A Handwoven Experience Archives - Acton Creative https://actoncreative.net/tag/a-handwoven-experience/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:19:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 6 Weaving Do’s & Don’ts https://actoncreative.net/2026/06/17/6-weaving-dos-donts/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:39 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32727 When you're starting out, weaving can be amazing and full of possibilities. It can also be overwhelming. How do I manage my edges? What if my tension is off? How do I center my project on my loom? Friends, take a deep breath. I've got you! In this week's episode of A Handwoven Experience I [...]

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]]> When you’re starting out, weaving can be amazing and full of possibilities. It can also be overwhelming. How do I manage my edges? What if my tension is off? How do I center my project on my loom? Friends, take a deep breath. I’ve got you! In this week’s episode of A Handwoven Experience I share my “6 Weaving Do’s & Don’ts”. The bottom line? Don’t stress! As long as you’re throwing a shuttle and making amazing, one-of-a-kind handwoven fabric, you’re golden. Happy weaving!

6 Weaving Do’s & Don’ts

Show Notes

Want more weaving do’s and don’ts? Check out this video from my YouTube channel!

In her Handwoven Magazine piece titled “Loom Weaving is Simple … and Difficult”, Susan E. Horton perfectly illustrates what makes weaving so magical. Click here to check it out.

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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]]> Brilliant Handwoven Wallhangings https://actoncreative.net/2026/06/10/brilliant-handwoven-wallhangings/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:00:30 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32723 One of the things that makes handwoven fabric so magical is that it can be both a beautiful piece of art AND a practical piece of fabric at the same time. But sometimes we can forget that handwoven fabric doesn't HAVE to be practical. It can just be art. This week on A Handwoven Experience [...]

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]]> One of the things that makes handwoven fabric so magical is that it can be both a beautiful piece of art AND a practical piece of fabric at the same time. But sometimes we can forget that handwoven fabric doesn’t HAVE to be practical. It can just be art. This week on A Handwoven Experience I chat about “Brilliant Handwoven Wallhangings” and make the case for putting your next weaving project on your wall. Because a handwoven wallhanging makes any room more beautiful. Happy weaving!

Brilliant Handwoven Wallhangings

Show Notes

I love drawing inspiration from other fiber arts and artists and Fiber Art Now is a great resource. This quarterly magazine for fiber artists features articles and photos of all kinds of fiber art, from wearables to baskets to sculpture and more. Click here to check out their latest issue!

Ready to weave something for your wall but not sure where to start? I’ve got you my friend! My “Weaving Patterns” playlist on YouTube features a collection of A Handwoven Experience episodes all discussing a specific weaving pattern. You’ll find episodes on Overshot, Twill, Double Weave, and more! Click here to start watching!

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 to learn more!

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]]> When to Weave https://actoncreative.net/2026/06/03/when-to-weave/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:00:29 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32716 One of the things I love about weaving is that it is a multi-step process. While some of the steps can be meditative, others require all of our attention. In this week's episode of A Handwoven Experience I share some tips for thinking about "When to Weave." Because deciding when you weave can be an [...]

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]]> One of the things I love about weaving is that it is a multi-step process. While some of the steps can be meditative, others require all of our attention. In this week’s episode of A Handwoven Experience I share some tips for thinking about “When to Weave.” Because deciding when you weave can be an important part of making the entire experience enjoyable. Happy weaving!

When to Weave

Show Notes

You can work on your weaving at any time of day, even if you’re nowhere near a loom! I share some tips in my “Becoming a Better Weaver When You’re Not Weaving” episode of A Handwoven Experience. Click here to check it out!

Not sure when you’re most productive? In her article “How To Figure Out Exactly What Time of Day You’ll Be Most Productive” in Fast Company magazine, Stephanie Vozza shares tips for determining when we are most (and least) productive. Click here to learn more!

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 to learn more.

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]]> Weaving Shuttle Compilation https://actoncreative.net/2026/05/20/weaving-shuttle-compilation/ Wed, 20 May 2026 08:00:53 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32708 The world of weaving shuttles can be overwhelming. With so many types and sizes to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which shuttle (or shuttles!) you need. I remember feeling overwhelmed the first time I went shuttle shopping! So I went through the A Handwoven Experience catalogue and compiled 5 episodes all [...]

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]]> The world of weaving shuttles can be overwhelming. With so many types and sizes to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which shuttle (or shuttles!) you need. I remember feeling overwhelmed the first time I went shuttle shopping! So I went through the A Handwoven Experience catalogue and compiled 5 episodes all about weaving shuttles in one place. From covering the basics in “World of Shuttles” to sharing some “Two-Shuttle Weaving Patterns” and everything in-between, this week’s “Weaving Shuttle Compilation” is a one-stop shop for all things weaving shuttle. Because the sooner you select your shuttle, the sooner you’ll be making amazing fabric. Happy weaving!

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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]]> 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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]]> Weaving Reed Compilation https://actoncreative.net/2026/04/08/weaving-reed-compilation/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:00:01 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32676 The reed is one of my favorite weaving tools. It looks pretty simple: it's just a metal rectangle with evenly spaced dividers. But the reed plays a critical role in any weaving project. Not only does it make sure that your warp yarns are evenly spaced, it also helps you set the spacing of those [...]

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]]> The reed is one of my favorite weaving tools. It looks pretty simple: it’s just a metal rectangle with evenly spaced dividers. But the reed plays a critical role in any weaving project. Not only does it make sure that your warp yarns are evenly spaced, it also helps you set the spacing of those warp yarns as loosely or narrowly as you want.

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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]]> The Fibonacci Sequence and Weaving https://actoncreative.net/2026/04/01/the-fibonacci-sequence-and-weaving/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:00:14 +0000 https://actoncreative.net/?p=32671 Love it or hate it, math is a part of weaving. But did you know that math can inspire our weaving projects? This week in A Handwoven Experience we're exploring the Fibonacci sequence and weaving. You might remember learning about the Fibonacci sequence in middle school math class. It's a mathematic rendering of a progression [...]

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]]> Love it or hate it, math is a part of weaving. But did you know that math can inspire our weaving projects? This week in A Handwoven Experience we’re exploring the Fibonacci sequence and weaving.

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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