for the faint of heart. Not only do you have one set of colors to contend with, you have two! Thus, to give you [...]

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I have just the thing for you, my new weaving friend – a “Color Compilation for Beginning Weavers”! We can safely say that working with color as a weaver is not for the faint of heart. Not only do you have one set of colors to contend with, you have two!

Thus, to give you some assistance and a place to start, I’ve pulled together a series of fantastic color-related videos that will help build your confidence around color. You can do it!

Color Compilation for Beginning Weavers

Show Notes –

Invention of the color wheel – Okay friends, I did not know that Sir Isaac Newton is credited with the invention of the color wheel! Did you know this? You probably did – you’re very smart! I went down the rabbit hole searching for details about the color wheel and found a very interesting history and timeline for our iconic color tool. Check it out here. 

Multiple colors in the warp – I absolutely LOVE playing with color and one of the quickest ways to learn about it is by including more than one color in your warp. If you’d like to give it a try, I have a great episode to get your started. Take a look at “Multiple Colors in the Warp” 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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