Heddlecraft

07/14/2025

Call for Artists: Deadline - September 10, 2025

Wayne Art Center is seeking submissions for the 30th International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft, CraftForms, one of the premier contemporary fine craft exhibits in the United States. In the following mediums: basketry, ceramics, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood. Works created utilizing CAD/CAM technologies and 3D printing tools are also eligible.

Selected works will be on display in the Davenport Gallery of Wayne Art Center in Wayne, Pennsylvania from December 7, 2025 through January 24, 2026.

For more information, go to

07/11/2025

It's Friday! Plus, we are well into summer. So let's celebrate with a Freebie Friday! Woohoo!

Summer conjures up lots of ideas. Warm sunny weather. Getting together with family. And perhaps weaving outdoors.

The link below will take you to 50 fun weaving-related tutorials. From tapestry and bead weaving to inkle weaving and finger weaving. Do you have an old embroidery hoop in the back of a closet? Yep, me too! Look at how you can warp it up and use it as a loom for narrow warp.

Enjoy!

here are many more addictive weaving tutorials to try this summer which you can even learn online. You can find websites with videos where the whole process can be viewed. Weave beads on your clothes and even decorate your homes with your weaved articles.

07/04/2025

It's Friday! But, it's also the 4th of July . . . which means Happy Birthday to the United States! Woohoo!

One thing the United States is known for is its diversity. So, in celebration of diversity, allow me to share with you an extremely diverse Freebie Friday!

Craftsy is an online learning platform with courses on a wide variety of art and craft related topics. This includes drawing, painting, garment sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, weaving, baking, cake decorating, and more. But . . . did you know they have FREE stuff!!!

First, there are some free articles on weaving and spinning that may be of interest:
* 7 Must-Know Tips for Weaving Your First Scarf With Confidence (https://www.craftsy.com/post/weaving-a-scarf)
* Adding Fringe to a Handwoven Scarf with Cally Booker (https://www.craftsy.com/post/scarf-twisted-fringe)
* Washing Raw Wool: How to do it right
(https://www.craftsy.com/post/tips-washing-raw-wool)
* How to Spin Pet Fur into Yarn
(https://www.craftsy.com/post/how-to-spin-pet-fur-into-yarn)
* Most Common Spinning-Wheel Problems and How to Fix 'Em
(https://www.craftsy.com/post/spinning-wheel-troubleshooting)
* Know These 7 Types of Fiber to Spin the Yarn You Really Want
(https://www.craftsy.com/post/what-is-roving)
* How to Care for Your Spinning Wheel (and Keep the Squeaks Away)
(https://www.craftsy.com/post/spinning-wheel-maintenance)
* 3 Ways to Spin a Carded Batt for Drop-Dead Gorgeous Yarn
(https://www.craftsy.com/post/spinning-a-carded-batt)

There are some free fiber-related courses, including the following:
* Know Your Wool with Deborah Robson
* Knit-Along: Socks with Lucy Neatby
* Machine Savvy: Tips for Creative Sewing with Linda McGehee
* Sewing Machine Feet from A to Z with Steffani Lincecum
* Mastering Zipper Techniques with Sunni Standing
* Sew Ready: Machine Basics with Amy Alan
* and lots of quilting courses

And to emphasize Craftsy's diversity, there are free non-fiber courses . . . including the following:
* Bonsai Wiring Essentials with Colin Lewis
* Transform Your Garden Design with Rebecca Sweet
* Beautiful Wirework Jewelry with Heidi Boyd
* Figure Drawing with Patricia Watwood
* Cabinetry Tips and Techniques with Jim Heavey
* Perfect Pizza at Home with Peter Reinhart

There's even a course, How to Build a Paddle Board with George Vondriska . . . and my favorite non-fiber course, Complete Knife Skills with Brendan McDermott

Check it out! You may find something new . . . or keep your attention diverted.

https://www.craftsy.com/all-classes/?filters=class-access%3Afree

Enjoy! And Happy 4th of July!

Try weaving a scarf today with these essential tips & tricks that will eliminate frustrations & help ensure success.

06/27/2025

Friday!!! Friday!!! Friday!!! Let's have Freebie Friday! Woohoo!

I shared this resource before . . . but, it's been a couple of years . . . G.H. Oelsner's book "A Handbook of Weaves: 1875 Illustrations."

One thing I should acknowledge is this not a book for the faint of heart. Inexperienced weavers may feel overwhelmed by it. It is definitely a book for weavers serious about learning about weaving. The more advanced the weaver, the more one will get out of this book. I learn something every time I open it up.

Ralph Griswold wrote the following . . .

G. H. Oelsner’s "A Handbook of Weaves" is the best known and most
accessible weaving pattern book.

A Handbook of Weaves was originally published in 1915. It contains the 'classic' weaves categories . . . plain weave, twill, and satin. But there is so much more! Below is a list of just a few . . .

* Ribbed weaves
* Interlocking twills
* Diversified weaves
* Weaves that deflect certain threads
* Crepe weaves
* Double cloths
* Corded weaves
* Broché fabrics

The entire book may be downloaded in parts (it's a big book) from the Griswold On-Line Digital Archive of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics
* Contents -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/books/CONTENTS/ogh_patt_con.pdf
* Part 1 -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/books/ogh_patt_1.pdf
* Part 2 -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/books/ogh_patt_2.pdf
* Part 3 -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/books/ogh_patt_3.pdf

The format of the drafts might be a bit bewildering at first. However, Kris Bruland . . . the mastermind behind handweaving.net . . . has digitized the patterns in this book and put WIFs for them on https://handweaving.net/collection-drafts/collection/13/a-handbook-of-weaves-g-h-oelsner?page=0 (available for a modest annual subscription fee).

BTW - there are 305 patterns in this book for four-and-fewer shafts. Do you have more shafts? A lot more? There are 523 patterns for sixteen or more shafts!

I regularly refer to this book. It was invaluable to me for Heddlecraft issue #41, A Taste for Crepe Weaves. One day hope to understand everything included in this book.

You may also be interested to know printed copies of "A Handweavers Pattern Book" may be found online at Abebooks.com for under $20 . . . which given its size, would save a lot of $$$ compared with printing it. (Psst! There were even a couple for under $10!)

I highly recommend starting with the first link (included again below for your convenience) to provide you with an idea of how much this marvelous book encompasses.

https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/books/CONTENTS/ogh_patt_con.pdf

Enjoy!

06/26/2025

Call for Artists: Deadline - September 10, 2025

Wayne Art Center is seeking submissions for the 30th International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft, in the following mediums: basketry, ceramics, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood. Works created utilizing CAD/CAM technologies and 3D printing tools are also eligible.

Selected works will be on display in the Davenport Gallery of Wayne Art Center in Wayne, Pennsylvania from December 7, 2025 through January 24, 2026.

For more information, go to https://craftforms.org/exhibitions/craftforms-2025-30th-international-juried-exhibition-of-contemporary-fine-craft/

06/20/2025

Today is Friday! It's also the first day of summer! Woohoo!

Allow me to introduce you to Elmer Wallace Hickman. Mr; Hickman was a prolific weaver. Unfortunately, I haven't found a great deal about him personally . . .but what I did find was a treasure trove of monographs he self-published and are available online on the Griswold Digital Archive.

I have posted a handful of pictures of samples from Mr. Hickman's monographs. These are just a taste of what he did. Facebook limited the number of photographs for this post to ten. The samples in these monographs look fresh and modern today decades after they were woven.

I have listed the available monographs below with their respective links. If anyone has more to share about Elmer Hickman, I would love to know more (and if there is a New Weaves from Old, Folio 4). I am beyond inspired!!!

Happy summer . . . and enjoy!

Contemporary Linens -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_clin.pdf

Decorator Drapery and Upholstery -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_decr.pdf

Glamorous Table Linens -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_glin.pdf

Linens on Parade -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_linp.pdf

New Weaves from Old, Folio 1 -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_no1.pdf

New Weaves from Old, Folio 2 -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_no2.pdf

New Weaves from Old, Folio 3 -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_no3.pdf

New Weaves from Old, Folio 5 -
Part I -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_no5_1.pdf
Part II -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_no5_2.pdf

New Weaves from Old, Folio 6 -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_no6.pdf

Plaids -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_plad.pdf

Popular Rug Techniques -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_rugs.pdf

Scandinavian Art Weaving
Part I -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_scnd_1.pdf
Part II -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_scnd_2.pdf

Stoles and Sportswear -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_sprt.pdf

Town and Country Tweeds -https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/hew_tct.pdf

06/17/2025

Call for Artists: Deadline - October 10, 2025

By Hand - An International Craft Nouveau Competition is an international craft nouveau competition sponsored by the Creative Arts League of Sacramento featuring handcrafted items to include everything from furniture, elegant vases and jewelry boxes to wall hangings, pottery and sculpture made by hand from glass, clay, wood, metal and fiber.

For more information, go to https://www.bluelinearts.org/by-hand-2026-call

06/13/2025

FRIDAY! FRIDAY! FRIDAY! Woohoo! Woohoohoo! It's also Friday the 13th. Muhahahaha! It's also . . .
* National Sewing Machine Day
* Wear Blue Day
* National Blame Someone Else Day
* National W**d Your Garden Day
* and . . . National Kitchen Klutzes of America day

That's a whole lot of celebrating I can join in on!

To celebrate this momentous day, I would like to recycle a Freebie Friday on one of my favorite topics . . . BLOCKS! This means we're having a 'block party'! Or we're 'playing with blocks'! Either way . . . Woohoo!

I doubt if there are many things that can help a weaver better understand weave structures, develop new patterns, scale drafts down to fewer shafts (or even up to more shafts), develop more patterns on a single threading, and much more than understanding blocks. If you understand the block, you're a long way to understanding the weave.

One of my favorite resources is "Block Drafts from Heinrich Leisy’s Pattern Book". This is a collection of 200+ profile drafts that are perfect for inspiring weavers to learn more about blocks. Best of all, the profile drafts range in size from 3 blocks to 6 blocks. This means if you have an eight-shaft loom, all of the profile drafts can be interpreted in weaves like Atwater-Bronson lace and Summer & Winter (aka single two-tie). Many of the profile drafts can be interpreted for four-shaft looms in weaves like overshot and crackle.

The links below will take you to where you can download a copy (it's a big document and hopefully you're not on dial-up).

Also, a big thanks to Ute Bargmann for helping with access to this collection of profile drafts.

Enjoy!

Part 1
https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/manuscripts/bu_lmanu_1.pdf

Part 2
https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/manuscripts/bu_lmanu_2.pdf

The entire document
https://cdnmedia.handweaving.net/DigitalArchive/manuscripts/bu_lmanu.pdf

If you would like to learn more about blocks, there are some on-line references listed below that may be accessed on the Griswold "On-Line Digital Archive of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics" available at

https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/index.html
or
https://handweaving.net/documents

Griswold. R. Block Substitution, Part 1: Basic Concepts, July 2002 -https://cdnmedia.handweaving.net/DigitalArchive/webdocs/gre_bs1.pdf

Griswold. R. Block Substitution, Part 2: Initial Patterns.Substitution Blocks. and Color, December 2002 -https://cdnmedia.handweaving.net/DigitalArchive/webdocs/gre_bs2.pdf

Griswold. R. Crackle Weave, Part 1: Designing with Blocks and Motifs, April 2004 -https://cdnmedia.handweaving.net/DigitalArchive/webdocs/gre_crk1.pdf

Enjoy!

06/06/2025

Is it Friday? It is? Well . . . Woohoo!! It's also National Doughnut Day. Let's have Freebie Friday! Woohoo!

Have you ever entertained the idea of designing your very own tartan? Yep? Me too. Nope? Well, even if you're not interested in designing a tartan to weave, tartan designing is a great way to practice with color, proportion, and more.

Now . . . what you should know is there are a number of tartan design tools available online to try your hand at designing your very own tartan. What I appreciate is how a slight change in proportion, color, order, etc. can create significant differences in appearance. (Did I say designing a tartan is a great way to practice with color, proportion, etc.?)

Below are several online tartan designing tools to get you started:
* https://tartandesigner.com/designer/designer
* https://houseoftartan.co.uk/interactive/weaver/index.htm
* https://clan.com/tartandesigner
* https://printablecreative.com/tartan-maker

The Scottish Register of Tartans is also a great resource for searching for tartan designs. Plus, if you design your very own tartan, you can find out more about how to register it.

https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/index

If you're curious about the tartans shown here, they are from left-to-right . . .
* Royal Stewart (a classic design and one of the many Royal Stewart tartans . . . plus, it may be my favorite tartan)
* All Ireland (I wanted to include this in honor of my Irish heritage)
* Zimbabwe (Yes, they have a tartan . . . it’s so colorful!)
* Safeway (the grocery store chain)
* Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Tartan (there are several memorial tartans for her)
* Starfleet . . . for fans of Star Trek

Now . . . what you should know is there are a number of tartan design tools available online to try your hand at designing your very own tartan. What I appreciate is how a slight change in proportion, color, order, etc. can create significant differences in appearance. (Did I say designing a tartan is a great way to practice with color, proportion, etc.?)

Enjoy!

06/02/2025

Call for Artists: Deadline - October 10, 2025

An international craft nouveau competition sponsored by the Creative Arts League of Sacramento featuring handcrafted items to include everything from furniture, elegant vases and jewelry boxes to wall hangings, pottery and sculpture made by hand from glass, clay, wood, metal and fiber.

For more information, go to https://creativeartsleague.com/exhibitions/

05/30/2025

Friday!!! Friday!!! Woohoo! We made it through another week! It's also National Creativity day!

Did you also know it's also National Loomis Day! Now, if you're like me, your attention was caught by seeing the word 'loom'. National Loomis Day has nothing to do with looms . . . the day is in honor of Mahlon Loomis who the patent for wireless telegraphy in 1872.

But . . . it's Friday . . . so iet's have a FREEBIE!

I've shared this freebie before, but it's so good . . . and updated regularly . . . that I'm going to share it again. Woohoo!

Weaving projects are great! But, we also need some help when it comes to improving our weaving or troubleshooting issues we encounter while weaving.

Peggy Osterkamp, author of a number of weaving publications, including "Weaving for Beginners: An Illustrated Guide" has over 100 weaving tips on her blog. 100+!!! Every weaver should be able to find at least one or two that can be applied immediately.

https://peggyosterkamp.com/100-great-weaving-tips/

Happy Friday! Now go be creative!

Please enjoy the weaving tips below that I’ve accumulated over quite a few years. I have just published the most popular tip as a Kindle booklet: Peggy’s Weaving Tips: Hemstitching! It …