I don’t normally weave with linen (I’m more of a cotton girl), but it’s an interesting fiber with lots of possibilities, as well as pitfalls. In this episode of A Handwoven Experience I share my tips, trials, and tricks for weaving with linen. Because even the most finicky of fibers can give you amazing results. Happy weaving!

Show Notes –

More about linen – Boy, Gather came through with a wonderful blog post all about weaving with linen! There are some great tips and things to consider that will dovetail into today’s episode. Be sure to soak it all up right here. 

Another interesting fiber – If Tencel is an unfamiliar fiber for you, I have a great episode to warm you up. You see, Tencel has a lot going for it! And if you love the idea of working with a vibrant, silky yarn that acts a lot like cotton, Tencel is for you. Check out the episode, “Let’s Learn About Tencel” right here.

AC Insiders

Want more weaving tips? Become an Acton Creative Insider! There’s a Resource Center with lots of weaving tips and info, an Online Weavers’ Guild where you’ll find a community of weavers ready to support you in your weaving journey; and more! Get more details and join us at https://patreon.com/actoncreative.

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And while there isn’t a flawless formula for making that decision, you can ask yourself a few qualifying questions to effectively narrow it down! That’s what episode 93 is all about. Enjoy!!

Show Notes –

Library of Yarns – I found some very interesting information from a Jacquard company in the UK called Humphries Weaving. They talk about the broad categories of fiber and give a little description for each – how they are used, and what are their strengths. Very interesting! Give it a look right here. 

Buying Weaving Yarn Online – If you haven’t shopped much for weaving yarn, it can feel really overwhelming! But never fear, I created a video that will walk you through all the intense descriptions and initials. And once you comprehend the basics, buying weaving yarn won’t feel nearly so scary! Here is episode 41 for you! 

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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Weavers? Well, because our system for identifying weaving yarn goes WAY back, it is a bit more convoluted. (For the history buffs, I chat about it at 2:16 – with some extra random trivia thrown in.) As a matter of fact, what’s little is big, and there are weird fractions that aren’t fractions… it’s all over the place!

But there is a method to the madness! And hopefully by the end of the video, you’ll learn why a 3/2 cotton is much bigger than a 20/2 cotton. Plus, you’ll have cool words like, “lea” and “hank” to add to your repertoire. Happy weaving! (Don’t forget to check out the show notes below!)

Here are a few show notes for you!

Sport weight – a #2 sized yarn for knitting/crocheting, fairly fine

Needles – 2 needles are used for knitting

Hook – 1 hook is used for crocheting

Hank – 840 yards of cotton yarn

Lea – 300 yards of linen yarn

Worsted – 560 yards of wool yarn

Ply – one strand of yarn (usually yarn has 2 or more)

Sett – how closely yarns are spaced together in a project

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What makes it so special is that each participating weaver was given an envelope with 4 cards in it, back in September. Each card contained an element of the project. It is up to each person to interpret a project using those guidelines. Each of us have different cards, so we’ll end up with very unique results.

It’s fascinating to hear someone’s thought process when it comes to this exercise! The stories people share are as exciting as the projects! Over the last 10 years, I have participated probably 2-3 times. So I figured I was due this year!

My hand of cards read like this – linen (fiber), Spot Bronson (type of weave), complimentary colors, and table runner/cloth/placemats (I can choose which one). I knew for a fact that I didn’t own a lick of linen anywhere in this house. So my first order of business was to order yarn! (You know, it’s a burden, but somebody’s got to do it!)

Instead of using 100% linen (which comes in about 2 colors), I went with cottolin – a blend of cotton & linen. The yarn arrived last Thursday afternoon and I began planning. I had a couple of hurdles here. (A) I’ve never worked with this yarn before, and (B) I’ve woven a Spot Bronson pattern probably once in my life.

After quite a bit of research, I settled on a plan of attack – a table runner in yellows and purples. So far, I have measured it on the warping board and sleyed it into the reed. But then, I realized I had a bad case of faulty math and tomorrow, I’ll need to add another inch to the project. You know, it happens to all of us!

I’m really enjoying the process of working with a new fiber, a new weaving structure, and generally being stretched in different directions! It’s a fabulous break from the typical patterns running around in my head!

So next up for me is fixing my mathematical problem, threading some heddles and getting the project into the floor loom. I can’t wait! Stay tuned…

How do you feel about new challenges? Love ’em? Hate ’em? Only if it’s for a grade?

Song of the Day – Fiona Apple, “Fast As You Can”

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