However, if you haven’t tried it yet, I have a few elements to watch for – the size of the reed, your extra heddles, and those sneaky warp yarns at the very edge of your project.

That’s exactly what I’m covering in this week’s A Handwoven Experience. Enjoy!

Show Notes –

World’s Widest Loom – Did you know that in 2005, a weaving company named Jurgens created a weaving loom that was 33.15 meters? That’s over 108 feet! Whew! I’m not sure exactly what would inspire you to make a 100+ foot wide loom. But, it sure is some fun trivia! Take a look at the other cool things Jurgens makes. 

All Wound Up – If you are just starting your weaving journey and are unsure what to use when winding the project on to the loom, I have an episode here to clear things right up! (Clear as mud, that is!) In this video, I talk about the debate between using sticks or using paper. And my answer is to use either one! Use whatever you have available and you are comfortable with. Check out the full episode 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 Use the Entire Width appeared first on Acton Creative.

But in this case, I’m talking about weaving tension. What is it and why is it important? That’s the topic up for discussion instead of who’s divorcing who. Enjoy!

Show Notes –

Advice from Madelyn – Madelyn Van Der Hoogt answered a question about uneven tension in a segment on the Handwoven website and I always try to sit up & pay attention when Madelyn doles out advice! Take a peek at her reply here.

Winding on – In this week’s episode of A Handwoven Experience, I refer to the process of winding your project on to the loom as evenly as possible in an effort to help your project’s tension. If you’d like a refresher on how I recommend winding on, click here to see my process. Hopefully it’ll work for you, too!

Now, you!

If you were a guest on my show, Tension Talk, what would be your biggest challenge with weaving tension?

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 Tension Talk appeared first on Acton Creative.

For the overall enjoyment of the weaving process, it is important to use something in between the layers of warp yarns being wound around and around the warp beam at the back of your loom. This keeps the warp yarns even, allowing you to get the most inches out of the project and providing even tension.

It is typical to use either sticks or paper as the material between the rotations of warp yarns. And they both certainly have merit. Tune in to this week’s A Handwoven Experience to see more about your options. Enjoy getting “all wound up”!

Show Notes –

Tips for warping a loom – Deb Essen wrote a great article about warping a loom. She recommends bamboo blinds or placemats for warp separators – pretty brilliant! Read all about it here.

Winding on a project – Check out episode 9 of A Handwoven Experience to see more about the process of winding a weaving project on to the loom – way back in the beginning! Just click here for more details.

Holiday Shopping for the Weaver in Your Life –

Do you have a weaver to buy for this holiday season? Maybe you aren’t sure what he/she might like? No worries! I’ve compiled a list of goodies that will fit the bill! Travel over to the official Holiday Weaver’s Wish List to pull lots of ideas and bring joy to your favorite fiber-lover! Happy Shopping!

The post All Wound Up appeared first on Acton Creative.

In this episode, the fabric will be cut off and unrolled from the loom. This last step in our 7-part series shows how a bolt of fabric is finally released once it has been woven. Please enjoy this week’s A Handwoven Experience!

Show Notes –

• Planning a project is the 1st step of a weaving project, which include 3 goals – 1) deciding the length of the warp yarns 2) counting how many warp yarns will be in the project, and 3) determining the order.
• Warping a project is the 2nd step of a weaving project where each warp yarn is measured to the same length, and in the correct order. (Typically, this is done on a warping board or mill.)
• Sleying the reed is the 3rd step of a weaving project. Each warp yarn is assigned to a slot (dent) in a reed. The reed’s job is to keep the project at a consistent width in the loom, which is key.
• Threading the heddles is the 4th step of a weaving project when each warp yarn is paired with a shaft in the loom. This step helps set up the options for the pattern of the fabric.
• Winding on is the 5th step of the weaving process. The entire warp is shifted through the loom and then tied on to the back. (Requires a bit of balance and a smidgen of patience.)
• Weaving is the 6th step of a weaving project. In this step, yarns are lifted and lowered, depending on what shaft they are on. A shuttle is tossed from side-to-side, releasing the weft yarn into the fabric. And the beater bar is pulled forward to position the weft yarns and tighten the fabric.
• Finishing is the 7th step of a weaving project. This step is all about releasing the fabric from the loom.

The post Finishing a Weaving Project appeared first on Acton Creative.

It’s finally time to weave! We’ve traveled together through all the steps to dress the loom. And now, it’s time for some weaving! In this video, which is part 6 in our 7-part series, I will show you how it all comes together into a weaving project. I will create fabric right before your very eyes. Pretty magical!

I’ll tell you a little about technique, and a little about materials. Plus, I’ll identify all the steps that came before and explain why they were important. And mostly, I’ll toss the shuttle to & fro, and add a few inches to our project while we chat! I hope you enjoy Episode 10 of “A Handwoven Experience”. Happy Weaving!

Show Notes –

• Planning a project is the 1st step of a weaving project, which include 3 goals – 1) deciding the length of the warp yarns 2) counting how many warp yarns will be in the project, and 3) determining the order.
• Warping a project is the 2nd step of a weaving project where each warp yarn is measured to the same length, and in the correct order. (Typically, this is done on a warping board or mill.)
• Warp refers to the yarns that are in the loom and under tension.
• Sleying the reed is the 3rd step of a weaving project. Each warp yarn is assigned to a slot (dent) in a reed. The reed’s job is to keep the project at a consistent width in the loom, which is key.
• Threading the heddles is the 4th step of a weaving project when each warp yarn is paired with a shaft in the loom. This step helps set up the options for the pattern of the fabric.
• Heddles are thin, metal strips (by the way, they aren’t always metal, but mine are!) with an eye in the middle that slide along a top and bottom rail in each shaft of the loom. Each warp yarn goes into a heddle on a specific shaft, therefore determining when it will lift up in the weaving pattern.
• Shaft is a frame in the loom that lifts and lowers, separating yarns which will then create the weaving pattern.
• Winding on is the 5th step of the weaving process. The entire warp is shifted through the loom and then tied on to the back. (Requires a bit of balance and a smidgen of patience.)
• Weaving is the 6th step of a weaving project. In this step, yarns are lifted and lowered, depending on what shaft they are on. A shuttle is tossed from side-to-side, releasing the weft yarn into the fabric. And the beater bar is pulled forward to position the weft yarns and tighten the fabric.
• Treadles are pedals below the loom that are connected to the shafts.
• Plain weave is the simplest weaving pattern – over, under, over, under (think potholders!).
• Weft refers to yarns that are in the shuttle.
• Shuttle is an item that holds the weft yarns that travel back and forth across the warp to create fabric.
• Rag shuttle is a type of shuttle where the weft yarns are wound directly on it, instead of on a bobbin. This type of shuttle is typically larger than a stick or boat shuttle.
• Beater bar is a large piece at the front of the loom that moves forward and back. It is important because it serves 2 purposes – 1) to hold the reed, and 2) to tighten the yarns in the fabric.

A little something extra –

To counteract any creative stagnation during these difficult times, click here to access your free, “25 Weaving Challenges to Beat the Quarantine Doldrums”! And Happy Weaving!

The post Ep. 10 Weaving! appeared first on Acton Creative.

Hi there! In today’s episode of A Handwoven Experience, we are winding a project on to the loom. This is part 5 in our 7-part series, showcasing a weaving project from start to finish.

When winding on, you’ll need to recall your days playing the game, Twister, because there are multiple things happening at the same time that require a bit of coordination.

This step is particularly wonderful because it the last one before we can start weaving. And the weaving is always the goal! So without further adieu, check out this week’s video!

Show Notes –

Planning a project – This is the 1st step of a weaving project, which include 3 goals – 1) deciding the length of the warp yarns 2) counting how many warp yarns will be in the project, and 3) determining the order.

Warp – The yarns that are in the loom and under tension.

Warping a project – This is the 2nd step of a weaving project where each warp yarn is measured to the same length, and in the correct order. (Typically, this is done on a warping board or mill.)

Sleying the reed – This is the 3rd step of a weaving project. Each warp yarn is assigned to a slot (dent) in a reed. The reed’s job is to keep the project at a consistent width in the loom, which is key.

Lease sticks – A pair of wooden dowels that hold the weaving cross in place.

Beater bar – A large piece at the front of the loom that moves forward and back. It is important because it serves 2 purposes – 1) to hold the reed, and 2) to tighten the yarns in the fabric.

Threading the heddles – This is the 4th step of a weaving project when each warp yarn is paired with a shaft in the loom. This step helps set up the options for the pattern of the fabric.

Shaft – A frame in the loom that lifts and lowers, separating yarns which will then create the weaving pattern.

Winding on – This is the 5th step of the weaving process. The entire warp is shifted through the loom and then tied on to the back. (Requires a bit of balance and a smidgen of patience.)

A little something extra –

To counteract any creative stagnation during these difficult times, click here to access your free, “25 Weaving Challenges to Beat the Quarantine Doldrums”! And Happy Weaving!

The post Ep. 9 Winding On appeared first on Acton Creative.

A long while ago, I began working with recycled neckties, incorporating them into my fabric. So little by little, word got around that I have the ability to re-purpose your old, unwanted neckties. What this means is that friends/family/strangers bring me bags of neckties – sometimes for a specific project, sometimes just because they want to donate to my art. Fabulous!

Measuring on the warping board!

Case in point, last fall some family friends (we’ll call them the “J” family) provided me with a bag of neckties. Mr. J is a well-known community member and business owner. So, he’s definitely collected a few ties in his day. They assured me that they didn’t want anything for themselves – they simply wanted to contribute. Typically, I would take these types of ties and add them to the stash. But in this instance, I was feeling the need to take on a random challenge. How do I use all the neckties provided in their bag to create a multi-colored, interesting piece of fabric?

It’s like blue/purple yarn soup!

Step one –

Checking out the goods. Let me tell you, there was a little bit of everything in this bag! Mr. J? Big golfer! Lots of cool golf-related items. Lots of power ties. Lots of color! I kept thinking, “this is going to be fun”! (And p.s. I have scoured my images and somehow, I did not take one photo of the original bag of ties! Swing and a miss!!!)

Ready to go into the reed

Step two –

Deciding the size of the project. Because I didn’t have any clue what I would do with the fabric (and ultimately, it didn’t matter), I settled on 4 yards for the length, and about 32″ wide. Whenever the neckties ran out, the plan was to simply play!

Sleying the reed – my favorite!

Step three –

Picking colors. For this project, I could have chosen almost any color to compliment the rainbow going on! All the colors were all represented. But my gut requested blues and purples. So, there you have it! Always go with the gut.

Winding on to the loom

Steps four-through-seven –

Dressing the loom. This included –

• Warping the yarns (this step measures each yarn to the correct length, in the correct order)
• Sleying the reed (this step decides the spacing of the project)
• Threading heddles (this step places each yarn in a strategic location in the loom)
• Winding on to the loom (just what it sounds like!)

Next up, the weaving will commence! It’s time to fillet some neckties!! Happy Weaving, everyone!

Ready to weave!

The post Let’s “tie” one on! appeared first on Acton Creative.

These were the winning colors!

Measured the yarns on the warping board.

The lovely warp – ready to go!

Sleyed the reed!

Threaded the heddles.

Tied the yarns on to the back of the loom. 

Started winding the yarns through the loom. 

Tied the yarns to the back.

Put a few spacers in place (toilet paper) and it’s ready to go!!! 

The post The birth of a project  appeared first on Acton Creative.

The view from the front!

Lots of yarn ready to move!

I find that winding the loom is a deceptively difficult part of the process. On the surface, it seems really easy! Give each group of yarn a yank, unlock the loom, roll it onto the back and repeat for the new few hours. But, like many things in life, there are pitfalls to watch out for. Am I pulling some yarns harder than others? Are the yarns spreading out too far on the back so they don’t fit on the yard sticks? Am I getting the twisted yarns out of the way so I don’t break them going through the reed & heddles?.. But, if you are beginning weaver, ignore what I just said and simply yank, unlock and roll! Piece of cake!

Love me some yard sticks!

Closer look at the back beam…

Of course I have to take a moment to reiterate my love of yardsticks! I have a 36″ loom so they fit perfectly at the back, keeping the yarns winding on smoothly! And I don’t know of anyone else who uses them these days. So, I feel like I could be the official champion for the lowly yardstick! They are awesome! (This impromptu advertisement was not endorsed by any yardstick company. But, could be in the future… call me!)

View from the back!

It’s the aerial shot!

If you will note, I still have my lease sticks in the yarn. I have found that they come in very handy! They are a sort of early detection system for snarls in the yarn! It’s better to catch and fix the twisty bits before they hit the reed!

Time to tie it up!

I like to start in the middle when tying up a project, grabbing about 1-1/2″ of yarn for each knot. The goal here is to create equal tension in all the yarns throughout the width of the project. I think it’s one of those things you wrestle with forever! I’ve been weaving for 9 years and still do a bit of agonizing over it each time I start tying things! But according to my girl, Madelyn Van Der Hoogt, I should just breathe through it and relax. She’s sort of the zen master of weaving – at least in my book!

Ta-da! Dressing the loom is finished!

And we are done! The loom is all dressed and ready for weaving! Let’s see if I can make some good thing happen next. Love the weaving magic! Talk to you soon…

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Bird’s eye view of the heddles.

They look very tall from this angle, don’t they?

The heddles (especially the metal ones) rattle around in the loom and some folks find it loud and distracting. For me, I don’t even notice! I think it’s like living near a train or on a busy road – you don’t even hear it after living there about a week!

Here, you can see all 4 shafts that hold the heddles!

Almost done!

So why thread heddles, you ask? Well, astute student, each shaft in the loom has the ability to lift up, separating some yarns from the others. When you thread a yarn into a heddle, you assign it to that particular shaft. For instance, I have a green yarn in the middle of the project that gets threaded through a heddle on shaft #2. When I am doing a weaving pattern, I know that this specific green yarn will lift up with all the others on shaft #2. This helps you establish your pattern! (Not the most graceful explanation, I know. But, rest assured, it is an important part of the process!)

Hundreds of yarns are involved!

Each yarn gets their very own!

So once the heddles are threaded, it’s time to unfurl the back of the loom and tie the yarns to the rod. Part of the reason I love my Schacht loom is that the back collapses and the back beam lifts off. Meaning, I can get as close as I want when threading the heddles. Then, it is easy to expand everything back out when it is time to start winding! Go, Schacht, go!!!

Expanding the back of the loom

Tying the project on!

You know, each step of the process has little things to watch out for. Once, I had a project where my cord holding the rod to the beam snapped! I kept wondering why things seemed loosey-goosey! Thankfully, it’s an easy fix (not mid-project, but if you catch it at this stage it is!). You tie the ends together, even everything out, and carry on! Just like life, right?

Ready to start winding!

Next, I’ll begin the winding process. And after that, there will be weaving – woohoo! I love the weaving… Have a lovely week and I’ll talk to you soon!

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