Fortunately, this inkle weaving story has a happy ending, for you as well as for me. By the time I taught my own daughter to use her inkle loom, inkle weavers had banded together to make an inkle-friendly world.The weaving marketplace now abounds with excellent inkle looms of all sizes, with adjustable tension and other useful features. They're inexpensive and portable, so you can weave wherever you go! There are great inkle projects and patterns available and plenty of other enthusiasts to learn inkle weaving techniques from. (In fact, over half of Handwoven readers report having inkle looms.)
So to celebrate this happier state of affairs, and perhaps to help you catch the inkle fever, too, we have created a free eBook of inkle patterns and projects, sponsored by our good friends at Ashford. In this friendly little book, you'll find patterns for a handsome hatband, patriotic pins, a nifty necklace for your loom, and beautiful bands inspired by traditional Guatemalan jaspe patterns. There are even plans for a PVC starter loom that you could try before you take the plunge and buy an inkle loom of your own. So, boys and girls, school's almost out for the summer. It's time to grab your trusty inkle loom, download the patterns, and hit the road for new weaving adventures. Inkle on!