Have you ever been excited to try a new pattern, but weren’t exactly sure how to go about it? Well never fear, my friend! I’ve got you covered. Watch episode 172 of A Handwoven Experience for a great checklist to help you confidently dive in.

Show Notes –

Weaving Draft Library – Have you found handweaving.net yet? This amazing resource is loaded to the brim with weaving drafts for any number of shafts. I love the historical references and the tool for creating your own drafts. If you aren’t familiar with this invaluable website, click here to take a stroll through all the weaving fun. 

Weaving Books – Speaking of resources, have you started a weaving book collection? If not, I have a great list to kick off your library. WAY back at episode 23, I offered up my starter list of weaving books that will cover nearly all of your bases. So, enjoy this early video and let’s dive into some new weaving patterns! 

6 Weaving Patterns

Did you know there is a freebie describing 6 different weaving patterns ready for you? Yep! In this easy-to-follow document, I laid out 6 patterns and described each one so you will have a clear picture of what makes each one tick. Talk about a fabulous cheat sheet! Click here to pick up your very own copy. 

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What I find so humorous (and confusing) is that both words are actually really similar! There are only a few letters differentiating them from each other.

No wonder you’re confused! Thus, episode 128 to the rescue! My hope is that after watching this video, you’ll have a clear understanding of these key weaving pattern terms, and how to use them in creating your beautiful weaving patterns.

If that doesn’t happen, just drop me a line and I’ll help you sort it out. I’ve got you!

Show Notes –

Handweaving.net – If you decide you really like weaving patterns and want to try them all, I have a great resource to recommend to you – handweaving.net. This library of weaving patterns is incredible, full of historic drafts from very old documents, and contemporary patterns created by fellow weavers. Here you can filter your requirements so it will only show drafts to fit your loom. Not to mention, there is now a feature that allows you to create your own drafts. It’s very cool! There is a free and a paid option available, depending on your needs. Click here to check it out! 

Tie-Ups – In today’s episode about key weaving pattern terms, I briefly show a weaving pattern draft and gloss over the tie-up portion. To see more information about tie-ups, here are a few episodes for you –

Ep 35 – Treadles & Tie-Ups
Ep 73 – Direct Tie-Ups 
Ep 124 – Read a Weaving Draft for a Table Loom 

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!

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This step comes in when planning your project. Start by counting the number of warp yarns in one pattern repeat. Then, determine your epi (ends per inch) for the width of your project. And finally, grab a ruler or measuring tape to see how wide one repeat will actually be.

Because we are visual people, going through this step might surprise you when you see how big or how small your pattern actually is! The best news is that it is still early enough that you can alter your pattern or yarn selection to come up with the results you are looking for!

Check out episode 88 to watch me explain in more detail.

Show Notes –

Resizing weaving patterns – Those lovely folks over at Gist have created some great weaving blog posts, I tell ya! Case in point, Amanda wrote a detailed description on “How to Resize Weaving Patterns”, which is fabulous! She talks you through how to tweak a pattern for your loom or your ideal project size. It’s definitely worth a read! You can take a look at all the great instruction right here. 

Sampling – By taking the time to visualize the scale of your pattern, you will give yourself the opportunity to tweak the plans so your project looks like the vision you have in your head. At the very beginning of the weaving process, you also have a chance to kick around the pattern by doing a little sampling. Sampling is a perfect way to try some different weft yarns, play with the treadling, and generally get to know the pattern before you are off and running. If you’d like a refresher on sampling, check out episode 45 right here!

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! 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 Visualize the Scale of Your Pattern appeared first on Acton Creative.

As a weaver, we have a unique ability to feature pattern in our work. We can repeat yarns in a straight-forward, balanced manner. We can choose to increase or decrease them in an exciting rhythm. Or, we can create shapes or symbols in the fabric. So many options!

The point of this weaving design elements series is to showcase the incredible variety of weaving projects possible working with color, texture, and pattern. There is something for everyone – no matter what appeals to you. Tune in below to see this week’s episode. Let’s get weaving, shall we?

Show Notes –

The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory – If you are looking for a colorful guide to all things weaving pattern-related, this is the book I love! Written by Anne Dixon, this book is designed for a 4-shaft loom. Hopefully, it will become your favorite, too! Click here to get your copy.

The post Weaving Design Elements – Pattern appeared first on Acton Creative.

So in this special episode of A Handwoven Experience, I am talking about my why. And not just my usual, “I love weaving” answer. I’m peeling back the curtain to explain more about where I came from, who I am, and what’s important to me.

My goal in sharing this is not only to give you a better sense of what shaped me and my why, but also to encourage you to do a little personal retrospection. Where have you come from? What has influenced you? What is your why?

I would love to hear about your journey. Send me a comment letting me know your why. I believe that right now you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Getting to where you want to go in the future is easier when you know where you’ve been. At least, that’s my theory. Happy Weaving! – chris

Show Notes –

Your “why” – This is the solid foundation on which you build your business – something you are wildly passionate about, which will help you keep going when things go sideways.

If you want to hear more about building a business from a digital marketing expert, be sure to check out Amy Porterfield. In this episode of her podcast, she talks about what to focus on when just starting out!

Freebie –

It’s not too late to nab the Weaving Pattern Guide! Simply click here for your very own copy.

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