Handwovens and Scale
Multiple pattern scales can be used intentionally to create pieces that transform as you walk up to them. It’s particularly important for fashion show garments or wall hangings, which are apt to be seen from both close and far away, but even with accessories such as scarves or shawls, you can create pieces that will […]
Card Wrap Adventures
I am the first one to admit that in the past, I have avoided creating card wraps. I was never quite sure WHY, but every time I had the opportunity to use them, I would essentially turn into an overgrown toddler, stamp my feet, and say “I DON’T WANT TO”. Time has passed, and through […]
Why your yarn colors are weaving into duller ones – and how to fix it via the draft
Have you ever wondered why the same two yarns can weave into dramatically different colors of cloth? If you use two very different colors, like blue and orange, you might get anything from brilliant patches of blue and orange to disappointing mud – or anything in between. The secret is in your choice of draft. […]
How to choose colors that stay bright in handwoven cloth
One of the challenges in weaving is brilliantly colored yarns that turn into a dull color when woven together. This can produce fascinating results…but very often, it’s not what you anticipated or wanted. If this is happening to you, how do you choose colors avoid getting “muddy” cloth? It turns out to be quite simple. […]
Tien’s Top 10 – Books on Color in Weaving
Looking for study resources? Here are Tien’s top ten books for studying color in weaving, visual design, and the design process. Color Theory Color and Fiber, by Patricia Lambert, Barbara Staepelare, and Mary G. Fry. The best book available about color in the fiber arts, it covers color theory extensively and discusses how each aspect […]
How to ice dye yarns for beautiful, unique weaving
Ice dyeing is a fun and easy summer project that requires very little room, time and equipment. The results are delightfully unpredictable and never the same! How it works: Ice dyeing is done with cellulose fiber such as cotton, linen, hemp, and rayon using fiber-reactive dyes. Silk can also be used, but colors will impact […]
How to weave with handpainted yarns
Handpainted knitting yarns are SO tempting. You go to a yarn shop or knitting conference, and walls of luscious handpainted yarns leap out at you. Next thing you know, you’re clutching a receipt and bag full of gorgeous, colorful painted skeins. Can you weave with handpainted yarns? And WHAT can you weave with them? The […]
How to control color mixing in your handwoven cloth
Colors can transform dramatically when interlaced together in handwoven cloth. Learn to control color mixing in your handwoven projects so you never get muddy colors again!
Why are my motifs standing on their heads?
Often, when you weave something, it comes out in reverse: pick by pick, it appears reversed from what you expect. Why does this happen, and how do you fix it?
How to spice up “boring” handwoven cloth
Have you ever had a handwoven project turn out feeling boring – but you didn’t know how to fix it?
No problem – with just one or two changes in color, you can make things more exciting. Find out how.
