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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From there, it’s up to you to find your rhythm and go to town. Keep in mind that this is something you’ll do over and over again so be sure your technique is comfortable and fun for you. Good luck and Happy Weaving!

Show Notes –

Peggy Osterkamp – Oooh, I found a great blog post from Peggy Osterkamp all about throwing a shuttle. I think you’ll find it completely enlightening! I certainly did. Check it out right here. 

All about shuttles – If you aren’t familiar with the various types of shuttles, I have the perfect reference video for you! Episode 29 is called, “The World of Shuttles” and it walks you through the different styles of shuttles available to you. Please enjoy this shuttle refresher. 

October Weave Along

The October Weave Along is here! And we’re excited to see your shadow weave projects! To see all the details about this month-long weaving adventure, check out OWAL Central.

And don’t forget to join the Facebook Group! You’re invited! Click here to see what everyone is doing.

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Big Gifts –

A Loom – This is the Mac Daddy gift when it comes to the Weaver’s Wish List 2022! Looms come in a huge array of sizes, shapes, and budgets. They can range from a small to a substantial investment. Because of that, please be sure to have a conversation with your favorite weaver before randomly purchasing a loom. This isn’t a “random” sort of purchase, but an incredible one! (Table loom – $200-1000, Floor loom – $400-6000)

Weaving Bench – A weaving bench isn’t simply a place to sit. It’s adjustable and typically contains storage, which is a bonus! Each weaver is a little different (hello – 5’3″ with short legs!), so check with them before buying. ($150-500)

Warping Mill – As I was just chatting with my friend, Tanya, she said that a table top warping mill was on her wishlist! What a great idea! (If you know Tanya, just make her day and surprise her with a table top warping mill, would ya? I have it on good authority that she’ll love it.) ($200-500)

Medium Gifts –

Bobbin winder – A bobbin winder can be manual or electric (talk about a fun, zippy gift!). Check with your weaver to see what they already have, if anything. They might have specific ideas on this. (Manual – about $150, Electric – $150-200)

Weaving Cone holder – Have you seen these? I’ve been drooling over one for awhile now! A cone holder comes in handy when you are standing at the warping board, warping multiple different yarns at the same time. Any help I can get when trying to multi-task is welcome! ($35-170)

Warping Board – A warping board or a warping mill are essential items for a new weaver who wants to dive into the world of weaving. I use my warping board every single time I start a project. It will be a perfect addition to his/her list of weaving tools. ($65-175)

Lights – Good lighting is key for any weaver. Special bulbs, clamp lights, adjustable fixtures – all good. This can really enhance a weaver’s experience and is worth every penny!

Shuttles – Who doesn’t love a good shuttle? These are amazing, gorgeous vehicles that deliver your weft yarn exactly where you want it to go! Perfect gifts! Here is the catch. There are a number of different styles and sizes out there. Be sure to find out what your weaver has in mind before you purchase! ($8-60)

Yarn – Yes, my friend, don’t forget the yarn! I highly recommend a gift certificate, simply for the fact that a weaver’s stash is always changing. So to purchase actual cones or tubes of yarn could be tricky. If you have a local weaving store, please start there. (It is just good karma to support local!) If you don’t, you are welcome to borrow mine, Three Moons Fiberworks. Rebecca will take great care of you! Of course, there are lots of other online options, too! Feel free to explore those, if the other choices don’t quite fit the bill.

Small Gifts –

Ball winder – While we usually associate a ball winder with our knitting/crocheting/spinning friends, it does come in handy on occasion! Trust me on this. ($20-90)

Fringe twisters – For the weaver who loves to finish their project with a decorative flourish, a fringe twister is a perfect gift! ($25-45)

Sett checker – This is a fabulous stocking stuffer, if I’ve ever seen one! It’s a simple way to check the spacing of your future project! ($6-10)

Warping paddle – Remember my note about the cone holder and needing help with multi-tasking? Well, this paddle goes hand-in-hand! Anything we can do to dress the loom quicker, but still accurately, is a great idea!! ($25-40)

Warp weights – Yes, you absolutely can MacGyver it with some S-hooks and a pill bottle full of coins! But why not treat yourself to some official warp weights? ($10-30)

Sley hook or reed hook – Sometimes, you just need a little help threading those warp yarns! Enter, the hooks (sley or reed, that is)! ($9-15)

Weaving books & magazines – This one explains itself, doesn’t it? Here are just a few of my favorite books.

• Anne Dixon’s “A Handweaver’s Directory” is my go-to book. I would recommend it to anyone with a 4-shaft loom – it will be SO incredibly helpful!
• “The Key to Weaving”, by Mary E. Black is a fabulous textbook, walking you through the wide, wide world of weaving.
• And lastly, Marguerite Porter Davison’s book titled “A Handweaver’s Pattern Book”. This one is a little trickier to find! I like the green version, but it appears there is an orange version that’s similar. From what I’ve heard, the images in the orange book aren’t as clear as the green book. But, if you come across a copy of either, it’ll be worth it to add it to the collection!

As for magazines, you can hardly go wrong with Handwoven magazine! I also particularly enjoy American Craft, even though it isn’t directly weaving-related.

Yarn bowls – So, here’s the scenario. I’m standing at my warping board and nearing the end of my tube of yarn. The tube jumps out of the random container I’m using and proceeds to go flying across the room and under my bookshelf at warp speed (ha! Pun not intended, just a happy accident). Here’s where a yarn bowl comes to the rescue! Just say “no” to flying tubes of yarn and instead, wrangle it in place with a yarn bowl. (By the way, you get extra credit if you buy it from a local potter!)

Other Gift Ideas –

Baskets and Other Storage – Weavers have stuff. Like, a lot of stuff. It’s the nature of the beast! So, how do you store it and transport it? Why, with a basket or some specialty storage – that’s how! A trio of stacking baskets would be much appreciated, while a bookcase with specialty inserts would make a weaver’s day! (The storage you see behind me in my videos is from IKEA and I absolutely love it!)

Paper Goods – Journals, notebooks, blank/lined/grid paper – it’s all good!! If your weaver is anything like me, you simply can’t go wrong with something to write on!

2023 Acton Creative Calendar – Speaking of something to write on, why not enjoy a colorful weaving calendar the entire year? Here’s the spot you can order your Acton Creative calendar today! 

Scissors – This one seems so boring, right? But trust me on this – a weaver will ALWAYS need scissors. If you decide to spring for a pair of nice ones, you’ll have made a friend for life!

Measuring tapes/yardsticks – Weavers are constantly measuring something. Honestly, kind of like scissors, you always need a way to measure your project!

Where to Shop –

First up, I always suggest shopping local. It’s important to support the friends and family who live in our communities. However, I completely understand that weaving is not very common and it can be tricky to locate these items near you. So, feel free to visit some common sites like the Woolery, Webs, Schacht Spindle,Yarn Barn of Kansas, Gather Textiles, Fiber Artist Supply,  – just to name a few!

AC Insiders –

It’s the end of the year and we should have presents, right? I wholeheartedly agree! Therefore, in the Acton Creative Insiders, I’ll be hosting some fun giveaways – calendars, ornaments, wallets, etc.! If you haven’t had a chance to peek at this fun, educational, inspirational monthly membership, there’s no time like the present!  This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! See you soon! 

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So in this episode, I’m walking you through 2 options on how to organize your moving parts. I’ll talk you through the method I use and discuss why I do it. Then, I’ll present the other option and you can decide for yourself which one is the best fit for you!

Enjoy episode 84 of A Handwoven Experience.

Show Notes –

Inspiring Weavers – While it might seem like a very small, elite group, there are, in fact, many weavers in the world weaving amazing things as we speak. I found a lovely blog post from Make Works that lists “10 Weavers To Get You Weaving”. In it, you’ll find a fabulous variety of styles and items that will hopefully spark your creativity! You can enjoy the article right here.

All About Table Looms – In today’s video, I’m sitting at my 15″ 4-shaft Schacht table loom, which is a fabulous loom if you are short on space. If you’d like to find out more about the world of table looms, take a peek at episode 24 right here. Maybe you’ll be encouraged to buy your own!

Acton Creative Insiders – 

Do you love all things Acton Creative? Want event more? I have just the thing! I’ve partnered with Patreon to bring you the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership includes personal insights, weaving tips/tricks, and behind-the-scenes action every single week! All we’re missing is you!  This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! I can’t wait to have you as part of the team!

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In today’s episode of A Handwoven Experience, I’m walking you through the specific weaving items I would buy first if I had to do it all over again. See, life is easier with some clear direction and episode 66 will give you exactly that! Enjoy!

Show Notes –

More information – Episode 66 included a whole lot of references! If you had trouble keeping up and want to know more, I have a list of prior episodes that dive deeper into each item. So, here is my index of helpful episodes –

• Weaving Accessories – episode 13
• The World of Shuttles – episode 29
• The Mighty Warping Board – episode 32
• No More Empty Bobbins – episode 59

Click on each one to take you directly there. Hopefully, they’ll help you in your quest for what to buy first!

Now, you!

What weaving accessories have you purchased that you currently can’t live without?

AC Insiders –

Have you heard the great news? I’ve partnered with Patreon to bring you the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership offers you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a weaver. You’ll get discounts on products and classes. Plus, you are the first to know about all the good stuff coming down the pike (because you’ll get to help create it)!

Have I piqued your interest? Want to know more? This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! I can’t wait to have you as part of the team!

The post What to buy first? appeared first on Acton Creative.

I gotta say, double weave can be PRETTY fancy! However, at the core of it, there’s no need for a graduate degree or expensive weaving software. Once you can visualize the circular nature of weaving a tub on your loom, it’ll become addictive!

Take a look at episode 63 to see how it works.

Show Notes –

Double Weave – The Schacht Spindle Company (who I love and all my looms are from!) has all sorts of great information about weaving! I discovered a lovely multi-part article from them all about double weave. You can do a lovely deep dive right here. 

An easy overview – If you’ve never heard of double weave and this all seems a bit bewildering, I have a great place for you to start. Last year, I created a series of videos covering some of the major types of weaving and double weave was included. So, take a peek here to see episode 18 that includes a nice, easy overview of this seemingly complex weave pattern.

Now, you!

What has been your experience with double weave?

Acton Creative Insiders

Have you heard the great news? I’ve partnered with Patreon to bring you the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership offers you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a weaver. You’ll get discounts on products and classes. Plus, you are the first to know about all the good stuff coming down the pike (because you’ll get to help create it)!

Have I piqued your interest? Want to know more? This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! I can’t wait to have you as part of the team!

The post Creating Tubes Using Double Weave appeared first on Acton Creative.

A topic like the weaving shed isn’t something you need to continuously mull over. But, if you haven’t been introduced to it yet, it’s important to understand a little bit about it.

Take a look at episode 60 of A Handwoven Experience to find out more.

Show Notes –

Spring Cleaning – I found a great article from Deb Essen at Handwoven Magazine talking about the importance of a clean weaving shed and a few things to do to guarantee you have one. Take a peek right here! 

X’s and O’s – The wonderfully informative Jane Stafford wrote a blog post about rising sheds and sinking sheds, and what that means for your tie-ups. What I particularly found interesting was that when you’re reading a weaving draft, you can tell how it is written (for rising shed or sinking shed) by what symbol is used. If you see “o’s”, the draft is written for a rising shed loom, and “x’s” for a sinking shed. Brilliant! Read the entire thing to find her clever trick for remembering which is which.

Treadles and Tie-ups – Need a quick refresher? I’ve got just the thing! Back in episode 35, I gave a quick overview of those exact components. You can see it here. 

Now, you!

What kind of loom do you have? Does it have a rising shed, or a sinking shed?

AC Insiders –

Have you heard the great news? I’ve partnered with Patreon to bring you the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership offers you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a weaver. You’ll get discounts on products and classes. Plus, you are the first to know about all the good stuff coming down the pike (because you’ll get to help create it)!

Have I piqued your interest? Want to know more? This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! I can’t wait to have you as part of the team!

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I hear ya! And while I still haven’t found any mystical elves that will wind my bobbins for me, I do have a bobbin winder that I swear by.

Today’s episode of A Handwoven Experience is all about working with a bobbin winder. If you’ve been winding yours by hand thus far, this could be a complete game changer! Check it out!

Show Notes –

Various Kinds of Bobbin Winders – In the video today, I’m using a hand-powered, single end, bobbin winder. But, there are electric versions available that can REALLY make quick work of loading up your bobbin! Plus, you’ll find versions that are classified as “single end” or “double end”. This refers to how the empty bobbin is attached to the winder. The Woolery has a nice selection and if you scroll down to the bottom, you can see their recommendations on how to wind a bobbin. Very interesting!!

Other Accessories – In case you missed it, I released a video all about weaving accessories last year. It includes a little tour around my loom, showcasing all the tools I reach for on a regular basis. You might discover something you’ve missed!

Now, you!

What is your favorite weaving accessory?

AC Insiders –

Have you heard the great news? I’ve partnered with Patreon to bring you the Acton Creative Insiders! This monthly membership offers you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a weaver. You’ll get discounts on products and classes. Plus, you are the first to know about all the good stuff coming down the pike (because you’ll get to help create it)!

Have I piqued your interest? Want to know more? This link will take you right to the AC Insiders page where you can see more details and register today! I can’t wait to have you as part of the team!

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See, the floating selvedge provides something for the weft to loop around when a pattern doesn’t. This is really important when paying attention to your edges. (And truthfully, when is a weaver not paying attention to her edges?)

Take a look at episode 42 of A Handwoven Experience to find out more about the fabulous floating selvedge!

Show Notes –

More about floating selvedges – I found a lovely summary all about today’s topic on the Gist yarn website. Feel free to check it out right here! 

Other mentions – In a interesting twist of kismet, I mentioned floating selvedges recently in my Happy Anniversary blog post! Don’t remember that one? No worries – I have it for you right here!

Twill weave – The pattern I’m working with in the video is a twill weave. This lovely, versatile style of weaving is great fun. And you don’t need to be very experienced to try it! Put it on your list of to-do’s for an upcoming project. You will love it!

Now, you!

What is your experience with floating selvedges? Have you ever forgotten to include them at the warping board and had to separately weight them at the loom? (Is that just me?) Have you ever started a project, not realizing they would come in handy? Thoughts? Happy Weaving, my friend!!!

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(Warning – this post mentions the word, “shuttle” a ridiculous amount of times. Might be a great drinking game, now that I think about it… but, we’re all adults here. Just insert water and you’ll be WELL hydrated by the time you’re done reading!)

In this week’s episode of A Handwoven Experience, I’m introducing you to a fascinating line-up of shuttles. Those beautiful vehicles flying in-between the warp yarns, they’re a thing of beauty – no matter which kind you use.

In this special journey through the world of shuttles, I will show you my little crew. We’ll start with the stick shuttle, spend a little time with the boat shuttle, discuss the rug shuttle, and round out the conversation with the ski shuttle & the rag shuttle. It’s a full house! Check it out right here.

Show Notes –

Stick Shuttle – The stick shuttle is a flat piece with notches on either end. The yarn is wound directly onto the shuttle. I like to use mine for small amounts of yarn. You can’t really toss it, but instead need to inch it across the project. It wouldn’t be my recommendation for a big project. But, it is very inexpensive and if you are feeling crafty, you could easily make one yourself!

Boat Shuttle – This is my favorite style of shuttle, simply because it can hold quite a bit of yarn and moves smoothly. They come in a variety of sizes – mine is a 13″. (If you hadn’t guessed, they’re shaped a bit like a boat! Go figure!)

Bobbin- To use a boat shuttle, you need a bobbin. Your yarn will wind directly on to the bobbin, which will then be placed into the body of the boat shuttle. The yarn unfurls as the shuttle moves between the warp yarns.

Rug Shuttle – This is my second favorite kind of shuttle. It’s very long, yet fits comfortably in my shed space. Because I love including multiple yarns in the weft, this one makes a lot of sense.

More Shuttles (keep going!) –

Ski Shuttle – The ski shuttle really has tons of personality! The shape of it makes you think of a ski and it is my back-up shuttle to the rug shuttle.

Rag Shuttle – The rag shuttle is perfect for holding strips of fabric when creating a rag rug. I must admit that my rag shuttle doesn’t fit gracefully through my shed space. So, if you decide to purchase one, do some math first to be sure it’ll work for you.

Flying Shuttle – I found a great article on John Kay, inventor of the flying shuttle. In 1733, he designed a shuttle that moved on a rod, delivering the yarn across the project with just the toss of a lever. It replaced the work of two people who previously would have stood on either side of the loom, throwing the shuttle back and forth to each other. This invention was very important to the Industrial Revolution. Ah, progress.

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