Weaving

by: Emily Werner

Highlights from NEWS!

Saturday, July 29th, 2017 Posted in Events, Fiber Arts Education, Weaving | No Comments »

New England Weavers Seminar 2017

Gretchen and I recently took Halcyon Yarn on the road! We had the pleasure of attending the New England Weavers Seminar at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. The New England Weavers Seminar, or NEWS, is held every two years and is a highly anticipated event for weavers in the region. It is a long weekend full of classes, lectures, shopping, and galleries showcasing the work of newcomers and established weavers side by side. With over 350 attendees, dozens of classes, tours, lectures, exhibits, and unique vendors all in one beautiful place, NEWS is a great opportunity to connect with a vibrant weaving community. To stay up to date on details and make your plans for NEWS 2019 please visit their website, and sign up for their NEWSletter.

For anyone on the fence about attending NEWS (or other weaving conferences), I’d like to say, go for it!! I met so many interesting weavers and saw so many interesting textiles that my head is bursting with new ideas! I can’t wait for NEWS 2019. We hope to see you there!

Gretchen and I rented a van and filled it with as many of Halcyon’s signature yarns, tools, and books as we could! It was lovely meeting and talking with so many passionate members of the weaving world, many of whom have been shopping with us for decades. We also saw lots of new faces that we hope to see again in the future! In addition to vending with Gretchen, I was lucky enough to take several classes over the weekend, ranging from the history of weaving with Marjie Thompson, to sewing with handwoven fabric with Sarah Jackson, to card weaving with Marilyn Romatka! Before this weekend, I’d only taken one formal weaving class. Being a mostly self taught weaver, this weekend was a great opportunity to converse with other weavers and learn from their experiences. You can only learn so much out of a book!

Gebrochen examples, from Marjie Thompson’s class.

A great tool for analysis, recommended in Marjie Thompson’s class.

Magnifying Pick Counter Glass with Rule

Card weaving, from Marilyn Romatka’s class.

One of the most exciting things about the weekend was witnessing firsthand the importance of weaving guilds. I had a chance to see the Traveling Library, which is a collection of over 50 notebooks of handwoven swatches and drafts created over the years by NEWS guild members, who are then able to borrow the notebooks for study and inspiration. It is a reminder of the way that weaving drafts were shared in the past. Before weavers had easy access to unlimited weaving books and online sources, handwritten drafts and samples were passed from weaver to weaver. (Remember, if you’re a guild member, take advantage of Halcyon Yarn’s Guild Rewards program!)

New Santa Fe colors, in the Organic Cottolin Tea Towel kit – coming soon!

Congratulations! Chris P. of Northampton, Massachusetts is the winner of our booth “door prize” at NEWS. Halcyon’s Organic Cottolin Tea Towel kit in our new Santa Fe colorway is headed for your loom. Thanks, Chris, and everyone who stopped by! If you visited our booth, this kit was being woven on the Louet Jane 27.5" 8-Shaft Table Loom, also available in a 15.5″ size, both with optional stands. These kits will be in stock soon at the store so stay tuned for their official release next week!

Louet Jane 27.5" 8-Shaft Table Loom

Seeing the library and guild exhibits really brought to light that strong sense of tradition and community in the weaving world, as did the evening lectures on the first and last nights from Tom Knisely and Lynda Teller Pete. I’ve seen numerous books and articles by Tom Knisely, but I had no idea he was an avid antique textile collector! His lecture was called “What We Can Learn from Antique Textiles,” and he brought some pieces from his own collection and even generously passed them around the room for us to gawk over. Tom is a very engaging speaker, and his delight in the craft is contagious. His favorite pieces (and the ones that told the best “stories”) were the ones that had worn away in spots or been lovingly mended. Rather than being disappointed by holes in the fabric, he looked at them as an opportunity to see exactly how the fabric was woven and used. While we may never know exactly who wove these early textiles, Tom and many of us in the audience enjoyed speculating about the anonymous weavers and owners of the textiles.

Lynda Teller Pete’s lecture was equally fascinating. Lynda is a fifth generation award-winning Navajo weaver and her lecture was called “They Will Know Our Names.” She spoke about her family’s legacy, where weaving lessons are mandatory and weaving is viewed as a “way of life.” The Two Grey Hills pattern is a traditional design that has been woven into rugs and tapestries by the Teller family for generations. It was fascinating to see how each generation interpreted the pattern a little differently. Hearing about the amount of skill and passion and history that goes into each and every piece woven by the Tellers was inspiring and it was wonderful to hear how highly valued weaving is within this family.

Learn more about Lynda, and her family, in the Craft In America: TEACHERS episode, from PBS.

Related items of interest:

by: Sierra Roberts

New! Obladi Oblada woven cowl pattern and kits

Friday, July 28th, 2017 Posted in General News, Weaving | No Comments »

Obladi Oblada Cowl

To celebrate the release of our exclusive Signature Hand Dyed collection, the talented Emily Werner has given us the Obladi Oblada Woven Fringed Cowl Pattern! This clever little cowl can be woven on a rigid heddle, 2-shaft or 4-shaft loom, and it’s so quick and easy you’ll want to make one in every color! One skein of Halcyon Signature Hand-Dyed Mohair Yarn and a mini cone of JaggerSpun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 Yarn are all you need to create this fun, unique accessory.

Obladi Oblada Woven Fringed Cowl Pattern

Halcyon Signature Hand-Dyed Mohair Yarn

JaggerSpun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 Yarn

Obladi Oblada Woven Fringed Cowl Pattern Download

The cowl in the photo above was woven in Zephyr color 0790 (Mushroom) and our Hand Dyed Mohair color 0001 (Berry). Zephyr is used for the warp, and then alternated with the variegated mohair in the weft to create a beautifully lightweight, lofty fabric with just the right amount of fuzziness. Sew this fabric together in two strategic spots, and the long fringe creates a real statement. Optional buttons can be sewn on afterward for added detail.

JaggerSpun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 Yarn

Halcyon Signature Hand-Dyed Mohair Yarn

With so many colors of Zephyr to choose from, it could take a while to narrow down your favorite combination. Fortunately, we’ve done some of that work for you! The Obladi Oblada Woven Fringed Cowl Kit - Berry includes the colors shown above, or you might like the combination of Squid Ink & Vanilla in the Obladi Oblada Woven Fringed Cowl Kit - Squid Ink. Each kit comes with instructions, enough yarn to make the cowl, and two buttons (click here to browse our button selection).

Obladi Oblada Woven Fringed Cowl Kit - Berry

Obladi Oblada Woven Fringed Cowl Kit - Squid Ink

This project is a great option for weavers of all levels, and it’s an easy introduction to working with mohair. Make one for yourself or get a head start on holiday presents!

Related items of interest:

by: Gretchen

Yarnworker Weave-Along for Rigid Heddle

Friday, July 7th, 2017 Posted in Fiber Arts Education, General News, Weaving | No Comments »

Weave Along with Liz Gipson, Yarnworker

Ready for Liz Gipson’s newest weave-along? Us too! This summer Liz is guiding you through the Four Looks Kitchen Towels from her awesome book, Handwoven Home.

Handwoven Home

The weave-along just launched yesterday so you can still be a part of it! To learn more and to enroll visit: Four Looks Kitchen Towels Weave-Along

Whether you’re already signed on or just hearing about it now, we can get you the materials you need. The Four Looks Kitchen Towels are perfect woven in Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn, and we stock over 65 colors. You’ll also need a copy of her book, Handwoven Home. We have a couple in stock now and more copies coming this week so we can mail it out to you soon if you order now!

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

You’ll weave these on a rigid heddle loom with a 23″ weaving width, and you’ll need a 10 dent reed, as well as a shuttle and yarn. (Need to stock up? See the recommended items below.)

The Yarnworker School

Now here’s the really important part: this free weave-along is entirely supported through Patreon contributions to The Yarnworker School. We don’t often ask you to please spend your money somewhere else, but… that’s just what we’re doing! Liz is doing a wonderful job creating an online hub for teaching, learning, and sharing all things rigid heddle. If this is a resource you’d enjoy, please consider making a small contribution. In return, you’ll receive regular updates and access to all the weaving goodness she is creating. Learn more and sign up here: patreon.com/LizGipson

We hope you’ll join Liz and the Yarnworker community for this fun summer weave-along, and stay tuned for more great projects ahead!

Recommended items for the Four Looks Kitchen Towels

Rigid Heddle Looms

Kromski 24" Harp Forte Rigid Heddle Loom Ashford 24" Rigid Heddle Loom Schacht 25" Flip Folding Rigid Heddle Loom Leclerc Bergere 24" Rigid Heddle Loom

Kromski 24" Harp Forte Rigid Heddle Loom

Ashford 24" Rigid Heddle Loom

Schacht 25" Flip Folding Rigid Heddle Loom

Leclerc Bergere 24" Rigid Heddle Loom

Stick Shuttles (5) or a Boat Shuttle and 5 Bobbins

Tip: When using stick shuttles, we prefer to use them close to the same width (or a little on the longer side) of your weaving width so that when you pass them back and forth through your shed you’re not having to reach into the shed. Since you don’t “throw” them, the way you would a boat shuttle, this helps prevent snagging warp threads or messing with your tension as you try to push them through or grab them.

Schacht 24" Stick Shuttle Leclerc 21" Stick Shuttle

Schacht 24" Stick Shuttle

Leclerc 21" Stick Shuttle

Boat shuttles don’t need to be as long, since they are designed to glide through the shed with less friction – just don’t over-stuff your bobbins. Boat shuttles, although they can cost more individually, are very versatile since you can swap out as many different bobbins as you like while using the same shuttle. Almost any boat shuttle will work in this project. However for smaller looms (like a rigid heddle), where you have a smaller shed, we especially like the

Leclerc 11" Closed Bottom Boat Shuttle Schacht 11" Slim Closed-Bottom Boat Shuttle, Maple Leclerc 11" Slim Open Bottom Boat Shuttle Schacht 11" Slim Open-Bottom Boat Shuttle, Maple

Leclerc 11" Closed Bottom Boat Shuttle

Schacht 11" Slim Closed-Bottom Boat Shuttle, Maple

Leclerc 11" Slim Open Bottom Boat Shuttle

Schacht 11" Slim Open-Bottom Boat Shuttle, Maple

The closed bottom shuttles glide more easily, especially if you’re using a stickier yarn, but you have a little less room on the bobbin. When you’re using a fine yarn like the 8/2 cotton, you can wind a good deal of yardage onto your bobbin and still have plenty of clearance so it won’t snag your warp threads in an open bottom shuttle.

Schacht 4" Plastic Bobbins Schacht 11" Slim Open-Bottom Boat Shuttle, Maple

Schacht 4" Plastic Bobbins

Schacht 11" Slim Open-Bottom Boat Shuttle, Maple

We recommend experimenting to see what feels best for you!

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

Mini cones are 600 yds, $6.25/each when you buy 8 or more. Pound cones are approximately 3,200 yards, $17.95/pound, sold by actual weight.

You’ll need 4 colors, with the following yardages:

A: 1,082
B: 1,488
C: 198
D: 986

Here are two combos we think will look great!

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

Related items of interest:

by: Gretchen

New Handwoven Magazine

Friday, June 23rd, 2017 Posted in Magazine, Weaving | No Comments »

Handwoven Sept/Oct

Handwoven Sept/Oct 2017 offers some great projects for weavers at a range of skill levels, as well as helpful articles. This issue is especially helpful if you’re in the market for a new loom as it features a “Loom Buyer’s Guide,” and several expert articles, including “Choosing the Perfect Loom” by Deb Essen, and Tom Kniseley’s “Notes From the Fell: Notes on Looms”. This issue of Handwoven will help you select the right equipment for your weaving pursuits. (When in doubt you can always call us too – we’re happy to help with personalized recommendations!)

Handwoven Sept/Oct 2017

I especially enjoyed Cameron Taylor-Brown’s Spotlight article “Weaving on a Black Mountain Loom,” in which she discusses her experience of weaving at the UCLA Hammer Museum on a loom that was used by Anni Albers. The exhibit, Leap Before You Look: Balck Mountain College 1933-1957, sounds intriguing, and the weaving Taylor-Brown created is beautiful. The author points out that “At Black Mountain, the [Albers] continued to advocate the Bauhaus philosophy that all art media are of equal merit.” When I see the incredible passion, purpose, and expertise that go into many weavers’ craft I agree that it merits as substantial an appreciation as any fine art.

In the Traditions column Laverne Waddington shares her experiences in Bolivia. Her article, “Bandweaving in the Central Bolivian Highlands – A View to the Future,” is a fascinating glimpse into an ancient practice. From intricate decorative bands, to larger pieces woven on vertical looms that lean against a simple frame, the colors and patterns are truly beautiful. The author points out that while most of us are careful to create and protect our warp cross with ties and sticks of some kind, these weavers deftly manage their crosses with their fingers and often secure the warp to a simple peg or to their own toes. A truly portable and beautiful art that has been practiced for many generations, these backstrap weavers are training new weavers as well.

Although thousands of miles apart, the theme of balancing historical practices with modern culture, is similar to that shared by Navajo tapestry weaver Lynda Teller Pete at the talk we heard her give last week at NEWS. In a craft as old as weaving there is an inevitable tension between preserving cultural history, including languages and traditional designs, while also welcoming the energy and interests of the next generations. Weaving has always been a living craft, and it is inspiring to see where and how this tension between past and present sparks new dialogue and creativity.

For more about Laverne’s work, and great inspiration and instructions for backstrap weaving, check out her website here. Also, for more about Lynda Teller Pete and her sister Barbara Teller Ornelas, check out the video in Emily’s NEWS post!

Fall Weaving Projects

Finally, for those of you itching to get a new project onto your loom, this issue features 10 great ideas. Here are a few of our favorites, along with recommendations for the materials you’ll need to get underway!

Andean Bands

If Laverne Waddington’s bandweaving piece piqued your interest, try these simple Andean Bands. They make a great cuff bracelet, key fob or decorative patch to stitch onto a bag – or make them longer and use as a bag handle or trim piece. Use 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn, in a dark, medium and light tone so that the design really pops. This is a great way to use small amounts of yarn leftover from other projects, or get affordable mini-cones in your choice of colors! Bands are woven on an inkle loom with 24 heddles. (Directions and materials listed will make a 1.25″ by 53″ finished band.)

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Warp: approximately 64 yards of color A (border color), and 16 yards each of colors B and C.

Weft: approximately 23 more yards of color A, or another contrasting color.

Ashford Inkle Loom

Schacht Inkle Loom w/Belt Shuttle

Ashford Inklette

David’s Towels

David’s Towels, by Tracy Kaestner.

Woven in an easy and affordable unmercerized cotton, like Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn, these colorful and absorbent towels are named for the 8-shaft [Louet David loom] on which they were woven. You’ll need a loom with a 25″ weaving width, 12-dent reed, a shuttle, and four bobbins to weave these towels. The project makes four finished towels 20.5″ wide.

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

WARP

Color A (lime): 320 yds, Color B (turquoise): 1,090 yds, Color C (lilac): 440 yds, Color D (plum): 760 yds

WEFT

Color B (turquoise): 55 yds, Color C (lilac): 737 yds, Color E (cream): 1,121 yds, Color F (iris) 506 yds.

Simply Swedish Shawl

This lightweight wool shawl, by Suzie Liles, is done in Swedish lace on a 4-shaft loom with a minimum 17″ weaving width and 10-dent reed. You’ll just need 1 shuttle and bobbin. The finished shawl is 15.5″ by 72″ plus a 5″ fringe at both ends. Weave this tonal shawl in two close colors of JaggerSpun Superfine Merino 2/18's Yarn for a soft and warm piece. Warp: 1,002 yds Color A. Weft: 798 yds Color B. (You’ll only need 2 mini cones of each color for the project.)

JaggerSpun Superfine Merino 2/18's Yarn

Try these combinations – or experiment with your own!

JaggerSpun Superfine Merino 2/18's Yarn

Remember: multi-shaft looms ship free at Halcyon Yarn. Call or email us anytime and we can help you select just the right loom and tools for all your weaving needs!

Related items of interest:

by: Gretchen

New Weaving Magazines – Handwoven & VÄV

Sunday, June 4th, 2017 Posted in Magazine, Weaving | No Comments »

Weaving inspiration for summer, when color and creativity abound…

Palu’e Ikat weaver, photo by Magnus Danerek.

VÄV

This incredible Scandinavian weaving magazine is always packed with textile treasures on every page, and the summer 2017 [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] color themed issue is a delight! You’ll lose yourself in the beautifully written and photographed articles, and you’ll want to try your hand at some great projects. Here are just a few of the highlights:

[Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock]

Palu’e Ikat: A Gift From Heaven, by Stefan Danerek & Magnus Danerek, takes readers to small island of Palu’e and explores the distinctive motifs of the local ikat weaving and dyeing (photo above).

Gutasagan I, by Eva Ek-Schaeffer.

Threads of Life: Poetry Woven Into Tapestry, by Tina Ignell and photos by Bengt Arne Ignell reveals the whimsical and profound tapestry work of Swedish artist Eva Ek-Schaeffer. Her large narrative works bring stories of both personal and cultural mythology to life. Her commitment to dyeing all the colors herself speaks to the intimacy you feel when taking in each piece. An exhibition of her work is planned for this year and in 2016 Ek-Shaeffer won the Gällivare Commune Cultural Prize.

More in this issue:

Dyeplants In the Bergius Botanical Gardens, by Tina Ignell, photos by Bengt Arne Ignell.

Sarape Refashioning, a new interpretation of traditional Mexican weaving. By Maja Svensdotter, photo by Mestiz.

Chamantos, a Chilean Weaving Tradition, by Tina Ignell, photos by Bengt Arne Ignell.

Looking for gorgeous projects…? Dive into these summer wonders:

Spotted Indigo Cushions, by Monica Hallen.

Colour-and-Weave Checked Handtowel, by Monica Hallen.

An extended plain weave handtowel in Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn, in light and dark blue, and pale pink. Perfect for a summery gift, derived from a Scottish glen check.

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

Spaced Weave Check Scarf, by Tina Ignell and Sanna Ignell.

A plain weave on 4 shafts, this simple and lightweight wool scarf takes a summery and unusual turn by spacing blocks of warp and weft to create a mesmerizing openwork scarf.

Wool and Linen Wrap Cardigan, design and knitting by Karin Öberg, weaving by Maiko Tanaka.

With plain weave panels for the body, and simple knitted sleeves, this geometric cardigan is a new take on a traditionally shaped boxy woven jacket. In wool and linen, the shape is simple, modern and effortlessly wearable. The combination of knit and woven textures gives a nice play of texture and lends softness to the silhouette.

This is just a taste of what [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] has to offer – grab a copy, find the closest hammock and dive in!

[Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock]

Handwoven

[Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] is filled with new summer weaving projects you’ll want to warp up as soon as you can! You’ll enjoy the weaving, but this time the best part may be taking it off the loom and finishing it… This issue of Handwoven is all about distinctive finishing techniques. While many weavers dread this step, fear not – you’ll be introduced to some creative solutions, how to choose the right technique, and helpful tools for putting the perfect final touches on your handwoven projects.

[Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock]

Articles include Clean Up Your Shed, by Deb Essen, 5 Types of Hemstitching, by Deanna Deeds, and in Tom Kniseley’s Notes From The Fell, you’ll learn a beautiful Damascus edge, with it’s fancy knotted V and flat braided fringe, as shown on his Rag Rug With A Triple Finish (below).

Tom Kniseley’s Rag Rug uses 1″ wide, cut cloth strips and Cotton Carpet Warp 8/4 Yarn. It can easily be woven on a 4-shaft loom with 20″ weaving width and a 15 dent reed.

Cotton Carpet Warp 8/4 Yarn

For more fantastically finished summer projects try these:

A Cluster of Cavandoli Knots, by Rosalie Neilson.

This rep weave runner features a unique Cavandoli knotted edge that lets the fringe stay loose while remaining structured and elegant. This would be a great finish on so many pieces! You’ll need 8-shafts and a 14″ width for this one, and a 12 dent reed. Warp is five beautiful jewel-toned colors of 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn, and for weft you’ll use Medium Cotton 16/8 Mop Yarn tripled, and more of the main color in 3/2 Pearl Cotton. Remember, with mini-cones of Pearl Cotton this is a very affordable project!

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Medium Cotton 16/8 Mop Yarn

Gumdrop Scarf, by Deanna Deeds.

With only two shafts you can create the beautifully textured Gumdrop Scarf. A mix of Tencel and Pearl Cotton give this piece beautiful drape and the pearled texture on the long twisted fringe is a great compliment to the Danish medallions that really pop the colors in this piece. You’ll need six colors of 8/2 Tencel Yarn for the warp. For weft you’ll use more of these, plus natural white in 10/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn and 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn. A mini cone of each of these is plenty for the whole scarf!

8/2 Tencel Yarn

10/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Summer Lace Placemats and Mug Rugs, by Suzie Liles.

Just the thing for summer dining al fresco – a table set in cheerful linen huck lace. Woven on 4 shafts with a 14″ width and a 10 dent reed. For 4 finished placemats plus hemstitched mug rugs you’ll need 3 colors of Newport 16/2 Linen Yarn; approximately 1,300 yards of the main color, and 124 yards of two accent colors.

If you’re thirsty for even more finishing expertise…

Newport 16/2 Linen Yarn

Check out Virginia West’s thorough and easy to follow book Finishing Touches for the Handweaver, recently back in stock. As you explore finishing, we’ve got you covered for tools too! Check out these can’t-finish-without-them devices and achieve perfect twisted fringes and knots from now on.

Finishing Touches for the Handweaver

Leclerc Double Fringe Twister Shadybrook Double Fringe Twister Leclerc Triple Fringe Twister Ashford Fringe Twister Leclerc Quad Fringe Twister Shadybrook Quadruple Fringe Twister 5" Netting Shuttle 6" Netting Shuttle 8" Netting Shuttle Chibi Jumbo Darning Curved Needles

Leclerc Double Fringe Twister

Shadybrook Double Fringe Twister

Leclerc Triple Fringe Twister

Ashford Fringe Twister

Leclerc Quad Fringe Twister

Shadybrook Quadruple Fringe Twister

5" Netting Shuttle

6" Netting Shuttle

8" Netting Shuttle

Chibi Jumbo Darning Curved Needles

We also want to welcome Handwoven’s new editor, Susan E. Horton! We’re looking forward to seeing more of her careful eye and passion for the craft, as she steers Handwoven into the future. The handweaving world may not be enormous, but there is no shortage of passion, skill or camaraderie – we are grateful for those who commit to the stewardship and growth of this vibrant community. Congratulations, and welcome, Susan!

Related items of interest:

by: Gretchen

Little Loom Wrap Up

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 Posted in Book, General News, On Sale, Weaving | 4 Comments »

Long live little looms!

May is moving on, but we hope your little loom adventures have only just begun!

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017 is back in stock, so grab a copy if you haven’t already, and preview some of the great projects here. This final week of “little looms May” we are featuring that most beloved and versatile piece of equipment, the rigid heddle loom. For those of you still on the fence about investing in a rigid heddle, trust us – you will love these little workhorses! (And we’re always here to help when you need inspiration, or just a little hand-holding!)

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017

In this week’s newsletter we’re republishing our guide to selecting the right rigid heddle loom, so you can review all the models we stock by feature, size, price, and brand. You’re always welcome to call or email if you’d like some one-on-one help selecting your loom. For great instruction and inspiration, our favorite rigid heddle books are on sale for a limited time here:

The Weaver's Idea Book Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom

Disc. or unavail.

Get started with the right tools now, and be ready to weave with us as we roll out new weaving kits for rigid heddle looms this summer and fall. From accessories, to table linens and home decor, each kit will have helpful tips online as well so you can enjoy all the help you need as you get underway!

Buy the featured books above on sale now – plus these Tapestry Weaving Favorites – by midnight EST, Tuesday, May 30th, and take advantage of FREE SHIPPING too!

(remember to use code MEMD2017 for free shipping)

Related items of interest:

by: Emily Werner

New book! Handwoven Home by Liz Gipson

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 Posted in Book, Weaving | No Comments »

Weave your own handwoven home…

Doing some spring cleaning? Why not take this time to replace old store-bought towels or rugs in your home with some new handwoven ones made just to your liking! Out with the old, in with the… er, handmade!

Say hello to Liz Gipson’s second rigid heddle book, Handwoven Home. It is a collection of handwoven projects to make for each room in your house. This book begins with an informative introduction to different types of fibers and yarns and why you would choose one over another. It is then broken into chapters, each dedicated to projects for either the Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room, or Bathroom. The patterns are easy to follow and clearly photographed. I want my house to be as cozy and put together as the one in the book!

Handwoven Home

Hudson Bay Throw

Liz’s years of experience and love of weaving are evident throughout the book and you will find a whole range of wonderful projects including kitchen towels, rag rugs, curtains, blankets, pillows, and more! I was particularly intrigued by the Hudson Bay Inspired Throw (above), made out of Cascade Eco and Cascade Eco Plus Wool Yarn and the Tweed and Twill Pillow Cover (below) made out of Heirloom Romney yarn by Fancy Tiger Crafts.

Cascade Eco and Cascade Eco Plus Wool Yarn

Heirloom Romney yarn by Fancy Tiger Crafts

Tweed and Twill Pillow Cover

These caught my eye not only because the patterns are simple and classic, but because they use yarns that are more commonly used for knitting. Being a weaver myself, I’ve admired these yarns from a distance (they are so soft and squishy!), but worried that they may not be suitable for a weaving project. Liz proves that even “knitting yarns” can make beautiful woven projects. She quips that she is “not a huge fan of rules, but a huge fan of knowledge” and this book is created with projects to help you gain the knowledge to make your own creative choices. She equates weaving to “baking a cake” and explains that selecting the right yarns for your project is similar to selecting the right ingredients for your cake.

Liz Gipson has become a fixture in the yarn world, writing numerous articles and appearing on various PBS, DIY, and HGTV shows. Her passion for rigid heddle weaving lead to the creation of her website, Yarnworker, which is chock full of rigid heddle information, patterns, and resources. She proves that rigid heddle looms are extremely versatile and that rigid heddle weavers need not have “shaft envy” from looking at complex mulit-harness weaving patterns. But most of all, she proves that there doesn’t need to be a distinction between decorative and functional when it comes to handwoven textiles, they can be both!

Pick up your copy of Handwoven Home while it’s on sale through Tuesday May 30th, and start planning your own handwoven home!

Handwoven Home

Related items of interest:

by: Sierra Roberts

Tablet Weaving with Rose

Sunday, May 21st, 2017 Posted in General News, Weaving | No Comments »

What’s old is new again…

Halcyon Yarn’s Card Weaving Kit – in progress!

Tablet weaving, also known as card weaving, has been around for thousands of years. This surprisingly easy to do craft can be used on as large, or as small a scale as desired. The patterns you can create are seemingly infinite, and it uses minimal equipment. That means it’s portable as well as useful – and a great way to introduce yourself to how weaving works. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of talking to my friend and coworker Rose, who recently took up card weaving herself. For those of you who haven’t met Rose yet, there’s nothing she can’t craft, fix, or make (more about that soon!), and she can help you learn too. Her enthusiasm for the craft was so infectious, I asked her to write a little about her experience. Here’s what she had to say:

As far as I know, there is no 12 step program for craft addiction. I’ve managed to keep my love of crafts in check so far, but stepping into Halcyon Yarn for the first time, I knew I was in trouble. The possibilities are endlessly enticing. My first foray into weaving gave me a taste of the rigid heddle loom. I had a blast in that class! Most folks would probably dive headfirst at that point into loom weaving, however I went in the opposite direction when I became entranced by the beautiful book, Card Weaving by Candace Crockett. The history of the technique dates back to 4,000 B.C.E. and spreads over the globe.

Card Weaving

I couldn’t help myself…. I purchased the Halcyon's Deluxe Card Weaving Kit and got cracking. This wonderful kit includes the book, the cards, a shuttle that doubles as a beater and enough yarn to get you started on your first project (and then some). Following a beautifully outlined history of tablet weaving, the book takes you on a brief, but clear, portrait of the craft itself. The tools are simple and the results can be lovely and surprisingly intricate. Turning to Chapter 3, I felt I could dive fearlessly into my first project. I grabbed my yarn and cards and followed the instructions to set up my warp.

Halcyon's Deluxe Card Weaving Kit

Card weaving produces a warp faced fabric that is created by threading the warp thread through the holes in the cards. The most typical cards are square with 4 holes in the corners. These holes are where your warp threads through. I had no difficulty following the directions for creating my warp and threading it through the cards. A simple knot at each end, secure the end, line up the cards and I was ready to weave, lickety-split.

Turning the cards lifts your warp threads to create a new shed. Cards can be rotated forward or back, together or individually to produce a seemingly infinite combination of patterns. Tablet weaving clearly demonstrates how looms were the first computers! I was easily able to follow along with the pattern as instructed. Your first project is a narrow strap in three tones, woven into a simple pattern. I loved seeing it build so quickly before my eyes. Before I’ve even completed my first project, I’m already planning my next one.

When you need to put your project down, just stick a knitter’s stitch holder through the holes to keep your cards in place!

This type of weaving doesn’t require a loom or any expensive equipment. And I can take it anywhere I go. All I need is a place to anchor the end of my warp threads. I can clamp it to a table or chair. A doorknob works great too, and I’ve even used my toe! The other end gets tied to my belt. So simple.

This type of weaving can be done with lots of different yarns, too. 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn is excellent, because it’s nice and slippery as well as strong. As you become more experienced with this technique, you can try other fibers, or even wire. The holes are big enough to accommodate a wide range of yarn weights. The comes with a beautiful Northwest Looms Belt Shuttle with Handle, which is used for weaving your weft as well as beating the thread down. You can card weave without a fancy shuttle if you want, but the Northwest Loom shuttles are much too lovely for me to resist.

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

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Northwest Looms Belt Shuttle with Handle

This is a fast project, so it is a great introduction to weaving with kids. I easily developed a rhythm and my strap grew quickly. I must confess that I’m a sucker for instant gratification and card weaving delivers. Plus, the possibilities for this type of weaving make my mind reel. I can see so many ways to use these bands… Bag straps, cuff bracelets, hat trims and button plackets come to mind easily, but my next project is definitely going to be a dog leash. A customer stopped in the shop and when we got to talking about card weaving she showed me the custom leashes she wove. Wow! Gorgeous! I have got to get cracking on one for my girl. Now that i’ve got the technique down I can even use the cards to weave her name into the leash. A matching collar would be lovely too, don’t you think? And if all else fails, you’re guaranteed to have one awesome headband:

If you’re itching for a fresh new craft, tablet weaving is sure to please. Folks new to weaving will find it simple to pick up, and experienced weavers will be delighted with the intricate design possibilities. If you’d like to get into tablet weaving, but don’t want to invest too much up front, you should check out our 4-hole Card Weaving Cards (12/pkg), and just grab some stash yarn. For those of you looking for the full package, our Halcyon's Deluxe Card Weaving Kit is highly recommended. Tablet weaving may have been around for ages, but it’s not too late to give it a try yourself!