I’ve been there friends, and in this episode of A Handwoven Experience I will walk you through some things to consider as you select the perfect reed and heddles for your loom. Happy weaving!

Show Notes –

Measuring heddles – I found a great visual for how to measure your heddles on the Eugene Textile Center website. So if you’d like more details to go with my brief explanation, simply click the link here to see more. 

Used Loom Buying Checklist – This episode directly ties into an earlier video focused on buying a used loom. If you didn’t catch it, I have it handy right here! 

AC 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 Weaver’s 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

The post Buying Replacement Parts for Your Loom appeared first on Acton Creative.

You’ve been bitten by the weaving bug and have decided that your life is not complete without a loom in it. You find a used loom that peeks your interest. But before you seal the deal, you wonder: “How do I know if this loom is in good shape?”

I’ve got you, my friends! In this episode of A Handwoven Experience, I’ll walk you through a simple checklist that you can use to make sure any loom is ready for you to weave on it. There’s nothing better than creating fabric on a new-to-you loom! Happy weaving!

Show Notes –

Loom Maintenance – I found a great post on Warped Fibers all about taking care of your loom. I particularly appreciate the entire section on dealing with rust. It’s a great resource for any loom owner. Click here to read on. 

Loom-related Videos – Are you looking for more loom resources? Friends, I have you covered! Check out these episodes of A Handwoven Experience:

Ep. 24 All About Table Looms

Ep. 126 Identify Your Style of Loom

Ep. 151 Exploring My Jack Loom

Ep. 187 Rigid Heddle vs. Multi-Shaft Looms

Dress Your Loom Course

Now that you have a loom, are you ready to learn how to dress it? There’s still time to enroll in the July session of my Dress Your Loom class. This 6-week, online class will help you get your yarn off your shelf and onto your loom. I walk you through every step of the weaving process, from measuring your project to weaving and finishing. Click here for more information and to register. Hurry! Doors close on July 17th at 4PM CST!

The post Used Loom Buying Checklist appeared first on Acton Creative.

Show Notes –

Best Practices for Reading a Draft – Oooh, I found a great article on Handwoven magazine about reading weaving drafts. Susan, the author, gives a great look at the various components of a draft and what to do with them. I highly recommend you check it out here. 

Reading a Weaving Draft – If all this talk about weaving drafts and repeats in weaving drafts is foreign to you, might I recommend a skip down memory land, back to episode 49, “Reading a Weaving Draft”? It’s a great starting point. You can watch it here. 

Reading a Weaving Draft Class –

If you want to do a deeper dive into the world of weaving drafts, I have a virtual class available on the “Weaving Classes” page. I’ll take your hand and walk you through the various components step-by-step. Take a look here and sign up today. 

FREE Weaving Resources –

Would you look at that? There is an entire list 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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You see, there are magical things in the weaving world called, “replacement heddles” or “repair heddles”. They are heddles that you can snap into place on any shaft you need. And while you probably won’t need them with every project, I can guarantee they will come in very handy at some point!

In today’s episode, I’m talking you through the scenarios where a few replacement heddles will absolutely do the trick versus when you may as well re-thread your project.

Show Notes –

Make your own replacement heddles – If you aren’t familiar with creating your own replacement heddles, I have just the episode for you. Wander back to episode 58 where I show you how I make your own.

Madelyn’s replacement heddles – I found a great post on Handweaving Magazine where Madelyn Van Der Hoogt takes you step by step through the process of making a quick string heddle in case of emergency. Click here to check it out.

Dress Your Loom Course –

The doors are closing! The registration window for the January 2025 Dress Your Loom Class will close on Thursday, January 16 at 4 pm CST. So if you’re ready to learn how to weave and adopt an easy method for dressing your loom, now is the time!

The post When to Use a Replacement Heddle appeared first on Acton Creative.

This pattern can offer you limitless options with just a simple threading and treadling. The sky’s the limit! Follow along this episode to learn the basics so you can quickly be off and weaving! Enjoy!

Show Notes –

More about Bumberet – I found an interesting blog post about bumberet from Beverly Usher’s Handcrafted Textiles, “Colour + Texture = Textiles”, and I modeled my project on her draft! It’s a very interesting read and I hope you’ll give it a look! Click here to see the entire post. 

Point Twill Threading – In this episode, I refer to a point twill threading. If you are unfamiliar with this, I have a prior episode that will fill you in. Here’s the link to episode 111, “Point Twill Threading”.

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 small group chats every single month! 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!

The post The Charming Bumberet appeared first on Acton Creative.

I dug deep to give you 2 different approaches for figuring up how many heddles you’ll need for your project – how many per inch, and how many per repeat. And be forewarned, there is math in this episode! So, so much math…

Hopefully, this will provide you with an important skill when tackling your next project! Enjoy episode 138 of A Handwoven Experience!

Show Notes –

Mathing Around – I found this lovely website that is based in education, but includes an entire blog post on the connection between math and weaving! Ultimately I think what sets weavers apart from other art forms is the amount of detailed work and analytical thinking we’re required to do. And a big part of that is math! So, yay us!! Please enjoy this interesting blog post right here. 

Army of Heddles – WAY back in episode 34, I did a deep dive into the world of heddles and if you are new to weaving, this is a great topic to review before jumping headlong into today’s episode! Here’s the link for “Army of Heddles”. 

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! See you there! 

The post # of Heddles Per Shaft for Your Project appeared first on Acton Creative.

Maybe you’re new to the idea of an official weaving repair kit. That’s wonderful! There’s really no time like the present to take inventory of what you have and start gradually adding to it so you’re ready.

Ready for the yarn to break, for the counts to be wrong, and for the screws on the loom to be tightened. You are ready! Here’s the most current episode to provide some inspiration. Enjoy!

Show Notes –

Loom maintenance – Oooh, I found a great blog post about caring for your loom from Warped Fibers! She covers a variety of ways to care for your fabulous piece of equipment. Click here to read it for yourself. 

Repair Heddle – Way back in episode 58 (June of 2021, if you can belive it!), I brought you in really close to explain how to create your own repair heddles. If you haven’t watched it yet, or are unfamiliar with repair heddles, it’s a really valuable topic! Here is all the good stuff! 

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 small group chats every single month! 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!

The post Weaving Repair Kit appeared first on Acton Creative.

When you hear a weaver talk about a “threading”, it refers to the sequence you use to assign the warp yarns to a shaft. You’ve heard me many a time discuss “threading the heddles”, which is the action, while a “threading” is the sequence.

For me, I tend to approach a threading in a visual manner, like you’re a bird looking down on the loom. (Total sidebar: if you truly have a bird looking down on your loom, please stop what you’re doing and kindly escort her out!)

In this episode, I’ll be sharing my approach to this step, AND of course, walking you through the fabulous broken twill threading. It’s a good one! Enjoy!

Show Notes –

Twill Glossary – Oooooh, I found a great resource for you! In Handwoven magazine, they shared a wonderful twill glossary that includes all sorts of variations, including our broken twill threading! Some were even new to me! I’ll definitely be studying it further right after I finish this post. Click here to see what the excitement’s about. 

Straight Draw – Back at episode 57, I introduced you to the Famous Straight Draw. And the truth is, you could easily dress your loom using a straight draw for the rest of your life and never get bored! If you’d like a refresher on this sturdy workhorse of a threading, here is your review of the straight draw. 

Point Twill Threading – The other threading I refer to in our current episode is the wonderful point twill threading. I featured this one in episode 111, which was a great lead-in to waffle weave! Click here to see what the point twill threading is all about! 

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 small group chats every single month! 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!

The post Broken Twill Threading appeared first on Acton Creative.

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! 

The post Weaver’s Wish List 2022 appeared first on Acton Creative.

Have you heard of this one? The order in which you thread your heddles looks exactly like the letters “M” and “W”! It’s so much fun!

Check out episode 113 to dive deeper into this unique twist on where to place your warp yarns.

Show Notes –

Marcy Petrini – At the Convergence Conference last July, I met Marcy Petrini. She was our guide for 2 separate day-long trips and we had a blast! Let me tell you, Marcy is a force of nature! Not only is she a lot of fun, but she is a ridiculously knowledgeable weaver. So it only seemed right to include her draft incorporating an M&W threading here. Not only will you see her m’s and w’s, but also her beautiful fabric. You simply must try it yourself! Click here to start planning your project. 

Point Twill Threading – Just in case you are ready to jump off the straight draw train for a bit, I suggest giving a point twill threading a look. In episode 111, I broke it down nice and neatly just for you! Cue the video right here. 

October Weave Along

You are invited to join us for the October Weave Along! This month-long weaving adventure is an opportunity to not only weave a fun pattern, but also participate in a sweet community of weavers. To see all the colorful details, click here to see the overview. It includes information about the Facebook Group and the benefits of being an Acton Creative Insider.

I hope you give it a go! Happy Weaving!

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