Asking me to write about why you should subscribe to Handwoven is a bit like asking a chef why you should eat at their restaurant. Obviously, the answer is “Because it’s great!” That said, my views on the value of the magazine today as the editor aren’t much different than they were a year ago or even 10 years ago. I’ve been subscribing to Handwoven for more than 20 years. During that time, I’ve also subscribed to cooking magazines and literary magazines but the only magazine I keep and refer to is Handwoven.
It wasn’t too surprising to find out once I started working for Handwoven that I was not alone in keeping Handwoven magazines and using them as a source of information about weaving techniques and structures, and for inspiration when planning projects. I am not exaggerating when I tell you we frequently get requests for help on projects that date back to the 1980s, queries about where to find past projects such as “the pretty pink overshot scarf from sometime in the 1990s,” and unfortunately, some emails telling us about errata in projects that were published more than 30 years ago. In case you weren’t aware, we do have free downloadable indexes that can be helpful, although we are still happy to assist when we can and/or need to, such as finding the pretty pink overshot scarf project. Perhaps erroneously, our indices aren’t organized by color!
Elisabeth Hill’s Rep Color Play Pilllows, Handwoven September/October 2017 Photo Credit: George Boe
Handwoven connects you to the weaving community, offers inspiration and ideas for projects, and includes lots of technical information that will boost your weaving skills whether you are a beginner or experienced weaver. In every issue, we include articles about other weavers who might be in your local area or across the world, weaving-related book and tool reviews, and timely information about events happening in the world of weaving.
Sarah H. Jackson’s Inspired By Color Towels from Handwoven May/June 2018 will walk you through your first summer and winter project. Photo Credit: George Boe
If you are new to weaving, a good place to start is with projects that have already been proven. Handwoven gives beginning and intermediate weavers a wide range of projects to try with suggestions for adapting them to your own aesthetic and weaving ability. Why should you subscribe to Handwoven? Why wouldn’t you subscribe to Handwoven?
Weave well,
Susan